Anti-NATO demonstrations organized by the Communist Party of Turkiye have drawn attention in Ankara and Istanbul ahead of key international discussions. The protests highlight ongoing debates over military alliances, foreign policy, and Turkiye's role within NATO. In this episode of Race To Power, we examine the motivations behind the demonstrations, the political messaging involved, and the broader implications for domestic and international politics.

Communist party of turkiye holds anti-nato protests in Ankara and Istanbul

Turkish stand-up comedian Deniz Goktas was detained on Thursday upon his arrival at Istanbul International Airport after returning from abroad. He was taken into custody shortly after landing.

Turkish stand-up comedian Deniz Goktas arrested for offensive remarks

At least two attackers were killed and one was injured in a shooting outside a building housing the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday. According to Turkish media, the attackers, who had long guns and backpacks, were shot dead by Turkish security forces in a gunbattle and two police officers sustained injuries in the incident.

Police officers pulled out guns and took cover as shots rang out for at least 10 minutes. One person was covered in blood, Reuters reported. There were no Israeli diplomats present inside the consulate at the time of the incident.


Israeli Consulate Firing: Gunfire Kills Three in Istanbul; All Three Attackers Killed

At least two attackers were killed and one was injured in a shooting outside a building housing the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday. According to Turkish media, the attackers, who had long guns and backpacks, were shot dead by Turkish security forces in a gunbattle and two police officers sustained injuries in the incident.

Police officers pulled out guns and took cover as shots rang out for at least 10 minutes. One person was covered in blood, Reuters reported. There were no Israeli diplomats present inside the consulate at the time of the incident.

Gunfire Near Building Housing Israeli Consulate Killing Three; Turkish Govt To Probe

Thousands of people took to the streets in Istanbul in a massive rally supporting jailed opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Protesters called for justice, democratic rights, and the release of the popular mayor, whose detention has sparked widespread outrage.


Istanbul Rally: Thousands Protest in Support of Jailed Erdogan Rival Imamoglu

Pak-Afghan Peace Talks: Turkey and Qatar have mediated new rounds of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul, aiming to solidify the ceasefire agreed in Doha earlier in October 2025. Both sides have committed to continuing the truce and establishing a monitoring mechanism to ensure enforcement and penalties for violations.

Pakistan, Afghanistan To Hold Another Round of Talks in Istanbul 

Ahead of ceasefire talks in Turkey&rsquo;s Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press conference in Ankara on Thursday (May 15), said that Moscow failed to show any willingness to engage in negotiations to end the war. He added that other nations should put more political and economic pressure on Russia and impose further sanctions.
&ldquo;Russia does not feel that it needs to end [the war], which means there is not enough political, economic and other pressure on the Russian Federation,&rdquo; he said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-skip-first-direct-peace-talks-with-ukraines-zelensky-in-turkey-despite-proposing-them-9069991">Putin to skip first direct peace talks with Ukraine's Zelensky in Turkey &mdash; despite proposing them</a>
&ldquo;And so we ask, if there is no ceasefire, if there are no serious decisions &hellip; we ask for appropriate sanctions.&rdquo;
Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/putin">Putin</a> has no plans to travel to Turkey for the talks. CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the situation, that Zelensky has decided against flying for the talks in Istanbul after Putin decided to skip the meeting.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-not-going-for-istanbul-peace-talks-with-zelensky-experts-claims-he-fears-assassination-9070012">Putin a no-show at Istanbul peace talks: Experts think he fears coming face to face with Zelensky, who has called his 'bluff'</a>
During the press conference in Ankara, the Ukrainian leader said that Ukraine will send a delegation for talks in Istanbul headed by its defence minister.
<h2>Zelensky urges Europe, US to impose sanctions</h2>
Zelensky said he expects more sanctions on Russia if Putin does not take steps to end the three-year-long war.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-donald-trump-welcomed-in-uae-abu-dhabi-with-traditional-hair-flip-al-ayyala-dance-middle-east-trip-9072331">Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH</a>
US President Donald Trump and several European nations had threatened Moscow with fresh sanctions if it did not agree to the US-backed proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Ukraine was moving towards a format that could bring us all a little closer to ending the war. But this cannot be unilateral, only from one side. And pressure cannot be one-sided. That is why we really want to see a (pressure) against Russia and Putin. Sanctions from Europe, the United States, and other countries. At least sanctions,&rdquo; Zelensky said on Thursday.
Watch | Putin Will Not Travel To Istanbul For Peace Talks With Zelensky
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1505_PEACE_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1505_PEACE_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=166&amp;tags=putin, russia, ukraine" title="Putin Will Not Travel To Istanbul For Peace Talks With Zelensky" id="PL_iframe_block-mapk6j18-x1b3p45h-u5m9ja31"></iframe>

