Turkey’s agricultural heartland is literally caving in. In the drought-hit Konya Plain, hundreds of sinkholes are opening without warning, swallowing fields and scarring one of the nation’s most important wheat-growing regions.


Turkey: 700 Sinkholes Destroy Turkey's Farms: What's Behind the Mysterious Phenomenon?

The Libyan Army’s chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, and four other military officials were killed in a tragic plane crash while returning from Turkey’s capital Ankara on Tuesday, said Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah.

Libyan Army Chief, 4 Others Killed in Plane Crash in Turkey; Probe Underway

&nbsp;The Turkish parliament erupted in Chaos after the debate on the national budget turned into a fistfight between the rulling the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) lawmakers on late Sunday (21 Dec), during the final day of discussion on the budget. The violent exchange between Members of Parliament (MPs) lasted approximately ten minutes.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BRAWL breaks out in the Turkish parliament — opposition MPs throw PUNCHES &amp; disagree on the budget passed <a href="https://t.co/UjXe96dcif">pic.twitter.com/UjXe96dcif</a>&mdash; RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/2002982155342037302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaker Numan Kurulmus suspended the session as security officials struggled to calm the charged lawmakers who were trying to hurt each other with full strength.&nbsp;Despite the clashes, the 2026 Central Government budget law was passed in the parliament with 320 votes in favour and 249 against it; the final bill for 2024 was approved by 316 votes to 247.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/viral-video-shows-indians-dancing-on-moscow-streets-claims-to-be-part-of-labour-contingent-here-s-why-1766402658392">Viral video shows 'Indians dancing on Moscow streets', claims to be part of labour contingent — Here's why</a>

According to media reports, the incident was triggered by a heated exchange between AKP MP Mustafa Varank and CHP parliamentary group deputy Gökhan Günaydın, with Varank allegedly provoking the opposition. The confrontation escalated into physical violence and tensions, and altered the atmosphere in the chamber.

The Turkish parliament in Ankara turned into a boxing ring as lawmakers from the ruling and opposition sides began hurling punches at each other.

The Turkish parliament erupted in Chaos after the debate on the national budget turned into a fistfight between the rulling the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) lawmakers on late Sunday (21 Dec), during the final day of discussion on the budget. The violent exchange between Members of Parliament (MPs) lasted approximately ten minutes.

The Turkish parliament in Ankara turned into a boxing ring as lawmakers from the ruling and opposition sides began hurling punches at each other.

Watch | Punches fly in Turkish parliament during heated budget showdown

The second Pakistan Navy MILGEM-class ship, PNS Khaibar, was commissioned at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the warship would enhance the Pakistan Navy’s operational and maritime security capabilities, while naval leaders from both countries highlighted the growing strategic partnership.

Türkiye Delivers PNS Khaibar to Pakistan as Naval Cooperation Advances

The United States Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, will hold talks in Miami, Florida, with senior officials from Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye as efforts continue to advance the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, even as Israel repeatedly violates the truce on the ground.


Trump Envoy To Meet Qatar, Egypt, Turkey Officials on Gaza Truce

Witness the mesmerizing spiritual tradition of Türkiye’s Dervishes as they perform the sacred spinning dance of Sufism. This centuries-old practice, known as the Whirling Dervishes, symbolizes a mystical journey toward divine love and unity. Learn about the history, meaning, and beauty of this iconic Sufi ritual.

Turkiye's Dervishes Perform A Sacred Spinning Dance of Sufism

The Indian Army on Monday (Dec 15), showcased a Turkish-made drone that was brought down by the Indian forces during four-day conflict with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. The Indian Army displayed the reconstructed Turkish kamikaze drone Yiiha on the eve of Vijay Diwas. This is the first time the Indian Army has shown a drone shot down during Operation Sindoor. The Army said that Pakistan launched the drone from Lahore International Airport and it flew at 2,000 m toward its intended target Jalandhar. It carried a 10 kg explosive payload, had a 190 km range, a 2 m wingspan, and was powered by a 170cc two-strokeengine, according to news agency PTI.

