Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

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.

An 89-year-old woman passed away in the Fatih district of Istanbul after suffering a heart attack. Emergency responders faced significant difficulty accessing the residence due to narrow streets, delaying the ambulance's arrival. The incident highlights ongoing local concerns regarding emergency service accessibility in dense urban neighborhoods. The suspect, identified as the victim's husband's wife, was arrested following the incident. The shooting reportedly stemmed from a dispute between the couple.

The Borsa Istanbul has been officially recognized as a recognized exchange by the United Kingdom's HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This status is significant as the exchange accounts for approximately 40% of the group's revenues. The inclusion in this high-profile list follows recent market activity in Turkey. This designation includes the exchange in a prestigious global list of trading venues. The announcement follows recent market activity and updates regarding Borsa Istanbul's operational status.

The United Kingdom has officially recognized Borsa Istanbul as a recognized stock exchange. This international validation is expected to impact market access and trading integration for the Turkish exchange. This designation follows recent market fluctuations in the BIST 100 index. The index recently tested the 14,339 point level.