During the press conference in Ankara, the Ukrainian leader said that Ukraine will send a delegation for talks in Istanbul headed by its defence minister. World

Ahead of ceasefire talks in Turkey’s Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press conference in Ankara on Thursday (May 15), said that Moscow failed to show any willingness to engage in negotiations to end the war. He added that other nations should put more political and economic pressure on Russia and impose further sanctions. “Russia does not feel that it needs to end [the war], which means there is not enough political, economic and other pressure on the Russian Federation,” he said. Also read | Putin to skip first direct peace talks with Ukraine's Zelensky in Turkey — despite proposing them “And so we ask, if there is no ceasefire, if there are no serious decisions … we ask for appropriate sanctions.” Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans to travel to Turkey for the talks. CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the situation, that Zelensky has decided against flying for the talks in Istanbul after Putin decided to skip the meeting. Also read | Putin a no-show at Istanbul peace talks: Experts think he fears coming face to face with Zelensky, who has called his 'bluff' During the press conference in Ankara, the Ukrainian leader said that Ukraine will send a delegation for talks in Istanbul headed by its defence minister. Zelensky urges Europe, US to impose sanctions Zelensky said he expects more sanctions on Russia if Putin does not take steps to end the three-year-long war. Also read | Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH US President Donald Trump and several European nations had threatened Moscow with fresh sanctions if it did not agree to the US-backed proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. “Ukraine was moving towards a format that could bring us all a little closer to ending the war. But this cannot be unilateral, only from one side. And pressure cannot be one-sided. That is why we really want to see a (pressure) against Russia and Putin. Sanctions from Europe, the United States, and other countries. At least sanctions,” Zelensky said on Thursday. Watch | Putin Will Not Travel To Istanbul For Peace Talks With Zelensky

Not enough pressure on Russia? Zelensky says ‘Kremlin does not feel it needs to end war’ amid Turkey visit

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 jolted Istanbul, Turkey on Wednesday (April 23), according to Turkey's emergency management agency.&nbsp;
However, there are no immediate reports of any damage or any reported injuries.&nbsp;
Further, the United States Geological Survey also confirmed the earthquake's magnitude as 6.2 at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-bans-elective-c-section-births-sparking-outrage-from-rights-groups-opposition-keep-your-hands-off-womens-bodies-8983576">Turkey bans elective C-section births, sparking outrage from rights groups, opposition: &lsquo;Keep your hands off women&rsquo;s bodies&rsquo;</a>&nbsp;
Its epicentre was some 40 km southwest of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara.
The epicentre of the quake, which struck at 12:49 (0949 GMT) was in the area of Silivri, some 80 km (50 miles) to the west of Istanbul. It was at a depth of 6.92 km (4.3 miles), AFAD said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Notable quake, preliminary info: M 6.2 - 21 km SE of Marmara Ereğlisi, Turkey <a href="https://t.co/oFIAxnj4yx">https://t.co/oFIAxnj4yx</a>
&mdash; USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) <a href="https://twitter.com/USGS_Quakes/status/1914989162752782519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Reportedly, several neighbouring regions also felt the tremors.&nbsp;
Some of the hospitals reported that many patients were admitted due to anxiety and panic as the earthquake rattled the region, making people anxious and worried.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/turkey-earthquake-world-bank-estimates-damages-at-34bn-as-prez-erdogan-apologies-for-rescue-delays-566580">Turkey earthquake: World Bank estimates damages at $34bn as prez Erdogan apologies for rescue delays</a>
People began leaving the buildings as soon as the earthquake hit and shook the city.&nbsp;
One person is injured as he jumped off a balcony to save himself during the quake, Broadcaster TGRT reported.&nbsp;
Moreover, AFAD warned people in the region against entering damaged buildings.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-earthquake-cat-rescued-from-rubble-refuses-to-leave-its-saviour-563631">Turkey earthquake: Cat rescued from rubble refuses to leave its saviour</a>
Turkey is traversed by two major fault lines, which makes earthquakes a common occurrence in the region.&nbsp;
Earlier in 2023, a magnitude of 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey, followed by another powerful tremor hours later.&nbsp;
It led to massive destruction in 11 southern and southeastern Turkish provinces, which took the lives of over 53,000 people.&nbsp;
Moreover, 6,000 people were killed in the northern regions of neighbouring Syria.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-fallout-of-syria-turkey-earthquake-561944">The fallout of Syria-Turkey earthquake</a>
&nbsp;

The United States Geological Survey confirmed the earthquake's magnitude as 6.2. There are no immediate reports of any damage or injuries. WORLD