Made-In-Turkey, Fired From Lahore: India Shows Pakistani Drone It Captured During Op Sindoor

Massive sinkholes have been opening up in a region of Turkey, and a recent analysis by Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority found 684 sinkholes across the Konya Plain. This started in the early 2000s, and the number of sinkholes has been steadily increasing. New videos taken by drones show these deep sinkholes in this wheat-growing region. According to Konya Technical University, more than 20 new large sinkholes have emerged in the past year in the Karapınar district. These sinkholes are more than 100 feet wide and hundreds of feet deep. What's causing these massive sinkholes to open up in Turkey? According to experts, this is happening because of the reduction in groundwater, drought, and climate change.<h2>Konya Basin and subsidence</h2>Konya Basin is fast losing groundwater primarily because of heavy irrigation for sugar beet and corn production. Turkish geological studies show that the groundwater table in this part of Turkey has dropped by tens of meters over the past few decades. This has led to these monster sinkholes forming fast in the Konya Basin. The situation wasn't as dire until the late 90s. Records show that only a few sinkholes existed in the Konya region until this time, but now dozens of them open up every year. Turkey Today reported that these sinkholes are triggering fear among farmers, as many of them have lost their crops to the land collapsing. Authorities are now working to reduce illegal well drilling.&nbsp;Considerable loss of groundwater leads to subsidence, causing the land to sink. Analyses on subsidence by the university's Sinkhole Research Centre showed that by the end of 2021, 1,850 areas were showing subsidence. Global observations have shown that Turkey is experiencing severe drought. NASA's Earth Observatory observed that water reservoirs in the country had reached their lowest levels in 15 years in 2021.&nbsp;

Sinkholes in Turkey are increasing by the day, as reports suggest nearly 700 of them are now present in the Konya region. These sinkholes have swallowed cropland and have become a major concern for farmers and the authorities.

Massive sinkholes have been opening up in a region of Turkey, and a recent analysis by Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority found 684 sinkholes across the Konya Plain. This started in the early 2000s, and the number of sinkholes has been steadily increasing. New videos taken by drones show these deep sinkholes in this wheat-growing region. According to Konya Technical University, more than 20 new large sinkholes have emerged in the past year in the Karapınar district. These sinkholes are more than 100 feet wide and hundreds of feet deep. What's causing these massive sinkholes to open up in Turkey? According to experts, this is happening because of the reduction in groundwater, drought, and climate change. Konya Basin and subsidence Konya Basin is fast losing groundwater primarily because of heavy irrigation for sugar beet and corn production. Turkish geological studies show that the groundwater table in this part of Turkey has dropped by tens of meters over the past few decades. This has led to these monster sinkholes forming fast in the Konya Basin. The situation wasn't as dire until the late 90s. Records show that only a few sinkholes existed in the Konya region until this time, but now dozens of them open up every year. Turkey Today reported that these sinkholes are triggering fear among farmers, as many of them have lost their crops to the land collapsing. Authorities are now working to reduce illegal well drilling. Considerable loss of groundwater leads to subsidence, causing the land to sink. Analyses on subsidence by the university's Sinkhole Research Centre showed that by the end of 2021, 1,850 areas were showing subsidence. Global observations have shown that Turkey is experiencing severe drought. NASA's Earth Observatory observed that water reservoirs in the country had reached their lowest levels in 15 years in 2021.

Sinkholes in Turkey are increasing by the day, as reports suggest nearly 700 of them are now present in the Konya region. These sinkholes have swallowed cropland and have become a major concern for farmers and the authorities.

100 foot sinkholes are swallowing crops in Turkey. There are nearly 700 of them

Turkey has raised fresh concerns after a series of tanker attacks in the Black Sea, warning that the conflict surrounding the Ukraine war is escalating risks for global oil routes. With West Asia already feeling the heat of shifting geopolitical pressures, these new maritime threats could disrupt major trade corridors and energy supplies. This video breaks down the implications, regional reactions, and what this means for global markets.


