Stories from Turkey

Street gangs in Turkey are increasingly recruiting minors under the age of 18 to act as hitmen. Criminal groups use social media platforms to lure children with promises of easy money. These recruits are provided with weapons and motorcycles to carry out crimes. The trend is described as a sign of social collapse linked to educational disconnection and excessive social media use. The Gülistan 9 investigation has reopened several unsolved cold cases in Turkey. Authorities are specifically re-examining the 26-year-old disappearance of Silem Özdemir, who went missing at age 5. The family of the missing child is awaiting the results of this renewed inquiry. The investigation is part of a broader effort to shed light on unsolved 'Gülistan 9' files.

Turkish authorities seized 84 fishing vessels, 2,394 hunting tools, and 550 tons of aquatic products to protect marine ecosystems. Last year, officials released 83,746,240 juvenile fish into seas and inland waters to support biodiversity. In 2025, authorities conducted 207,371 inspections aimed at preserving aquatic life. Professor Mustafa Sarıya noted that seagrass meadows hold 35 times more carbon than tropical forests per unit area. These meadows serve as a critical foundation for the marine ecosystem.

Structures have been detected beneath rock formations in the Mount Ararat region of Turkey through external scanning. Archaeological excavation is set to begin near Mount Ararat on June 26. Geological structures resembling a boat have been identified near Mount Ararat. Scientists are investigating whether these formations are natural or man-made. One theory suggests a global catastrophe occurred approximately 12,000 years ago due to global warming. Satellite imagery and rock density analysis are being used to study the site. Researcher Nikolay Sudarev notes that biblical myths regarding the Ark may be based on Middle Eastern traditions. These accounts are linked to ancient literary works like the Epic of Gilgamesh. The research suggests these motifs existed between the 15th and 6th centuries BCE.

Turkey has initiated a project to clean abandoned or lost fishing gear, known as 'ghost nets,' from marine and inland waters. The initiative aims to protect aquatic ecosystems by removing these hazardous tools. Over the past eleven years, approximately 3 million square meters of ghost nets have been removed from the seas. The project has already scanned 805 million square meters of marine area. This effort targets the environmental damage caused by discarded fishing equipment. The initiative prevented the deaths of 8,448 aquatic animals and supported the release of over 83.7 million juvenile fish into marine and inland waters last year. In 2025, authorities conducted 207,371 inspections, resulting in the seizure of 550 tons of seafood, 2,394 fishing tools, and 84 fishing vessels.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held discussions regarding the mediation process between the United States and Iran. Fidan spoke via telephone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Istakhar. The talks focused on evaluating the current stage of the mediation efforts. Turkey is closely monitoring the developments between the two nations. The initiative aims to detect high-risk households early to strengthen family structures. The program involves coordination between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of National Education, and the Ministry of Health. Social investigation reports will be used to guide interventions and support for these families. Turkish authorities are implementing a new security monitoring system starting Monday to enhance student safety.

Russian tourists can now pay for purchases in rubles at several hotels and medical centers in the Turkish resort of Antalya. Payments can be made using QR codes or cash. This capability has been confirmed by reporters in the region.

Prosecutors are seeking up to 15 years in prison for the owner and manager of a hotel following a fire that caused the death of Fikriye Usta. The charges involve causing multiple deaths through negligence. During the first hearing, two defendants were placed under house arrest and banned from traveling abroad. The court has postponed the second hearing to allow for a discovery process regarding the incident.

Mili Kaya Kçüverkin and Fikriye Usta died following a vehicle fire. Emergency response was delayed because one vehicle ran out of water and another had a faulty hose. Firefighters from a center 45 minutes away were expected to arrive to manage the growing blaze. The incident was reported on the front page of Posta newspaper.

The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry reports that 805 million square meters of marine area were cleaned between 2014 and 2025. The project, initiated in 2014, targets the removal of abandoned or lost fishing gear from the seas. Approximately 10 million marine organisms have been saved as a result of these efforts. Officials state it may take four years for the ecosystem to fully recover its original function. Approximately 332,061 pieces of debris were removed from the sea during this period. Over 83 million juvenile fish were released back into the sea last year. Efforts to combat invasive pufferfish in the Mediterranean Sea are ongoing, with approximately 80 million pufferfish prevented from entering the ecosystem since 2020.

A successful remote surgery was performed on a test animal using 5G technology. The procedure established a simultaneous connection between two centers located in different geographic areas. This development marks a advancement in the application of 5G and 5G-related technologies originally envisioned for wartime use. The operation was completed successfully without complications. The procedure utilized high-speed imaging and real-time coordination between two medical centers. This technology allows surgeons to perform operations and provide remote training to medical staff from different locations.