Stories from Turkey

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.

American artist Patti Smith is set to perform in Istanbul on May 17.

Police in Istanbul have launched operations to track down illegal arms traffickers. Istanbul police seized thousands of materials used in weapon manufacturing. Security forces conducted an operation in the Pendik district of Istanbul to target arms traffickers. Authorities discovered and raided a water well being used as a storage depot for unlicensed weapons. The operation is part of ongoing security force actions against weapon smugglers in the city. Istanbul Organized Crime Branch teams raided a location in Pendik following a tip regarding hidden materials used for unlicensed weapon manufacturing. Officers discovered a quantity of components used to produce illegal firearms, which were being stored in a converted water well. This seizure represents the largest single amount of unlicensed weapon-making components recovered in Turkey.

Turkish Minister announced that cyber patrol operations resulted in 3,093 arrests during the first three months of the year. Authorities identified criminal elements in 86,937 individuals and accounts. A total of 2,072 operations were conducted to combat cybercrime. Additionally, 17,933 URL addresses were blocked as part of the enforcement actions.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held phone calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The discussions focused on the current status of negotiations between Iran and the United States. Turkey is continuing its diplomatic initiatives to facilitate the process. According to diplomatic sources, Iran has conveyed its latest proposal to the US via Malaysia. The discussion centered on a previously discussed three-stage negotiation formula. Meetings regarding negotiations between the United States and Iran are scheduled to be held at the Turkish President's office in Beştepe. The discussions will focus on diplomatic exchange results. The meeting will also address the final status of energy shortages and the economic impacts of the ongoing war on Turkey.

A 20-year-old man was sent to prison following a robbery attempt in Istanbul's Kağıthane district on April 21. The assailant, who was wearing a mask, approached a parked vehicle and attempted to rob a young woman using a knife. The court officially classified the incident as a robbery crime. The suspect was sent to prison alongside an accomplice. A man and his 16-year-old accomplice were taken into custody following a robbery attempt involving a knife. During police questioning, the suspects claimed the incident was a joke and that they used the knife only to make the crime appear more convincing. The victim reported that she realized the event was staged two minutes after seeing her former partner at the scene. The individual confessed to the crime during questioning, stating he was influenced by 'the devil' and expressed regret.

A boxing match between Turkish boxer Emir Han Kalkan and Russian opponent Sergiy Gorokov turned into a physical altercation. The incident occurred during the third round of a bout for the UBO World Championship title. Dozens of individuals reportedly entered the ring and engaged in a fight. The confrontation was captured on camera following allegations of misconduct by the Russian team. Tension rose suddenly during the bout, leading to a fight that required intervention to settle.