Stories from Turkey

An estimated 1,000 kilometers of fishing nets are discarded into the sea each year.

Children as young as five years old are being diagnosed with hypertension. Sedentary lifestyles and processed foods contribute to obesity and hypertension in young children. This trend is becoming almost a norm among children. The child fainted at school, requiring an ambulance and medical attention. Doctors observed that children are often influenced by social media content, leading them to imitate behaviors seen online. This imitation contributes to the rise in childhood hypertension. Experts recommend annual blood pressure checks for children after the age of three. Hypertension in adults often originates from damage sustained in early childhood. Untreated, it can lead to cardiac arrest and harm to marine populations when discarded fishing gear sinks to the seabed. A study found that cancerous tumors may present without pain.

Turkey has enabled purchases to be made using the Faster Payment System (SBP) in Istanbul and on the coast of the Aegean Sea. The system is available in shops, cafes, and souvenir stores. However, Russian tourists are advised not to rely on SBP for now, as the processes are not fully understood in all formats, particularly in resort areas. The system is designed to ensure the timely transfer of real estate sale prices. A usage fee will be collected from each transaction processed through the system, which will be deducted from the amounts transferred to the seller. The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey announced that studies regarding the extension of foreign exchange conversion support are nearing completion. These measures target exporters and producers. The scope of the system, previously used for second-hand vehicle sales, will now cover property transactions.

Turkey has ratified an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 41% reduction and carbon neutrality by 2053. The country updated its climate law, national contribution statement, and policies for 2024-2030. This agreement was signed in 2021 and approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly on October 6, 2021. Turkey has ratified a climate agreement, signaling a commitment to environmental goals. Reforestation and afforestation projects are considered strategically for building a climate-resilient society and preventing land degradation. These efforts are for reducing greenhouse gases and mitigating global warming. The country's geographical location makes it vulnerable to climate change impacts, necessitating careful management of natural resources and reduced carbon emissions.

New legislation is being considered in Turkey, with proponents urging its swift passage through parliament.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at an OECD summit in Istanbul, focusing on Turkey's economic transformation. He highlighted the impact of technological advancements on production methods and job markets. Erdoğan noted the rise of fully automated factories, referred to as 'dark factories,' and the emergence of new job opportunities alongside the transformation of existing professions. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the OECD 2026 Skills Summit in Istanbul, highlighting the transformation of professions due to technological advancements. He noted that established norms in employment are being disrupted. Erdoğan said that managing and directing these changes correctly is within Turkey's control. He stated that it is not possible to prevent change, but decision-makers must correctly interpret and direct it.

Parents are urged to actively engage in their children's playtime to ensure their safety and learning. This active involvement is for both educational development and protecting children from potential dangers associated with their games. If a child is already addicted to gaming, parents should begin intervention immediately. Parents in Turkey are being advised to monitor their children's play. Questions should include whether the child communicates with strangers within games, if there are advertisements, or elements that could lead to purchases. It is also recommended to inquire about violence within games and the specific elements present. Parents and all adults are urged to take digital literacy very seriously due to the dangers of the virtual world. Violence in digital games is a concern for children this week. The virtual world can become dangerous even for adults.

The novel 'Gazanfer Paşa'nın Bir İkincisi' by Selim Nüsret Gerçek has been adapted by Hakan Müstürcü and Hasan Çelik for Türkiye İş Bankası Kültür Yayınları. Gerçek, who lived from 1891 to 1945, was the brother of writer Abdülhak Şinasi Hisar and held a unique place in Turkish literature. He completed his primary education at Gazi Osman Paşa ibtidai mektebi in Rumeli Hisarı and graduated from Galatasaray mekteb-i Sultanisi's Turkish department, later earning a degree in literature from the University of Geneva.

Upcoming municipal meetings in Turkey will primarily focus on urban planning and development. Following a period of clarification, the main agenda item for upcoming meetings and discussions will involve municipalities.

The Super Lotto jackpot has surpassed 600 million lira. Players can purchase tickets at the nearest authorized retailer or online through Milli Piyango. The advertisement also highlights a specific baby food product, Aliyanz, which offers benefits such as gram gold for infants up to one year old and an additional 5% contribution on every birthday until age 18. This record prize has increased customer traffic at retailers. This figure has increased public interest, leading to crowds at lottery retailers, particularly in Istanbul's Bostancı district. The intensity of these crowds escalates on drawing days. Citizens are flocking to vendors to buy lottery tickets, with demand increasing. Birth dates, special days, and personally numbers are being chosen. Dreams of winning the 942 million lira jackpot are being considered.