June
01.06.2025
Sunday

The Final Warning Day

The prison enforcement package that reached parliament the previous day advanced through committee approval early morning, marking progress on the judicial reforms. The fifth wave of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality operations continued expanding, with detention numbers rising to 34 people as the corruption investigation deepened.

By afternoon, CHP leader Özgür Özel escalated his confrontation with President Erdoğan, issuing what he termed his "final warning" and renewing demands for access to state broadcaster TRT during a rally in Antalya. This represented an intensification of the political rhetoric that began with Özel calling Erdoğan a "junta leader" the previous day.

MIT announced capturing a high-level ISIS operative in Pakistan, though details remained limited across sources. Russia conducted bridge strikes near Ukraine hours before Istanbul peace talks were scheduled to resume, with Russian delegations arriving in the city. The Bayraktar TB3 drone conducted AI-assisted takeoff and landing tests, advancing Turkey's defense capabilities.
02.06.2025
Monday

The Peace Talks Resume Day

Russia-Ukraine peace talks resumed in Istanbul with direct diplomatic engagement between the warring parties. By afternoon, President Erdoğan announced Turkey's ambition to host a summit including Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy, with the White House responding positively to the proposal.

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality operations reached their fifth wave, with detention numbers climbing to 38 people on corruption charges. The judicial pressure expanded beyond Istanbul as a separate CHP municipality faced bribery operations resulting in four arrests.

Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş visited DEM Party's parliamentary group, stating that following Imrali's statement about laying down arms, the Kurdish issue had reached a point where it could be discussed in parliament. DEM Party selected Pervin Buldan as their new deputy speaker to replace Sırrı Süreyya Önder.

An indictment was completed regarding CHP's 38th congress, with prosecutors alleging electoral fraud and naming twelve suspects including İmamoğlu. The İzmir municipal strike entered its fifth day with no resolution.
03.06.2025
Tuesday

The Earthquake and Arrests Day

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Marmaris in Muğla province at 02:17, killing a 14-year-old who suffered a panic attack during the tremor. The quake was felt across multiple provinces, affecting 69 people total, with experts warning it could trigger other fault lines.

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality corruption investigation escalated dramatically as former CHP MP Aykut Erdoğdu and two associates were arrested, while Büyükçekmece Mayor Hasan Akgün was also detained. This represented the fifth wave of the expanding probe that has now resulted in multiple arrests of opposition figures.

Parliament re-elected Numan Kurtulmuş as speaker after no candidate received sufficient votes in initial rounds. Foreign Minister Fidan claimed President Erdoğan was the only leader trusted simultaneously by Putin, Trump, and Zelenskyy for peace negotiations, continuing Turkey's positioning as mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Severe flooding paralyzed life in Trabzon, while a missing 4-year-old girl prompted a province-wide search in Muğla.
04.06.2025
Wednesday

The Prison Reform Takes Effect Day

Parliament passed the 10th Judicial Package early morning, with the prison reform law entering force by afternoon and first releases beginning immediately. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality corruption investigation continued expanding with 22 suspects arrested, including five mayors, while businessman Aziz İhsan Aktaş secured release after becoming a confessor.

The seven-day İzmir municipal strike ended with an agreement between the metropolitan municipality and DISK union. Bianet editor Tuğçe Yılmaz was detained during routine police checks under Article 301 before being released the same day.

By evening, prosecutors launched an investigation against CHP leader Özgür Özel for insulting and threatening judicial members, escalating the confrontation that began with his "final warning" to Erdoğan. Interior Minister Yerlikaya announced 3,000 undercover officers would monitor holiday travel safety as Kurban Bayramı approaches. The day concluded with both sides claiming victory - the government on judicial reforms and opposition releases, the opposition on ending municipal strikes.
05.06.2025
Thursday

The Day Five CHP Mayors Were Removed

The Interior Ministry removed five CHP mayors from office in the morning, escalating the municipal crisis that began with detention waves in previous days. CHP leader Özgür Özel responded defiantly, declaring that government-appointed trustees could not enter municipal buildings. This confrontation intensified as prosecutors opened a second investigation against Özel for insulting public officials.

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality corruption probe continued expanding, with two more confessors released and new testimony emerging about cash being transported in suitcases. Prosecutor statements detailed how two villas were transferred to İmamoğlu Construction.

