Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

The Istanbul Governor's Office permitted rallies to be held at Kadıköy Rıhtım Square and Kartal Square for May Day. Istanbul Governor Davut Gül announced that 46% of stray animals have been collected and placed in shelters. Gül stated via social media that collecting stray animals is a clear duty rather than an option. The program involves collecting, restraining, and housing animals in appropriate shelter conditions.

May Day, also known as Labor and Solidarity Day, was celebrated across Turkey with various events on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of people reportedly participated in the celebrations. Approximately 400 events were registered for the occasion.

Conflict has led to direct losses of millions of jobs and indirect economic damage. Local businesses have seen activity drop to approximately one-tenth of previous levels. Many surrounding businesses have closed due to public fear of the ongoing war. The United Nations Development Programme warned that over 4 million people could be pushed into poverty because of the conflict. Iranian officials expressed concern to Reuters that the economic crisis could trigger a new wave of protests. A war has affected over 23,000 factories and companies, leading to business closures and rising unemployment. The conflict has directly impacted one million jobs, according to Iran's Deputy Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Security, Gholam Hossein Muhammedi.

Turkish investigators have solved 2,559 murder cases through advanced DNA analysis. Investigations are currently focused on the area where the body was discovered and a neighborhood near a university. Authorities are conducting research involving the collection of DNA samples from 2,500 individuals. Searches are being conducted in the mountainous areas around Perteğin Koçpınarköy. Caves and rock crevices have been checked. Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya highlighted this success as a clear indicator of the unwavering fight for the nation's peace and security. The Adalet Bakanı Hakan Gürlek stated that they are awaiting resolution of the Gülistan Doku case. So far, samples from 425 individuals have been analyzed. DNA from two males was found on Kabe's body, raising suspicions of murder.

Turkish workers successfully prevented employers from mandating work on May Day despite holiday status. Workers under the Labor Law No. 4857 average 45 hours, while those under the Press Law and Maritime Labor Law average 48 hours. Civil servants work 40 hours per week, and underground mining workers average 37.5 hours. Emine Erdoğan issued a statement on social media to mark May Day. Turkey will require individuals with licensed firearms to store them in locked locations within their homes. Authorities are expected to make more concrete decisions regarding the specific conditions for secure storage. The mandate follows the arrest of Isa Aras Mersinli, who was found posing with weapons on social media despite claims of secure storage. New regulations regarding the storage conditions for licensed firearms in Turkey are expected to result in more concrete decisions.

Authorities have taken action against 129 suspects in a football betting and match-fixing investigation in Turkey. Public lawsuits have been filed against 56 suspects following recent releases from detention. One source stated that the core issue is a moral problem within Turkish sports rather than just a betting problem. The investigation continues despite a temporary pause due to national matches. Following recent releases, no suspects currently remain in custody. The investigation, which began in October 2025, may expand to include other sports branches beyond football. Reports indicate that more than 500 club administrators, including officials from the four major clubs, continue to engage in betting. The source noted that these findings highlight deep-seated issues in the sport's management. Current operations are continuing despite a break for national matches.

A Cameroon-flagged dry cargo ship named Ninova is currently facing severe weather conditions. Eight crew members are on board the vessel.

Local press in Turkey has recorded at least 57 detentions during May Day activities. The arrests reportedly targeted members of the press and individuals opposing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The report was broadcast from Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo.

May Day demonstrations took place in various Turkish cities, including Ankara and Istanbul. In Istanbul, authorities designated two districts in the Asian European part of the city for union manifestations due to long-standing bans on mass protests in Taksim Square.

May Day celebrations are beginning in Istanbul with expected large crowds and scheduled concerts. Police, ambulances, and water cannons are present at the scene. The area is currently closed off with heavy security presence. A joint statement representing 93 labor confederations from 41 European countries was issued. The statement included remarks regarding the working class refusing to pay the costs of US President Donald Trump's wars in the Middle East. The demonstrations also featured themes related to the Palestinian issue. At least 370 people were arrested during May 1 demonstrations in Istanbul, according to a lawyers' group. Approximately 370,000 people participated in demonstrations across Germany and Istanbul on May 1. Protesters targeted potential cuts to pensions, healthcare, and social benefits.