Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

The Turkish Union of Labor and Industry released research regarding hunger and poverty thresholds for April. This figure represents the monthly food expenditure required for a family of four to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. The poverty threshold, which covers food plus mandatory expenses like clothing, housing, transportation, education, and health, has reached 110,000 lira. The report was discussed on NTV Radyo. The report notes that the hunger threshold was previously cited around 34,000 lira in April. The findings were discussed during a May Day broadcast. Labor unions in Istanbul are scheduled to hold May Day activities starting in the early morning. Groups will gather at the Taksim Monument to lay wreaths and carnations. Union headquarters located in Beşiktaş, Şişli, and Kadıköy are expected to be central points for these gatherings.

Turkey will release a 10-year vision document regarding family and social policies on May 2 in Istanbul. The policy is expected to enter into force at the beginning of next month. The Ministry of Family and Population is also facilitating exam processes for students requiring special assistance for central exams. For the central exam scheduled for June 13, readers and coders will assist students. These assistants will be selected from teachers who successfully completed a newly established training course this year. Details related to the program are being awaited and will be conveyed to members. Turkey has issued a decree said the preservation of the family structure as a state priority.

A military area covering approximately 2.6 million square meters in Başakşehir, Istanbul, has been included in a privatization plan by decision of President Erdoğan. The move involves the transfer of state-owned military land to the private sector.

Turkish food inflation increased by 5.47 percent in April 2026. The report analyzed market price changes for the month of April. Retail prices in Istanbul increased by 3.74% in April according to data from the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. Wholesale prices in the city rose by 4.32% during the same period. The highest increase in consumer prices was recorded in the clothing and footwear category at 11.09%. Housing costs saw an 8.8% increase while other sectors showed lower growth. The Union of Turkish Agricultural Chambers released the results of its April grocery market research. The largest price discrepancy between producers and markets was observed in apples at 393.7 percent. Green onions followed with a price difference of 245.3 percent. Prices for green onions and eggplants were noted as having fluctuations in the market.

BirGün reporter İsmail Arı faces a new lawsuit while in detention for allegedly spreading misleading information. Areux continues to write daily from his cell through his lawyers and his public journal. A prosecutor has requested a prison sentence of up to three years for singer Fatih Karaca, known as Mabel Matiz. The prosecution alleges that lyrics in his songs containing content contrary to general morality were published on platforms accessible to children. The court has granted a request from Matiz's lawyer for extra time to prepare a defense. The trial has been adjourned until May 8. The judge granted a request for an extension from Karaca's lawyer to prepare a defense. Defense lawyers attended the criminal court hearing and requested an extension to prepare a defense. A court in Istanbul has sentenced former Büyükçekmece Mayor Akbül to between 68 and 183 years in prison.

The incident occurred on May 6 last year in Istanbul near Osman Paşa. Parents are seeking justice for their child following a death in Istanbul. According to the family, the service vehicle responsible for the death continues to transport students at the same school.

Public transportation services will be free in Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir during the upcoming holiday. Free services include Marmaray and metro lines in Ankara and Istanbul, as well as Izban in Izmir. Specific lines in Istanbul such as Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme and Gayrettepe are also included in the free service period. Other municipal metro lines in these cities will also operate free of charge. Istanbul will offer free Marmaray, Sirkeci-Kazlıçeşme, and Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport metro lines. Authorities retain the power to adjust rates by up to 50 percent.

The Borsa Istanbul index reached a peak of 14,339 points during early trading. This designation facilitates smoother cross-border financial operations and regulatory alignment between the Turkish market and UK authorities. This designation includes the BIST 100 index and places the exchange on a prestigious international list. This status follows regulatory assessments of the Turkish stock market.

Argentine footballer Alberes has become the fastest player to reach 25 goals in the Champions League. He achieved this milestone in 41 matches, surpassing Lionel Messi's previous record of 42 matches. The achievement occurred during a match involving Galatasaray.

A Turkish source reported that vessels were harassed using laser lights and received radio threats to turn back. The speaker stated that the vessels intend to continue their course despite the threats. The incident occurred in the context of maritime blockade tensions.