Stories from Turkey

Turkish rental eviction lawsuits decreased to 82,000 cases in 2025 after rising from 42,000 in 2022 to 127,000 in 2024. The Ministry of Justice data indicates that the mediation system was introduced to reduce case volumes. However, the system has faced challenges as parties reportedly use mediation as leverage in disputes. The trend follows a spike in litigation during 2024. Rental eviction filings in Turkey decreased to 82,000 in 2025. Total eviction cases in Turkey rose from 27,000 in 2022 to 39,000 in 2025. This represents a 45% increase over the four-year period. In Mersin, an adjacent building was evacuated and ordered for demolition after its load-bearing columns were damaged during the demolition of a nearby apartment. Landlords are increasingly using specific legal leverage in rental disputes.

Former Tunceli governor Tuncay Sonel has been arrested and charged with complicity in murder, evidence tampering, and document forgery in connection with the 2018 disappearance of Gülistan Doku. Doku's body is being searched for using cadaver dogs in difficult terrain. Also arrested are former chief physician Çağdaş Özdemir, suspected of deleting hospital records, and former İŞKUR provincial director Özdemir Aktaş, accused of pressuring Doku's family. The investigation into Doku's disappearance is ongoing, with 12 individuals now detained.

An intelligence agent was shot in Turkey. The suspect was apprehended quickly and was found to be carrying multiple weapons.

Turkish national boxer Emirhan Kalkan faced Russian boxer Garagov in a match that escalated into a physical altercation. Tensions began in the third round following alleged disrespectful gestures by the Russian team toward the Turkish team. The dispute quickly spread to the stands, resulting in thrown chairs and physical fighting between spectators. Security personnel intervened to control the crowd and restore order.

Historically, women instrumentalists faced challenges as instruments were often associated with masculinity, making it difficult for female performers to gain recognition.

A five-year-old boy, Abdullah Tokdemir, died following an accident in Eskişehir. A four-year-old boy, Emre Can Demir, was also injured on Wednesday when a window pane from an apartment building fell while he was walking with an umbrella. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Local reports indicate the incident occurred in Eskişehir. Authorities are monitoring the situation regarding the cause of the glass breakage. No specific medical status for the child was provided.

A major organization in Turkey is projected to generate over $100 million in economic activity by 2027. Tourists attending the event are expected to spend an average of more than $3,000 per person. Hotel occupancy rates are forecasted to increase by 20% during the period. The food and beverage sector is anticipated to see a 60% increase in turnover. For comparison, a similar event held in Turkey in 2021 contributed $100 million to the economy.

TUSAŞ has delivered the jet-powered 'Super Lightning' Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to the Turkish Armed Forces last month. The system is designed to operate with high maneuverability to evade detection. The aircraft utilizes variable radar speeds to maneuver like a chameleon in flight. The platform is designed for training air force personnel, producing decoy targets, and executing various mission scenarios. It features a multi-role structure suitable for modern aerial warfare. The platform can be deployed from ground-based rocket-assisted systems or launched from unmanned aerial vehicles such as Anka, Anka-3, and Aksungur. The system supports swarm flight concepts, allowing multiple units to perform coordinated missions simultaneously. The delivery follows preparations for upcoming mass events and union celebrations.

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel addressed economic issues during a visit to Sakarya. He proposed raising the minimum wage to 39,000 lira if his party takes power. He also pledged to increase the lowest retirement pension to 39,000 lira. The leader's itinerary included stops in Manisa and Sakarya.

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel repeated a call for by-elections during a speech in Sakarya. Özel stated that the process for these elections would begin soon. He noted that the outcome of upcoming matches or events could influence future political destinies. The leader said the importance of the current political landscape in Turkey. Özel stated that the opposition no longer seeks anything from President Erdoğan or the AK Party. He said the demand for the establishment of ballot boxes, noting that the constitution allows for by-elections in eight locations across seven electoral districts. The call includes regions such as Afyon and Kırıkkale. He stated that if his party takes power, they will implement this wage alongside increases for the lowest pension amounts. The announcement focused on economic reforms and addressing the cost of living.