Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

The Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into a woman in Atashehir for allegedly threatening a citizen using fake judge and prosecutor credentials. The Ministry said that protecting the integrity of judicial roles is essential to the rule of law. Additionally, the institution allegedly demanded high commissions from customers attempting to settle debts early to generate unfair profits. Authorities are investigating the firm for suspected usury activities. The investigation, coordinated by the Istanbul Cumhuriyet Prosecutor's Office, follows allegations of usury. Anti-crime teams are currently conducting technical and local inspections. A woman was detained in Istanbul's Atasehir district following a dispute over a parking space. Authorities have confirmed the identification card was counterfeit.

Authorities in Istanbul have closed several main arteries to vehicle traffic due to May Day activity. Access to Mecidiye Köyü via the E5 toward Gayrettepe is also restricted to vehicles. Pedestrian movement remains active in these areas. Several roads in Istanbul have been closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The closures affect the districts of Şişli, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Kartal. Istanbul has closed metro services and various roads as part of security measures for May Day celebrations. Security measures remain in place throughout the day, including at the Kazancı monument where carnations are being laid. Authorities stated that transportation restrictions will continue until the evening hours. Protesters are marching in Istanbul and shouting slogans. Demonstrators are attempting to walk toward Taksim Square.

Security measures have been implemented in several areas of Istanbul, including Taksim Square, for May Day. Closed roads include Merkez Caddesi, Halaskar Gazi Caddesi, Onluk Uzma His Caddesi, and the entrances to Mecidiye Köyü. Authorities have taken preventative measures in Istanbul to avoid problems during May Day, including the removal of glass from specific areas and the collection of trash containers at designated addresses one day in advance. Side streets, squares, and avenues leading to Taksim are closed with iron barriers to manage traffic and security. The broadcaster reported that most secondary roads are currently inaccessible due to these controls. Thousands of people are expected to gather at specific locations for celebration programs.

YTT buses recorded a total of 65,527 breakdowns within the year. The malfunctions include non-functioning engines, doors that fail to open, and signal failures.

Social media street interviewer Arif Kocabayik has joined the Republican People's Party (CHP). CHP Chairman Özgür Özel personally presented the party badge to Kocabayik. The decision has reportedly met with discomfort within the party. Kocabayik previously ran as an IYI Party candidate for Antalya deputy in the last general election and has faced allegations of being a 'bankamatik memuru' in Konya Altı Municipality. CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel personally presented Kocabayik with his party badge. The decision has faced internal criticism, including from former CHP lawmaker Levent Gokte, who criticized the move on social media. Former CHP Party Assembly member Ali Haydar Firat stated on social media that Kocabayik will not remain in the party. The decision follows reactions within the party regarding the preservation of its principles and ideology.

The Istanbul Provincial Animal Protection Board has reversed its previous stance regarding the euthanasia of dogs in care homes. The board also decided against the removal of animals from university campuses. This reversal follows previous discussions regarding the management of stray animals in the city. A meeting was held at the Istanbul Disaster Coordination Center to discuss animal welfare. The Governorate stated that efforts are continuing resolutely within the framework of animal protection laws and that no policy change is planned. The Istanbul Governorship denied claims that it was reversing its decision regarding animal protection. The Governorship stated that its work is being carried out within the scope of Animal Protection Law No. 5199 and that no reversal is in question. The statement addressed attacks by stray animals.

A rally was held in Istanbul, Turkey, to protest the seizure of aid ships destined for Gaza by the Israeli military. The protest focused on the interception of maritime assistance intended for the Gaza Strip. The rally occurred on May 1. The source did not specify the exact number of protesters in Istanbul. A cargo ship has run aground off the coast of Karasu Halk Plajı in Istanbul. Coast guard teams have been deployed to the area to manage the situation. Efforts are underway to evacuate the eight crew members on board the vessel. The region is currently experiencing strong storms and heavy rain showers. A cargo ship ran aground near the Karasu Halk Plaji coastline in Istanbul. Strong storms and heavy showers are currently affecting the region. The head of a pro-Palestine platform stated that no cruelty can silence human conscience.

Istanbul Governor's office announced that Taksim Square and surrounding roads will be closed to May Day labor and solidarity celebrations. Police are directing citizens to alternative routes near Taksim Square. The M2 metro line is affected at Taksim, Şişhane, and Osmanbey stations. Reporter Arzukaya reported from Saraybahçe Boulevard that many streets are currently under orders and blocked by police barriers. Security measures are at a high level in the area to manage May Day celebrations. Authorized unions are scheduled to make announcements at Cumhuriyet Anıtı. The Governor's Office has directed citizens wishing to participate in celebrations to these ten specific points. Previous years saw fatalities during demonstrations, including 34 deaths in a past event. As of the report, crowds have not yet formed due to cold, rainy weather and the early hour.

Turkey reported 3,019,000 tourists visited in March, an increase from 2,995,000 during the same period last year. Total revenue for the period reached $9.896 billion. This represents a 4 percent increase in both visitor numbers and revenue compared to the previous year. The average length of stay for tourists was 11 days. German, Russian, and Bulgarian tourists were the most frequent visitors. This growth occurred despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The increase is noted as being lower than it would have been without the impact of the war.

Turkey is increasing maternity leave duration from 16 weeks to 24 weeks. Additionally, measures will be taken to prevent children under 15 from being registered as social dependents. The Hizmet-Is union is currently the largest labor union with 276,000 members. The legislation requires digital platforms to implement age verification systems and mandates that game providers rate games according to age criteria. Under these new regulations, social media platforms must implement age verification systems. Additionally, game providers are now required to present games with age-appropriate ratings. Individuals whose leave period has already expired as of the law's effective date may request an additional eight weeks of maternity leave. Paternity leave has also been increased from five to ten days. The law prohibits sex offenders from working in businesses with high concentrations of children.