Stories from Ankara · Turkey

Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek met with foreign media in Ankara to discuss the 'Century of Türkiye' investment program. Ersoy noted that despite the negative effects of the America-Israel-Iran war that began on February 28, visitor numbers reached 3 million in March. This follows a total of 2,995,000 visitors last year. The Turkish President issued a decree increasing the tax deduction for certain service exports to 100 percent. This applies to income from architecture, engineering, design, software, education, and health services provided to foreign clients. The full income must be brought into Turkey to qualify for the deduction. The regulation is effective for taxation periods starting January 1, 2026. Income and corporate taxpayers providing services such as architecture, engineering, design, software, education, and health abroad can receive an 80% tax reduction.

Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced that all preparations for the Turkish Antarctic Science Base are complete. Kacır stated that environmental impact assessment studies were successfully conducted. The ministry plans to construct the base in the upcoming period to facilitate research in fields ranging from climate change to medicine. The facility will support scientific research in various fields including medicine and climate change. Research at the base will cover various fields including climate change and medicine. Minister Kacir announced that Turkey has submitted an application for advisory member status in the Antarctic Treaty Council. Turkey currently holds non-advisory member status within the organization. The announcement was made during a photo exhibition regarding the country's scientific journey to Antarctica.

Turkey has successfully completed field testing for the Korkut unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) physical interception system. The system was developed to counter both mini and macro drone threats. The test was reported as a success in neutralizing various drone threats. The system features remote control capabilities, advanced electro-optical systems, and computer-controlled firing algorithms. It includes automatic guidance to target positions and is designed for rapid reaction against threats, particularly small-sized targets. The system can be integrated into various platforms ranging from wheeled vehicles to fixed facilities. It utilizes Atom 25 ammunition to increase success against small-sized targets. The system reportedly rendered aerial targets ineffective during the exercise.

Conditions for opening traditional and complementary medicine application units have been eased in private hospitals with sufficient capacity. Under this framework, G-TAT services previously limited to dental hospitals, oral health centers, and polyclinics can now be offered in dental examination offices. These services include acupuncture, apitherapy, phytotherapy, hypnosis, and leech therapy. The announcement details the expansion of healthcare services within these specific medical practices. The source noted that the regulation defines which health institutions are authorized to provide these specific services. These services, previously restricted to specific rooms, can now be offered in all treatment rooms and inpatient services. The regulation aims to utilize the body's self-healing capacity. These services may be offered in outpatient clinics and inpatient wards.

The Republican People's Party (CHP) decided to launch a field campaign during a party assembly meeting led by Chairman Özgür Özel. Party spokesperson Zeynel Emre announced the campaign will begin on May 4. The initiative aims to meet with the public to discuss national realities. The party also established a roadmap for municipalities to respond to local operations. The campaign is scheduled to cover various regions to engage directly with citizens.

The General Directorate stated that no public hospitals providing health services are being sold. The General Directorate of Health Investments issued a statement clarifying that no active hospitals or currently used lands are being privatized. The ministry addressed rumors circulating on virtual media regarding the sale of healthcare facilities.

An investigation has been launched into District Governor Muharrem Eligül following social media posts regarding his role. A civil inspector has been appointed to oversee the inquiry. The investigation follows an incident during April 23 celebrations in Ankara where the district governor reportedly shared posts in both Turkish and Arabic. The outcome of the investigation is expected to be determined in the coming process. Özgür Özel spoke during a party group meeting regarding an investigation into the Ayaş District Governor. The investigation follows social media posts directed at Ankara MP Umut Akduan. Özel expressed gratitude to the Ankara Governor and the Minister of Interior for initiating the probe. He stated he has nothing further to say to the officials after they performed their duties.

MHP leader Devlet Bahceli reacted to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's comments regarding European autonomy from Russian, Turkish, or Chinese influence. Bahceli stated that Turkey has the power to respond to those attempting to marginalize it. He warned that if Europe continues to view Turkey as a secondary element to be called upon only when needed, it will face consequences. MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli responded sharply to comments made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding European influence. Bahçeli stated that the language used by the Commission President is problematic and noted that Brussels cannot dictate terms to Turkey. He characterized the assessment as an attempt to show Turkey its place. AK Party spokesperson Ömer Çelik criticized French President Emmanuel Macron regarding statements made in Greece.

Aselsan has developed a new physical interception system designed to counter mini and micro drones on the battlefield. The system is integrated onto armored vehicles and utilizes the Korkut system alongside particle-effect ammunition. This technology provides a cost-effective alternative for defending against high-density threats such as drone swarms. Aselsan has developed a counter-drone system capable of rapid reaction against threats like swarm UAV attacks. The system utilizes Korkut firing control algorithms and automatic target positioning to engage targets. It can be integrated into various platforms ranging from wheeled vehicles to fixed facilities. The system uses Atom 25 ammunition, which is programmed to detonate at a specific time in front of the target rather than requiring a direct hit.

AK Party spokesperson Ömer Çelik described a recent memorandum as a turning point in Turkish democratic history. Çelik stated that the Prime Ministry is seeking those responsible for issuing the memorandum. He noted that individuals involved attempted to avoid communication for 15 to 16 hours following the event. AK Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Hala stated that the strong will demonstrated during past political challenges underlies current successes. Deputy Chairman Faruk Hacer also issued a message regarding a firm stance against those seeking to undermine national sovereignty. Efforts are reportedly underway to accelerate judicial processes, according to the source.