Stories from Turkey

Conflict has led to direct losses of millions of jobs and indirect economic damage. Local businesses have seen activity drop to approximately one-tenth of previous levels. Many surrounding businesses have closed due to public fear of the ongoing war. The United Nations Development Programme warned that over 4 million people could be pushed into poverty because of the conflict. Iranian officials expressed concern to Reuters that the economic crisis could trigger a new wave of protests. A war has affected over 23,000 factories and companies, leading to business closures and rising unemployment. The conflict has directly impacted one million jobs, according to Iran's Deputy Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Security, Gholam Hossein Muhammedi.

Turkish investigators have solved 2,559 murder cases through advanced DNA analysis. Investigations are currently focused on the area where the body was discovered and a neighborhood near a university. Authorities are conducting research involving the collection of DNA samples from 2,500 individuals. Searches are being conducted in the mountainous areas around Perteğin Koçpınarköy. Caves and rock crevices have been checked. Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya highlighted this success as a clear indicator of the unwavering fight for the nation's peace and security. The Adalet Bakanı Hakan Gürlek stated that they are awaiting resolution of the Gülistan Doku case. So far, samples from 425 individuals have been analyzed. DNA from two males was found on Kabe's body, raising suspicions of murder.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that no tolerance will be shown to those attempting to disrupt social peace using the name of the judicial organization. The announcement followed the initiation of investigations into two individuals.

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has announced its convention timeline. Provincial and district congress processes are scheduled to begin next Thursday. The main party convention is set to take place on March 7, 2027.

Inflation in Turkey has surpassed 30 percent, according to reports. The monthly increase showed an 8.91 percent rise on a group basis. This increase follows a period where inflation was approximately 15 percent lower. Survey participants attributed a portion of the decline to the war in the Middle East. New orders and deliveries saw a clear decrease in March. Import prices have risen for the fifth consecutive month, reaching their highest level since October 2024. Final product prices have increased for two years. Turkey's statistical institute announced March inflation data showing a monthly increase of 4.18 percent. TUIK announced that the annual inflation rate has reached 4.8 percent. The broadcast noted that this figure was previously expected to be reached sooner.

A mother is calling for organ donation after her son, 10-year-old Süleyman, successfully underwent a liver transplant. The mother stated she lived in constant anxiety regarding the procedure and the outcome. She expressed relief following the successful transplant.

A landslide occurred in the Farkan district, sweeping a village minibus along with its passengers. Roads in the area have been flooded due to heavy rainfall, making them impassable and leaving drivers stranded.

Turkish workers successfully prevented employers from mandating work on May Day despite holiday status. Workers under the Labor Law No. 4857 average 45 hours, while those under the Press Law and Maritime Labor Law average 48 hours. Civil servants work 40 hours per week, and underground mining workers average 37.5 hours. Emine Erdoğan issued a statement on social media to mark May Day. Turkey will require individuals with licensed firearms to store them in locked locations within their homes. Authorities are expected to make more concrete decisions regarding the specific conditions for secure storage. The mandate follows the arrest of Isa Aras Mersinli, who was found posing with weapons on social media despite claims of secure storage. New regulations regarding the storage conditions for licensed firearms in Turkey are expected to result in more concrete decisions.

Authorities have taken action against 129 suspects in a football betting and match-fixing investigation in Turkey. Public lawsuits have been filed against 56 suspects following recent releases from detention. One source stated that the core issue is a moral problem within Turkish sports rather than just a betting problem. The investigation continues despite a temporary pause due to national matches. Following recent releases, no suspects currently remain in custody. The investigation, which began in October 2025, may expand to include other sports branches beyond football. Reports indicate that more than 500 club administrators, including officials from the four major clubs, continue to engage in betting. The source noted that these findings highlight deep-seated issues in the sport's management. Current operations are continuing despite a break for national matches.

Workers, students, and civil servants gathered in Ankara to celebrate May Day. The event included a concert by the Bajar Music Group. Approximately 3,500 police officers were deployed under heavy security measures.