facing big problems with customs when picking up the bicycles at seaport in istanbul

merhaba dear helpers

3 days ago, my partner and i (both from switzerland) arrived in istabul from australia. we shipped our bicycles from new zealand directly to istanbul as we didn't use our bicycles in australia. from the airport we went straight to the 'freightcon'-headquarters in findikli. they told us that under normal circumstances we will not be able to get our bicycles from the customs as we are not turkish residents or didn't send the items for commercial reasons. as we are both from switzerland, we are neither turkish residents nor are we going to sell the bicylces. our idea was to pick up our bicycles and cycle back home to switzerland. therefore, we will leave the country soon towards bulgaria.

is it correct what they tell us?

and if we have to pay customs to get the bicycles, would it be possible to claim the money back, one we leave turkey to bulgaria?

all we want is to pick up our bicycles and cycle back home to switzerland.

well, thought it's best to let you know. maybe you can help us in some way or maybe you know someone who can help us - we welcome every hint. we really don't know what to do.
tessekür ederim!

martina and reto

First of all,

Did you bring the bicycles with you - I mean the same flight- or did you ship them seperateley?

In reguler circumstances, for the second case, if you have sent them seperately, the shipping company should have given enough information to clarify your issue. Otherwise, if they have processed as a commercial delivery, then you might register it on you passport/ and may be able to cycle to anywhere you wish...

But it seems that there is a misunderstanding or a mistake, because in that way of shipments, there must be a local recipent/receiver address... but by all means even by the customs process the transit goods shall not be taxed etc...