Stories from Turkey

Experts report tension has built up on the Osmaniye fault line, which could potentially trigger an earthquake of magnitude 7 or greater. Annual earthquake counts in the region rose to over 50,000 in 2025, compared to the typical range of 18,000 to 24,000.

A lawyer has requested DNA testing to identify four individuals killed in Kahramanmaraş in 2023. The request seeks to compare DNA from the victims with blood samples from suspects. Currently, only two pieces of physical evidence are available in the investigation.

Coded messages reveal allegations that Gülistan Dokun was organizedly eliminated. Retired homicide detective Savaş Kurt discussed the case with a CNN Türk reporter, noting that the killer has not been found since the incident occurred.

Correspondence has emerged between Celal Altaş and his son Umut Altaş, a fugitive key figure in the investigation into the murder of Gülistan Doku.

Police arrested 29 people during an operation targeting corruption allegations in the Halfeti district of Şanlıurfa. One suspect remains at large, according to the report. Suspects, including a former AK Party mayor named Şeref Al Bayrak, face charges of establishing a criminal organization, corruption, and providing illegal benefits. Authorities arrested 29 people, including former Akbari Halife Mayor, as part of a corruption investigation in Turkey. The probe, led by the Şanlıurfa Biricik Chief Public Prosecutor, covers activities between 2019 and 2024. Turkish authorities conducted an operation on April 24 involving inspectors' reports and tax audit findings. The probe includes former Akvartili Mayor Şeref Albayrak and 50 other individuals, including municipal deputies and department managers. According to the source, 29 people, including Albayrak, have been arrested.

Van Ramírez González won the third stage of a race in Turkey, covering 132.7 kilometers between Marmaris and Kiran. The victory places him in the lead of the general classification.

The ratio of non-performing loans to total receivables in Turkish banks has reached 4.27 percent. This figure exceeds the maximum levels of 3.5 to 4 percent observed during previous economic crises.

Turkish authorities arrested dozens of journalists, opposition figures, and union leaders in Istanbul ahead of May 1. Euro-news reported nearly 40 arrests occurred in the city. The source noted that such arrests are a frequent occurrence in the country.

The Manisa tulip, an endemic species, is currently under protection in its natural habitats in Manisa. The tulips remain viable for only 10 days after blooming. Authorities are applying fines to individuals caught picking the flowers. The species typically emerges at the end of April. Authorities are applying large fines to individuals who uproot bulbs or pluck leaves. The plants often survive only 10 days due to human interference. These tulips typically emerge at the end of April in the Sipild Ayatek region. Endemic Manisa tulips have begun blooming on the slopes of Sipildagi in Manisa. Authorities have implemented protections for this regional species. Individuals caught picking the flowers face a fine of approximately 700,000 lira. Turkey has increased penalties for harvesting endemic Manisa tulip species under the Environmental Law.

Investigators have taken a new step in the 26-year-old investigation into the 2000 murder of 15-year-old Çağla Tuğaltay in Istanbul's Şişli district. Three separate DNA samples have been discovered, suggesting more than one person may be involved. Authorities have requested to exhume the graves of four deceased individuals to compare DNA with samples from Tuğaltay. Three distinct DNA profiles have been identified, suggesting the involvement of multiple individuals rather than a single killer. The investigation seeks to determine if these profiles link to the unsolved homicide. Twelve suspects have been arrested in connection with the case. The investigation into the 26-year-old cold case has reached a new stage following these findings. Tuğaltay was killed in her home in Şişli, Istanbul, in 2000 when she was 15 years old.