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 jolted Istanbul, Turkey on Wednesday (April 23), according to Turkey's emergency management agency. However, there are no immediate reports of any damage or any reported injuries. Further, the United States Geological Survey also confirmed the earthquake's magnitude as 6.2 at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. Also read: Turkey bans elective C-section births, sparking outrage from rights groups, opposition: ‘Keep your hands off women’s bodies’ Its epicentre was some 40 km southwest of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara. The epicentre of the quake, which struck at 12:49 (0949 GMT) was in the area of Silivri, some 80 km (50 miles) to the west of Istanbul. It was at a depth of 6.92 km (4.3 miles), AFAD said. Notable quake, preliminary info: M 6.2 - 21 km SE of Marmara Ereğlisi, Turkey https://t.co/oFIAxnj4yx — USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) April 23, 2025 Reportedly, several neighbouring regions also felt the tremors. Some of the hospitals reported that many patients were admitted due to anxiety and panic as the earthquake rattled the region, making people anxious and worried. Also read: Turkey earthquake: World Bank estimates damages at $34bn as prez Erdogan apologies for rescue delays People began leaving the buildings as soon as the earthquake hit and shook the city. One person is injured as he jumped off a balcony to save himself during the quake, Broadcaster TGRT reported. Moreover, AFAD warned people in the region against entering damaged buildings. Also read: Turkey earthquake: Cat rescued from rubble refuses to leave its saviour Turkey is traversed by two major fault lines, which makes earthquakes a common occurrence in the region. Earlier in 2023, a magnitude of 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey, followed by another powerful tremor hours later. It led to massive destruction in 11 southern and southeastern Turkish provinces, which took the lives of over 53,000 people. Moreover, 6,000 people were killed in the northern regions of neighbouring Syria. WATCH | The fallout of Syria-Turkey earthquake

Istanbul shaken by 6.2 magnitude earthquake, neighbouring regions also felt tremors

Turkey is going through its biggest political change in a decade. The country's Republican People's Party is looking to capitalize on sympathy following the arrest of former Eastern Ekrem İmamoğlu. Despite a government crackdown, the Republican People's Party, also known as CHP, is stepping up pressure on Erdogan to call elections. In the absence of İmamoğlu Party chairperson Özgür Özel is leading the charge against the incumbent president. Watch in for more details!

Opposition demands early elections in Turkiye

Turkey: CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel vows to fight against Erdogan

Turkiye is on the brink of a civil war. Ankara is witnessing unprecedented protests against the arrest of Istanbul mayor. This is not the first time there has been an uprising against Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government

Tracking history of uprisings against Erdogan

Thousands have taken to the streets in Turkiye to protest the government’s decision to jail former mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The opposition has formally nominated him, with over 15 million votes in party primaries. As demonstrations grow, police have used force to disperse crowds. Watch this report for more details!

Mass protests in Turkiye over Imamoglu’s arrest, police crackdown

The US and Europe have weighed in on the volatile situation in Turkey, which is witnessing some of its biggest protests in a decade. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced the US concerns to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in a meeting on bilateral security and trade matters in Washington. Europe rights body has also condemned what it called the disproportionate force during the protests calling on Turkish authorities to uphold the right to freedom of assembly expression.

Türkiye unrest: Over 1,400 detained since Istanbul mayor's arrest

The political crisis in Turkey is deepening with each passing day after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Protesters have taken to the streets in support of İmamoğlu, who is facing charges of corruption, graft, and aiding terror outfits. Meanwhile, Ekrem İmamoğlu has been officially nominated as the presidential candidate for the 2028 elections.

Turkey: Ekrem Imamoglu is seen as a challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

The political crisis in Turkey is deepening with each passing day after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Protesters have taken to the streets in support of İmamoğlu, who is facing charges of corruption, graft, and aiding terror outfits. Meanwhile, Ekrem İmamoğlu has been officially nominated as the presidential candidate for the 2028 elections

Turkey: Thousands protest over the jailing of Istanbul mayor

Istanbul's jailed mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, has been officially nominated as the presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. The announcement was made by the Republican People's Party (CHP) after the primary elections that were held yesterday. Watch in for more details!

Turkey: Erdogan and Imamoglu eye-to-eye in upcoming Turkiye polls

Turkey: Jailed Istanbul mayor nominated as opposition's President candidate

Concerns over the continued detention of President Tayyip Erdogan's primary political opponent threaten to dampen Turkish markets again this week after the country's stocks marked their worst week since the wake of the 2008 Lehman Brothers collapse.

Turkiye marks worst stock slump since 2008

Turkiye is in turmoil as Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu faces corruption charges and is jailed pending trial. The ruling has sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators refusing to back down after four days of relentless unrest.

