Stories from Turkey

A fugitive suspect, Umut Altaş, has threatened to contact prosecutors to reveal information if his financial demands are not met.

The Borsa Istanbul (BIST 100) has been recognized as a stock exchange by the United Kingdom's HM Revenue and Customs. Approximately 40 people, including journalists, opposition members, and dissidents, were arrested in Istanbul ahead of May Day demonstrations. Police conducted searches at an attorney's residence and the offices of opposition newspapers. The Procurdem party, the third largest force in parliament, denounced the operations as targeting the left and socialists. The demonstrations are traditionally subject to intense police surveillance.

The city of Edirne expects approximately 60,000 visitors for the upcoming Kakava and Hızır Ellez festivals scheduled for May 5-6. The Turkish Hotel Association predicts attendance would exceed 100,000 if the event fell on a weekend. Local merchants are reportedly prepared for the spring celebrations. Edirne is preparing for the Drallez and Kakaba festivals scheduled for May 5-6. Approximately 7,000 square meters of area have been allocated for the event. Professional sand sculptors from various countries will work for several days on themes including space adventure and time travel. One sculpture is inspired by the research of Einstein and Stephen Hawking. The Kakava and Hıdırellez festivals, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, will be celebrated in Edirne on May 5-6. Hotel reservations in the city have nearly reached 100% capacity.

Fruit and vegetable prices in Turkish markets have decreased compared to previous weeks, according to Yüksel Tavşan, President of the Turkish Fruit Buyers Federation. The price drop follows a reduction in frost risk and warmer weather, which has increased product supply. The source noted that the abundance of products is reflecting in market prices. Increased product availability and higher supply levels have led to a decrease in fruit prices in Turkey.

Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek met with foreign media in Ankara to discuss the 'Century of Türkiye' investment program. Ersoy noted that despite the negative effects of the America-Israel-Iran war that began on February 28, visitor numbers reached 3 million in March. This follows a total of 2,995,000 visitors last year. The Turkish President issued a decree increasing the tax deduction for certain service exports to 100 percent. This applies to income from architecture, engineering, design, software, education, and health services provided to foreign clients. The full income must be brought into Turkey to qualify for the deduction. The regulation is effective for taxation periods starting January 1, 2026. Income and corporate taxpayers providing services such as architecture, engineering, design, software, education, and health abroad can receive an 80% tax reduction.

Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced that all preparations for the Turkish Antarctic Science Base are complete. Kacır stated that environmental impact assessment studies were successfully conducted. The ministry plans to construct the base in the upcoming period to facilitate research in fields ranging from climate change to medicine. The facility will support scientific research in various fields including medicine and climate change. Research at the base will cover various fields including climate change and medicine. Minister Kacir announced that Turkey has submitted an application for advisory member status in the Antarctic Treaty Council. Turkey currently holds non-advisory member status within the organization. The announcement was made during a photo exhibition regarding the country's scientific journey to Antarctica.

Hamdi Karakuş, aged 41, disappeared on April 1, 2006. Witnesses reported he was abducted near the Madia Mosque. The incident follows a previous assault on July 17, 2005, where Karakuş was beaten by ethnic groups. Suspects had previously intercepted and beaten him while he was being taken to Ankara. According to reports, suspects intercepted Karakuş a month after that assault and assaulted him in Ankara before he returned to his village.

Police in Eskişehir identified DNA on a rifle butt belonging to Hamdi Karakuş, who disappeared twenty years ago. The investigation was reopened by the JASAT team. Authorities are currently processing a suspect in custody regarding the case. The investigation involves twelve individuals. Forensic analysis identified DNA on a rifle butt that matches Karakuş. DNA found on a weapon's stock has been linked to Hamdi Karakuş, a 41-year-old man who went missing on April 1, 2006. Karakuş was previously assaulted by 12 individuals on July 17, 2005, resulting in the loss of vision in one eye. The assault reportedly occurred in his village, and suspects later intercepted him in Ankara. Witnesses stated Karakuş was abducted near the Madia Mosque.

Umut Altaş, identified as a key figure in the Gulistan Nine murder investigation, claims his father had knowledge of the events. Altaş stated to prosecutors that he intends to disclose all information he possesses. Correspondence between Altaş and his father from approximately four months ago has reportedly been uncovered. Altaş claimed in messages that his father was aware of everything and sent him to the United States for that reason. The suspect reportedly threatened to contact the prosecutor and reveal all known information if his father failed to send requested funds to his account. Altaş allegedly stated his father sent him to America to evade the investigation. Authorities have launched an investigation into Yusuf Çekli, the father of a suspect involved in a stabbing incident. The investigation follows reports that the weapon used, a switchblade, belongs to Yusuf Çekli.

Heavy rainfall in Gaziantep caused flooding in the Şahin Bey district. One person, identified as 34-year-old Mehmet Oğlakçı, is reported dead after failing to return home following the floods. Local authorities reported that the rainfall led to flooding in the area. His family filed a missing person report after he failed to return home following the event. One person died after being caught in the floodwaters. Authorities conducted search operations following the incident. Search efforts were initiated after his family reported him missing. The source reported the death following the severe weather event. Heavy rainfall caused local streams to overflow their banks, according to reports.