Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Turkey is commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings on April 25, 1915. Allied forces attempted to pass through the Dardanelles by sea but were met by Turkish forces upon landing in Gallipoli, with the 27th Regiment holding the line for several hours.

Turkish officials have commented on statements made by the European Commission President regarding Turkey's geopolitical positioning. They emphasized Turkey's role as a long-standing NATO ally and its significant contributions to the European economy, while also noting its strategic importance. Turkey's status as a NATO and EU member was discussed, with the source noting that Turkey is seen as a valuable country by its neighbors. The country has a strong leader, and energy prices have risen.

The largest social housing project in Turkish history has begun with lottery draws in Istanbul. The individuals were found guilty of defrauding companies attempting to secure tenders for earthquake housing projects. The defendants posed as public officials to facilitate the fraud. He said urban transformation as the primary solution for Istanbul's security and urban needs. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Turkey. The TOKI housing project in Istanbul features units designed at 80 square meters. One-plus-one units are designed at 55 square meters, while two-plus-one units will be 65 or 80 square meters. These units are being constructed by the Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKI). Reporters are currently showcasing sample apartments to provide details on the housing quality.

Turkish authorities are expanding tax advantages for institutions operating within the Istanbul Financial Center. The move aims to encourage global corporations to relocate their headquarters to the Istanbul Financial Center. The minister stated that 2026 is designated as a year for reform with comprehensive structural steps on the agenda. The goal is to establish Turkey as a regional finance and trade hub. Additionally, a radical step was taken to reduce corporate tax rates for exporters. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced new tax advantages last Friday. The corporate tax rate for exporters will be reduced from 20% to 9%. The measures aim to alleviate pressure on the labor market in the medium term. The standard corporate tax rate is 25%, but exporters will now benefit from a reduced rate of 14%.

Advanced digital watches are utilizing AI to monitor physiological data, including blood flow and vein vibrations. This technology can provide insights into a person's oxygen levels and other vital metrics.

Artificial intelligence tools are expected to significantly assist doctors in their work, acting as partners rather than competitors. This collaboration aims to improve patient care and streamline medical processes. The integration of AI is seen as a positive development for the healthcare profession.

Artificial intelligence can analyze brain MRIs to predict future health outcomes, potentially warning individuals of risks 5 to 15 years in advance. This technology allows for proactive monitoring and intervention based on AI-driven insights derived from medical imaging.

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.