Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Test drives have commenced for the first phase of the Halkalı-Kapıkule High-Speed Train Project. This project aims to connect Edirne to Istanbul via a high-speed rail network. The development is intended to provide a railway connection between Turkey and Europe.

A 24-year-old woman named Selin Başakşıl Oser, who had traveled from Germany to Turkey for vacation, was reportedly subjected to attempted kidnapping. The victim stated she was being followed and felt she was being kidnapped. The incident occurred on April 20 at a hotel in Fatih. The victim sought help at a market located approximately 400 meters from the Fatih Tebi hotel where she was staying. Witnesses at the market reported the woman arrived in a state of distress and was crying while attempting to contact police. Witnesses stated she told staff that people were attempting to kidnap her. The woman was seen using her phone to contact police officers and describe her location during the incident. Questions remain regarding why security camera footage from the period is missing or was deleted. An autopsy found no signs of physical assault or force on the body.

New communications have emerged involving Celal Altaş and his fugitive son, Umut Altaş. The messages reportedly show Umut Altaş requesting 9,000 dollars from his father.

Bayraktar responded to social media claims by CHP leader Özgür Özel regarding mining enterprises. Bayraktar stated that Özel's comments concerning the ministry and the mining sector are untrue.

Authorities have requested the exhumation of four graves to advance an investigation into a 2000 killing in Şişli, Istanbul. DNA identified by a guard has been compared against 80 individuals without a match. The case is approaching a 26-year statute of limitations. The case involves the 2020 murder of Çağla, who was attacked in her home in Şişli Fulya. The victim's throat was cut during the attack, and no items were reported stolen from the residence. The victim, Cagla, was killed in her home in Fulya, Sisli, in 2020. Tuğaltay was killed in her home in the Fulya neighborhood of Istanbul on June 5, 2000, at age 15. During a struggle with the killer, male DNA was found under her fingernails. Previous comparisons with numerous suspects failed to produce results, according to the source.

Fenerbahçe Beko defeated Zalgiris 89-78 in the first match of the playoff series. The second match is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on Thursday at 20:45. Beşiktaş Geyn lost 73-71 to the French team Borga in the second match of the Euro Cup final series.

Investigators have taken a new step in the 26-year-old investigation into the 2000 death of 15-year-old Çağlatu Altay in Şişli, Istanbul. Authorities have requested to exhume the graves of four individuals to perform DNA comparisons against samples from Altay. Three distinct DNA profiles have been identified, suggesting the involvement of multiple individuals rather than a single person. A special unit coordinated by the Ministry of Justice will establish a new commission to investigate the 2000 murder of Çağla Tuhal in Şişli, Istanbul. DNA evidence identified by protection services has been compared against 80 individuals without a match so far. The investigation is facing a potential statute of limitations deadline in one year. A new commission, which may include Çağla Dost, is expected to be formed to oversee the case.

A Turkish company has laid off 100 workers due to an inability to source packaging materials, which has halted much of its production. The company noted that internet restrictions have negatively impacted firms operating online.

A service vehicle lost control and flipped in the Kağıthane district of Istanbul. Neighbors reported the incident to authorities. A driver died in a hospital after a vehicle collision in Istanbul involving a pickup truck driven by Mehmet Altunlu. A construction vehicle working for Saray Municipality caused damage to a building and several vehicles in Istanbul. The heavy machinery reportedly slid down a slope while transporting construction materials and lost control. The vehicle struck parked cars and a building before overturning, according to the report. Police in Istanbul located a vehicle that was allegedly used by Mustafa Türkay Sonel on the day university student Gülistan Dokudan disappeared six years ago in Tunceli. Investigators are examining the car, which was used by Mustafa Türkay Sonel on the day Dokudan disappeared.

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