February
01.02.2025
•
Saturday
•

Day Prison Door Closed on Two State Stories

⌨
The morning news cycle centered on MHP leader Bahçeli's endorsement of the military's decision to expel the lieutenants over their sword ceremony, while CHP opposition called for early elections in 2025. The narrative shifted by afternoon with the suicide of Dr. İlker Gönen, a key figure in the "Yenidoğan Gang" case, in prison.

Coverage of humanitarian exchanges in Gaza and repeated earthquakes in the Aegean Sea provided background noise to these two main institutional stories. Pro-government media emphasized President Erdoğan's criticism of CHP-run İzmir's infrastructure during his visit, while opposition outlets focused on the Turkish Bar Association's response to the lieutenant expulsions.

By evening, attention turned to allegations of property seizures through e-government systems and protests demanding answers about missing persons, marking a continuation of the week's institutional confrontations.
02.02.2025
•
Sunday
•

Day Winter Follows Fall From Grace

⌨
The morning began with multiple traffic incidents on TAG Highway, followed by reports of earthquakes in Adana. By mid-morning, media focus shifted to the aftermath of the lieutenant expulsions, with opposition figures and supporters staging competing demonstrations at Anıtkabir.

Early afternoon brought President Erdoğan's admission that AKP's poll numbers were below expectations, while Foreign Minister Fidan conducted meetings with Hamas leadership in Qatar. The Pınar Gültekin murder case returned to headlines as the court released its reasoning for reducing the perpetrator's sentence.

Evening coverage centered on a series of earthquakes in the Aegean Sea, prompting emergency meetings in Greece. Two opposition figures, Cemal Enginyurt and Salih Uzun, announced their move to CHP, while meteorological services warned of incoming "Siberian" cold front threatening Istanbul with snow.
03.02.2025
•
Monday
•

Day Inflation Numbers Met Earthquake Swarm

⌨
Morning headlines focused on TÜİK's announcement of 42.12% annual inflation, while ENAG's independent calculation showed 81.01%. This economic narrative intertwined with reports of over 570 earthquakes in the Aegean since January 28, prompting emergency responses in both Turkey and Greece.

By afternoon, President Erdoğan's cabinet meeting produced statements on both the Kartalkaya resort deaths and the Aegean seismic activity, which he framed as a "national security matter." The administration announced new healthcare prescriptions regulations and social media age restrictions.

Evening coverage shifted to institutional changes, with AFAD chief Okay Memiş's appointment as MGK General Secretary, while actress Melisa Sözen's questioning over a French series role highlighted ongoing tension between cultural expression and state security concerns. The continuing coverage of expelled lieutenants' supporters at Anıtkabir showed the military discipline story maintaining momentum.
04.02.2025
•
Tuesday
•

Syria Returns Through Ankara's Gate

⌨
The morning began with another earthquake swarm in the Aegean Sea, as scientists warned about tsunami risks for coastal regions. AFAD President Okay Memiş's appointment as MGK Secretary General signaled institutional restructuring.

By afternoon, Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa's arrival in Ankara marked a significant shift in regional diplomacy. The visit, coinciding with ongoing discussions about Öcalan's potential "historic call," highlighted Turkey's complex positioning between Kurdish interests and Syrian reconciliation.

Evening coverage centered on three concurrent developments: the announcement of investigations into 750 private schools, Turkish Airlines' cancellation of flights due to incoming snow, and new arrests in the Kartalkaya resort fire investigation. Minister Tekin's announcement about school investigations and potential closures suggested broader institutional reforms beyond the education sector.
05.02.2025
•
Wednesday
•

Trump's Gaza Words Fall on Snow

⌨
Trump's declaration about US plans to take over Gaza and remove Palestinians dominated morning coverage, with Foreign Minister Fidan explicitly rejecting the proposal by early afternoon. The statement sparked responses across Turkish media, from government officials to opposition figures.

The predicted snowfall arrived in Istanbul, disrupting flights and creating traffic congestion. The weather event intersected with ongoing earthquake anniversary coverage, as reports indicated 70% of Adıyaman victims still live in containers two years later.