West Asia tensions: Turkey says attacks a 'red line' for navigation & trade

Türkiye has raised fresh concerns after a series of tanker attacks in the Black Sea, warning that the conflict surrounding the Ukraine war is escalating risks for global oil routes. With West Asia already feeling the heat of shifting geopolitical pressures, these new maritime threats could disrupt major trade corridors and energy supplies. This video breaks down the implications, regional reactions, and what this means for global markets.


Turkey Sounds Alarm Over Tanker Attacks in Black Sea

Pope Leo concludes his visit to Turkey, marking a significant diplomatic and religious engagement.


Pope Leo Concludes Turkey Trip; Hezbollah to Send Letter in Lebanon

Pope Leo Concludes His Turkey Visit; Hezbollah Will Deliver a Letter to Pope Leo on Lebabon Visit

Pope Leo begins his first foreign trip, visiting Turkey and Lebanon. On Day 2 of the historic journey, the Pope engages with local communities, promotes interfaith dialogue, and emphasizes peace and unity.

Pope Leo's First Foreign Trip is to Turkey & Lebanon; Day 2 of Pope Leo's Foreign Trip 

Pope Leo XIV has warned that the world should not give into "a heightened level of conflict on the global level", at the start of his foreign trip in Turkey. "The future of humanity is at stake, said the Pope, urging President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to act as a source of stability because of the need to promote dialogue and stability.


Pope Leo XIV Turkey's role as bridge between east & west 

Turkey is preparing to host a new round of ceasefire talks as diplomatic efforts intensify in the region. Meanwhile, Witkoff has reportedly decided to skip a planned visit to Turkey, adding uncertainty to the political landscape.

Turkey to Host Fresh Ceasefire Talks | Witkoff to Skip Turkey Visit

Turkey is increasingly restricting the legal stay of Uyghurs and deporting some to third countries despite the risk of eventual return to China, in violation of the principle of non-refoulement, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report released on Wednesday.


Rights Body Slams Turkey Over Refugees Facing Residency Woes, Deportation Risks

Turkey has responded to media reports linking Ankara to the Delhi blast, rejecting any involvement. Officials emphasized that the claims are unfounded and called for responsible reporting.


Delhi Blast: Turkey Responds to Media Report Linking Ankara to Delhi Blast |

Turkish prosecutors have filed 142 charges against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key opposition figure and potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The case has sparked political debate across Turkey, with critics calling it a targeted move ahead of upcoming elections.

Turkish Prosecutors Charge Imamoglu With 142 Offences

Turkey has confirmed that 20 soldiers were killed after a C-130 military transport plane crashed in Georgia. The decades-old aircraft had departed from Azerbaijan before breaking apart mid-air, according to footage from the site. Ankara, Tbilisi, and Baku are jointly investigating the cause. Condolences have poured in from NATO, the U.S., and allies as inspections continue at the crash site in Georgia’s Kakheti district.


Turkey Confirms 20 Soldiers Killed in Georgia Plane Crash | C-130 Military Aircraft Tragedy

Turkey Plane Crash: A Turkish military C-130 cargo plane carrying 20 personnel crashed near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border on November 10, 2025. All onboard were reportedly killed in the tragic accident. The plane was on a routine mission when it experienced difficulties and spiraled down into a remote mountainous region. Search and rescue operations were immediately launched by Georgian and Turkish authorities, who continue to investigate the cause of the crash. 


Turkey: Investigation Underway After Turkish Military Plane Crashes in Georgia

Turkey Plane Crash: On November 11, 2025, a Turkish Air Force Lockheed C-130EM Hercules military cargo plane tragically crashed near the Azerbaijan-Georgia border, killing all 20 occupants, including crew and military personnel. The aircraft, which was 57 years old and recently upgraded, disappeared from radar while en route from Azerbaijan to Turkey and broke apart in mid-air before impact. A joint search and rescue operation was swiftly launched by Turkish, Georgian, and Azerbaijani authorities. 

Turkey Plane Crash: Turkish Plane Carrying 20 Crashes in Georgia, Search Operation Ongoing

Turkiye says it has issued arrest warrants for genocide against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials.

Among 37 suspects listed are Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, according to a Friday statement from the Istanbul prosecutor’s office, which did not publish the complete list.


