Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Oil prices have risen above $110 per barrel. Analysts predict a chaotic period for the petroleum and natural gas markets in the coming days. OPEC and OPEC+ may take a more active role in production strategies, including potential increases to lower prices.

Turkish defense company Baykar will first exhibit the Mızrak loitering munition at the SAHA Expo 2026. The munition's name is derived from its aerodynamic structure. The system provides surveillance capabilities and has an endurance of 7 hours with an operational range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. It can take off from traditional runways using standard landing gear or utilize rocket-assisted takeoff for operations in rugged terrain or unprepared areas. The munition is equipped with AI-supported autopilot and optical guidance systems for complex operational environments. Baykar will debut its Muzrak smart loitering munition at the Istanbul Defense Expo 2026 on May 9. This announcement follows the sixth delivery of Gökbey helicopters to the Armed Forces. The platform has a 4-meter wingspan and a flight endurance of 7 hours.

The Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) has announced the sacrificial animal (Qurban) prices for the upcoming Eid Al-Adha.

Turkish authorities arrested Ahmet İmrak, a suspect who recently completed medical treatment. Police in Istanbul arrested Ahmet İmrak following an attack on a police checkpoint in front of the Israeli Consulate. The suspect reportedly planned a hostage situation at the unused consulate building and considered targeting a synagogue or the US Consulate. A suspect reportedly considered attacking a synagogue or a United States consulate as part of a hostage-taking plan. Ahmet İmrak, a suspect injured and arrested during an attempted attack on the US Consulate General in Istanbul on July 9, provided a statement to prosecutors. The suspect and accomplices reportedly distributed handguns and rifles for the intended attacks. The consulate had been empty since diplomats departed Turkey after October 7, 2023. Two people were wounded during the incident.

Authorities have located a vehicle that was allegedly swapped for another of the same color and model in Istanbul. Investigators conducted detailed studies on the vehicle in Istanbul and Ankara over approximately one week.

Tensions occurred between CHP members and other council members during a vote for deputy chairpersons in Istanbul. Some members of the People's Alliance raised objections, alleging that the voting process was not transparent. The process for selecting deputy chairs follows the arrest of Adı Güzel in 2022. Güzel faces charges including bribery, extortion, and tender fraud. Preparations for celebrations are complete, anticipating a large turnout of visitors. Hotels are experiencing congestion due to the influx of domestic and international guests. interest has been shown by guests from neighboring countries including Greece, Bulgaria, and particularly Romania.

The Arnavutköy Metro serving Istanbul Airport will provide free service on May 1. In Ankara, the Başkent Ray line will also offer free transit to citizens on the same day. The İzmir İzban rail line is scheduled to provide free service for May Day as well.

Traffic density in Istanbul has reached 76% in several areas. One lane is reported closed on Millet Caddesi in the Aksaray direction. Heavy congestion is also affecting the Avrasya Tunnel, the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge in both directions. Hundreds of tapes fell from a moving truck on the D100 highway in Silivri, Istanbul, heading towards Tekirdağ. The incident caused traffic congestion and resulted in some vehicles sustaining tire burns. Police closed the highway to manage the traffic flow.

The released individuals include Emrah Yüksel, İsmet Korkmaz, Mehmet Çağlar Kuru, Nuri Cemce, Yusuf Uçku Şahin, Esma Bayrak, Çağlar Türkmen, and Adem Soytekin. Among those released is Adem Soytekin, who reportedly provided testimony this week under an effective repentance provision. Authorities have completed a corruption investigation regarding the Büyükçekmece preparedness efforts. Prosecutors are seeking up to 183 years of imprisonment for Hasan Akgün, who was previously removed from his post. The case involves 414 defendants, with 77 currently in custody. The 31st hearing is scheduled to take place in Silivri on Monday. A court in Istanbul has ordered the release of 33 defendants in a case that has been ongoing since the first hearing on March 9. The court decided to continue the detention of 74 other individuals, including names such as Resul Emrah Şah and others.

Murat Güneş, the CHP candidate, won the election for Deputy Mayor of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. The CHP held a 24 to 12 majority in the municipal council against the Cumhur İttifakı. Tensions and arguments occurred during the first two rounds of voting, but the result remained unchanged in the third round. He replaces Onursal Güzel, who was arrested following bribery allegations. The election process reportedly involved intermittent changes during the voting period. Güneş received 22 votes, while Serhan Orhan received 14 votes. The CHP maintained a 12 to 24 advantage over the People's Alliance during the municipal council voting process. Murat Güneş, the candidate for the Republican People's Party, has won the election for Deputy Mayor of Atasehir Municipality in Istanbul.