Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Strong storms in the Arnavutköy district of Istanbul forced the evacuation of two mosques near a minaret. In the Yavuz Selim district, the minaret of the Berat Mosque began shaking due to the high winds.

Authorities have investigated 27 individuals regarding crimes related to public authorities and the provision of illegal benefits. Further details regarding the specific charges or the nature of the public authority involved were not immediately available.

An exceptional committee held a meeting on May 2 to decide on the return of Yalm from the party. This decision follows a month of developments and criticism regarding the failure to return Yalm. Oversight committees will act when wrongdoing is identified.

A new mechanism has been created to detect and track illegal advertising in Turkey. The system will monitor written, visual, and environmental venues. A dedicated center for tracking illegal advertising will be established within the Turkey Bar Association.

The leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) announced plans to conduct a campaign tour across 81 provinces.

An empty fuel boat measuring 185 meters in length sustained damage while passing through the Istanbul Strait. The incident occurred in front of Galata Island. No casualties or specific causes for the damage were reported. No fuel leak or environmental pollution has been reported. The Coast Guard administration dispatched three rescue vehicles to the area. The boat was subsequently towed to a rescue zone. Traffic in the Bosphorus has since returned to normal.

Bird egg colors and patterns are primarily influenced by the need for camouflage. In rocky island environments, egg colors such as light yellow can mimic the surrounding stones to provide protection. This evolutionary trait helps birds blend into their natural habitats.

A cold wave originating from Russia entered Turkey last week and is causing temperatures to drop significantly. Increased wind speeds are expected to impact Istanbul specifically starting tomorrow. The cold air is being felt in areas such as Sultanahmet Square.

The Orient Express, since its 1883 debut, has been associated with luxurious European travel, connecting Paris and Istanbul in 81 hours with premium accommodation and dining. It offered luxurious accommodation and dining services, considered a high-class experience at the time.

The Rami First Children and Art Festival is currently taking place at the Rami Library in Istanbul. The festival includes educational workshops and is scheduled to run until November 15. More than 500 events are planned for the duration of the festival. This status, exemplified by a 2026 selection, continues until the next festival returns at the same dates. The initiative aims to highlight the city's culture, art production, and art scenes.