Stories from Turkey

A long-term archaeological excavation is scheduled to begin in Baygurt around June 26. The project aims to uncover historical life rather than serving as a mere rescue excavation. Researchers expect the findings to increase the regional popularity and recognition of Baygurt. The excavation will focus on revealing long-term historical settlements in the area. The site includes the Baygurt Castle, which serves as a historical and tourist attraction. Local visitors frequently visit the location due to its scenic views and commanding position over the city.

A child underwent two surgeries following an incident at a shopping mall in Istanbul. Family members spent two hours searching for a severed finger that was eventually recovered by technical personnel. The child is scheduled for a third surgery to reattach the digit. The family has initiated legal action against mall management, alleging negligence, while mall management denies any wrongdoing. A child suffered an injury involving a severed finger during an incident at an AVM shopping mall in Istanbul. Technical staff eventually recovered the finger from the site. The child's medical condition remains uncertain following the procedures. Police in Istanbul stopped a vehicle being operated by a 13-year-old child. The child's father was present in the vehicle, sitting next to the child's uncle. The father stated he allowed the child to drive because the child wanted to.

Gendarmerie search and rescue teams from Ankara, Van, and Tunceli are conducting operations in rugged terrain. Teams are utilizing underground imaging devices to search caves for evidence related to Gülistan Dokun. The search efforts are focused on locating any items belonging to the individual. Investigators are searching near a shrine in Koçbuner village following allegations that a body was buried under a tree. There are claims that a body's location was moved from Pertek to another village approximately two years ago. Allegations suggest a person was shot in the head while inside a vehicle in Gülistan. Statements indicate a body may have been moved from its original location to another village in Pertek approximately two years ago. Families have alleged a chain of negligence regarding the incident. Legal action has been initiated by shopping mall management following related claims.

The Turkish Housing Development Administration (TOKI) is launching a new rental system for social housing in Istanbul. Real estate expert Mustafa Koçak provided details on the project. Rents for these units are expected to be set at approximately half of the local market rate. For example, if a market rate for an apartment is 50,000 lira, TOKI units would be offered at 25,000 lira. This initiative aims to prevent rising rental costs in the region. The initiative will initially provide 15,000 social housing units to provide relief to the city. Officials noted that increasing these numbers in future stages could further alleviate housing pressures. The first 2,000 units are scheduled for delivery in August. The first housing deliveries are expected to occur in three months. Approximately 13,000 units will be completed within three years.

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.