Istanbul Mayor jailed amid mass protests, Turkiye faces political turmoil

Thousands of people rallied in Istanbul to protest the arrest of the city's opposition mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, defying a warning from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan that Turkey would not tolerate street terrorism. It was the third straight night that demonstrators had rallied against the arrest of Erdoğan's biggest political rival in Turkey's largest street protest in more than a decade. Watch this report for more details!

Turkiye: Demonstrations continue over the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu

Turkiye is once again at a political crossroads, as mass protests erupt following the shocking arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. Watch this report for more details!

Thousands rally in Istanbul to protest arrest of Mayor Imamoglu

Turkish police have detained Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, over graft and tourism allegations. This has prompted outrage from the opposition, which has slammed the move as a politically motivated coup. Protests erupted in the capital, Ankara, with crowds demonstrating against the detention of Mayor İmamoğlu. Watch in for more details!

Turkey: Thousands protest against arrest of Istanbul mayor; chant slogans against Erdogan govt

On Wednesday, Turkish police arrested Istanbul’s mayor, a prominent opposition leader and a key challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, along with several other notable figures, as part of probes into alleged corruption and terror connections.

Istanbul mayor arrested in alleged corruption case

Police arrest Istanbul Mayor, President's key rival over alleged corruption

Turkish police detained Istanbul's powerful mayor Ekrem Imamoglu early Wednesday as part of a corruption probe, a move his opposition CHP party slammed as a "coup".
A key figure within the CHP, Imamoglu is President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, and his detention comes just days before he was to be named the party's candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
Widely seen as the strongest challenger to Erdogan, Imamoglu has faced a string of what critics say are politically motivated legal cases.
As reports of his detention emerged, Turkey briefly shut down access to social networks and hundreds of police surrounded City Hall and closed off Taksim Square, with the authorities banning all demonstrations for the next four days.
Even so, several hundred people gathered near the Istanbul police headquarters where Imamoglu was taken, angrily chanting "Government resign!" an AFP correspondent said.
The move also sparked chaos on financial markets, with the Turkish lira plunging to a historic low of 39 liras against the dollar and the benchmark BIST 100 stock exchange reportedly shedding 6.9 percent.
With the exchange website offline, it was not possible for AFP to immediately verify the figures.
<h2><hl2>'Nothing short of a coup'&nbsp;</hl2></h2>
"Using force to usurp the will of the people or to obstruct it is a coup," CHP leader Ozgur Ozel said on X, his words echoed by many other observers.
"What happened this morning was nothing short of a coup against the main opposition party, with far-reaching consequences for Turkey's political trajectory," political scientist Berk Esen at Istanbul's Sabanci University told AFP.
The raid occurred just hours after Istanbul University revoked Imamoglu's degree, amid claims it was falsely obtained. In Turkey, presidential candidates must have a higher education qualification.
Imamoglu's wife Dilek said police officers turned up around 3:00 am (0000 GMT) and took him away several hours later.
"Police officers came right after the sahur and he started to get ready," she said in a video released by the municipality, referring to the meal before the Ramadan fast resumes at dawn.
"They left the house around 7:30 am," she said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-and-us-diplomats-to-meet-in-istanbul-amid-easing-tensions-8762923">Russian and US diplomats to meet in Istanbul amid easing tensions</a>
A statement from the Istanbul public prosecutor's office cited charges including bribery and extortion, alleging that Imamoglu was the leader of a "criminal organisation" and that 100 suspects had been rounded up.
The move appeared to be in connection with a probe into alleged "tender rigging" by Imamoglu that was opened in 2023.
But local reports, including from state news agency Anadolu, said it was also linked to a separate probe for allegedly aiding the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), saying he was one of seven people detained.
<h2><hl2>'They panic'&nbsp;</hl2></h2>
On the streets of Istanbul, few were willing to comment and those that did refused to give their names.
"Whenever this guy and his dirty team see someone strong, they panic and do something illegal to him," said an Istanbul shopkeeper, referring to Erdogan and his governing AKP party.
"They are evil, but amateurs," he added.
Shortly after the police raid, access to social media platforms was restricted, the London-based Internet watchdog NetBlocks said.
"Live metrics show #Turkey has restricted access to multiple social media platforms including X, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok; the incident comes as Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and dozens of others are detained in events described by the opposition as a 'coup'," it said.
The governor's office immediately issued a ban on all protests until March 23.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-abdullah-ocalan-calls-for-pkk-to-disband-and-lay-down-arms-in-landmark-declaration-8763768">Turkey: Abdullah Ocalan calls for PKK to disband and lay down arms in landmark declaration</a>
The CHP had planned several protests including one for Wednesday afternoon over the revocation of Imamoglu's degree, which the mayor vowed to contest in court.
The party was also due to hold a primary on Sunday at which Imamoglu was to have been formally named its candidate for the 2028 elections.
The 53-year-old, who was resoundingly re-elected as mayor of Turkey's largest city last year, has been named in several legal probes, with three new cases opened this year alone.
In 2022, he was handed two years and seven months in jail and banned from political activities for "insulting" election officials in Istanbul, a sentence that he has appealed.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan's main rival, detained amid a corruption probe, sparking criticism from the opposition CHP, who called it a coup attempt.

