Stories from Turkey

Specialist teams have been deployed to investigate areas where a body may be buried in Gülistan. The operation is being coordinated by ANTS and is supported by MIT and police forces. Previous underground imaging scans identified a suspicious void in the area, though no bones or physical evidence were found at that time. The Gendarmerie General Command is providing additional support to the investigation.

Security forces conducted a raid on a location containing a hidden underground water reservoir used for storage. Authorities seized 3,092 pistol manufacturing parts and 1,869 slides along with numerous other weapon components. Drone surveillance was utilized to detect movement and identify the underground storage site before the operation. The seizure involves quantities of components used for illegal firearm production.

Turkish authorities arrested 12 suspects, including former Tunceli Governor Tuncay Sonel and his son, in connection with a murder investigation. Teams are using infrared underground imaging devices to conduct searches in caves and suspicious areas. New evidence has emerged suggesting the individuals did not simply disappear but were killed. Investigators are currently searching for remains to confirm the findings and establish a complete timeline. The exact number of confirmed fatalities remains under investigation. Police investigation into the disappearance of Gülistan has uncovered new evidence involving Mustafa Türkay Soneli, son of former governor Tuncay Soneli. Vehicle registration records show Mustafa acquired a car of the same color and model as the one used during Gülistan's disappearance on January 5.

Authorities in Trabzon have decided to demolish an elevator system and illegal structures built into the cliffs. The investigation revealed that the elevator was installed by hollowing out the cliffs. The decision follows the discovery of these unauthorized constructions. Local officials have ordered the sealing of the site and the removal of the illegal buildings. The structures were located on cliffs reaching 40 meters in height near the Lara coast. The illegal construction included an elevator system carved into the rock and iron stairs. These cliffs are part of a protected area characterized by rare tufa coastal formations.

The Turkish Ministry has granted foreign trade capital company status to 10 additional firms. This move follows diplomatic efforts at the WTO summit to reach a $140 billion trade target. This designation brings the total number of companies holding this status to 103.

A 22-year-old man was hospitalized after losing his balance in a mountainous area near Doğanlar Kalesi. Emergency teams rescued the individual from the site and provided initial medical intervention before transport. A separate landslide in Trabzon caused rock fragments and water to flood the rooms of a two-story house. The homeowner was not present during the incident and escaped injury. A landslide occurred in the Dolaylı neighborhood of the Ortahisar district in Trabzon. The landslide struck a two-story house owned by Hakkı Boza, breaking walls and windows and filling the kitchen and bedroom with soil and debris. Hakkı Boza's son, who was staying at the house, was hospitalized following the event. Boza avoided injury because he was away at a doctor's appointment during the slide. Debris and water filled the kitchen and bedroom of the residence.

Archaeologists unearthed a 2-meter-long white marble statue of Athena during excavations in Laka Diya. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nur Erso stated the piece reflects the classical style of the Augustus period. The discovery is noted for its high artistic quality and significance to ancient theater and mythology. The find provides insight into public life during the classical era. Excavations in the region are expected to continue in the coming days.

Turkish Ministry of Trade teams are conducting field inspections following reports of extreme price inflation on food staples. Parsley prices reportedly rose from 5 lira at the producer level to 20 lira on retail shelves. Bell peppers purchased for 42 lira and 63 lira are being sold in markets for 250 lira. Analysts suggest some price increases reach 7.5 times the original cost. The Ministry is investigating tax declarations and profit margins to address the price spiral.

Three defendants received prison sentences ranging from 9 to 65 years for qualified fraud and forgery of official documents. The court also imposed judicial fines totaling 847 million Turkish Liras. The case was processed through the Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. An ongoing investigation into drug trafficking continues in the fourth district of Istanbul. Prosecutors have requested prison sentences ranging from 31 to 69 years for defendants facing six separate crimes. The charges include fraud committed through the use of public institutions and organizations. The court ruled that the defendants will remain in custody and adjourned the trial until May 12.

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced that 42 million people have been screened for chronic diseases via family physicians. Approximately 10.6 million individuals were identified as being at risk. Currently, 5 million people are under active monitoring and treatment by family physicians. Patients are referred to hospitals for specialized care when necessary. The initiative aims to expand cancer treatment capabilities, with progress expected by the end of 2026. Current medical centers in the country provide free screenings for colorectal, breast, and uterine cancers. The minister said the importance of early detection over fear of the disease.