Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a new domain for information access, moving beyond traditional search engines like Google. AI can provide written or spoken answers to user queries, though it still has limitations and errors.

Voting has commenced for the 2026 local elections across Turkey, including regions such as Gaza Yeşerid and DRL Belah kent. The Central Election Commission reported that approximately 1.03 million voters are expected to participate. Polling stations opened at 07:00 and are scheduled to remain open until 19:00. Municipal council members went to the polls to select a deputy to replace Onursal Güzel, who was removed from office following bribery charges. The election entered a third round after no candidate achieved a majority in the first two rounds. Murat Güneş received 22 votes, while Serhan Or... [details incomplete in transcript]. The CHP holds a 12 to 24 advantage over the People's Alliance in the council.

The SAHA International Defense, Aviation, and Space Industry Fair will take place in Istanbul from May 5-9. The expo follows recent interviews regarding Bayraktar technology. SAHA Istanbul Chairman Haluk Bayrak announced that drone production centers will be established in all 81 provinces of Turkey using fair revenues. Turkey will host the 5th edition of the SAHA EXPO defense and aerospace exhibition from May 8-9. The event will feature defense industry products including the Mızrak smart loitering munition and humanoid ground vehicles. The source noted that the İHA drone developed with local resources has a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. The platform features a 4-meter wingspan and an operational range of 1,000 km at low altitudes. It is capable of staying airborne for 7 hours and utilizes rocket-assisted takeoff for operation in unprepared terrain.

Istanbul officials are launching a new marketing campaign to promote the city as the unique global hub connecting Europe and Asia. Positive results are now being observed, with growth in the inner region. In March, there was 8% growth, though better growth was possible if the war had not started on September 28.

Istanbul will be promoted as a unique city connecting Europe and Asia, targeting key markets in Europe, Asia, and America. This initiative will be rolled out through a phased communication plan starting immediately.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has shared details regarding social housing projects. Specifically, the lottery for 100,000 homes to be built in Istanbul under the 500,000 social housing project has determined the beneficiaries. Erdoğan noted that TOKI has constructed 1,762,000 social housing units to date. He also highlighted existing support for urban transformation efforts. Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum announced a major housing initiative in Istanbul. Kurum described the initiative as a challenge to the 'darkened conscience' of the era. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced new social housing initiatives during a ceremony at Atatürk Airport Millet Bahçesi. The initiative will involve the construction of 15,000 rental units across both the European and Anatolian sides of the city.

The Turkish National Intelligence Organization and the Syrian Ministry of Interior conducted a joint anti-drug operation. Turkish authorities conducted 17,188 operations targeting drug manufacturing and trafficking between January 1 and April 25, 2026. These operations resulted in the seizure of 16.8 tons of narcotics. Additionally, officials seized 51.2 million drug pills and 49,000 cannabis and skunk plants. The data was shared during a panel discussing the role of media in the fight against drugs.

The Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change announced plans to complete 15,000 rental housing units via TOKI within three years. Land collection processes are expected to begin in June or July. Construction for all units is projected to be completed within two to three years. The ministry selected Istanbul as the primary location due to the depth of the local rental crisis. Under this model, the state will act as a tenant for lower-income groups, providing housing at prices below market rates. Industry representatives are monitoring how the model will affect producers and consumers in the housing sector. The Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKI) will construct 15,000 homes across the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The project targets low-income groups and individuals without existing homes who meet specific income criteria.

The Turkish government is implementing new tax incentives to attract the regional headquarters of global corporations to the country. Specifically, 95% of profits from transit trade activities conducted outside the Istanbul Financial Center will be tax-exempt. This policy aims to strengthen Turkey's position as a major international financial and commercial hub. Companies investing in Turkey will also receive tax exemptions. The tax advantages currently offered to institutions operating in the Istanbul Financial Center will be expanded. Certain commercial activities conducted within the Istanbul Financial Center are also included in the plan. Under the new plan, companies moving regional management centers to Turkey will face no tax on earnings from overseas operations for the next 20 years.

Social media platforms are rolling out new features to allow families to monitor and control digital activities. These updates enable parents to oversee communications and the types of content children access during gameplay or browsing. The move aims to increase oversight of online interactions and digital safety for minors. There is a need to hold parents responsible for addressing complex social issues, including discussions about the body and identity. The importance of open communication and dialogue is highlighted in a society that has not fully learned these skills. The approach aims to empower individuals to explore their own identities and desires. These features may allow parents to track friend requests, screenshots, and phone conversations. Under these settings, children may be restricted from opening live broadcasts on certain platforms.