The Kartalkaya hotel fire investigation expanded with provincial administration officials' arrests and travel bans imposed on the hotel owner's wife. A Human Rights Association report on earthquake violations was released, while AFAD addressed concerns about Aegean earthquake swarms potentially affecting Turkish fault lines. The Pentagon's reported preparations to withdraw from Syria added another layer to regional dynamics.
06.02.2025
•
Thursday
•

Leader's Heart Beats Through Media Pulse

⌨
MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli's heart valve surgery dominated media coverage, with outlets tracking both medical updates and political reactions throughout the day. The story's prominence overshadowed ongoing regional developments, including Turkey's military positioning in Syria and the EU's Gaza statement.

Baykar's announcement of 5 billion lira support for earthquake regions came as earthquake anniversary coverage continued, with Bianet highlighting persistent issues facing Roma communities. Foreign Minister Fidan's discussion with Lavrov about Syria and Ukraine emerged as Turkish media processed previous days' developments regarding Syrian interim leadership and Trump's Gaza comments.

The death of linguistics professor Zeynep Korkmaz, described as "Turkish language's cypress tree," marked a cultural note in evening coverage. Meanwhile, media attention remained split between Bahçeli's recovery and various institutional responses to regional developments.
07.02.2025
•
Friday
•

Two Cities Count Their Dead, Streets Choose Silence

⌨
The bootleg alcohol crisis reached new heights as death counts hit 33 in Ankara and 70 in Istanbul. Morning coverage focused on judicial developments, with nine defendants receiving life sentences in the Hrant Dink case, while the Istanbul Governor's office rejected CHP's request for a Gaza solidarity march.

By afternoon, President Erdoğan's direct confrontation with Mayor İmamoğlu during the AKP Istanbul congress generated multiple response cycles, culminating in Justice Minister Tunç's intervention regarding İmamoğlu's comments about the judiciary. The evening brought Kılıçdaroğlu's first substantial statement since his electoral defeat, speaking of "betrayal by companions" - a clear reference to İmamoğlu and Yavaş.

Weather continued affecting Istanbul operations, while officials processed MHP leader Bahçeli's successful heart surgery from the previous day. The Central Bank's inflation forecast revision sparked minimal coverage, suggesting media focus remained on political narratives.
08.02.2025
•
Saturday
•

Press Silences Through Night and Day

⌨
The morning began with arrests at BirGün newspaper, as three editors were taken into custody. This followed ongoing tensions between media and state authorities, with RTÜK issuing new "warnings" to news bulletins about "violence and impartiality." The bootleg alcohol crisis continued to escalate, with death counts reaching 103 across two cities.

By midday, government attention shifted to Gaza narratives, with multiple ministers criticizing CHP leader Özgür Özel's statements. The Interior Ministry announced the capture of two grey-listed terrorists in Edirne, while archaeological discoveries from earthquake excavations generated substantial coverage.

Evening developments centered on Finance Minister Şimşek's statements about inflation control measures and public spending cuts, while the detention of astrologist Hilal Saraç for alleged insults against political leaders marked another instance of state pressure on public discourse.
09.02.2025
•
Sunday
•

Three Editors Walk Through Court Gates

⌨
The morning began with BirGün newspaper executives facing detention and questioning, culminating in their evening release under judicial control measures. Early reports of structural concerns led to building evacuations in Tuzla, while Istanbul authorities wrestled with water quality issues as residents reported brown water from taps.

By midday, CHP leadership convened a significant meeting between party leader Özel, Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu, and Ankara Mayor Yavaş, while President Erdoğan prepared for visits to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Foreign Minister Fidan rejected Trump's Gaza displacement proposals, a position later echoed by Erdoğan.

Evening brought multiple earthquakes in the Aegean Sea, with a 5.1 magnitude tremor generating widespread coverage. Weather concerns prompted school closures in several provinces as forecasts predicted renewed snowfall for Istanbul.
10.02.2025
•
Monday
•

Snow Falls While Party Probes Begin

⌨
The prosecutor's office launched an investigation into CHP's recent party congress, with former chairman Kılıçdaroğlu called to testify but declining to appear. Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş announced he would not participate in the party's presidential primary elections, marking a significant shift in opposition dynamics.

