Istanbul

Turkey averaged six earthquakes an hour in 2025, one of its most seismically active years on record

Of these earthquakes, most were harmless, but several were strong enough to deal structural damage to buildings or other property.

A DRONE view shows the site of a building that collapsed after an earthquake in Sindirgi in the western Balikesir province, Turkey, August 11, 2025.
Turkish gendarmerie special forces team leaves the site where Turkish security forces launched an operation on a house believed to contain suspected Islamic State terrorists, in Yalova province, Turkey, December 29, 2025

Turkey detains 357 Islamic State suspects nationwide after three police officers killed

A member loyal to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) waves an ISIL flag in Raqqa June 29, 2014

Turkey detains 115 suspected Islamic State members believed planning Christmas and New Year attacks

Gate of Neve Shalom Synagogue, Istanbul, Turkey.

Jews attacked en route to Hanukkah candle lighting at Istanbul synagogue


Istanbul mayor Imamoglu denies terrorism charges, court document shows

Mayor Imamoglu is a key opposition figure and potential challenger to longtime President Tayyip Erdogan.

 20 June 2024, North Rhine-Westphalia, Duesseldorf: Ekrem Imamoglu, Mayor of Istanbul, stands in front of a Turkish flag at a reception in the city hall.

Detained Istanbul mayor Imamoglu denies corruption charges, court document shows

Protests erupt across Turkey after the detention of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who is President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main rival.

 A demonstrator holds a placard as students from several universities take part in a protest against the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, in Istanbul, Turkey, March 21, 2025. The placard reads: "Be afraid of us, the people".

Turkey’s arrest of opposition politician tests new world order

There are very few parts of society in Turkey where people can critique the ruling party without the chance they will be arrested for “insulting” political leaders or jailed on “terrorism” charges.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), addresses his supporters from the top of a bus after giving testimony to judicial authorities at the Justice Palace, known as Caglayan Courthouse, in Istanbul, Turkey, January 31, 2025.

Istanbul arrests Uzbek national planning terrorist attacks on Jewish schools, synagogues

According to reports, the man was given orders by an ISIS official to carry out attacks on synagogues and Jewish schools in Turkey and abroad.

 Istanbul police

Israeli strikes raise anxiety on Syrian side of Golan border 

An Israeli drone strike in Quneitra, Syria, killed three people, sparking tensions. Amid post-Assad reconstruction struggles, calls grow for peace, security, and improved living.

 IDF strike on Hezbollah in the a southern suburb of Beirut. September 26, 2024.

Istanbul is seeing a revival of Hammam culture

Many hammams are being restored to revive this age-old practice, becoming favorites among both tourists and locals.

 Selimiye Hammam .Traditional Historical Ottoman Bath in Uskudar, Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia's iconic dome to be disassembled for major restoration

Disassembly expected to begin in March or April, pending project approval.

 Hagia Sophia's iconic dome to be disassembled for major restoration.

Turkish authorities shut down pride event

Turkish police arrested 15 people and shut down a previously banned LGBTQ+ pride march. The annual June march takes place in cities across the globe but rarely in predominantly Islamic countries.

 Turkey's LGBTQ+ community gather for a Pride parade, which was banned by local authorities, in Istanbul, Turkey June 30, 2024.

US professor deported for terror ties shares stage with Hamas officials in Istanbul

Turkish capital hosts ‘Hamas festival,’ with clerics and political leaders praising the October 7 massacre and openly expressing anti-Jewish bigotry.

 Pro-Palestinian protestors, students from various Turkish universities, shout slogans outside the Istanbul University main campus, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Istanbul, Turkey, May 18, 2024.

Artist Lea Gul's journey: Muslim upbringing in Turkey to Jewish life in Jerusalem

Mother of four and convert to Judaism, Lea Gul, overcame many obstacles to get where she is today. 

 Artist Lea Gul