Stories from Ankara · Turkey

The accommodation tax will be reduced from 2% to 1% until December 31, 2026. Additionally, the package provides 60 billion lira in credit and collateral support for the industry. The decision is part of a support package for the tourism sector.

Turkey's service producer price index reached 36 percent annually in March, according to data released by Tweet. The index also showed a monthly increase of 4.06 percent. The data indicates ongoing challenges regarding unemployment and employment levels in the country.

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) will start the election process for provincial and district organizations next Thursday. MHP Deputy Chairman Semih Yalçın announced that the ordinary congress is scheduled for March 7 of next year.

Turkey has mandated age rating systems for digital platforms to protect minors. Platforms must implement age verification systems and will be prohibited from providing services to children under 15 years old.

Turkey is preparing a $10 billion investment to establish itself as a digital hub. Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Amazon intend to spend $700 billion on artificial intelligence this year. This spending level is reported as the strongest since 2023. These market gains have primarily benefited the top 10 percent of wealth holders who own 90 percent of stocks. The spending comes despite ongoing conflict in Iran.

Senior PKK commander Murat Karayilan has declared the peace process with Turkey is currently 'frozen'.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that no tolerance will be shown to those attempting to disrupt social peace using the name of the judicial organization. The announcement followed the initiation of investigations into two individuals.

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has announced its convention timeline. Provincial and district congress processes are scheduled to begin next Thursday. The main party convention is set to take place on March 7, 2027.

Inflation in Turkey has surpassed 30 percent, according to reports. The monthly increase showed an 8.91 percent rise on a group basis. This increase follows a period where inflation was approximately 15 percent lower. Survey participants attributed a portion of the decline to the war in the Middle East. New orders and deliveries saw a clear decrease in March. Import prices have risen for the fifth consecutive month, reaching their highest level since October 2024. Final product prices have increased for two years. Turkey's statistical institute announced March inflation data showing a monthly increase of 4.18 percent. TUIK announced that the annual inflation rate has reached 4.8 percent. The broadcast noted that this figure was previously expected to be reached sooner.

Workers, students, and civil servants gathered in Ankara to celebrate May Day. The event included a concert by the Bajar Music Group. Approximately 3,500 police officers were deployed under heavy security measures.