Turkish police detained Istanbul's powerful mayor Ekrem Imamoglu early Wednesday as part of a corruption probe, a move his opposition CHP party slammed as a "coup". A key figure within the CHP, Imamoglu is President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, and his detention comes just days before he was to be named the party's candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Widely seen as the strongest challenger to Erdogan, Imamoglu has faced a string of what critics say are politically motivated legal cases. As reports of his detention emerged, Turkey briefly shut down access to social networks and hundreds of police surrounded City Hall and closed off Taksim Square, with the authorities banning all demonstrations for the next four days. Even so, several hundred people gathered near the Istanbul police headquarters where Imamoglu was taken, angrily chanting "Government resign!" an AFP correspondent said. The move also sparked chaos on financial markets, with the Turkish lira plunging to a historic low of 39 liras against the dollar and the benchmark BIST 100 stock exchange reportedly shedding 6.9 percent. With the exchange website offline, it was not possible for AFP to immediately verify the figures. 'Nothing short of a coup' "Using force to usurp the will of the people or to obstruct it is a coup," CHP leader Ozgur Ozel said on X, his words echoed by many other observers. "What happened this morning was nothing short of a coup against the main opposition party, with far-reaching consequences for Turkey's political trajectory," political scientist Berk Esen at Istanbul's Sabanci University told AFP. The raid occurred just hours after Istanbul University revoked Imamoglu's degree, amid claims it was falsely obtained. In Turkey, presidential candidates must have a higher education qualification. Imamoglu's wife Dilek said police officers turned up around 3:00 am (0000 GMT) and took him away several hours later. "Police officers came right after the sahur and he started to get ready," she said in a video released by the municipality, referring to the meal before the Ramadan fast resumes at dawn. "They left the house around 7:30 am," she said. Also read | Russian and US diplomats to meet in Istanbul amid easing tensions A statement from the Istanbul public prosecutor's office cited charges including bribery and extortion, alleging that Imamoglu was the leader of a "criminal organisation" and that 100 suspects had been rounded up. The move appeared to be in connection with a probe into alleged "tender rigging" by Imamoglu that was opened in 2023. But local reports, including from state news agency Anadolu, said it was also linked to a separate probe for allegedly aiding the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), saying he was one of seven people detained. 'They panic' On the streets of Istanbul, few were willing to comment and those that did refused to give their names. "Whenever this guy and his dirty team see someone strong, they panic and do something illegal to him," said an Istanbul shopkeeper, referring to Erdogan and his governing AKP party. "They are evil, but amateurs," he added. Shortly after the police raid, access to social media platforms was restricted, the London-based Internet watchdog NetBlocks said. "Live metrics show #Turkey has restricted access to multiple social media platforms including X, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok; the incident comes as Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and dozens of others are detained in events described by the opposition as a 'coup'," it said. The governor's office immediately issued a ban on all protests until March 23. Also read | Turkey: Abdullah Ocalan calls for PKK to disband and lay down arms in landmark declaration The CHP had planned several protests including one for Wednesday afternoon over the revocation of Imamoglu's degree, which the mayor vowed to contest in court. The party was also due to hold a primary on Sunday at which Imamoglu was to have been formally named its candidate for the 2028 elections. The 53-year-old, who was resoundingly re-elected as mayor of Turkey's largest city last year, has been named in several legal probes, with three new cases opened this year alone. In 2022, he was handed two years and seven months in jail and banned from political activities for "insulting" election officials in Istanbul, a sentence that he has appealed. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Erdogan's opponent, Istanbul mayor Ekrem gets detained