A deadly apartment fire in Diyarbakır claimed three lives, including two children, dominating evening coverage. The tragedy occurred in a 13-story building with 17 others hospitalized. Meanwhile, prison releases began under the new reform law as earthquakes struck Çanakkale and Antalya. President Erdoğan conducted multiple diplomatic calls while promoting his "terror-free Turkey" vision amid the domestic political crisis.
Kurban Bayramı began with traditional prayers at dawn, but Interior Minister Yerlikaya announced a grim toll by afternoon: 10 deaths and 1,319 injuries during the holiday period, including 863 accidents on Arife Day alone. President Erdoğan conducted diplomatic calls with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman while issuing messages emphasizing unity and Gaza support.

The political confrontation escalated as AK Party Deputy Chairman Yayman revived constitutional reform discussions, calling for a new civilian constitution that "86 million citizens would embrace." MHP leader Bahçeli emphasized "terror-free Turkey" in his holiday message while meeting with Erdoğan.

The Diyarbakır fire investigation, which killed four family members including three children, resulted in four arrests by evening. Meanwhile, CHP's imprisoned mayors issued defiant holiday messages from prison, with İmamoğlu declaring those in power "will soon leave never to return." The day concluded with Manisa's CHP mayor being electrocuted and hospitalized in serious condition.
07.06.2025
Saturday

The Mayor's Electrocution Day

Manisa Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek's condition dominated coverage after his heart stopped for 70 minutes following electrocution, remaining in intensive care throughout the day. President Erdoğan called CHP leader Özgür Özel with well-wishes, continuing the political reconciliation gestures that began during Kurban Bayramı.

The holiday's casualty toll shifted between reports, with Interior Minister Yerlikaya announcing 7 deaths and 692 accidents on the first day, while 814 people injured themselves slaughtering sacrificial animals in Istanbul alone. A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Gökçeada, prompting statements from disaster authorities.

Political parties continued holiday visits, with AKP's Diyarbakır chairman visiting DEM Party headquarters for the first time during a holiday. Dilek İmamoğlu wrote to First Lady Emine Erdoğan requesting review of policies separating imprisoned women political prisoners from their families. The Diyarbakır fire investigation that killed four family members resulted in five arrests by evening.
The search for 10-year-old autistic Onurcan Özdemir ended tragically when his body was found in the Fırat River after 15 days missing. The discovery dominated morning coverage alongside ongoing updates on Manisa Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek's condition following his electrocution, with political leaders from across the spectrum making courtesy calls to CHP leader Özgür Özel.

By midday, Interior Minister Yerlikaya announced the holiday's mounting death toll, with two more families losing members in traffic accidents. The Diyarbakır fire investigation that killed four family members progressed with two arrests by evening.

Turkey's women's volleyball team maintained their unbeaten streak against China, providing rare positive coverage amid the stream of casualties. The Freedom Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza faced Israeli internet restrictions, while domestic violence continued with deadly family disputes in Mardin and other provinces. Holiday travelers began their return journey to Istanbul, creating massive traffic jams captured in aerial footage.
09.06.2025
Monday

The Day Mayor Zeyrek Died

Manisa Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek died at 2:39 PM after two days in intensive care following electrocution at his home. The CHP leader's death prompted condolences across party lines, with President Erdoğan and parliamentary figures issuing statements. Özgür Özel announced funeral arrangements for Tuesday, describing Zeyrek as "half of his mind and heart."

Israeli forces intercepted the Gaza-bound aid vessel Madleen carrying activists including Greta Thunberg, taking it to Ashdod port. Turkish officials condemned the action, with the Foreign Ministry calling Israel a "terrorist state" and parliament speaker describing it as an attack on human dignity.

Holiday return traffic created kilometer-long queues on routes to Istanbul as the Kurban Bayramı ended. Interior Minister Yerlikaya reported 32 deaths during the first four days of the holiday. Multiple accidents occurred throughout the day, including fatal crashes in İzmir and Şanlıurfa.
10.06.2025
Tuesday

The Day Mayor Zeyrek Was Buried

Manisa Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek's funeral dominated morning coverage, with ceremonies held at the municipality building before burial. By evening, the investigation into his electrocution took a significant turn as authorities arrested two suspects following an expert report revealing he was killed by 68-80 volt alternating current.

The Madleen aid vessel story concluded with Greta Thunberg's deportation from Israel, while four activists accepted voluntary departure. Turkish officials continued condemning the Gaza blockade enforcement.

A concerning education crisis emerged as reports indicated 600,000 fewer students applied for university entrance exams this year, raising questions about Turkey's demographic and social trajectory. An arrest warrant was issued for Halk TV owner Cafer Mahiroğlu on tender manipulation charges.