Hamas suspended the prisoner exchange with Israel, citing ceasefire violations, while Turkish officials strongly criticized Trump's statements about Palestinian displacement from Gaza. The bootleg alcohol crisis continued to claim lives in Ankara and Istanbul, with authorities announcing new enforcement measures.

Evening brought a 5.2 magnitude earthquake in the Aegean Sea, continuing the seismic activity pattern from previous days. Weather dominated local coverage as snow returned to Istanbul, causing flight cancellations at Sabiha Gökçen Airport and prompting school closures in multiple provinces.
11.02.2025
•
Tuesday
•

Day Snow Locked Gates While Deputies Fell

⌨
A coordinated operation targeting CHP municipalities in Istanbul led to the detention of multiple deputy mayors, initially from Kartal and Ataşehir, expanding to nine districts throughout the morning. The operation, labeled as "terror-related" by state media, follows previous days' pressure on opposition media and CHP leadership.

Abdullah Zeydan received a 3-year-9-month prison sentence, while CHP announced March 23 for their presidential primary elections. President Erdoğan's Asian tour began in Malaysia, with coverage focusing on bilateral agreements and statements about Gaza.

Heavy snowfall in Istanbul dominated afternoon coverage, leading to citywide school closures for the following day. Evening brought news of a US court decision to extradite Eylem Tok and Timur Cihantimur to Turkey, while Netanyahu's statements about ending the Gaza ceasefire by Saturday received significant attention across Turkish media.
12.02.2025
•
Wednesday
•

Day Snow Gates Locked Parliament Paths

⌨
Heavy snowfall in Istanbul led to the closure of Bosphorus maritime traffic and ferry services, with snow depths reaching 80cm in some areas. The weather disruption dominated morning coverage alongside Erdoğan's arrival in Indonesia, where he called for immediate Palestinian statehood.

Parliament witnessed tension as TV host Zahide Yetiş's comments prompted walkouts, while CHP faced multiple challenges including İmamoğlu's upcoming court date and investigations into municipal operations. DEM Party made an unexpected diplomatic gesture by calling MHP leader Bahçeli with well-wishes.

Evening brought new seismic activity in the Aegean Sea with a 4.5 magnitude earthquake, continuing the pattern from previous days. The release of a contractor involved in earthquake-related deaths generated significant coverage, while protests in Van against the appointed trustee entered their second day.
13.02.2025
•
Thursday
•

The Day Business Spoke While Mountains Trembled

⌨
TÜSİAD's criticism of government policies sparked immediate responses from multiple officials, with Justice Minister Tunç leading a coordinated pushback against the business organization's statements about democracy and rule of law. The government's narrative portrayed this as an attempt to interfere with politics.

President Erdoğan's Pakistan visit dominated official media, with emphasis on trade agreements and statements about Gaza. The gift of a TOGG vehicle to Pakistan's president received particular attention.

Operations against CHP municipalities intensified, with prosecutors using WhatsApp group memberships as evidence to arrest 10 officials. Meanwhile, labor protests in Gaziantep faced a governor's ban.

The Aegean region experienced multiple 4.6 magnitude earthquakes within minutes, while AFAD assured the public about tsunami risks. Evening brought news of a fatal bus accident in Bingöl, with 4 deaths and 32 injuries.
14.02.2025
•
Friday
•

Day Business Leaders Faced State Power

⌨
TÜSİAD's criticism of government policies triggered an immediate state response, with prosecutors launching investigations against the business organization's leadership by morning. The Justice Minister led coordinated messaging portraying the group's statements as attempts to revive "February 28 mentality," referring to the 1997 post-modern coup. Opposition leaders, including Özgür Özel and Kılıçdaroğlu, defended TÜSİAD.

Foreign Minister Fidan conducted meetings with US, UK, and German counterparts in Munich, focusing on Gaza ceasefire efforts. Meanwhile, Erdoğan signaled cabinet changes while dismissing concerns about potential political bans on İmamoğlu.

