Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Fenerbahçe aims to win the Premier League and Europa League championships this season. They will compete for the Champions League title on May 30th in Budapest against the winner of the match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

The BATAK party has closed 14 million memberships, according to a report in Istanbul. This was reported by CRI Huayu Global.

Two armed individuals approached three men, identified as Ibrahim, Eyup, and Kyas, standing in front of a cafe.

Turkish authorities are conducting an investigation known as 'BMX' involving a centralized crypto-service network based in Malta. The operation, centered at the Istanbul Public Prosecution Office, has resulted in monitoring orders for 38 individuals. Police investigations in Istanbul suggest the network provided services through Malta-based infrastructure. The investigation follows reports of a $3 billion collapse in network currencies and widespread internet shutdowns. Turkish authorities conducted 'PayMix 3' operation in Istanbul targeting companies involved in illegal crypto asset and currency trading. Prosecutors have requested prison sentences of up to 120 years for certain individuals. Sixteen other suspects face potential sentences ranging from 22 to 85 years. Defense lawyers are scheduled to present their arguments on May 20.

Police and coast guard teams discovered the body of a 44-year-old woman on Haydarpaşa beach. The woman was reported missing on the night of May 2 after traveling from Kadıköy to Beşiktaş. Search operations were conducted in the sea by police and coast guard units.

Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are preparing for the new football season. Fenerbahce's board will hold a meeting on June 6-7. Galatasaray will play their first match in May. The current president of Galatasaray is Dursun Özbek.

Haluk Miraç, Chairman of the Board at Istanbul Defense Industry, stated that the industry's local content ratio has increased from 120% at the start of the millennium to 180% due to a national technology movement. National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler spoke at the opening of the 2026 International Air Defense and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul. Güler stated that the fundamental transformation in Turkish defense industries is centered on unmanned aerial vehicles. He noted that Turkish engineers have demonstrated capabilities globally. Communications Chairman Burhanettin Duran stated via social media that the industry has achieved successes across various sectors. These sectors include systems ranging from Kan to Anadolu, as well as Ehal and cyber defense systems. Duran noted that the country has overcome past pressures to halt its technological progress.

The 2026 International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition has opened in Istanbul. Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler stated during the opening that drones represent a fundamental revolution in the Turkish defense industry. Labor Party leader Özgür Özel was among the visitors to the event.

A new singer, Aladdin Kadiftçu, has been shot in what is being described as a potential killing by the prosecution.

A new exhibition is showcasing the first products for air and space defense. The 'European System' featured at the event has the capability to identify and destroy enemy elements near national borders. These systems can target F-35s that are not performing infrared camouflage. Advanced air defense systems might be undetectable to the F-35. These systems utilize infrared guidance, which is less effective against high-altitude or distant targets but suitable for engaging F-35s. Their effectiveness against the F-35 is attributed to the aircraft's lack of infrared camouflage, making it detectable. These systems utilize infrared guidance and are capable of hitting targets that higher-end systems might miss due to their limitations against advanced stealth technology. The report contrasts this with high-end air defense systems that can detect stealth aircraft.