Syrian refugee returns continued post-holiday, with coverage emphasizing voluntary departures. The Competition Authority opened an investigation into Coca-Cola, while forest fires broke out in İzmir and Balıkesir provinces. A Danıştay judge was found shot in the head in Mardin, surviving but in critical condition.
11.06.2025
Wednesday

The Day Gaziosmanpaşa Changed Hands

The Justice Minister released an expert report on Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek's death, identifying six negligence factors in the electrocution case that dominated previous days' coverage. By morning, Gaziosmanpaşa municipality officially transferred from CHP to AKP control, with Eray Karadeniz elected as acting mayor, marking the first of three mayoral changes announced.

Turkey secured a major defense export deal as President Erdoğan announced 48 Kaan fighter jets would be sold to Indonesia. The medical community mourned the loss of renowned neurosurgeon Prof. Dr. Gazi Yaşargil, described as "the brain surgeon of the century."

The Gaza aid vessel story concluded with Foreign Ministry confirmation that Turkish activist Şuayb Ordu aboard the Madleen would be released. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Yerlikaya reported 273 migrant smuggling organizers caught across 51 provinces in a two-week operation.

A shocking murder in Burdur saw a mother of two stabbed to death beside her 36-day-old baby, with police arresting multiple suspects including her husband.
12.06.2025
Thursday

The Plane Crash and Water Crisis Day

An Air India crash during takeoff in Ahmedabad killed at least 290 of 242 passengers, with only one survivor reported by evening. Turkish officials extended condolences to India throughout the day.

The two Turkish activists detained on the Gaza aid vessel Madleen were released and reached Berlin, concluding the diplomatic incident that began days earlier. Meanwhile, escalating Middle East tensions saw the US withdraw non-military personnel from its Baghdad embassy amid reports Israel could strike Iran.

A severe water crisis hit the Aegean resort town of Çeşme, with only 30 days of supply remaining and calls for two-day water cuts. The Ferdi Zeyrek story continued with CHP displaying a large photograph at party headquarters and actress Demet Evgar making a condolence visit.

A teacher died in Konya after a school shooting, while İzmir's mayor announced 1,030 municipal workers would be dismissed unless unions backed down. The day ended with UN General Assembly approving a Gaza ceasefire resolution.
Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" against Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and military headquarters overnight, marking a significant escalation from previous regional tensions. Iranian media reported high-ranking casualties including military commanders, while Iran vowed immediate retaliation with hundreds of missiles and drones.

Turkish officials condemned the strikes throughout the day, with President Erdoğan calling Israel's actions "banditry" that requires international intervention. The government launched investigations into social media posts deemed provocative regarding the conflict.

Domestically, a health crisis emerged as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever killed seven people with 39 total cases reported in one city. The investigation into Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek's death continued with requests for additional expert reports. Three arrests were made in the Özge Bedir murder case, while forest fires broke out in multiple provinces during summer conditions.
14.06.2025
Saturday

The Day Iran Struck Back

Iran launched its promised retaliation against Israel following the previous day's nuclear facility strikes, with waves of missiles reportedly targeting Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities. Turkish media portrayed the exchanges differently - pro-government outlets claimed devastating Iranian success while opposition sources noted intensifying attacks without specifying outcomes. The Nuclear Regulatory Authority assured radiation levels showed no increase in Turkey despite regional escalation.

President Erdoğan conducted diplomatic calls with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan's King Abdullah, positioning Turkey as a mediator. CHP leader Özgür Özel directly challenged Erdoğan during a Bayburt rally, declaring "Turkey is not without an owner" and demanding televised court proceedings.

The Ferdi Zeyrek investigation advanced with three suspects detained in connection with the mayor's death. Domestic news included preparations for high school entrance exams, a major cannabis seizure in Diyarbakır, and weather warnings for heavy rainfall across 18 provinces starting the following day.
President Erdoğan intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent Israel-Iran escalation, making two phone calls to Trump within 48 hours alongside contacts with leaders from Oman, Kuwait and Iraq. Turkish media continued analyzing the military dimensions of the conflict, with outlets examining Israel's Iron Dome capabilities while pro-government sources highlighted Iranian hypersonic missile strikes.

Morning brought news of a hot air balloon crash in Aksaray's Ihlara Valley, killing one person and injuring 19 others. One million students began high school entrance exams nationwide. Model-activist Melisa Aydınalp was detained on "exhibitionism" charges related to her protests against government policies toward women, then released under judicial control by afternoon.

