Stories from Turkey

Illegal currency exchange operations involving the Turkish Lira have been reported in Izmir over an eight-day period.

Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are preparing for the new football season. Fenerbahce's board will hold a meeting on June 6-7. Galatasaray will play their first match in May. The current president of Galatasaray is Dursun Özbek.

Haluk Miraç, Chairman of the Board at Istanbul Defense Industry, stated that the industry's local content ratio has increased from 120% at the start of the millennium to 180% due to a national technology movement. National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler spoke at the opening of the 2026 International Air Defense and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul. Güler stated that the fundamental transformation in Turkish defense industries is centered on unmanned aerial vehicles. He noted that Turkish engineers have demonstrated capabilities globally. Communications Chairman Burhanettin Duran stated via social media that the industry has achieved successes across various sectors. These sectors include systems ranging from Kan to Anadolu, as well as Ehal and cyber defense systems. Duran noted that the country has overcome past pressures to halt its technological progress.

The 2026 International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition has opened in Istanbul. Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler stated during the opening that drones represent a fundamental revolution in the Turkish defense industry. Labor Party leader Özgür Özel was among the visitors to the event.

A new singer, Aladdin Kadiftçu, has been shot in what is being described as a potential killing by the prosecution.

Turkish defense company Aselsan will showcase an underwater defense vehicle. The company provides over 500 systems across various platforms. Ahmed Hakioh said the importance of strengthening Turkey's maritime power. Aselsan will present five new products and six updated versions of existing products at an upcoming defense fair. The company is set to introduce a new AI-powered autonomous spear-head munition with a range exceeding 1,000 km. Additionally, Roketsan will showcase its Alka Kaplan hybrid technology platform, which functions as a laser weapon. The platform is marketed under the slogan "Beyond," implying security beyond borders. Aselsan was established in 1975 following the 1974 Cyprus movement and subsequent sanctions on Turkey.

Police are investigating the theft of approximately 25 kilograms of gold from a jewelry store in the Çivril district of Denizli. The business, which has operated for 30 years, has been closed since Friday. Customers were unable to access their gold, leading to multiple police reports and complaints. Authorities arrived at the scene to inspect the premises following the reports. An elderly couple reportedly handed over 30,000 euros in gold ingots to unknown thieves. This incident occurred after a gold buying and selling store was hacked, according to the source.

The Labor Party has submitted a new legislative proposal to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. The bill focuses on regulating resource safety. The request includes provisions to encourage foreign wealth through retail and transition trade.

A new exhibition is showcasing the first products for air and space defense. The 'European System' featured at the event has the capability to identify and destroy enemy elements near national borders. These systems can target F-35s that are not performing infrared camouflage. Advanced air defense systems might be undetectable to the F-35. These systems utilize infrared guidance, which is less effective against high-altitude or distant targets but suitable for engaging F-35s. Their effectiveness against the F-35 is attributed to the aircraft's lack of infrared camouflage, making it detectable. These systems utilize infrared guidance and are capable of hitting targets that higher-end systems might miss due to their limitations against advanced stealth technology. The report contrasts this with high-end air defense systems that can detect stealth aircraft.

The Etimesgut airport in Turkey is planned to be extended and upgraded to a VIP airport by the end of this year. This expansion is intended to support NATO services for the arrival of foreign officials. The announcement was reported via press releases.