Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Defendant Adem Soytekin made allegations during a court hearing regarding the İmamoğlu Çıkaramaşlı criminal organization case. Soytekin testified that former Kiptaş General Manager Ali Kurta admitted to sending $1.5 million.

Fenerbahçe manager Tedesco is set to depart Istanbul on a flight scheduled for Friday at 12:20. His 7.5-month tenure included winning one Super Cup. The decision by the Sadettin Saran administration to end his term has drawn reactions from supporters. Fans gathered at the Samandıran gates to bid him farewell. Tedesco is scheduled to depart from Istanbul Airport on Friday at 12:20. Former Fenerbahçe technical director Domeniko Tedesco has departed Turkey for Germany via Istanbul Airport. A group of fans gathered at the airport to bid farewell to the 40-year-old coach with flowers and chants. Tedesco had previously received attention from supporters during his final visit to Samandıra on Wednesday.

The Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) received approximately 1 million suspicious transaction reports in 2025. An estimated 50,000 individuals were victims of IBAN-related fraud. More than half of these reports originated from banks, with fraud identified in 65% of the notifications. Authorities determined that fraud was committed in 65% of the reported cases. Investigations found that 65% of these notifications involved fraud. Criminals are reportedly using accounts to launder money from virtual betting, gambling, and drug crimes. One common tactic involves scammers promising scholarships to trick victims into believing money has been sent.

Electric air taxis are being utilized to reduce travel times in the Üsküdar region to under 10 minutes. A trip that normally takes one to two hours by ground vehicle can be completed in less than 10 minutes via air taxi. These vehicles produce zero emissions and are considered environmentally friendly. Air taxi tests are being conducted with the goal of reducing a two-hour journey to just 10 minutes. This development is described as a revolution in reducing shipping and travel times. The technology is currently undergoing testing phases to verify these speed improvements.

The Court of Cassation ruled that common areas in apartment buildings, such as stairwells and doorways, are not for the private use of residents. The decision addresses disputes regarding where residents can leave items like shoes.

Adem Soytekin confirmed all statements he provided under effective repentance provisions three months after his arrest.

Prosecutors have requested aggravated life sentences for two defendants in the murder trial of Sedef Güler. The victim's body was found wrapped in a carpet with hands and feet tied, discovered in the sea. The victim's mother stated she does not want to lose faith in justice. A third defendant, Yiğit Hüseyin Ayvalık, is currently a fugitive. The public case against the fugitive has been separated and will proceed independently. The victim was reportedly killed and her body was wrapped in a carpet and thrown into the sea. Güler, aged 24, disappeared two years ago while leaving home for a job interview.

Istanbul ranked 20th among global cities in a report by Canadian consultancy Resonance Consulting. The city received high marks for economy, tourism, and quality of life. The report identifies Istanbul as a global attraction point at the junction of Europe and Asia.

Turkish shipowner Talip Uzunkaya has disappeared, according to reports. The disappearance involves a prominent figure in maritime trade, shipping, and intercontinental logistics.

A new team has been established to analyze a mobile phone related to the Rojin Kaba investigation. The device had previously been sent abroad for forensic examination. Authorities believe that successfully decoding the phone could lead to a new stage in the investigation. The focus remains on the case file itself rather than specific individuals at this time.