The Disinformation Combat Center issued multiple denials throughout the day, refuting claims about Iranian migration waves to Turkey, Israeli aircraft being stationed in Turkey, and allegations about the Presidential Complex being declared an illegal structure. A hospital evacuation began due to a fire, while authorities announced that 830,000 large livestock and 2.5 million small livestock were slaughtered during Eid celebrations.
Following Iran's fourth day of missile exchanges with Israel, President Erdoğan positioned Turkey as a potential mediator, conducting phone calls with both Iranian President Pezeshkian and Putin. Turkish officials stated readiness to facilitate talks between the warring sides, building on the diplomatic efforts that began with Erdoğan's double call to Trump two days earlier.

The conflict escalated when Israeli forces struck Iranian state television headquarters during a live broadcast, prompting fresh Iranian missile barrages. Turkish media reported the exchanges with varying emphasis - some outlets highlighting Iranian success while others focused on Israeli targeting precision.

Domestically, Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu appeared in court defending against charges, declaring authorities cannot "erase me from the people's hearts" despite restrictions on his image and social media presence. A prominent FETÖ figure infiltrating defense companies ROKETSAN and ASELSAN was captured. The day ended with an armed attack on celebrity Dilan Polat's bodyguard, adding to a series of violent incidents reported throughout the day.
17.06.2025
Tuesday

The Parliamentary Condemnation Day

The Turkish parliament passed a resolution condemning Israeli strikes against Iran, marking Turkey's formal legislative response to the five-day conflict. President Erdoğan continued diplomatic coordination with Qatar's emir regarding the Iran-Israel developments, building on his previous mediation efforts with Trump and regional leaders.

Zafer Party leader Ümit Özdağ was released after 148 days in prison, with opposition outlets reporting his first statements post-release. The Presidential Communications Directorate denied allegations about intelligence chief Akın Gürlek, following CHP leader Özel's claims of having evidence against him.

Political discourse intensified around Kurdish-Turkish relations, with EMEP calling for unified struggle against the government while analyst Türköne examined connections between Kurdish statehood demands and Turkish democratic needs. The day included routine domestic incidents - workplace accidents, traffic crashes, and criminal cases - alongside news of Italian defense company Leonardo's joint venture with Turkish Baykar for drone production.
18.06.2025
Wednesday

The Alert Day

Turkey shifted from diplomatic mediation to defensive positioning as the Iran-Israel conflict entered its sixth day. President Erdoğan declared the country on alert for any negative developments, while security levels were raised for Turkish-flagged vessels in the Hormuz Strait. The diplomatic tone changed from previous days' active mediation offers to cautious monitoring.

Political commentator Ruşen Çakır suggested strengthening the "internal front" by releasing political prisoners including İmamoğlu and Demirtaş, while MHP's Yönter cryptically stated "the circle is narrowing." Parliamentary tensions erupted when a DEM party MP referenced the "Armenian genocide," causing disruption in the assembly.

A MASAK report emerged alleging İmamoğlu committed seven money laundering offenses, marking an escalation in corruption investigations against the Istanbul mayor. Separately, Gezi protester Tayfun Kahraman was hospitalized from Silivri prison due to multiple sclerosis. The Foreign Ministry sharply rejected Israeli claims about Turkish jets protecting Israel, calling them "despicable lies."
Parliamentary brawls erupted in the morning as lawmakers physically clashed during committee sessions, continuing the political tensions from previous days. Turkey positioned itself to rally Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries against Israeli aggression, with the OIC Foreign Ministers Council session scheduled for June 21-22 in Istanbul - building on the diplomatic mediation efforts that began earlier in the week.

President Erdoğan announced the delivery of 49,056 housing units to earthquake victims, accompanied by Azerbaijani President Aliyev in Kahramanmaraş. The collaboration reflects ongoing reconstruction efforts in the quake-hit region.

The day's most significant development came in the evening when Mehmet Pehlivan, Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu's lawyer, was arrested on charges of criminal organization membership. The arrest followed his testimony at the courthouse, with prosecutors requesting formal detention. This escalates the corruption investigations against İmamoğlu that intensified with the MASAK money laundering report from the previous day.
20.06.2025
Friday

The Day of Judicial Reshuffling

The judiciary underwent its most extensive reorganization as 4,036 judges and prosecutors were reassigned across the country, marking the largest personnel shift in recent memory. President Erdoğan warned against "digital feudalism" threatening children while announcing the identification of 260,250 criminal social media accounts during this cabinet period.

