Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Game distributors with over 100,000 daily users must maintain a local representative in the country. Regulations also include provisions regarding maternity leave. New measures regarding the storage of firearms are being developed in Turkey. Following school attacks in Sanliurfa and Kahramanmaraş, owners of licensed firearms will be required to store weapons in locked areas within their homes. The source noted that current storage in homes is difficult to manage. The measures aim to require firearms to be kept in locked areas within homes to prevent children from accessing them. This follows reports of individuals, including Isa Aras Mersin, posing with weapons on social media, which led to the arrest of his father, Uhur Mersin. The upcoming regulations are expected to provide more concrete requirements for the storage conditions of licensed weapons.

A fight involving shotguns, pistols, and clubs resulted in five injuries. Two individuals were shot and two others were beaten with clubs. Police arrived at the scene to separate the combatants and have launched an investigation to apprehend the suspects.

The regulation also includes updates to parental leave, requiring mothers seeking 24 weeks of leave to apply within 10 business days. Additionally, paternity leave for fathers subject to CGK has been increased from five days to 10 days. Turkey has implemented new regulations providing support for young people up to age 25 who leave state protection to continue university education. Paternity leave for workers has been increased from 5 days to 10 days, and an additional 8 weeks of maternity leave will be provided. Additionally, donations made to prisons will be fully deductible from income and corporate taxes. It also bans sexual offenders from working near children and allows tax deductions for orphanage donations. The Turkish parliament passed new legislation providing social support and labor rights updates.

Data from the Occupational Health and Safety Council indicates 2,105 workers died in workplace accidents last year. Workplace fatalities in Turkey reached their highest levels since the pandemic in 2025. Additionally, 374 workers died due to crushing and collapses. Data shows 106 workers died in January, 126 in February, and 148 in March. The construction sector accounts for 25% of these incidents, followed by service at 22% and agriculture at 20%. Common causes of death in these incidents include traffic accidents and being crushed under collapsed structures. The report was presented by NTV Radyo. A recent incident in a Kocaeli Dinovası cosmetic factory resulted in seven worker fatalities. Falls from heights in construction represent 25% of fatalities, followed by the service sector at 22% and agriculture at 20%.

Protesters are preparing banners for May Day marches in Istanbul. The march will also include representatives from the Union of Turkish Architects and Engineers and the Turkish Medical Association. Police are conducting final checks and setting up barriers at various points in Istanbul ahead of May Day demonstrations. Crowds are expected to gather in front of the Atatürk Cultural Center. Members of the Şükrü Yatak Party and the TEM Party are expected to participate in the event. Currently, the areas in front of the center remain empty as preparations continue. Security measures have been increased to a high level, with police conducting searches at two different entry points. CHP Chairman Özgür Özel and DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncar Bakırhan participated in celebrations in Kadıköy. Representatives from various organizations and associations have begun marching along the streets.

Labor unions including DISK, KESK, the Union of Turkish Engineers and Architects, and the Turkish Sabancı Union will hold May Day celebrations in Istanbul. Events are scheduled to take place at Kadıköy Rıhtım Square between 10:00 and 17:00. Additional celebrations are planned for Kartal Square and in Bursa. Workers affiliated with the Mine Workers' Union and the General Mine Workers' Union are participating in May Day activities in Istanbul. Despite bans on celebrations, crowds have gathered in Taksim. A press statement is being issued at the Republic Monument by representatives from Hak-İş and Türk-İş confederations. The event includes a procession of participants. The group is expressing demands for improved workers' rights and addressing economic hardships faced by employees.

The Hizmet Is Union has become the largest labor union in Turkey with 276,000 members. It surpassed the previous leader, the Türk Metal union, which has 271,000 members. The Öz Sağlık union follows in third place with 215,000 members.

The number of workers in Turkey has decreased by 100,000 compared to the previous year, according to released data. The largest workforce sector includes 4,175,000 workers in trade, office, education, and fine arts.

Turkish labor groups are highlighting policies targeting women and youth during May Day celebrations. The groups are using slogans focused on bread, peace, and freedom. The broadcast noted that these themes are central to the current labor movement's demands.

Authorities in Istanbul have implemented several security measures ahead of May Day celebrations. These measures include the removal of glass from specific locations and the collection of trash containers a day in advance to prevent issues. Thousands of people are expected to gather at Kadıköy Rıhtım Square and Kartal Square between 12:00 and 19:00. Civil society organizations including DISK, KESK, and the Chamber of Architects have applied to the governorate for these gatherings.