Turkey

Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu, the biggest rival to President Erdogan in the next elections, appeared in court for the first time since his arrest last month; placed in a high-security jail on corruption and terrorism charges, he is trialed on a separate case

Over a thousand people were arrested in the six days of extensive protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the main opponent of President Erdogan; despite government bans, protests are ongoing

Air pollution exceeded safe limits for 204 days in 2024 in the region of Antalya, according to measurements taken locally over the year

The 9th National Antarctic Science Expedition - in coordination with MAM Polar Research Institute of Turkey - is conducting extensive research in Antarctica, focusing on the impact of human activities on aquatic ecosystems and the region's biodiversity

Istanbul's security forces recorded a 6,5% reduction in crimes against persons and a 27,6% reduction in crimes against property in January 2025 compared to last year, said Istanbul Governor Davut Gül

Istanbul's water reservoirs are now at 50,49% of their capacity, thanks to the recent rains that brought a 8,75% increase in just one week

Additional measures to prevent the sale and consumption of counterfeit alcohol have been announced by the Istanbul governor's office, after dozens of deaths linked to smuggled drinks have been recently reported

The Istanbul Transport Coordination Centre approved a 35% increase in fares for public transport, taxis, school buses and employee shuttles

1.149 cultural artefacts have been repatriated to the country in 2024 and added to the over 13.000 objects returned to the country since 2002

The country's first domestically produced communication satellite has successfully entered its permanent geosynchronous orbit at 42 degrees east; the announcement came on 28 December

Istanbul's public parking fees are set to rise dramatically in 2025, with proposed increases of up to 115% approved by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Council

2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council at Nicaea, an event of the highest significance in world history, not just for the history of Christianity; Pope Francis expressed hopes to travel to Turkey to join the commemoration