Istanbul, Turkey
<meta content="uuidHWCamhIrlBEL" name="uuid"/>
The death toll from people drinking tainted alcohol in Istanbul jumped to 37, the governor's office said Monday. "Thirty-seven people died, and 17 others are still receiving treatment" over a period of six weeks, the governor's office said. It said a total of 77 people had been poisoned since November 1, 23 of whom had been treated and discharged. On December 4, Turkish media said 17 people had died from drinking tainted alcohol in Istanbul, while 22 others were being treated in hospital.
Alcohol tainted with methanol is thought to be the cause, methanol being a toxic substance that can be added to liquor to increase its potency but which can cause blindness, liver damage, and death.
Poisonings from adulterated alcohol are quite common in Turkey, where private production has exploded as authorities have cranked up taxes on alcoholic drinks. The most commonly faked product is raki, Turkey's aniseed-flavoured national beverage, whose price has shot up to around 1,300 lira ($37.20) a litre in supermarkets. 
The minimum wage in Turkey is 17,000 lira ($489) a month. The authorities also fined 32 businesses for supplying fake alcohol, hitting them with a collective fine of 2.6 million Turkish lira ($76,200). The governor's office said police had arrested 14 people in connection with supplying the tainted alcohol and seized 14,701 bottles of suspect liquor.
Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-foreign-tourists-hospitalised-after-drinking-cocktail-in-fiji-784370">Seven foreign tourists hospitalised after drinking cocktail in Fiji</a>
Turkey's authoritarian President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been accused of trying to Islamise society in the officially secular state, has often criticised the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
At the end of 2021, at least 25 people died over the space of a few days in several different regions. A year before that, around 40 people died of alcohol poisoning.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Alcohol tainted with methanol is thought to be the cause, methanol being a toxic substance that can be added to liquor to increase its potency but which can cause blindness, liver damage, and death.



Istanbul, Turkey The death toll from people drinking tainted alcohol in Istanbul jumped to 37, the governor's office said Monday. "Thirty-seven people died, and 17 others are still receiving treatment" over a period of six weeks, the governor's office said. It said a total of 77 people had been poisoned since November 1, 23 of whom had been treated and discharged. On December 4, Turkish media said 17 people had died from drinking tainted alcohol in Istanbul, while 22 others were being treated in hospital. Alcohol tainted with methanol is thought to be the cause, methanol being a toxic substance that can be added to liquor to increase its potency but which can cause blindness, liver damage, and death. Poisonings from adulterated alcohol are quite common in Turkey, where private production has exploded as authorities have cranked up taxes on alcoholic drinks. The most commonly faked product is raki, Turkey's aniseed-flavoured national beverage, whose price has shot up to around 1,300 lira ($37.20) a litre in supermarkets. The minimum wage in Turkey is 17,000 lira ($489) a month. The authorities also fined 32 businesses for supplying fake alcohol, hitting them with a collective fine of 2.6 million Turkish lira ($76,200). The governor's office said police had arrested 14 people in connection with supplying the tainted alcohol and seized 14,701 bottles of suspect liquor. Read More: Seven foreign tourists hospitalised after drinking cocktail in Fiji Turkey's authoritarian President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been accused of trying to Islamise society in the officially secular state, has often criticised the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. At the end of 2021, at least 25 people died over the space of a few days in several different regions. A year before that, around 40 people died of alcohol poisoning. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Governor: Istanbul death toll from tainted alcohol jumps to 37

The death toll from people drinking tainted alcohol in Istanbul jumped to 37, the governor's office said Monday. "Thirty-seven people died, and 17 others are still receiving treatment" over a period of six weeks, the governor's office said.

The death toll from people drinking tainted alcohol in Istanbul jumped to 37, the governor's office said Monday. "Thirty-seven people died, and 17 others are still receiving treatment" over a period of six weeks, the governor's office said. It said a total of 77 people had been poisoned since November 1, 23 of whom had been treated and discharged. On December 4, Turkish media said 17 people had died from drinking tainted alcohol in Istanbul, while 22 others were being treated in hospital. Alcohol tainted with methanol is thought to be the cause, methanol being a toxic substance that can be added to liquor to increase its potency but which can cause blindness, liver damage, and death. Poisonings from adulterated alcohol are quite common in Turkey, where private production has exploded as authorities have cranked up taxes on alcoholic drinks. The most commonly faked product is raki, Turkey's aniseed-flavoured national beverage, whose price has shot up to around 1,300 lira ($37.20) a litre in supermarkets. The minimum wage in Turkey is 17,000 lira ($489) a month. The authorities also fined 32 businesses for supplying fake alcohol, hitting them with a collective fine of 2.6 million Turkish lira ($76,200). The governor's office said police had arrested 14 people in connection with supplying the tainted alcohol and seized 14,701 bottles of suspect liquor. Read More: Seven foreign tourists hospitalised after drinking cocktail in Fiji Turkey's authoritarian President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been accused of trying to Islamise society in the officially secular state, has often criticised the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. At the end of 2021, at least 25 people died over the space of a few days in several different regions. A year before that, around 40 people died of alcohol poisoning. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

As the first dolphin fin surfaced from the Bosphorus, a ripple of excitement went round passengers on a free boat ride to see one of Istanbul's most graceful sights. Watch in for more details!

