Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to speak at the OISD Skills Summit at the Halic Congress Center. He will deliver statements on the economy and taxation. The summit is attended by representatives of international organizations. The summit is being held at the Halil Congre Center in Istanbul. Erdogan stated that hosting such an summit is a source of pride for him, his country, and his nation. He welcomed all guests from both within Turkey and abroad. The summit focused on vocational training and future workforce development. He addressed attendees, highlighting Turkey's commitment to skills enhancement. The summit aims to strengthen inter-country cooperation, share best practices, and enhance strategies for skills policies. The event focused on labor and social security topics. Markets are currently monitoring US-Iran uncertainties alongside the summit.

Electric vehicle sales in Turkey are increasing daily but at a slower pace than anticipated. Gasoline-powered vehicles remain the top choice for car buyers. One in three individuals surveyed prefers a gasoline vehicle as their first choice, with gasoline vehicles accounting for twenty-one percent. China leads the global EV market and showcases AI technology. This slowdown is attributed to factors such as lower battery capacity, slower charging speeds, and a depreciation in the second-hand market for older electric vehicles. Despite these challenges, reasons for purchasing electric cars remain, with 40% of respondents citing fuel savings as the primary motivation, followed by lower maintenance costs (20%) and technological innovation (17%).

Istanbul jewelers are accused of undermining ethical values, trust, and guild culture in the jewelry trade. Some are resorting to dishonest methods to find buyers and profit amidst rising prices. The Istanbul Jewelers Chamber President, Mustafa Atayek, stated that they will work to prevent these practices. The Istanbul Jewelers Chamber has issued a guarantee label for its members. The Istanbul Jewelers Chamber is warning against fraudulent social media advertisements offering cheap gold. Scammers are reportedly using fluctuating gold prices to lure victims into sharing identity photos or IBAN information. The chamber advises checking the legitimacy of companies before making payments to avoid identity theft. Fraudsters may also be tampering with the weight of the gold being sold.

The Turkish Social Security Institution has implemented new regulations for procuring medicines from abroad. This new system aims to increase transparency and competition, leading to more effective use of public funds through negotiated, lower-cost purchases. The changes are expected to enhance transparency and competition in the procurement process. Interested parties can submit offers, and the contract will be awarded to the most economically advantageous bid. The results must be reported to the Public Procurement Authority within 15 days. Turkey is implementing regulations for social media access for children under 15. This measure aims to increase parental mediation and control over children's online activities. Children under 15 will not be able to access social media without age verification.

A Greek music album encountered initial difficulties with public acceptance.

Restoration efforts in Turkey are multi-layered, including original materials and structural safety. Lead plating in certain areas has been removed and renewed. These efforts are part of comprehensive restoration work.

A fourth wave of operations has been launched in an ongoing bribery investigation targeting the head of the tax inspection board. Turkish authorities conducted a new operation in Istanbul targeting a bribery investigation involving tax inspectors. Eleven suspects were taken into custody as part of the investigation led by the Büyükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The probe originally began in 2024 following allegations of corruption among tax officials. New evidence has been uncovered linking several inspectors to bribery offenses. Police conducted raids on 12 locations, including eight nightclubs and four businesses, in Istanbul's Kadıköy district. Authorities detained 89 suspects during the operations targeting drug sales and distribution. Following judicial proceedings, 75 suspects were arrested while 14 were released under judicial control.

Goalkeeper Ederson punched the VAR booth before entering the tunnel after his team's 3-0 loss. The defeat isolates Galatasaray further in the league lead, extending their advantage to 7 points over second-place Fenerbahçe. Ederson is considered a candidate for Brazil's national team in the next World Cup. Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Ederson of the Brazilian national team had a negative performance this weekend. He was expelled after receiving a second yellow card in the derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe. His team lost the match 3-0.

Staying mentally and physically active in retirement is for brain health, according to a Turkish saying, 'Working iron does not rust.' Engaging in activities that stimulate the brain and maintaining physical fitness can prevent cognitive decline. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle after retirement is for overall well-being.

The new action and science fiction film 'Chanderballs,' featuring dark characters from the Marvel universe, is now showing in cinemas. The movie is noted for its high-paced scenes.