The day saw multiple infrastructure incidents in Istanbul, including a landslide in Üsküdar forcing evacuations and a fatal accident involving a firefighter. CHP's primary election schedule was finalized, with nearly 4,000 polling stations to be established.
15.02.2025
•
Saturday
•

Day Van Mayor Falls to State Hand

⌨
Morning headlines centered on the removal of Van Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Abdullah Zeydan, with the appointment of a state trustee. Pro-government media linked the decision to terror investigations, while opposition sources framed it as retaliation for recent protests. The move triggered responses from CHP leadership and sparked demonstrations.

By mid-day, news emerged of contract terminations at Batman Municipality, affecting 112 employees, while FETÖ operations resulted in 103 detentions nationwide. Foreign Minister Fidan's statements at the Munich Security Conference regarding Syria and PKK/YPG dominated afternoon coverage.

Evening brought the arrest of Demirören Holding board member Tayfun Demirören, marking a significant development in ongoing investigations into business leaders, following yesterday's TÜSİAD controversy. Reports of 219 detentions in Van closed the day's coverage.
16.02.2025
•
Sunday
•

Day Mountain Gates Release White Snow While Van Burns

⌨
A 4.8 earthquake in Bingöl and building evacuations in Istanbul marked the early hours, as meteorologists warned of unprecedented snowfall approaching Istanbul. The Van trustee appointment from yesterday continued generating reactions, with protests met by police intervention and multiple detentions.

TÜSİAD controversy from previous days escalated as MHP leader Bahçeli joined government criticism against the business organization, suggesting CHP consider TÜSİAD's chairman as their candidate. The Communications Directorate denied claims about Turkish Aeronautical Association trustee appointments.

By evening, Tayfun Demirören's release after one day in custody signaled possible shifts in the business leader investigations, while 34 bar associations issued statements regarding trustee appointments. The day closed with HÜDA-PAR's workshop drawing criticism from presidential advisor Uçum, who labeled it as "betrayal."
17.02.2025
•
Monday
•

Day Snow Returns While Prosecutors Hunt Mayors

⌨
New legal proceedings against Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu dominated morning coverage, with prosecutors seeking 4-year imprisonment over alleged witness interference. İmamoğlu directly accused Erdoğan of attempting to eliminate political opposition.

By midday, attention shifted to Zelenskyy's arrival in Turkey for talks with Erdoğan, while meteorological services warned of incoming Siberian weather front threatening Istanbul and Ankara with severe snowfall. The DEM Party delegation concluded meetings with Barzani in northern Iraq, reportedly discussing Öcalan's messages.

Evening developments centered on raids at Beykoz Municipality, with investigators seizing tender files, while organized crime trials began for 305 defendants. Labor tensions surfaced through union violence in Ankara, where a Metal Workers' Union branch president killed the secretary before taking his own life.
18.02.2025
•
Tuesday
•

Dawn Raids While Peace Ships Sail

⌨
Pre-dawn raids across 10 provinces targeted HDK members, with 60 detention warrants resulting in 52 arrests including journalists, artists, and politicians. This operation follows the pattern of increased pressure on opposition figures seen in recent days, particularly after Van mayor's removal.

By midday, diplomatic activity intensified as Zelenskyy visited Ankara, while reports emerged of US-Russia talks on Ukraine proceeding without Kyiv's presence. Turkey positioned itself as a potential mediator, with Erdoğan meeting both Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Rutte.

Evening coverage shifted to domestic matters as news broke of anticipated severe weather, with Istanbul authorities issuing warnings about incoming snowfall. TÜSİAD maintained its position despite government pressure, while reports surfaced of negotiations between SDG and Syrian military forces for potential integration.
19.02.2025
•
Wednesday
•

Day Business Leaders Face Police Cars

⌨
The morning began with President Erdogan's stern warnings to TÜSİAD, followed by prosecutors launching investigations against its chairman Orhan Turan and advisory council head Tuncay Aras. By afternoon, both were escorted by police for questioning, culminating in prosecutors requesting travel bans.

Heavy snowfall hit Istanbul, prompting school closures and transportation adjustments. Metro services were extended until 2 AM, while maritime traffic through the Bosphorus was suspended.

