Stories from Turkey

The 15th annual Oat Festival took place in Çeşme, Izmir, featuring the theme 'Roots to the World' for its international edition. A parade accompanied by bands was held on the fourth day of the festival on April 23. The event is noted as a driver for regional economies during the spring season. Attendees observed decorated cars, clowns, and colorful clothing during the festivities.

Turkey is attempting to attract foreign investors and professionals by offering tax residency incentives. The current Turkish tax system for new residents is described as complex and expensive. The strategy aims to mitigate previous economic challenges including public revenue declines and high debt levels. Historical debt reached levels of $132 billion during periods of economic instability. The government seeks to transition from traditional pension models to capitalization-based systems to stabilize finances. Turkey has made gains in becoming a global investment leader. Recent events have demonstrated Turkey's position as an island of stability in its region. Investors fleeing other countries are now directing their attention to Turkey, indicating a flow of capital into the nation.

A wildfire has reignited in the Shile Karakiraz neighborhood, moving from the Kılıçlı neighborhood of Bekhoz. Emergency teams are attempting to control the blaze using forest paths. Strong winds are expected to impact firefighting efforts in the coming hours. A forest fire has reignited in the region spanning from the Kılıçlı neighborhood in Bekhoz toward the Kara Kiras neighborhood in Şilen. Emergency crews are currently attempting to extinguish the flames using forest access roads. Firefighting teams are using forest paths to access the blaze and are bracing for incoming strong winds that may impact containment.

A wildfire in the Shile Karakiraz area has reignited despite previous containment efforts. Despite these efforts, the fire resumed and remains active. Firefighting teams are working to control a wildfire in the forested area bordering the Beykoz and Şile districts. Aerial intervention was attempted during daylight hours using water from nearby ponds. As darkness fell, aircraft were unable to operate, forcing the deployment of numerous ground firefighting teams and water tankers. Crews are currently clearing paths to access the heart of the forest to reach active fire points. Due to darkness, aerial operations have ceased, and numerous firefighting teams and water tenders have been deployed to the site. Flames are visibly advancing from the Beykoz Kılıçlı neighborhood toward the Shile Karakiraz location.

Galatasaray players and supporters have expressed dissatisfaction with officiating in the Turkish League. Following a match, the club released a statement via social media criticizing the referees' conduct and intentions.

Eviction lawsuits between tenants and property owners in Turkey rose from 42,000 cases in 2022 to 127,000 cases in 2024. The Ministry of Justice is attempting to reduce case volumes through a mediation system. Disputes between landlords and tenants have intensified due to difficulties in reaching mutual agreements. Enforcement cases rose from 27,000 in 2022 to 39,000 in 2025. This represents a 45% increase over a four-year period. The surge in legal disputes is driven by rising housing pressures in cities like Istanbul. The increase reflects a upward trend in legal disputes regarding real estate. The data was reported by NTV Radyo. A young person in Turkey became a victim after providing an IBAN number, leading to their bank account being used for fraudulent activities. The individual is facing 70 lawsuits and has been imprisoned three times.

Barış Alper Yılmaz scored his eighth goal of the current Super Lig season. Galatasaray currently leads Fenerbahçe 2-0 following the goal. The match has seen a red card issued and multiple player substitutions. Galatasaray's lead could extend their advantage to seven points if they secure a victory with three weeks remaining in the league. The broadcast noted intense play from Davinson Sanchez and Noa Lang during the 70th minute. Mert Günok controlled the ball following a near-collision with Met Günok. The play involved passes from Kante and Archibald. The play involved a corner kick sequence involving Okanburuk's tactical changes. Goalkeeper Mert Günok prevented a third goal in the 83rd minute. The match features Galatasaray and involves players such as Yunus Akanat and Osman. The attempt followed a corner kick sequence involving Yunus Akgün and Noalan.

Hearts secured a 2-1 victory against Derby in Edinburgh to maintain their position at the top of the league standings. Rival Fenerbahçe remains at 67 points. Galatasaray secured a 3-0 victory against Fenerbahçe during the 31st week of the Trendyol Süper Lig. This victory significantly increases the likelihood of Galatasaray securing a fourth consecutive championship. The match was described as a derby win for the championship race. Barış Alper Yılmaz scored a penalty to extend the lead to two goals. Torreira scored in the 83rd minute to determine the derby result. In EuroCup competition, Beşiktaş also secured a championship title by defeating a Spanish opponent. These victories occurred within the context of Turkish wheelchair basketball competitions. The matches featured high-stakes play for regional titles. Both teams had goals disallowed for offside in the second half.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has granted foreign trade capital company status to 10 additional firms. This brings the total number of registered companies in this category to 103. The move aims to bolster export-oriented operations.

Divers have successfully removed 416,000 square meters of abandoned fishing gear, known as ghost nets, from sea and inland waters. This cleanup effort reportedly saved approximately 1.5 million marine animals from death last year. The operation included releasing juvenile fish back into the sea to support species continuity. Data indicates approximately 1.5 million marine animals were saved from death last year through these cleanup efforts. Divers targeted deep-sea areas to remove the discarded equipment. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry reported that 438 million square meters of aquatic ecosystems were scanned last year.