Dolphins escort ships over Turkey's coastal waters

Turkish police detained nearly 500 people after anti-Syrian riots rocked several cities. The spreading unrest was sparked late on 30th June in the central city of Kayseri, after social media reports emerged of a Syrian man sexually abusing a female child relative. Properties and vehicles owned by Syrians were vandalised and set ablaze in Kayseri, and soon after, violence spread to several other provinces, including Istanbul.

Severe backlash in rebel-held northwest Syria

Turkish authorities on Tuesday (Jul 2) detained over 470 people following anti-Syrian riots in several cities. The riots sparked after a Syrian man was accused of harassing a child. Tensions escalated Sunday (Jun 30) in the Syrian city of Kayseri as large crowds targeted Syrian businesses and properties.

Some videos emerged on social media, showing a Turkish man saying, "We don’t want any more Syrians! We don’t want any more foreigners.”

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Riots in Turkey! 
 
People are out on streets after a Syrian refugee sexually abused a child in Kayseri! 
 
The police trying to scatter angered people protesting against Syrian people in Turkey. 
 
<a href="https://t.co/zOBasqwJsm">pic.twitter.com/zOBasqwJsm</a>
— Azat Alsalem (@AzzatAlsaalem) <a href="https://twitter.com/AzzatAlsaalem/status/1807541915329708322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Interior minister Ali Yerlikaya informed on X that 474 people were detained on Tuesday for their "provocative actions." “474 people were detained after the provocative actions,” he wrote. The riots damaged "houses, workplaces, and vehicles belonging to Syrian nationals”, added the minister.

Earlier on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the opposition of fuelling tensions in the country and condemned the violence against Syrians as “unacceptable.”

“It is unacceptable to burn houses, vandalise and set streets on fire,” he said on Monday of the violence. “Nothing can be achieved by fuelling xenophobia and hatred of refugees in society,” he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjg7rKcw4iHAxWFTmwGHbYTAq4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-welcomes-turkeys-interest-in-brics-says-putin-fully-supports-turkeys-aspirations-731021" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-welcomes-turkeys-interest-in-brics-says-putin-fully-supports-turkeys-aspirations-731021&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjg7rKcw4iHAxWFTmwGHbYTAq4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Russia 'welcomes' Turkey's interest in BRICS, says 'Putin fully supports Turkey's aspirations'</a>

Several cities across the country saw anti-Syrian protests even as the president and authorities called for calm.

In the face of rising tensions, Turkish police said they were boosting security around the Syrian consulate in Istanbul by deploying an armoured truck and patrolling vehicles.

Notably, Turkey is home to more than 3.5 million Syrians, most of whom sought refuge in the nation after the civil war erupted in Syria in 2011.

Watch: Turkiye's economic tightrope amid soaring prices

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Most Syrians live under “temporary protection” status and many subsequently became Turkish citizens.

Anti-Syrian sentiments have risen in Turkey over the last years amid a dwindling economy and political chaos.

Such anti-Syrian riots had erupted in the nation in 2021 as well when a Turkish teenager was killed in a fight with a group of Syrian nationals in the capital Ankara. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish authorities on Tuesday (Jul 2) detained over 470 people following anti-Syrian riots in several cities. The riots sparked after a Syrian man was accused of harassing a child.

Turkish authorities on Tuesday (Jul 2) detained over 470 people following anti-Syrian riots in several cities. The riots sparked after a Syrian man was accused of harassing a child. Tensions escalated Sunday (Jun 30) in the Syrian city of Kayseri as large crowds targeted Syrian businesses and properties. Some videos emerged on social media, showing a Turkish man saying, "We don’t want any more Syrians! We don’t want any more foreigners.” Riots in Turkey! People are out on streets after a Syrian refugee sexually abused a child in Kayseri! The police trying to scatter angered people protesting against Syrian people in Turkey. pic.twitter.com/zOBasqwJsm — Azat Alsalem (@AzzatAlsaalem) June 30, 2024 × Interior minister Ali Yerlikaya informed on X that 474 people were detained on Tuesday for their "provocative actions." “474 people were detained after the provocative actions,” he wrote. The riots damaged "houses, workplaces, and vehicles belonging to Syrian nationals”, added the minister. Earlier on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the opposition of fuelling tensions in the country and condemned the violence against Syrians as “unacceptable.” “It is unacceptable to burn houses, vandalise and set streets on fire,” he said on Monday of the violence. “Nothing can be achieved by fuelling xenophobia and hatred of refugees in society,” he added. Also read: Russia 'welcomes' Turkey's interest in BRICS, says 'Putin fully supports Turkey's aspirations' Several cities across the country saw anti-Syrian protests even as the president and authorities called for calm. In the face of rising tensions, Turkish police said they were boosting security around the Syrian consulate in Istanbul by deploying an armoured truck and patrolling vehicles. Notably, Turkey is home to more than 3.5 million Syrians, most of whom sought refuge in the nation after the civil war erupted in Syria in 2011. Watch: Turkiye's economic tightrope amid soaring prices × Most Syrians live under “temporary protection” status and many subsequently became Turkish citizens. Anti-Syrian sentiments have risen in Turkey over the last years amid a dwindling economy and political chaos. Such anti-Syrian riots had erupted in the nation in 2021 as well when a Turkish teenager was killed in a fight with a group of Syrian nationals in the capital Ankara. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey witnesses massive anti-Syrian riots, 470 detained for 'provocative actions'

