Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Istanbul authorities have banned meetings and marches in Beyoğlu, Şişli, Beşiktaş, and Fatih for May Day.

President Erdogan stated that the government is working to improve workers' rights and has strengthened the collective bargaining system. He noted that the bargaining power of employees has been increased.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has requested the release of all detained defendants in a corruption investigation involving the Büyükçekmece municipality. The 31st hearing of the case is scheduled to take place in Silivri on Monday.

Protesters in Istanbul demonstrated against the attack on the Freedom Flotilla. Protesters are chanting slogans demanding accountability from Israel following an attack on the Global Resilience Flotilla.

Six people were injured in Istanbul after a vehicle lost control and crashed into a cafe. The incident occurred in the Yenibosna area of the Bakırköy district on the D100 highway. Emergency medical teams were dispatched to the scene following reports of the accident. The vehicle was removed from the cafe using a tow truck. The injured individuals were taken to a hospital for treatment. A driver named Muhammed Iyi lost control of his vehicle in the Bahçeli Evler neighborhood of Istanbul. The car reportedly struck a motorcycle before crossing a median and crashing into a cafe near the Yeni Bostancı metrobus stop. Five customers at the cafe and the driver sustained injuries, according to the report. The suspect was apprehended by authorities with his weapon and was reported injured. A passenger bus lost control and overturned at the Kulevli junction in Istanbul.

Authorities are investigating former Governor Tuncay Sonel as a primary suspect in a criminal network investigation. Investigators have collected DNA samples from the parents of Gülistan Dokun to compare against findings from the vehicle belonging to the governor's son.

The Republican People's Party (CHP) has halted the membership registration process for Arif Kocabıy. The party stated that Kocabıy was requested to resign from his position. Officials noted that Kocabıy's past attitudes and social media posts were inconsistent with CHP principles and values. The allegations include forming and managing a criminal organization, bribery, extortion, and money laundering. Reports indicate that Kocabıy's past conduct and social media posts were reviewed during the process.

Wedding hall operators and meeting venue managers in Turkey report a 30 percent decrease in wedding reservations compared to last year. Couples are seeking budget-friendly alternatives due to rising costs. Venue prices vary significantly by location, with Esenyurt costing 70,000 to 80,000 lira and Beşiktaş reaching 350,000 to 400,000 lira. Some couples are opting for two-hour mini-weddings to manage expenses. Turkish citizens are increasingly turning to alternatives such as mini-weddings lasting two hours. Couples in Turkey are opting for smaller, more economical wedding celebrations, such as two-hour mini-weddings or programs featuring snacks instead of full meals. Guest lists are being reduced from traditional 500-600 person counts to 250-400 people to lower costs.

Authorities in Istanbul have banned all strikes and demonstrations in the Beyoğlu, Şişli, Fatih, and Beşiktaş districts for May 1. The demonstration follows the interception of a flotilla consisting of 50 vessels in international waters off the coast of Crete. Protesters expressed opposition to the military action taken against the humanitarian vessels. The Istanbul Governor's Office has prohibited rallies and marches on May 1 in the districts of Beyoğlu, Şişli, Fatih, and Beşiktaş. The Governor of Istanbul has banned all marches, demonstrations, and rallies in the Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, Şişli, and Fatih districts. The ban is scheduled to remain in effect until nighttime. All roads leading to Taksim Square have been closed to the public. Representatives are criticizing the ban on protests in the Taksim area of Istanbul. Workers are reportedly reacting to the decision.

Witnesses in Istanbul reported seeing consecutive flashes of light and hearing intense sounds consistent with explosions. The reporter noted seeing flashing lights in succession followed by a very loud noise.