Turkey Issues Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu, Calls Him 'War Criminal'

President Ilham Aliyev and a number of international guests attended a Victory Day military parade in Azerbaijan's capital on Saturday as the country marked the fifth anniversary of the victory over separatists in Karabakh. Among the guests were Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.


Azerbaijan Marks National Day; Turkey's Erdogan, Pakistan's PM Sharif in Attendance

Turkey says it has issued arrest warrants for genocide against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials.

Among 37 suspects listed are Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, according to a Friday statement from the Istanbul prosecutor’s office, which did not publish the complete list.

Gaza war: Turkey accuses Israel of genocide, will Arab nations follow suit?

Turkey announced on Friday that it has issued an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials for 'genocide' and 'crime against humanity' in Gaza. Israel rejected these allegations, calling them the ‘latest PR stunt’ by the tyrannical Erdogan. Istanbul's chief public prosecutor's office said that a total of 37 warrants were issued under ‘Article 13 of Turkey’s penal code’, which allows Turkey to prosecute personnel for crimes committed outside the country.&nbsp;“The October 17, 2023, attack on the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital claimed 500 lives; on February 29, 2024, Israeli soldiers deliberately destroyed medical equipment; … Gaza was placed under blockade, and victims were denied access to humanitarian aid,” it said. The statement also refers to the Turkish-Palestinian friendship hospital that was bombed by Israel in March 2025.Hamas welcomed the announcement, calling it a ‘commendable’ measure. It appreciated the sincerity of the leader and people of Turkey and their "values of justice, humanity and fraternity that bind them to our oppressed Palestinian people".Turkey, on November 3, 2025, hosted a string of top diplomats from the Islamic world to bring their influence to bear on the future of Gaza, as fears grow for the increasingly fragile truce. The October 10 ceasefire in the two-year-long Israel-Hamas war, brokered by US President Donald Trump, has been sorely tested by continued Israeli strikes and claims of Palestinian attacks on Israeli soldiers<h2>ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Israeli officials</h2>The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside Yoav Gallant, almost a year ago in November 21, 2024. According to that, all 124 member nations are obligated to arrest them if they enter the territory of those countries. However, the Israeli Prime Minister visited Hungary, which is a signatory to the Rome Statute, in April this year. Hungary refused to comply with the ICC arrest warrant and signalled to withdraw from the ICC in relation to this matter. Netanyahu has also visited the United States for the sessions of the United Nations General Assembly after the warrant, but he and his delegation used special flying routes to avoid countries that might work on the arrest warrant. The United States is not obliged to comply with the ICC, as it is not a party to the Rome Statute and calls the warrant ‘outrageous’.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Turkey's Istanbul prosecutor has issued 37 arrest warrants, including for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza, drawing sharp Israeli condemnation.

Turkey announced on Friday that it has issued an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials for 'genocide' and 'crime against humanity' in Gaza. Israel rejected these allegations, calling them the ‘latest PR stunt’ by the tyrannical Erdogan. Istanbul's chief public prosecutor's office said that a total of 37 warrants were issued under ‘Article 13 of Turkey’s penal code’, which allows Turkey to prosecute personnel for crimes committed outside the country. “The October 17, 2023, attack on the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital claimed 500 lives; on February 29, 2024, Israeli soldiers deliberately destroyed medical equipment; … Gaza was placed under blockade, and victims were denied access to humanitarian aid,” it said. The statement also refers to the Turkish-Palestinian friendship hospital that was bombed by Israel in March 2025. Hamas welcomed the announcement, calling it a ‘commendable’ measure. It appreciated the sincerity of the leader and people of Turkey and their "values of justice, humanity and fraternity that bind them to our oppressed Palestinian people". Turkey, on November 3, 2025, hosted a string of top diplomats from the Islamic world to bring their influence to bear on the future of Gaza, as fears grow for the increasingly fragile truce. The October 10 ceasefire in the two-year-long Israel-Hamas war, brokered by US President Donald Trump, has been sorely tested by continued Israeli strikes and claims of Palestinian attacks on Israeli soldiers ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Israeli officials The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside Yoav Gallant, almost a year ago in November 21, 2024. According to that, all 124 member nations are obligated to arrest them if they enter the territory of those countries. However, the Israeli Prime Minister visited Hungary, which is a signatory to the Rome Statute, in April this year. Hungary refused to comply with the ICC arrest warrant and signalled to withdraw from the ICC in relation to this matter. Netanyahu has also visited the United States for the sessions of the United Nations General Assembly after the warrant, but he and his delegation used special flying routes to avoid countries that might work on the arrest warrant. The United States is not obliged to comply with the ICC, as it is not a party to the Rome Statute and calls the warrant ‘outrageous’.

