Stories from Ankara · Turkey

The energy minister of a neighboring country stated that the Turkish Petroleum Corporation has already signed agreements to conduct extractions in Syria and Libya. The minister noted that announcements regarding future collaborations with Syria are expected soon.

The Turkish financial crimes investigation board received approximately 1 million reports of suspicious transactions in 2025. More than half of these reports originated from banks. Fraud was identified as the primary crime type among the reported transactions.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed illegal interference with the global Sumud Flotilla with his Spanish counterpart. A journalist on board the Sumud flotilla reported that an Israeli military vessel pointed its weapons at the ship yesterday at approximately 10:30 PM. Journalist Andrea Ceresini reported from the Oli Blu that a military vessel pointed a weapon at the ship around 10:30 PM. At least 7 boats have been intercepted and 20 vessels have lost contact with the flotilla. The operation is reportedly entering Greek territorial waters. The intercepted Gaza aid flotilla includes a vessel involving the sister of Irish politician Catherine Connolly. The interception involved the seizure of approximately 50 vessels carrying 400 activists in the Platia d'Embossa area.

Search and rescue teams have recovered the body of a 24-year-old man following a maritime incident. One person survived the incident while another was swept away by a current. The recovery occurred in Turkish waters, according to the report.

AK Party Tokat Deputy Yusuf Beyazıt was elected chairman of a 22-member commission investigating school attacks in Şanlıurfa and Kahramanmaraş. The commission is scheduled to hold its second meeting on Wednesday, May 6, at 14:00.

Defense Industry President Haluk Yorgün met with Japanese Ambassador Tamura Masami in Ankara for strategic discussions. The meeting focused on defense industry projects and high technology cooperation. The discussions took place amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and volatility in energy, chip, and fertilizer prices. A separate traffic accident in Bornova, Izmir, involved a truck crossing into the opposite lane and striking nine vehicles, resulting in one police officer being injured. The discussion took place in Ankara, Turkey.

Turkey has introduced a new regulation requiring bank or financial institution intermediation for real estate transactions. Under the new rules, part or all of the payment for property purchases must be processed through a designated payment system.

Turkish Airlines announced it will resume flights to Damascus, Beirut, and Amman starting May 1. These routes have been suspended since February 28 following the start of US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

A World Folk Dance Olympics will be held from July 19 to July 25. The event is expected to include participants from 50 different countries. Approximately 1,500 people and 200 officials are scheduled to attend the event.

Turkey has appointed four new provincial governors as part of a leadership reshuffle. Osman Varol, formerly the governor of Adıyaman, has been appointed as the governor of Nevşehir. Abdullah Küçük has been appointed as the district governor of Istanbul's Güngören district. Turkey's Director General of Security, Mahmut Demirtaş, has been removed from his position. Ali Fidan, the Governor of Nevşehir, has been appointed as his successor. The leadership change follows the appointment of Mustafa Çiftçi as the Minister of Interior. Allah Küçük was appointed Governor of Adıyaman, while Hürseyin Köks became the Governor of Nebşehir. Mehmet Gökan Zengin was appointed Deputy General Manager of the Ministry of Interior Personnel General Directorate. Additionally, the security directors for Ankara, Mersin, and Siirt were recalled to the central administration.