Latest Istanbul News

Israel-Hamas war latest: Oct. 7 mastermind thanks Hezbollah leader for his help attacking Israel

Sep. 13, 2024 15:58 PM EDT

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar thanked Lebanon’s Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah for his support in the ongoing war with Israel in a letter released Friday by Hezbollah’s media office. In the letter, dated Monday, Sinwar thanks Nasrallah for the “blessed acts” of Iran-backed...

Thousands of Turks protest controversial law to remove stray dogs

Sep. 02, 2024 02:01 AM EDT

ISTANBUL (AP) — Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Istanbul on Sunday to protest recent legislation that critics say is leading to the killing of stray dogs across Turkey. Last month, legislators approved the new law aimed at removing millions of stray dogs from Turkish streets...

3 suspects in fatal shooting of Israeli Arab businessman in Istanbul detained in Romania

Aug. 20, 2024 23:46 PM EDT

ISTANBUL (AP) — Three suspects wanted in connection with the killing of an Israeli Arab businessman in Istanbul have been detained in Romania, Turkish police said late Tuesday. Abdulkadir Anas was shot dead on Sunday evening as he sat in a car. Two other men were wounded, one who...

Israel-Hamas war latest: Blinken pushes for cease-fire in his 9th trip to Mideast since war began

Aug. 19, 2024 19:45 PM EDT

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday that Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge differences holding up a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza. He called on Hamas to do the same. Blinken was on his ninth urgent mission to the Middle East since the war in Gaza began...

1 Israeli Arab killed and 2 wounded in a shooting on a street in Istanbul

Aug. 19, 2024 11:07 AM EDT

ISTANBUL (AP) — Police in Istanbul launched a large-scale investigation after an Israeli Arab man was killed and two other men were wounded in a shooting as they sat in a car, officials and media said Monday. The dead man was identified as businessman Abdulkadir Anas. His father...

Booming Turkish TV drama industry captures hearts and minds worldwide and boosts tourism

Jul. 13, 2024 11:21 AM EDT

ISTANBUL (AP) — Under the sweltering Turkish sun, tourists wander through sets that recreate Ottoman and Byzantine-era castles, take selfies with actors in traditional Ottoman costumes and watch horseback stunt performances. Among them is Riia Toivanen, 22, a devoted fan of Turkish television...

Impromptu LGBTQ+ protest in Istanbul after governor bans Pride march

Jun. 30, 2024 14:32 PM EDT

ISTANBUL (AP) — A group of LGBTQ+ protesters held an impromptu demonstration in Istanbul on Sunday after the governor’s office banned an annual Pride March. A statement by the Istanbul governor’s office said that it wouldn't allow “various illegal groups” to hold the...