Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Turkey is experiencing a decrease in electricity production from hydroelectric sources, specifically dams. Natural gas remains a major component of the national energy mix, accounting for 35 percent of production. The idle labor rate rose by 1.6 percentage points to reach 31.5%. Experts said the need to carefully monitor and examine the idle labor rate. The decline indicates a reduction in economic confidence during the month. The process of achieving a terrorism-free Turkey is described as a locomotive for economic growth and increasing competitiveness. The speaker said that the current path is intended to address issues involving corruption and state-level interference. The number of unionized workers in Turkey is decreasing, with only 14 out of every 100 workers currently unionized. This represents a decline of 100,000 unionized workers compared to the previous year.

Street gangs in Turkey are increasingly recruiting minors under the age of 18 to act as hitmen. Criminal groups use social media platforms to lure children with promises of easy money. These recruits are provided with weapons and motorcycles to carry out crimes. The trend is described as a sign of social collapse linked to educational disconnection and excessive social media use. The Gülistan 9 investigation has reopened several unsolved cold cases in Turkey. Authorities are specifically re-examining the 26-year-old disappearance of Silem Özdemir, who went missing at age 5. The family of the missing child is awaiting the results of this renewed inquiry. The investigation is part of a broader effort to shed light on unsolved 'Gülistan 9' files.

Turkish authorities seized 84 fishing vessels, 2,394 hunting tools, and 550 tons of aquatic products to protect marine ecosystems. Last year, officials released 83,746,240 juvenile fish into seas and inland waters to support biodiversity. In 2025, authorities conducted 207,371 inspections aimed at preserving aquatic life. Professor Mustafa Sarıya noted that seagrass meadows hold 35 times more carbon than tropical forests per unit area. These meadows serve as a critical foundation for the marine ecosystem.

Turkey has initiated a project to clean abandoned or lost fishing gear, known as 'ghost nets,' from marine and inland waters. The initiative aims to protect aquatic ecosystems by removing these hazardous tools. Over the past eleven years, approximately 3 million square meters of ghost nets have been removed from the seas. The project has already scanned 805 million square meters of marine area. This effort targets the environmental damage caused by discarded fishing equipment. The initiative prevented the deaths of 8,448 aquatic animals and supported the release of over 83.7 million juvenile fish into marine and inland waters last year. In 2025, authorities conducted 207,371 inspections, resulting in the seizure of 550 tons of seafood, 2,394 fishing tools, and 84 fishing vessels.

Turkish Gendarmerie special detectives have solved nearly 100,000 cases since 2017. Approximately 200,000 people have been arrested as a result of these efforts. The system creates detailed profiles including a suspect's connections, family, and criminal history to facilitate arrests. Law enforcement units use these digital schemes to target specific crimes such as looting, sexual offenses, and crimes against children. Investigators are using the technology to analyze security camera footage and compare biological samples. A suspect was arrested following an operation on March 30 after tissue samples matched evidence from the crime scene. Personnel for this specialized unit undergo a rigorous selection process. The unit's work involves correlating vehicle movements with digital evidence.

The BIST 100 index recently tested the 14,339 point level. This development follows a period of resilience in Turkish markets despite regional conflicts. This designation includes the exchange in a prestigious global list of financial markets.

A forest fire broke out in the Koskılıçt neighborhood at approximately 15:50 local time. Multiple fire engines and water tankers from the forest district directorate were deployed to the scene. Firefighters utilized three helicopters to draw water from local ponds to combat the spread into the Kara Kiraz neighborhood of Şile. Efforts to contain the blaze continued throughout the night. A forest fire in the Beykoz district of Istanbul burned for several hours overnight. Emergency crews brought the flames under control, though dozens of trees were destroyed. The area is noted as a forested zone for the city. The fire burned through forested areas described as an oxygen source for the city. Correspondent Yağmur Yılman reported from the scene. The fire involved a low-level threat and changes in family and population patterns at the social level have reached a realistic scale.

The Karaköy Palace, a historical structure in Istanbul, has been restored by the Ministry of Culture and Civilization. The building was previously used by various banks for several years. It has now been opened to the public as a center for culture and arts. The opening was attended by officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The facility launched with the 'Artuk Hüme' and 'Odaki 2025' exhibitions featuring works from 25 different artists. The project aims to preserve historical traces of civilization while providing a space for artistic expression.

Western financial regulators are intensifying pressure on Turkish banks that conduct operations with Russia. This increased scrutiny follows recent shifts in the regulatory environment. A source within a Turkish state bank confirmed the heightened pressure from international partners. The situation follows statements from Central Bank head Elverna Beulina regarding the Russian economy's return to growth.

A building collapse in Istanbul has caused structural damage to the load-bearing columns of an adjacent four-story apartment building. Prosecutors are seeking up to 15 years of imprisonment for the owner and manager of the hotel involved in a fatal fire in Istanbul. The charges include causing multiple deaths through negligent homicide. During the first hearing, two defendants were placed under house arrest and banned from traveling abroad. A forest fire broke out in the Kılıçlı neighborhood of Beykoz, Istanbul, near the Kirazlı picnic area. Flames were first spotted around 16:00 local time. Emergency response teams are currently working to contain the blaze as smoke remains visible. Firefighting efforts are ongoing to contain the blaze. Smoke was reported visible from the Kılıçlı area during the afternoon.