Reports emerged of six migrants losing their lives off İzmir's coast, while animal rights activist "Aunt Necla" died in a suspicious house fire after being targeted on social media. The evening brought news of Trump calling Zelenskyy a "dictator," adding complexity to ongoing Turkey-Ukraine diplomatic efforts initiated during Zelenskyy's visit yesterday.
20.02.2025
•
Thursday
•

Day Snow Gates Closed Schools While Business Leaders Walked Courts

⌨
The investigation of TÜSİAD leaders continued with court testimonies revealing their defense of "expressing society's sensitivities." The business leaders were released under travel bans, marking a slight de-escalation from yesterday's police escorts.

Heavy snowfall intensified across Turkey, with 35 provinces closing schools. Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen Airport faced a crisis as multiple aircraft circled with depleting fuel reserves, leading to 45% flight cancellations. The Bosphorus strait closed to maritime traffic due to fog.

Foreign Minister Fidan met his Russian counterpart while emphasizing at G20 that Palestinian territories are "not subject to negotiation." Evening brought news of 63 deaths from counterfeit alcohol in Ankara, while municipalities extended emergency services for snow conditions. The Constitutional Court delegation departed for Qatar amid ongoing institutional tensions.
21.02.2025
•
Friday
•

Snow Gates Lock Istanbul While HDK Members Face Courts

⌨
Heavy snowfall paralyzed Istanbul, with authorities closing major highways and suspending motorcycle deliveries. The precipitation raised reservoir levels while disrupting urban life. Airport operations faced restrictions, though public transportation continued with adjustments.

The HDK investigation that began with dawn raids three days ago reached its judicial phase, with courts ordering detention for 20 of 53 defendants, including journalist Elif Akgül. Meanwhile, Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu formally submitted his presidential candidacy papers to CHP, claiming sufficient backing.

The ongoing TÜSİAD investigation prompted responses from multiple government officials, with Communications Director Altun linking critics to "February 28 mentality." Minister Tunç labeled TÜSİAD's stance "unfair," while Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş advised the business organization to "mind its own business."

Defense Ministry announced neutralizing 12 PKK militants in northern Iraq operations.
22.02.2025
•
Saturday
•

Diploma Claims and Snow Gates

⌨
The morning began with prosecutors launching a "fake diploma" investigation against Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu, marking the latest in a series of legal challenges. By afternoon, YÖK officials denied claims about diploma cancellation, while CHP leadership issued statements defending İmamoğlu's credentials.

Heavy snowfall continued paralyzing Istanbul, with AKOM reporting 40cm accumulation. THY canceled flights while authorities lifted restrictions on delivery motorcycles. Vice President Yılmaz projected inflation to drop to 20% range by year-end.

The HDK investigation scope expanded to 4,753 individuals, while media reported on arrest details of the initial 30 detainees. Press organizations protested the detention of journalists among those arrested.

Evening brought reports of Netanyahu halting prisoner exchanges with Hamas, while Turkey's oil export procedures from Ceyhan reached completion.
23.02.2025
•
Sunday
•

Day Party Rebuilds While Snow Guards Gates

⌨
AK Party's 8th Congress dominated morning coverage, with Erdoğan securing his 9th term as chairman. The party expanded vice-presidential positions to 19, incorporating members from opposition IYI and Future parties into its central committee. Erdoğan's speech targeted TÜSİAD business leaders, continuing the government's pressure campaign from previous days.

Heavy snow continued affecting transportation, with eight provinces announcing school closures. Istanbul's governor faced pressure for closure decisions as precipitation intensified. Defense Ministry announced neutralizing eight PKK militants in northern Iraq and Syria.

Evening brought news of Erdoğan-Macron talks, while Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov arrived in Ankara. German election results showed CDU/CSU leading at 29% with far-right AfD reaching 20%. MIT released historical documents about surveillance of Trotsky's exile in Büyükada, while prosecutors launched an investigation into Borsa Istanbul.
24.02.2025
•
Monday
•

Day EU Needs Turkey While Trustees Take Kağızman

⌨
The morning began with authorities appointing a trustee to DEM Party-led Kağızman municipality, continuing the pattern from Van. Multiple DEAŞ operations across 16 provinces resulted in 92 arrests. İmamoğlu's "fake diploma" investigation evolved with prosecutors setting a March 5 hearing date.

