Stories from Turkey

A ceremony was held in Ankara to mark the anniversary of the Constitutional Court's founding. New member Şaban Kazdalı was sworn into office during the event. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the ceremony. Constitutional Court President Kadir Özkay said the importance of an independent judiciary in his speech. An investigation has been launched into a separate incident where a person's lifeless body was found near a riverbank. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended a ceremony in Ankara marking the 64th anniversary of the Constitutional Court. The event included the swearing-in of Şaban Kazdal as a member of the Constitutional Court. Following the ceremony, Erdogan presided over a meeting of the AK Party Central Executive Board. During the event, newly elected member Şaban Kazdağlı took the oath of office.

Changan announced the Aeon 07 model has been released in Europe and will be manufactured at the Hundai Motor factory in Hizmet. The vehicle features electric drive systems delivering up to 107.8 kW, 147 PS of power, and 250 Nm of torque. The announcement underscores the company's commitment to local production and development. This production move aims to support local development and manufacturing, according to the source.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has granted foreign trade capital company status to 10 additional entities. This brings the total number of such companies in the country to 103. This move aims to expand the number of entities authorized for international trade operations.

An eight-year-old child has been missing for three days after falling into a stream in Hakkari. Search efforts began on Sunday, but no trace of the child has been found yet. A guidance teacher reportedly advised the family to take specific precautions for their children, but the family allegedly remained indifferent to these warnings. The Ministry and the guidance teacher are looking to strengthen cooperation regarding such incidents. Search operations are underway for an 8-year-old child who fell into a stream in Hakkari on Sunday. Local residents are assisting teams in scanning the area along the stream. Teams are currently scanning along the stream from the point where the child fell.

The harvest season for 'Turfanda' potatoes, referred to as 'yellow gold,' has commenced in Adana, Turkey. Local producers reported that recent rainfall caused damage to some of the potato crops. The harvest involves collecting the produce into individual crates for distribution. The soil has turned red and potatoes were removed from the ground and placed into crates. The source noted that the expected yield from the potatoes will not be achieved. The 'Turfanda' potatoes, also known as 'Yellow Gold,' have begun being harvested and packed into crates. Transport costs are expected for moving the produce to regions like Antalya and Mersin. A man identified as 'Nejdat' was arrested last year in Izmir and sent to prison. Hundreds of debts from lands underwater have been reported. Farmers have begun working in sandy lands.

DNA profiles were extracted from fingernail samples obtained during the Çağlatu Altay murder investigation. Modern technology allows for DNA profiling even from ancient skeletons or decomposed remains, according to a report on the investigation into a young woman who disappeared six years ago in Gülistan. The case, initially treated as a suicide, has transitioned into a homicide investigation. While the death was initially reported as a suicide, the case has since transitioned into a murder investigation. The source noted that even after many years, DNA may be obtainable from remains depending on environmental conditions such as rainfall and soil organisms. The investigation is looking into a specific area identified as a void in the ground. Gendarmerie reports found oxidation and rust levels significantly above normal in the soil at the scene.

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.