The İmamoğlu corruption investigation intensified with detention requests for two municipal suspects following yesterday's lawyer arrest. The controversial olive grove amendment passed parliament amid heated exchanges between lawmakers.

Erdoğan received Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan in Istanbul, continuing regional diplomatic engagement amid ongoing Iran-Israel tensions. Iran denied targeting Israeli hospitals while Turkey maintained its alert posture from previous days.

The school year concluded with over 20 million students receiving report cards, though education officials reported 1.5 million children had dropped out. The day ended with news of actress Nihal Candan's death, closing a day dominated by institutional restructuring and political maneuvering.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation Foreign Ministers Council convened in Istanbul with Iran-Israel tensions dominating the agenda, fulfilling Turkey's diplomatic positioning from previous days. Iran requested a special session during the summit, escalating beyond the standard ministerial meeting format.

The morning began with two million students taking university entrance exams, while a fatal industrial accident at a lithium factory in Ankara claimed two workers' lives. The İmamoğlu investigation continued with new searches at his father's property, building on the previous day's lawyer arrest.

Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş announced the launch of "Terror-Free Turkey" work across all 81 provinces, providing a timeline for the government's security agenda. The media crackdown expanded in the evening when journalist Fatih Altaylı was detained, marking another escalation in press restrictions alongside the ongoing opposition prosecutions from recent days.
The United States struck three Iranian nuclear facilities including Fordo, marking direct American entry into the Iran-Israel conflict that had been escalating since June 13. Turkish media reported Trump's announcement of the attacks, with Iran characterizing them as "inhumane" and retaliating against Tel Aviv and Haifa.

Iran's Foreign Minister spoke from Istanbul, threatening response while seeking parliamentary approval to close the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon issued its first statement following the strikes, with Secretary of State Rubio later claiming readiness for negotiations despite calling it "not a war against Iran."

Turkey warned the attacks could trigger global conflict, with officials calling for return to negotiation tables. The Foreign Ministry declared global security at risk.

Domestically, journalist Fatih Altaylı was arrested on charges of threatening President Erdoğan, extending the media crackdown that began with his detention the previous day. Police detained at least 60 activists during Istanbul's Trans Pride March, while a Syrian student drowned at Şile beach.
Iran retaliated against Saturday's American nuclear facility strikes by hitting the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with six missiles, targeting America's largest Middle Eastern military installation. The Pentagon confirmed Turkish forces remained secure despite the regional escalation.

Turkish Airlines canceled flights to the region as the conflict expanded beyond the initial Israel-Iran exchanges. President Erdoğan condemned the American strikes as "unacceptable" while preparing to attend the NATO summit in The Hague. Reports emerged of explosions in both Qatar and Iraq throughout the afternoon.

Israel conducted a second strike on Iran's Fordo nuclear facility following the American attacks. Turkish media questioned whether American B-2 bombers used Turkish airspace, prompting an official response from the presidency.

Domestically, the media crackdown continued as broadcast regulators initiated proceedings against journalist Fatih Altaylı's YouTube channel, extending Saturday's detention. Interior Minister Yerlikaya announced operations across 47 provinces resulting in 307 fraud suspects arrested.
24.06.2025
Tuesday

The Day the Ceasefire Collapsed

Trump announced an Israel-Iran ceasefire early morning, with Turkish media reporting the claimed agreement while noting both parties remained silent on verification. By midday, Israel accused Iran of violating the truce, and Trump criticized both sides for breaches as the agreement unraveled within hours.

Erdoğan arrived in The Hague for the NATO summit, meeting Trump in the evening to discuss strengthening NATO deterrence. Turkish officials maintained diplomatic positioning while the regional conflict continued escalating despite ceasefire claims.

Domestically, MHP leader Bahçeli returned to parliament after five months, warning that claiming distant bombs won't affect Ankara requires ignorance. A major FETÖ operation targeted 176 military personnel in Istanbul and İzmir. Muharrem İnce formally returned to CHP, ending his independent political path. Istanbul authorities warned of scorching temperatures reaching 37°C starting Wednesday, with nationwide heat potentially hitting 40°C through Friday.
CHP leader Özgür Özel escalated political confrontation by challenging President Erdoğan to early elections on November 2nd, claiming his party reached 40% in polls for the first time during a Büyükçekmece rally. The challenge came as former CHP leader Kılıçdaroğlu issued his own ultimatum regarding a June 30th deadline, threatening trustee appointment if he doesn't accept an unspecified position.

