Scientific Research: Trace Determination of Heptachlor in Istanbul Soils

 

Scientific Research: Trace Determination of Heptachlor in Istanbul Soils

A recent scientific study published in the journal Nature details new methodologies for the trace determination of heptachlor in soil samples. The research, spearheaded by Esra Sultan Doru and Sezgin Bakırdere from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Istanbul Health and Technology University, utilizes Toner@CuFe2O4 nanocomposites. This advancement reflects the ongoing environmental and chemical engineering research emerging from academic institutions in Istanbul.

Sources:

• Trace determination of heptachlor in soil samples by Toner@CuFe2O4 nanocomposites (Nature)

Sports in Istanbul: WTT Feeder 2026 Table Tennis Tournament

 

Sports in Istanbul: WTT Feeder 2026 Table Tennis Tournament

The World Table Tennis (WTT) circuit continues its international calendar with the WTT Feeder Istanbul 2026 tournament. Promoted alongside the WTT Youth Contender event in Tashkent, the Istanbul tournament brings competitive, professional table tennis to the city, highlighting Türkiye's ongoing role as a host for diverse global sporting events.

Sources:

• LIVE! | T1 | Day 2 | WTT Feeder Istanbul 2026 (World Table Tennis / YouTube)

Music and Arts in Kadıköy: The Moody Blues Featured by Yerdeniz Plak

 

Music and Arts in Kadıköy: The Moody Blues Featured by Yerdeniz Plak

The independent music platform Dork has highlighted a music video featuring the classic rock band The Moody Blues, closely associated with the Istanbul-based record store Yerdeniz Plak, located in the vibrant Kadıköy district. The feature connects the international legacy of the band with the local Istanbul music and record-collecting scene.

Sources:

• The Moody Blues – Meanwhile....yerdenizplak.com İstanbul Kadıköy (Dork)

Navigating Jewish Identity and Anonymity in Istanbul

 

Navigating Jewish Identity and Anonymity in Istanbul

In an opinion piece published by the Baltimore Jewish Times, author Hadassah Slavin explores the complexities of Jewish identity and safety while visiting Istanbul. The author reflects on the experience of moving through the historic city anonymously, without visible markers of faith such as a Star of David. The narrative delves into the tension between the comfort of blending in and the historical depth of Jewish communities that have existed in Türkiye for over two millennia, observing the nuanced realities of existing both visibly and invisibly in different cultural contexts.

Sources:

• Opinion: I Didn't Hide in Turkey … (Baltimore Jewish Times)

Belgian Defense Minister Applauds Baykar in Istanbul

 

Belgian Defense Minister Applauds Baykar in Istanbul

During a visit to the Özdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center in Istanbul, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken commended Turkish defense company Baykar. Francken highlighted Baykar's unique position within NATO's defense ecosystem, attributing its success to a strong commitment to constant innovation. The visit underscored the growing international interest in Türkiye's advanced defense technology and unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturing capabilities.

Sources:

• Belgian defense minister praises Baykar's innovation during Istanbul visit (Anadolu Ajansı)

Gaming Istanbul (GIST) 2026: A Global Crossroads for the Games Industry

 

Gaming Istanbul (GIST) 2026: A Global Crossroads for the Games Industry

Gaming Istanbul (GIST) is officially returning in October 2026 with an expanded vision and a new management team. Set for October 18–20 at the Istanbul Congress Center, the three-day event is structured to position Istanbul as a major hub for the international games industry. GIST 2026 will feature a B2C Festival for gaming enthusiasts alongside dedicated B2B conference stages focusing on PC, Console, and Mobile platforms. The event aims to bring together developers, publishers, investors, and hardware brands in a city uniquely situated between East and West.

Sources:

• Gaming Istanbul Is Back: GIST 2026 Sets Its Sights on a Global Stage (80 Level)

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World Decolonization Forum 2026: Challenging Global Power Structures in Istanbul

 

World Decolonization Forum 2026: Challenging Global Power Structures in Istanbul

Scholars, intellectuals, journalists, and notable figures—including former French national football player Lilian Thuram—convened in Istanbul for the World Decolonization Forum. The event focused on challenging Western narratives and examining global power structures. The forum serves as a prominent platform for international voices to discuss the historical and contemporary impacts of colonization, fostering dialogues aimed at global equity.

Sources:

• Decolonization forum challenges Western narratives, power structures (Daily Sabah)

• Licensable picture: World Decolonization Forum in Istanbul (Reuters Connect)