Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

An IT specialist, Yücel Erdem, has implicated colleague Gökhan Ertok in the deletion of hospital records. Erdem stated during his testimony that he lacked the authority and information required to delete the files. Two IT specialists were previously detained in connection with the incident before being released under judicial control. The investigation into the deletion of the records is ongoing.

A witness claims that Gulistan encountered the son of former governor Tuncay Sonel, Mustafa Türkay Sonel, at a cafe the day before her disappearance. It is claimed the footage was excluded from the case file under the pretext that the recordings did not exist.

DNA samples were taken from the parents of Gulistan to be compared with samples found in Mustafa Türkay's vehicle. The probe includes the analysis of Gulistan Doku's SIM card data and the arrest of 12 individuals, including former officer Gökhan Ertok. Mustafa Türkay Sonel is also under investigation for allegedly deleting data from the SIM card. DNA samples were collected from Bedriye Doku and Halid Doku, the parents of a girl from Gulistan, as part of an ongoing investigation. Zuhal Böcek, the daughter-in-law of Mütim Böcek, has been taken into custody. Authorities collected DNA samples from Bedriye Doku and her father Halit Doku in Istanbul. The process follows the identification of a different vehicle used in the case. Lawyer Ali Çümen claims that security camera footage from a cafe could provide new details regarding the disappearance of Gülistan.

A professional golf tournament will be held in Turkey for the ninth time. The event will feature 156 professional golfers competing for a total prize pool of $2.75 million.

Oil prices have risen above $110 per barrel. Analysts predict a chaotic period for the petroleum and natural gas markets in the coming days. OPEC and OPEC+ may take a more active role in production strategies, including potential increases to lower prices.

Turkish defense company Baykar will first exhibit the Mızrak loitering munition at the SAHA Expo 2026. The munition's name is derived from its aerodynamic structure. The system provides surveillance capabilities and has an endurance of 7 hours with an operational range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. It can take off from traditional runways using standard landing gear or utilize rocket-assisted takeoff for operations in rugged terrain or unprepared areas. The munition is equipped with AI-supported autopilot and optical guidance systems for complex operational environments. Baykar will debut its Muzrak smart loitering munition at the Istanbul Defense Expo 2026 on May 9. This announcement follows the sixth delivery of Gökbey helicopters to the Armed Forces. The platform has a 4-meter wingspan and a flight endurance of 7 hours.

The Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) has announced the sacrificial animal (Qurban) prices for the upcoming Eid Al-Adha.

Turkish authorities arrested Ahmet İmrak, a suspect who recently completed medical treatment. Police in Istanbul arrested Ahmet İmrak following an attack on a police checkpoint in front of the Israeli Consulate. The suspect reportedly planned a hostage situation at the unused consulate building and considered targeting a synagogue or the US Consulate. A suspect reportedly considered attacking a synagogue or a United States consulate as part of a hostage-taking plan. Ahmet İmrak, a suspect injured and arrested during an attempted attack on the US Consulate General in Istanbul on July 9, provided a statement to prosecutors. The suspect and accomplices reportedly distributed handguns and rifles for the intended attacks. The consulate had been empty since diplomats departed Turkey after October 7, 2023. Two people were wounded during the incident.

Authorities have located a vehicle that was allegedly swapped for another of the same color and model in Istanbul. Investigators conducted detailed studies on the vehicle in Istanbul and Ankara over approximately one week.

Tensions occurred between CHP members and other council members during a vote for deputy chairpersons in Istanbul. Some members of the People's Alliance raised objections, alleging that the voting process was not transparent. The process for selecting deputy chairs follows the arrest of Adı Güzel in 2022. Güzel faces charges including bribery, extortion, and tender fraud. Preparations for celebrations are complete, anticipating a large turnout of visitors. Hotels are experiencing congestion due to the influx of domestic and international guests. interest has been shown by guests from neighboring countries including Greece, Bulgaria, and particularly Romania.