Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Companies are facing a serious crisis regarding oil tankers as insurance policies are being canceled due to high risks. Some tankers are unable to operate without these policies, and insurance premiums have become very high. The situation involves complexities regarding which vessels are permitted to enter certain ports, such as those heading to Iran, Qatar, or Iraq. Insurance premiums for ships have increased from 0.25 percent to 5 percent of a vessel's value. For a ship valued at $100 million, the cost has risen from $250,000 to $5 million. These costs are expected to continue rising, according to the report.

Investigators have added WhatsApp messages between Umut Altış and his father to a case file. Correspondence dated January 9, 2026, has been identified as evidence in an ongoing investigation. The source stated that the messages were used to establish certain facts in the case. Police investigation into the death of 24-year-old Selin Başak Şılaşer in Istanbul has uncovered WhatsApp messages from January 9, 2026. The messages reportedly show the victim stating she was being followed and sought help from a market owner two days before her death. Şılaşer, a German national on vacation, was found in a hotel room in the Fatih district. Investigators noted that nine hours of security camera footage from the hotel is currently missing. Police are investigating the death of Selin Başak Şılaşer after her body was found in a hotel room on April 23.

DEM Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimboğulları stated that the party supports the ongoing peace process in Turkey. She criticized media figures for claiming the process has stalled, suggesting they are attempting to create confusion.

The 28th session of the trial involving 414 defendants, 92 of whom are currently detained, has concluded. The case concerns the alleged criminal organization related to Ekrem İmamoğlu. During the hearing, the defense for detained defendant Adem Soytekin was heard. The prosecution alleges the criminal organization caused approximately 160 billion lira and 24 million dollars in public losses. In the previous session, the defense of detained defendant Mehmet Pehlivan was heard. The 29th session of the trial involving the Ekrem İmamoğlu Criminal Organization has commenced in Istanbul. The current session began with defenses from lawyers representing the defendants. This follows a previous session where detained defendant Aydem Soytekin reportedly provided a bribery confession during cross-examination.

The United Kingdom has signed a new framework trade agreement with Turkey.

Countries signed a global aging and care declaration during a summit in Istanbul. The meeting addressed topics including family, migration, and the rights of the elderly. The summit included discussions on geriatric care and global aging trends.

Former technical director Dominic Tedesco expressed surprise regarding his departure from Fenerbahçe. He stated to the German Press Agency that he was in discussions to extend his contract. This follows the club's decision to end his tenure.

Saadettin Saran announced he will run for the presidency of Fenerbahçe in the extraordinary elections scheduled for June 6-7.

MIA Teknoloji has applied to the Capital Markets Board (SPK) to merge with Lider Sistem Teknolojileri A.Ş.

Organized crime groups are recruiting minors, some as young as 13, to facilitate theft. The targets include mobile devices, financial information, and personal data. Authorities in Europe are working with telecommunications companies to address the issue. Police reported that many of those intercepted by law enforcement were between 13 and 18 years old. Many of the suspects intercepted by police are between 16 and 18 years old. These minors reportedly receive only 100 or 200 lira per phone. The stolen devices are distributed worldwide in shipping containers.