Stories from Turkey

Turkish officials are engaging in intensive diplomatic negotiations involving the UK and the US. The movement suggests a significant shift or intensification in regional diplomatic traffic. Minister Bolattan is conducting high-level diplomatic negotiations involving Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom.

Mia Teknoloji has submitted an application to the Capital Markets Board (SPK) to merge with Lider Sistem Teknolojileri. This strategic move aims to consolidate technology leadership within the sector.

The Turkish Grand National Assembly has passed a law banning social media access for users under the age of 15. Authorities are increasing precautionary measures and implementing a social risk assessment to prevent early exposure to digital risks. The initiative aims to increase preventative measures in cases where families remain indifferent to digital risks. The system will be managed through the Presidency of Security. Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş stated that a new regulation will be issued within six months. The measure aims to prevent digital and technology companies from leaving users to the discretion of algorithms. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi also discussed a new security paradigm to combat drug trafficking by closing paths to crime.

Mia Teknoloji has applied to the Capital Markets Board (SPK) to merge with Lider Sistem Teknolojileri A.S. This move aims to consolidate the technology leadership of both entities within the Turkish market.

The United Kingdom has officially recognized Borsa Istanbul as a recognized exchange, adding the Turkish stock market to a prestigious international list. Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum announced the construction of 15,000 housing units across the European and Anatolian sides of Istanbul. The homes will be located in central areas rather than on the outskirts of the city. Land acquisition processes are scheduled to begin in June or July, with total construction estimated to take 2 to 3 years. The US Dollar is trading at 45.05 Turkish Lira, while the Euro is at 52.81 Turkish Lira. Gram gold is priced at 6,640 Lira and quarter gold at 11,262 Lira. Brent crude oil is trading at 102 dollars per barrel. The Borsa Istanbul index surpassed 14,600 points, reaching its highest level ever. Monthly increases in the stock market are near 15 percent.

Borsa Istanbul (BIST 100) has been officially recognized as a stock exchange by the United Kingdom's HM Revenue and Customs. This international validation is expected to enhance the exchange's standing in global financial markets. This recognition allows for direct trading and integration between the two markets.

Ukraine has formally requested that Turkey serve as the host for upcoming peace negotiations between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The proposal aims to find a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict through Turkish mediation. This move highlights the increasing pressure for a structured dialogue between the two warring nations. Turkey hosted an international meeting in Ankara to strengthen the protection of children in digital environments. The event was co-hosted by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Family and Social Services, UNICEF, and the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative on Violence Against Children. The meeting focused on global dialogue regarding digital safety for minors.

A legal proceeding has commenced in Istanbul following the death of a German family caused by toxic gas in a hotel. Six suspects are currently facing trial in connection with the incident. The case has drawn significant attention regarding hotel safety and gas leaks. The 28th hearing of the corruption case involving the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality took place. Contractor Adem Soytekin, accused of being a leader of a criminal organization, provided a defense during the proceedings. Soytekin, who had previously acted as a whistleblower, argued that checks and real estate provided for his work with the municipality were not bribes. One suspect was released while another remains wanted, according to the report. He stated that the transfer of land and real estate did not constitute bribery.

A legal proceeding has commenced in Istanbul regarding the deaths of a German family following a hotel stay. The case involves investigations into potential poisoning or gas exposure. The trial is being closely monitored as authorities seek to determine the cause of death. Turkish authorities have converted an investigation into the death of 24-year-old German-Turkish tourist Başak Şulazır into a suspicious death inquiry. The woman was found dead in an Istanbul hotel room in Fatih on April 23 after arriving from Germany on April 20. Investigators are examining why hotel security cameras failed to record for nine hours during the period. Five suspects, including the hotel owner, staff, and a young man last seen with the victim, have been detained for DNA testing. Police have expanded an investigation into the death of Umut Altaş, whose body was found in a hotel room in Fatih on April 23.

Minister Mustafa Çiftçi announced the implementation of a student-based risk analysis system following recent school attacks. The plan aims to move away from the current model of assigning two police officers to every school, which is deemed unsustainable for 75,000 schools. Security personnel may be provided through service procurement or general budget allocations to ensure long-term sustainability. The Turkish Ministry has issued a directive to redesign school risk assessments using a scoring system for provinces. The new analysis includes digital risks such as cyberbullying, social media targeting, and violent content. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be established for students identified within high-risk groups. A guideline has been sent to provinces regarding how risk scores will be calculated.