Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Prosecutors have requested aggravated life sentences for two defendants in the murder trial of Sedef Güler. The victim's body was found wrapped in a carpet with hands and feet tied, discovered in the sea. The victim's mother stated she does not want to lose faith in justice. A third defendant, Yiğit Hüseyin Ayvalık, is currently a fugitive. The public case against the fugitive has been separated and will proceed independently. The victim was reportedly killed and her body was wrapped in a carpet and thrown into the sea. Güler, aged 24, disappeared two years ago while leaving home for a job interview.

Istanbul ranked 20th among global cities in a report by Canadian consultancy Resonance Consulting. The city received high marks for economy, tourism, and quality of life. The report identifies Istanbul as a global attraction point at the junction of Europe and Asia.

Turkish shipowner Talip Uzunkaya has disappeared, according to reports. The disappearance involves a prominent figure in maritime trade, shipping, and intercontinental logistics.

A new team has been established to analyze a mobile phone related to the Rojin Kaba investigation. The device had previously been sent abroad for forensic examination. Authorities believe that successfully decoding the phone could lead to a new stage in the investigation. The focus remains on the case file itself rather than specific individuals at this time.

Reysaş Taşımacılık shareholders approved a proposal during the April 29, 2026, general assembly to not distribute profits for the 2025 fiscal year. The decision was finalized during the company's annual meeting.

Approximately 400 ships are currently waiting to transport oil, according to a technical expert. The expert noted that oil typically needs to be shipped within 60 days to maintain quality.

A ceremony was held in Taksim today ahead of the Labor and Solidarity Day celebrations. The event commemorated 34 people who lost their lives at Kazancı Yokuşu in 1927. The ceremony marked the 99th anniversary of the incident.

Airlines are expressing concerns regarding potential bankruptcy due to disruptions in logistics and transport sectors. Lufthansa reportedly anticipates 20,000 flight disruptions. The situation is being compared to the impact of the Iran-Iraq war on Gulf countries. The source noted that the current crisis cannot be explained by vehicle availability alone.

Professor Mustafa Sarı announced that five species of seagrass have been identified and mapped in the seas surrounding Turkey. Four of these are native species, while one is an introduced non-native species. The project includes the well-known Posidonia oceanica.

Water at the point where Küçükçekmece Lake meets the Sea of Marmara has suddenly turned red. The phenomenon was observed in the Küçükçekmece district of Istanbul.