Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

A major organization in Turkey is projected to generate over $100 million in economic activity by 2027. Tourists attending the event are expected to spend an average of more than $3,000 per person. Hotel occupancy rates are forecasted to increase by 20% during the period. The food and beverage sector is anticipated to see a 60% increase in turnover. For comparison, a similar event held in Turkey in 2021 contributed $100 million to the economy.

Two healthcare institutions in Istanbul successfully performed a remote surgery on a test animal using 5G technology. New 5G-enabled medical technology allows experienced surgeons to perform remote robotic surgeries from Istanbul. The procedure involves robotic assistance to ensure precision during remote operations. The procedure involved establishing a simultaneous connection between two different health institutions located in two separate districts of the city. This operation marks a new era for telemedicine capabilities through high-speed connectivity. The surgical mission was reported as a successful completion. Surgeons are utilizing 5G technology to perform remote medical procedures on animals at training centers. The procedure involved coordination between medical centers in the Atasehir and Sariyer districts.

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

Søren Kragh Andersen has secured his third victory of the season at the Tour of Turkey, also achieving top 10 finishes in other races. While he is a strong sprinter, winning the overall classification is considered unlikely due to the race's climbing demands. He has received the leader's jersey.

Protesters caused chaos during a visit by a high-level US delegation. Analysts suggest a failure in the security perimeter surrounding the former president. A 30-year-old gunman, heavily armed with a shotgun, pistol, and knives, attacked a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton Hotel on Sunday. He allegedly intended to target members of Donald Trump's team and high-ranking administration officials. He will appear before a judge on Monday to face charges including the use of a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting an officer. A 31-year-old man, Cole Allen, fired shots near President Trump at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Allen is a part-time tutor at C2 Education in Torrance. The suspect was apprehended and is in custody, with prosecution pending. The incident is not believed to be related to the war in Iran.

Queen Mathilde of Belgium is conducting a high-level visit to Turkey and Montenegro. The specific agenda for the discussions has not been detailed. The visit includes meetings in both Karada and Istanbul. Discussions are expected to cover multiple topics of significance. The visit is described as a major diplomatic movement from the heart of Europe to Turkey. Queen Mathilde of Belgium will visit Turkey from May 14 to May 15 as part of an economic mission. The visit includes a high-level delegation featuring the Belgian Foreign Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. Discussions will focus on cooperation in the energy and defense sectors. The royal announcement confirmed the mission's primary objectives involve strengthening bilateral ties in these specific industries. The visit is scheduled for May 10-14 and will include stops in Istanbul and Ankara.

A child underwent two surgeries following an incident at a shopping mall in Istanbul. Family members spent two hours searching for a severed finger that was eventually recovered by technical personnel. The child is scheduled for a third surgery to reattach the digit. The family has initiated legal action against mall management, alleging negligence, while mall management denies any wrongdoing. A child suffered an injury involving a severed finger during an incident at an AVM shopping mall in Istanbul. Technical staff eventually recovered the finger from the site. The child's medical condition remains uncertain following the procedures. Police in Istanbul stopped a vehicle being operated by a 13-year-old child. The child's father was present in the vehicle, sitting next to the child's uncle. The father stated he allowed the child to drive because the child wanted to.

The Turkish Housing Development Administration (TOKI) is launching a new rental system for social housing in Istanbul. Real estate expert Mustafa Koçak provided details on the project. Rents for these units are expected to be set at approximately half of the local market rate. For example, if a market rate for an apartment is 50,000 lira, TOKI units would be offered at 25,000 lira. This initiative aims to prevent rising rental costs in the region. The initiative will initially provide 15,000 social housing units to provide relief to the city. Officials noted that increasing these numbers in future stages could further alleviate housing pressures. The first 2,000 units are scheduled for delivery in August. The first housing deliveries are expected to occur in three months. Approximately 13,000 units will be completed within three years.

Turkish Ministry of Trade teams are conducting field inspections following reports of extreme price inflation on food staples. Parsley prices reportedly rose from 5 lira at the producer level to 20 lira on retail shelves. Bell peppers purchased for 42 lira and 63 lira are being sold in markets for 250 lira. Analysts suggest some price increases reach 7.5 times the original cost. The Ministry is investigating tax declarations and profit margins to address the price spiral.

Three defendants received prison sentences ranging from 9 to 65 years for qualified fraud and forgery of official documents. The court also imposed judicial fines totaling 847 million Turkish Liras. The case was processed through the Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. An ongoing investigation into drug trafficking continues in the fourth district of Istanbul. Prosecutors have requested prison sentences ranging from 31 to 69 years for defendants facing six separate crimes. The charges include fraud committed through the use of public institutions and organizations. The court ruled that the defendants will remain in custody and adjourned the trial until May 12.