Stories from Ankara · Turkey

Turkey has increased the domestic production rate of specialized anti-drone rifles to over 80 percent. These rifles are developed specifically as drone killers and utilize specialized ammunition. The development aims to enhance national defense by countering drone-based threats. The development is described as a advancement for Turkish tools and technology. This move is reportedly a response to regional dynamics involving Israel and Iran's ballistic missile capabilities. Visuals of new missile technology were presented during the broadcast.

Former Minister Süleyman Soylu reportedly engaged in a physical altercation with NOW TV reporter Beril Ötkan. The incident occurred while the journalist was attempting to ask questions regarding the Gülistan Doku case.

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Ibrahim Yumakli announced the start of the application period for the Rural Development Investment Program. The program includes a 10 billion lira budget for rural development initiatives.

Turkey became the second-largest country in Europe for annual wind energy plant installations in 2025, following Germany. Ibrahim Erden, President of the Wind Energy Association of Turkey, stated that the country achieved this position through improvements in capacity assessments and investment processes. The country installed over 2 gigawatts of capacity last year. Turkey currently has an installed capacity of over 126,000 megawatts. This includes more than 16,000 megawatts of mechanical power from wind power plants in operation, according to Ibrahim Erden, President of the Turkish Wind Energy Association. Erden spoke ahead of the Turkish Wind Energy Congress scheduled for May 12-15. The congress aims to address Turkey's clean energy transition and sustainable growth vision.

Technical studies for the draft Water Law have reached the completion stage, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Turkey stated that only the sovereign state of a vessel's flag-carrying nation has the authority to intervene or issue commands in international waters. Turkey has condemned the Israeli seizure of Sumud Flotilla boats in international waters, calling the intervention an illegal and unacceptable violation of sovereignty. The Turkish government is working with Spain to raise international awareness regarding the incident. The Turkish Ministry of Defense stated that the intervention carried out in international waters is a clear violation of international law. Turkey noted it has the longest coastline bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Officials said they are monitoring developments closely and with sensitivity.

The measure aims to prevent disputes where buyers claim to have paid but cannot secure the title deed. The regulation is set to take effect on July 1. Turkey will end the practice of cash payments for the purchase of houses, workplaces, and land on July 1. This measure aims to eliminate issues regarding unrecorded transactions. Under the new system, buyers must block funds in a special bank account. This measure aims to eliminate risks of fraud, theft, forgery, and unregistered transactions. A specific usage fee will be charged for transactions conducted through this new system, though the exact amount has not yet been determined. According to the report, this fee will be collected from the seller.

Tight monetary policy and high interest rates have driven vehicle loan volumes to lows in Turkey. According to Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency data, individual auto loans peaked at 95.8 billion lira at the end of 2023.

Vasip Şahin, the former Governor of Ankara, has been appointed as the President of the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey. Yakupca Ambolat, previously the Governor of Aydın, has been appointed as the new Governor of Ankara.

President Erdoğan stated that the country is undergoing a critical regional process and will proceed as necessary. He characterized attempts by others to intervene in regional affairs as a betrayal of history and the future. Erdoğan said that no one can separate the people or act as an enemy to them. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with representatives of workers and employers in honor of May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day. Erdoğan stated that the government will not take any steps against the interests of workers and laborers. The remarks were made ahead of May Day celebrations. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at a May 1st gathering in Ankara regarding labor rights. Erdoğan referenced a previous protest by miners in Ankara that resulted in a compromise. He said that the administration will not permit the rights of workers to be violated.

President Erdoğan stated during an AK Party Group meeting that the process for a 'terror-free Turkey' is continuing positively. In response to a critical regional process, several officials have been moved to central locations. These include Maksut Yüksek, the Konya Gendarmerie Director, Fahri Aktaş, the Manisa Gendarmerie Director, and Mehmet Özdemir Atancı, the Siirt Police Vocational Training Center Director. The Ankara Gendarmerie Directorate and Mersin Gendarmerie Directorate are also involved in these administrative shifts. Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün met with Japanese Ambassador Tamura Masami in Ankara. The meeting focused on projects involving the defense industry and high technology. The Governor of Nevsehir, Ali Fidan, has been appointed as the General Director of Security, replacing Mahmut Demirtaş.