Stories from Turkey

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.

CHP Chairman Ozgur Özel announced during a parliamentary group meeting that he will not resign. He stated the party will continue its struggle until the ballot box. The announcement follows discussions regarding his political roadmap. The announcement serves as a roadmap for the party's future political actions. Özel said a commitment to winning elections through a village-by-village and city-by-city strategy. He vowed to fight for the ballot boxes until the end. Özel said a commitment to fighting for votes in every village and town.

The suspects face charges of publicly insulting law enforcement and inciting hatred and hostility toward the public. Each suspect could face up to five years in prison.

The Ankara Development Agency has completed the HB program process in Ankara. As of today, projects for 25 cooperatives and unions have begun implementation. The agency will also make repayable financing support available to investors under the Green Grain program during 2026. This development marks the transition of green transformation in Ankara from the planning stage to concrete investment. The program has a total size of approximately $400 million. The initiative aims to implement green transformation investments on a larger scale in Ankara using a support mechanism. The agency stated that green transformation is a critical element of global competitiveness for investors and entrepreneurs. The initiative features a grant program implemented across 81 provinces. The program is supported by 400 million dollars from the UFON over the next four years.

Core personnel appointments have been completed for a planned multinational NATO headquarters to be established in Turkey. Turkey has appointed several new officials to provincial leadership roles. Yakup Nevşehir, the former governor of Aydın, has been appointed as the governor of Ankara. Maksut Yüksek, the former governor of Konya, will serve as the Ankara Provincial Police Chief. Fahri Aktaş, formerly the Manisa Provincial Police Chief, has been appointed to Mersin, while the Mersin Provincial Police Chief will move to Siirt. Additionally, Mehmet Gokhan Zengin and Mehmet Levent Kepçeli have been appointed to general directorate roles within the Ministry of Interior. A presidential decree has resulted in several administrative changes across Turkey. Abdullah Küçük, the District Governor of Güngören in Istanbul, has been appointed as the Governor of Adıyaman.