BBC Sounds Documents Aled Hughes' Cross-Continental Walk to Istanbul

 

BBC Sounds Documents Aled Hughes' Cross-Continental Walk to Istanbul

In a recent feature for BBC Sounds, broadcaster Aled Hughes explores a unique cross-continental journey bridging Western Europe and Asia Minor. The Welsh-language program, titled "Cerdded o Ferthyr Tudful i Istanbul," chronicles the extensive walking expedition from Merthyr Tydfil in Wales all the way to Istanbul, Türkiye. The broadcast details the geographic, cultural, and personal milestones encountered throughout the trip across the European continent.

Sources & Links:

• BBC Sounds: Aled Hughes - Cerdded o Ferthyr Tudful i Istanbul

Flashback: "Istanbul Story" (2016) Starring Mirto Alikaki and Kerem Can

 

Flashback: "Istanbul Story" (2016) Starring Mirto Alikaki and Kerem Can

The 2016 film Istanbul Story continues to be a point of reference for international cinema centered in the Turkish metropolis. The dramatic feature, highlighting the performances of Mirto Alikaki and Kerem Can, utilizes Istanbul not just as a backdrop, but as a central narrative device to explore the intertwining lives of its characters.

Stray Cat Steals Spotlight During Formula 1 Driver Yuki Tsunoda's Istanbul Shoot

 

Stray Cat Steals Spotlight During Formula 1 Driver Yuki Tsunoda's Istanbul Shoot

During a promotional shoot in Istanbul for Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda, a local stray cat inadvertently became the center of attention. The feline wandered onto the set, approaching the racing car and pausing directly in front of it, momentarily halting production. The incident highlights Istanbul's famous and ubiquitous street cat population, which frequently interacts with the city's daily events and public figures.

Drug Kingpin and Dawood Ibrahim Aide Salim Dola Deported from Istanbul to India

 

Drug Kingpin and Dawood Ibrahim Aide Salim Dola Deported from Istanbul to India

In a coordinated international operation involving Turkish intelligence and Interpol, Salim Dola—a known drug kingpin and close associate of fugitive underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim—was apprehended in Istanbul and deported to New Delhi, India. Dola arrived in India via a special aircraft early Tuesday and was taken into custody at Delhi's technical airport for initial interrogation by intelligence agencies. Following questioning, he is scheduled to be handed over to the Mumbai Police to face further investigations regarding his long-standing ties to organized crime and global narcotics syndicates.

Source Link: Deccan Herald

Investigation Intensifies Over German-Turkish Woman's Suspicious Death in Fatih Hotel

 

Investigation Intensifies Over German-Turkish Woman's Suspicious Death in Fatih Hotel

The death of 24-year-old Basak Schlosser, a German-Turkish woman found dead in a hotel room in Istanbul's Fatih district, has prompted a widening police investigation. Schlosser, who arrived in Türkiye for a holiday on April 20, 2026, was discovered lifeless by emergency teams after hotel staff raised alarms. While initial autopsy reports showed no signs of physical assault, authorities are treating the case as suspicious due to missing security footage from the hotel and a reported gap of nine hours in recordings. Recent findings point to surveillance footage from a nearby shop where Schlosser reportedly sought help, stating she was being followed. Authorities have detained and questioned several individuals, and the investigation now heavily relies on newly accessed phone recordings to determine her final hours.

Source Link: Türkiye Today

Üsküdar Residents Sustain Protest Against McDonald's Branch for 204 Days

 

Üsküdar Residents Sustain Protest Against McDonald's Branch for 204 Days

In the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, a prolonged local protest against a newly opened McDonald's franchise has reached its 204th day. Residents of the district have maintained continuous demonstrations, expressing organized opposition to the fast-food chain's presence in their neighborhood. The long-standing protest highlights sustained civilian mobilization and local grievances within the community.

Source Link: Daily Sabah

Istanbul Prosecutor Announces Dozens of Arrests Ahead of May 1 Celebrations

 

Istanbul Prosecutor Announces Dozens of Arrests Ahead of May 1 Celebrations

Ahead of the May 1 International Workers' Day celebrations, Turkish authorities initiated a series of detentions in Istanbul. According to the Istanbul prosecutor's office, nearly 40 to 46 individuals were taken into custody. The individuals arrested include journalists, trade unionists, and opposition figures. Lawyers representing the detainees, including Serhat Alan, reported that custody documents detailing the 46 individuals were presented during search operations. The arrests come amid heightened security measures typically deployed across Turkey during May 1 events.

Source Link: Euronews