Stories from Turkey

The Halkalı Kapı Kule High-Speed Train project successfully completed its first test runs. The system is designed to reach speeds of 200 kilometers per hour. A dual rail system will allow for both passenger and freight transport. The project aims to reduce travel time between Edirne and Istanbul to 1.5 hours. This infrastructure is intended to modernize Turkey's rail connections with Europe. The project is not mandatory until July 2026. The 300-kilometer railway line includes segments between Çerkezköy and Kapı Kule, Çerkezköy and Isparta Kule, and Isparta Kule and Halkalı. Work on the initial Çerkezköy to Kapı Kule section is nearing completion. These segments include the 173-kilometer Kapıkule to Çerkezköy stretch, the 67-kilometer Çerkezköy to Isparta Kule stretch, and the 8.4-kilometer Isparta Kule to Halkalı stretch.

Lawyer Ali Çimen raised allegations regarding a missing six-hour camera recording in the investigation involving nine individuals in Istanbul. A family member claims that prosecutors have not yet taken statements from several individuals identified as being present in a home where a death occurred. The family alleges that digital examinations and protective measures have not been implemented despite claims of flight risk among suspects. There is currently no information regarding correspondence between individuals or whether the death was a suspicious fall or a push from above. He requested that the prosecutor examine the case under provisions of the Turkish Penal Code regarding intentional homicide and death caused by negligent behavior. Previously, the Istanbul 12th Family Court had granted custody of a surviving sibling to the father.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar was questioned by the AK Party group regarding claims that a mining company has failed to pay worker wages. The Ministry of Energy is reportedly involved in the ongoing discussion and process regarding these unpaid claims.

Muhsin Ertuğrul has died at the age of 87.

A father in Istanbul was caught by police while allowing his 13-year-old son to drive a vehicle. The father reportedly stated he allowed the child to drive because the boy wanted to. The incident occurred during a police traffic inspection.

Harbunay University in Şanlıurfa has launched a project to train qualified personnel in the maintenance and repair of next-generation electric vehicles. The initiative aims to integrate theoretical lessons with practical industrial applications. The project focuses on bringing educational training directly into industrial environments. The initiative provides simulation-supported training to participants who subsequently apply their skills within the industry. The program aims to increase the professional competence of students and provide graduates with skills that contribute directly to the sector. The initiative is intended to address the shortage of qualified personnel required in industrial sites.

Helicopters and F-16 fighter jets flew over the stadium during a Zira Türkiye Kupası Quarter Final match between Konya Spor and Fenerbahçe. The event took place on April 21 during the match. Footage of the helicopters has been shared on social media.

A family has filed a complaint following an assault on a student in Istanbul. Medical examinations, including a CT scan, reportedly showed evidence of physical abuse in the ear cavity. One suspect, a father, was placed under house arrest, while a mother and grandmother were released under judicial control. The victim's family intends to appeal the court's decision. The incident allegedly occurred inside a classroom in front of other students. Prosecutors are seeking up to 450 years in prison for Aziz İhsan Aktaş, identified as a criminal organization leader, and up to 337 years for former Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akbolat. The victim reported being dragged by the hair to the front of the classroom. The incident occurred after the child's family reported the matter to the school.

Authorities are seeking to compare DNA samples from four graves with a sample from Tuval Tayh to advance a 26-year-old investigation. Investigators have identified three distinct DNA profiles at addresses in Istanbul and Kocaeli, suggesting multiple individuals are involved.

Turkey has changed the training requirements for obtaining motor vehicle trade authorization certificates. The amendment also mandates that businesses must update their authorization documents if any information contained within them changes.