İstanbul News

Monday, July 6, 2026

Türkiye, 22 Yıl Aradan Sonra İlk Kez NATO Liderler Zirvesine Ev Sahipliği Yapıyor

Türkiye, 2004 yılında gerçekleşen tarihi İstanbul Zirvesi'nin ardından, 22 yıl sonra ilk kez bir NATO Zirvesi'ne ev sahipliği yapmaya hazırlanıyor. Önümüzdeki hafta Ankara'da düzenlenecek olan üst düzey zirve kapsamında, ittifaka üye 32 ülkenin devlet ve hükümet başkanları, bakanlar, üst düzey diplomatlar ve uluslararası kuruluş temsilcileri bir araya gelecek.

Zirvenin yan etkinlikleri kapsamında, İstanbul Dolmabahçe Sarayı'nda NATO Parlamenter Zirvesi de gerçekleştirilecek. Etkinliklerin güvenliğini sağlamak amacıyla 48 binden fazlası polis olmak üzere toplam 56 bin 288 güvenlik personeli görevlendirilirken, siber tehditlere karşı da 24 saat kesintisiz siber devriyeler devrede olacak. Zirve kapsamında savunma sanayii yatırımları, külfet paylaşımı ve Avro-Atlantik bölgesindeki güvenlik sınamaları masaya yatırılacak.

Haber Linki: Anadolu Ajansı

Hopes Grow for the Reopening of Historic Halki Greek Orthodox Seminary Off Istanbul

Legal and structural discussions regarding the potential reopening of the long-inactive Halki Greek Orthodox seminary have entered a new phase. Situated on Heybeliada, one of the Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara off Istanbul, the facility operated as the primary theological institution for the Eastern Orthodox Church from its founding in the mid-19th century until its closure in 1971 due to a Turkish law nationalizing private higher education institutions.

According to church representatives, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has indicated a willingness to accept newly proposed framework formulas regarding the school's administrative status under the current legal architecture. This structural dialogue has renewed domestic and international expectations for a functional revival of the historic school.

News Link: France 24

Over 100 Detained in Istanbul and Ankara During Pre-NATO Summit Protests

Turkish security forces intervened during several anti-NATO demonstrations organized ahead of the upcoming alliance leaders' summit on July 5, 2026. According to statements from the Communist Party of Turkey (TKP), more than 100 party members and administrators were detained during a protest march in Ankara's central Kızılay Square.

In Istanbul, parallel demonstrations were held under the coordination of the "No to NATO Coordination" and alternative leftist groups. Hundreds of participants marched from Taksim Square toward Dolmabahçe, while separate rallies took place in the Kadıköy district on the Asian side of the city. While a heavy police presence was recorded across the demonstration routes in Istanbul, no direct clashes or scuffles were reported there. Local authorities have expanded security cordons and implemented regional assembly bans across major urban centers prior to the arrival of the foreign delegations.

News Link: Reuters
Labels: NATO Summit, Protests, Istanbul, Turkey

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Modern Meets Tradition: The Evolution of Authentic Turkish Delight in Istanbul

Turkish delight, traditionally known as lokum, is undergoing a culinary transformation in Istanbul as contemporary confectioners introduce innovative flavors while preserving centuries-old manufacturing techniques. A feature explores the delicate balance between historical reverence and modern gastronomy within the city's sweet-making industry.

While historic establishments like Hacı Bekir in the Sirkeci neighborhood maintain traditional standards—emphasizing that authentic high-quality lokum must retain its characteristic texture and bounce back when compressed—newer spaces in areas like Bomonti are reinterpreting the treat. Modern confectioners are incorporating non-traditional ingredients, ranging from sumac and mulberry to radical variations like wasabi, to appeal to younger generations and international audiences. Despite these flavor innovations, traditional varieties like double-roasted pistachio remain the region's top-selling products.

National Geographic News Page

Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Target NATO and Trump in Istanbul Ahead of Summit

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the Uskudar district of Istanbul to stage a protest targeting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the alliance's upcoming activities. The mobilization, supported by various activist groups, expressed strong opposition to NATO's regional military presence and security policies.

Protesters chanted slogans against the alliance and held banners expressing solidarity with Palestine, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The demonstrators accused NATO of escalating international conflicts and demanded the closure of foreign military bases within Turkey. Security forces monitored the demonstration, which took place amid heightened security measures across major Turkish cities prior to the diplomatic summit.

DRM News Video Coverage

İstanbul'da Tutuklu Komedyen İçin "No Joy" Protestosu Düzenlendi

İstanbul'da bir mahkemenin, dini değerlere ve Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan'a hakaret ettiği gerekçesiyle bir komedyenin dava sürecine kadar tutuklu yargılanmasına karar vermesinin ardından protestolar düzenlendi. Karara tepki gösteren vatandaşlar ve komedyenin hayranları, "No Joy" (Eğlenceye Yer Yok) adı altında bir araya gelerek protesto gösterisi gerçekleştirdi. Göstericiler, ifade özgürlüğünün kısıtlanmasını eleştirerek tutuklama kararına tepki gösterdi ve yargılama sürecinin tutuksuz olarak devam etmesi çağrısında bulundu.

Turkey and Pakistan Reaffirm Resolve to Boost Bilateral Trade Target to $5 Billion

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Vahdettin Palace in Istanbul for high-level bilateral discussions. The meeting, which was attended by senior officials including Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and National Intelligence Organization head Ibrahim Kalin, focused on expanding strategic and economic cooperation between Ankara and Islamabad.

During a joint press conference following their closed-door meeting, both leaders emphasized their commitment to increasing the bilateral trade volume to $5 billion. The discussions covered extensive cooperation in mutual investments, defense industries, technology transfer, and joint anti-terrorism efforts. The leaders also reviewed critical regional developments, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader peace initiatives in the Middle East.

Anadolu Ajansı News Page

Radio Pakistan News Page