Two-time Champions League winning coach Jose Mourinho arrived in Istanbul on Sunday to be unveiled as the new manager of Fenerbahce and was accorded a welcome fit for a popstar by the 19-times Turkish champions' fans.

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And I'm feeling good... 😎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MOUtime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MOUtime</a> <a href="https://t.co/9dOOUrVQnK">pic.twitter.com/9dOOUrVQnK</a>
— Fenerbahçe SK (@Fenerbahce) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fenerbahce/status/1797254811387146265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The Portuguese coach, who won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, has not worked since his sacking by Italian Serie A side Roma in January.

But like the self-acclaimed 'Special One' Fenerbahce are in need of a boost of their own with 10 years passing since their last domestic title.

He was greeted at the airport by a crowd of Fenerbahce fans and later was presented at club stadium alongside club president Ali Koç and in front of the side's fans, decked out in Fenerbahce yellow and black.

The 61-year-old announced the latest move - his 11th club - in his career in a post on X on Saturday night from Wembley as he was acting as a television pundit for Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final. He counts Real as one of his former clubs.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/kylian-mbappe-to-real-madrid-here-we-go-los-blancos-preparing-to-announce-frenchman-reports-728049">Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid, here we go? Los Blancos preparing to announce Frenchman: Reports</a>

"Good evening Fenerbahce fans, see you tomorrow at Kadikoy (the Istanbul suburb where the club is based) and let's start our journey together," Mourinho announced.

Reports suggest Mourinho has signed a two-year contract for Fenerbahce, one of the three big Istanbul sides.

Details are due to be confirmed at a press conference scheduled for Monday.

Mourinho, who enjoyed major success at Chelsea and Inter Milan, less so at Manchester United and Tottenham, was dismissed by Roma after two-and-a-half years in January with the club struggling in ninth at the time.

He guided Roma to the inaugural Europa Conference League trophy in 2022 and the final of last season's Europa League.

Fenerbahce are hoping Mourinho still has some of his magic touch left as they take aim on next season's league title.

Two-time Champions League winning coach Jose Mourinho arrived in Istanbul on Sunday to be unveiled as the new manager of Fenerbahce and was accorded a welcome fit for a popstar by the 19-times Turkish champions' fans.

Two-time Champions League winning coach Jose Mourinho arrived in Istanbul on Sunday to be unveiled as the new manager of Fenerbahce and was accorded a welcome fit for a popstar by the 19-times Turkish champions' fans. And I'm feeling good... 😎#MOUtime pic.twitter.com/9dOOUrVQnK — Fenerbahçe SK (@Fenerbahce) June 2, 2024 × The Portuguese coach, who won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, has not worked since his sacking by Italian Serie A side Roma in January. But like the self-acclaimed 'Special One' Fenerbahce are in need of a boost of their own with 10 years passing since their last domestic title. He was greeted at the airport by a crowd of Fenerbahce fans and later was presented at club stadium alongside club president Ali Koç and in front of the side's fans, decked out in Fenerbahce yellow and black. The 61-year-old announced the latest move - his 11th club - in his career in a post on X on Saturday night from Wembley as he was acting as a television pundit for Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final. He counts Real as one of his former clubs. ALSO READ: Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid, here we go? Los Blancos preparing to announce Frenchman: Reports "Good evening Fenerbahce fans, see you tomorrow at Kadikoy (the Istanbul suburb where the club is based) and let's start our journey together," Mourinho announced. Reports suggest Mourinho has signed a two-year contract for Fenerbahce, one of the three big Istanbul sides. Details are due to be confirmed at a press conference scheduled for Monday. Mourinho, who enjoyed major success at Chelsea and Inter Milan, less so at Manchester United and Tottenham, was dismissed by Roma after two-and-a-half years in January with the club struggling in ninth at the time. He guided Roma to the inaugural Europa Conference League trophy in 2022 and the final of last season's Europa League. Fenerbahce are hoping Mourinho still has some of his magic touch left as they take aim on next season's league title.

'Special One' Jose Mourinho joins Fenerbahce as new manager, gets grand welcome in Istanbul

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