Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

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.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at an OECD summit in Istanbul, focusing on Turkey's economic transformation. He highlighted the impact of technological advancements on production methods and job markets. Erdoğan noted the rise of fully automated factories, referred to as 'dark factories,' and the emergence of new job opportunities alongside the transformation of existing professions. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the OECD 2026 Skills Summit in Istanbul, highlighting the transformation of professions due to technological advancements. He noted that established norms in employment are being disrupted. Erdoğan said that managing and directing these changes correctly is within Turkey's control. He stated that it is not possible to prevent change, but decision-makers must correctly interpret and direct it.

The novel 'Gazanfer Paşa'nın Bir İkincisi' by Selim Nüsret Gerçek has been adapted by Hakan Müstürcü and Hasan Çelik for Türkiye İş Bankası Kültür Yayınları. Gerçek, who lived from 1891 to 1945, was the brother of writer Abdülhak Şinasi Hisar and held a unique place in Turkish literature. He completed his primary education at Gazi Osman Paşa ibtidai mektebi in Rumeli Hisarı and graduated from Galatasaray mekteb-i Sultanisi's Turkish department, later earning a degree in literature from the University of Geneva.

The Super Lotto jackpot has surpassed 600 million lira. Players can purchase tickets at the nearest authorized retailer or online through Milli Piyango. The advertisement also highlights a specific baby food product, Aliyanz, which offers benefits such as gram gold for infants up to one year old and an additional 5% contribution on every birthday until age 18. This record prize has increased customer traffic at retailers. This figure has increased public interest, leading to crowds at lottery retailers, particularly in Istanbul's Bostancı district. The intensity of these crowds escalates on drawing days. Citizens are flocking to vendors to buy lottery tickets, with demand increasing. Birth dates, special days, and personally numbers are being chosen. Dreams of winning the 942 million lira jackpot are being considered.

By 2030, global population growth will mean people will stay in the workforce longer than in the past. This trend is compounded by increasing individualism, the dissolution of traditional family structures, and a growing acceptance of self-reliance. Haberturk Radyo discussed issues that have effects beyond the problem between countries. The station's discussion touched upon the lifting of a blockade, suggesting potential for further talks. Haberturk Radyo indicated that Günay Günç would perform best for the team on that day.