Turkey's Istanbul prosecutor has issued 37 arrest warrants, including for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza, drawing sharp Israeli condemnation.

Turkey issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu & 36 Israeli officials over Gaza “genocide”

Gaza war: Erdogan-Netanyahu war of words turns into legal warfare 

Turkiye says it has issued arrest warrants for genocide against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials.

Among 37 suspects listed are Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, according to a Friday statement from the Istanbul prosecutor’s office, which did not publish the complete list.

Turkey Issues Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu, Other Officials Over Crimes Against Humanity 

Turkey is diversifying its oil imports, raising questions about whether the nation is following India’s strategic approach to energy security. As global oil markets remain volatile amid geopolitical tensions, Ankara appears to be rebalancing its energy partnerships — reducing dependency on traditional suppliers and exploring new alliances.

Is Turkey mirroring India’s oil diplomacy? How will this shift affect global energy dynamics and relations with key producers like Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia?

Turkey Diversifies Oil Imports: Following India's Footsteps? 

Turkey will host a meeting of foreign ministers from Muslim countries on Monday to discuss a US peace plan for Gaza, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.

Fidan told reporters on Friday that the Istanbul meeting would “evaluate our progress and discuss what we can achieve together in the next stage”.

Turkey To Host Muslim Foreign Ministers on US Gaza Peace Plan

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Turkey: 700 Sinkholes Destroy Turkey's Farms: What's Behind the Mysterious Phenomenon?

Libyan Army Chief, 4 Others Killed in Plane Crash in Turkey; Probe Underway

Watch: Punches fly in Turkish parliament during heated budget showdown

Türkiye Delivers PNS Khaibar to Pakistan as Naval Cooperation Advances

Trump Envoy To Meet Qatar, Egypt, Turkey Officials on Gaza Truce

Turkiye's Dervishes Perform A Sacred Spinning Dance of Sufism

Made-In-Turkey, Fired From Lahore: India Shows Pakistani Drone It Captured During Op Sindoor

100 foot sinkholes in Turkey are swallowing crops. There are nearly 700 of them

West Asia tensions: Turkey says attacks a 'red line' for navigation & trade

Turkey Sounds Alarm Over Tanker Attacks in Black Sea

Pope Leo Concludes Turkey Trip; Hezbollah to Send Letter in Lebanon

Pope Leo Concludes His Turkey Visit; Hezbollah Will Deliver a Letter to Pope Leo on Lebabon Visit

Pope Leo's First Foreign Trip is to Turkey & Lebanon; Day 2 of Pope Leo's Foreign Trip

Pope Leo's First Foreign Trip is to Turkey & Lebanon; Day 2 of Pope Leo's Foreign Trip

Pope Leo XIV Turkey's role as bridge between east & west

Turkey to Host Fresh Ceasefire Talks | Witkoff to Skip Turkey Visit

Rights Body Slams Turkey Over Refugees Facing Residency Woes, Deportation Risks

Delhi Blast: Turkey Responds to Media Report Linking Ankara to Delhi Blast |

Turkish Prosecutors Charge Imamoglu With 142 Offences

Turkey Confirms 20 Soldiers Killed in Georgia Plane Crash | C-130 Military Aircraft Tragedy

Turkey: Investigation Underway After Turkish Military Plane Crashes in Georgia

Turkey Plane Crash: Turkish Plane Carrying 20 Crashes in Georgia, Search Operation Ongoing

Turkey Issues Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu, Calls Him 'War Criminal'

Azerbaijan Marks National Day; Turkey's Erdogan, Pakistan's PM Sharif in Attendance