Following cabinet meeting, Erdoğan positioned Turkey as Europe's potential savior amid rising far-right sentiment, referencing German election results showing AfD at 20%. The statement aligned with morning's meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, where Turkey reasserted its mediator role in Ukraine conflict.

Evening brought news of police casualties in Kayseri drug operations, while authorities closed schools in 10 provinces due to continuing snow. Former presidential advisor Ahmet Sever's death and historian Sevim Belli's passing marked the close of day, as FETÖ operations resulted in 126 arrests.
25.02.2025
•
Tuesday
•

Day Maydonoz FETÖ Case Expands While Reyhanlı Bomber Falls

⌨
The morning began with multiple FETÖ-related arrests at Maydonoz Döner restaurant chain, initially involving 9 suspects and later expanding to include judges. By early afternoon, MIT announced capturing Temir Dükancı, a key suspect in the 2013 Reyhanlı bombing, in Syria.

İmamoğlu's diploma investigation continued evolving as his lawyers held a press conference presenting documentation, while opposition figures revealed alleged political motivations behind the investigation. The case appears connected to broader legal pressures on opposition figures, including the Istanbul Bar Association leadership now facing 12-year prison terms.

Evening brought news of fatal accidents: three family members died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Ankara, while a police officer died in a traffic collision in Konya. US-Ukraine minerals agreement details emerged, while reports indicated imminent İmralı prison visits.
26.02.2025
•
Wednesday
•

Day İmralı Opens Gates While Snow Guards Mountains

⌨
The Justice Ministry approved DEM Party's third İmralı visit, with a seven-member delegation scheduled to meet Öcalan. Large screens were set up in Diyarbakır and Van for an anticipated February 28 announcement, suggesting coordination with the Kurdish movement's traditional commemoration date.

The ongoing diploma verification process targeting İmamoğlu generated contradictory statements from prosecutors throughout the day, while Erdoğan issued threats to opposition leader Özel during his birthday celebrations. The presidential communications office issued denials of BBC reporting about ongoing military operations.

Heavy snow continued affecting eastern provinces, with multiple school closures. Foreign Minister Fidan appeared on Al Jazeera to criticize Trump's Gaza plan, while Turkish diplomacy positioned itself for upcoming Russia-US talks in Istanbul. The Ministry of Defense announced neutralizing six PKK militants in northern Syria.
27.02.2025
•
Thursday
•

Day PKK Received Final Call While Mayor Falls

⌨
The morning began with Beykoz Mayor Alaattin Köseler's detention on corruption charges, triggering responses from opposition figures who framed it as political persecution. By early afternoon, attention shifted to the anticipated İmralı statement, as preparations in multiple cities indicated coordination for a major announcement.

At 14:00, the DEM Party delegation completed their third meeting with Öcalan, leading to the 17:00 announcement where he called for PKK's dissolution and disarmament. YPG quickly responded with hints at transitioning to political activity. The AK Party's initial response emphasized focusing on results rather than statements.

In parallel developments, US-Russian diplomatic talks proceeded in Istanbul, while Foreign Minister Fidan appeared on television criticizing US support for PKK. CHP leadership held an emergency meeting following Öcalan's statement, while President Erdoğan met with Russian Federation Council Chair Matviyenko.
28.02.2025
•
Friday
•

Wave From İmralı Spreads Through Mountains

⌨
The morning press extensively covered reactions to Öcalan's disarmament call, with mainstream media carefully framing narratives around "new phase" terminology. By noon, EU and US statements "welcoming" the development emerged, while the Kurdistan National Congress issued first organizational support.

President Erdoğan broke his silence in late afternoon, notably avoiding terms like "Kurdish issue" or "PKK" while speaking of "entering a new phase." CHP leader Özel revealed year-long negotiations, while DEM Party scheduled three simultaneous meetings to discuss responses.

In parallel developments, two major organized crime figures - Sinan Memi and Atakan Avcı - were extradited from Poland and Bulgaria. The Beykoz mayor corruption case expanded with 21 detentions. Economic data showed 3.2% growth for 2024, while TÜRK-İŞ announced the poverty threshold exceeded 75,000 TL.
Turkey Live Headlines