Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

The concept of individual terrorism was discussed, with a reference to Anders Behring Breivik's 2011 attacks.

A Turkish author has written a book that explores societal changes over fifty years, from 1975 to 2025. The narrative incorporates specific events related to terrorism alongside broader themes of technological evolution, social media, and the emergence of artificial intelligence. The book uses a blend of fiction and reality. The author's background in police journalism and detective fiction provides a unique perspective on crime and societal evolution.

Twelve individuals have been arrested in Turkey, including former police chief Yokan Ertok, who is accused of deleting data from SIM cards. Two IT staff members at Tunceli State Hospital were also detained on charges of evidence destruction or concealment and have been referred to judicial authorities. An international red notice has been issued for Mustafa Türkay Sonel, who is believed to be abroad, and his friend Umut Altaş. An unexploded shell was found and subsequently destroyed by explosive ordnance disposal experts. Gendarmerie teams and bomb disposal specialists secured the area and neutralized the device.

The dry mortar process for 100,000 housing units in Istanbul has been completed. This project is part of a larger initiative for 500,000 housing units across 81 provinces. The dry mortar process in Istanbul began with the participation of President Erdoğan and was announced as completed today. Artificial intelligence is set to be implemented to assist various processes within Turkey. Following the determination of eligible beneficiaries, the focus shifts to social rental housing projects. The project aims to address housing needs across Europe and Anatolia. One individual reported paying approximately 500,000 lira in debt related to housing issues.

Deforestation in the Amazon region decreased by 17% during the first quarter of 2026.

The flamingo population in a Turkish lake has increased approximately three to four times this year. Experts have advised preventing illegal fishing and adhering to lake regulations. A project has been launched to preserve the region's disappearing culinary heritage. The flamingo population at Turkey's Lake Eber has quadrupled.

Haberturk Radyo reports that a problem between countries has evolved to affect both regional nations and the entire world. Al Araby Radio noted that peace efforts appear to have stalled, necessitating new actions. Haberturk Radyo reports that discussions are underway regarding issues that extend beyond bilateral problems, affecting both regional countries and the global community. Iran has requested the lifting of a blockade, indicating potential for further discussions. Russian President Putin stated that Russia has received a message from Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Russia will do everything possible to bring peace to the Middle East, aligning with the interests of Iran and other regional nations. Iran has announced a halt on its exports until May 30th.

An estimated 1,000 kilometers of fishing nets are discarded into the sea each year.

Children as young as five years old are being diagnosed with hypertension. Sedentary lifestyles and processed foods contribute to obesity and hypertension in young children. This trend is becoming almost a norm among children. The child fainted at school, requiring an ambulance and medical attention. Doctors observed that children are often influenced by social media content, leading them to imitate behaviors seen online. This imitation contributes to the rise in childhood hypertension. Experts recommend annual blood pressure checks for children after the age of three. Hypertension in adults often originates from damage sustained in early childhood. Untreated, it can lead to cardiac arrest and harm to marine populations when discarded fishing gear sinks to the seabed. A study found that cancerous tumors may present without pain.

Turkey has enabled purchases to be made using the Faster Payment System (SBP) in Istanbul and on the coast of the Aegean Sea. The system is available in shops, cafes, and souvenir stores. However, Russian tourists are advised not to rely on SBP for now, as the processes are not fully understood in all formats, particularly in resort areas. The system is designed to ensure the timely transfer of real estate sale prices. A usage fee will be collected from each transaction processed through the system, which will be deducted from the amounts transferred to the seller. The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey announced that studies regarding the extension of foreign exchange conversion support are nearing completion. These measures target exporters and producers. The scope of the system, previously used for second-hand vehicle sales, will now cover property transactions.