Journalist Fatih Altaylı revealed AKP friends warned him against returning from Spain before his detention, telling Medyascope that threats made him angry and determined to return. A judge who defended İmamoğlu's presumption of innocence was transferred after criticizing prosecutorial violations.

Turkey's ANKA-3 drone made an emergency landing during military exercises in Konya, with officials confirming safety protocols were activated. An AKP deputy chairman required hospitalization following what was described as a maritime accident.

The regional conflict showed signs of potential resolution as Trump claimed "great progress" in Gaza truce talks, though Israeli operations continued with 36 more deaths reported.
26.06.2025
Thursday

The Day Before the Court Ruling

CHP parliamentarians mobilized with consecutive support messages for Kılıçdaroğlu ahead of the June 30th court decision that could nullify current party leadership. The former leader's supporters emerged publicly while accusations flew that current leadership wanted to "bury him in concrete." Chief Prosecutor's Office objected to sending the congress case to criminal court.

Erdoğan warned that "nobody's safe unless bloodshed ends in Gaza" during phone talks with Qatar's Emir, as Iran's Khamenei made his first post-ceasefire statement. Media restrictions tightened with RTÜK imposing a 10-day broadcast suspension on Halk TV and penalties on four other channels.

A human rights report revealed nearly 3,000 torture cases in Turkey's first five months of 2025. In Sarıyer, a domestic violence case ended in murder-suicide after five months of death threats. NATO announced its 2026 summit would be held in Turkey, while Minister Uraloğlu stated Turkey had alternatives if the Strait of Hormuz closed.
27.06.2025
Friday

The Day the Opposition Fractured

CHP's internal crisis deepened as İstanbul Mayor İmamoğlu publicly accused former leader Kılıçdaroğlu of "betrayal," expressing feelings of being "deceived" and "disappointed." The confrontation escalated when Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş threatened to quit politics, while İmamoğlu warned opponents they would be "remembered with shame." Three former CHP leaders—Öymen, Çetin, and Karayalçın—issued a joint statement supporting current leader Özel, effectively choosing sides in the factional battle.

Meanwhile, forest fires spread across multiple provinces, with flames reaching residential areas in Bursa and people reportedly trapped in forests. A major FETÖ operation across 46 provinces resulted in 361 arrests, while another sweep targeting military personnel led to 65 detentions.

Foreign Minister Fidan claimed EU leaders were beginning to align with Erdoğan's positions on Gaza and Ukraine, as Russia signaled readiness for new peace talks in Istanbul. Two DEVA Party parliamentarians resigned from their party.
28.06.2025
Saturday

The Day the Fires Spread

The day's news was dominated by widespread forest fires escalating across Turkey, with flames reaching residential areas and leading to village evacuations, particularly from Sakarya spreading to Bilecik. Energy Minister Bayraktar concurrently announced a reform package to accelerate renewable energy permits, potentially linking energy policy to the environmental crisis. Political focus remained on the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) corruption probe, with more suspects providing testimony under "effective remorse" provisions, drawing strong condemnation from President Erdoğan who criticized the municipality's alleged "octopus arms." Meanwhile, opposition leader Özgür Özel faced pro-government media criticism for allegedly seeking foreign intervention regarding Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu's situation. A notable development in the afternoon was the ban on Istanbul's Pride March, leading to detentions, including journalist Irfan Değirmenci, amplifying concerns over social freedoms. Reports of fatal accidents and violent incidents persisted nationwide.
Turkish media maintained its focus on intricate domestic political struggles within the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). Commentary persisted on the internal divisions, with Medyascope analyzing former leader Kılıçdaroğlu's reconciliation challenges and a potential alliance between President Erdoğan and Kılıçdaroğlu that could marginalize Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu. By evening, the CHP asserted its readiness for any decision, declaring the party "firmly on its feet". Concurrently, forest fires escalated dramatically throughout the day, reported with urgent language. While early headlines discussed fires, the evening brought news of Adnan Menderes Airport's closure due to the blaze and a late report of 77 fires in a single day, underscoring the worsening environmental crisis. The 23rd Istanbul Pride March also drew significant attention, marked by continued police interventions and increasing detentions, including journalists, throughout the afternoon. Internationally, Turkey reiterated its condemnation of a terror attack in Pakistan, while the Gaza situation remained a focal point with US President Trump's calls for a deal juxtaposed with new Israeli evacuation orders.
30.06.2025
Monday

The Day the Magazine Was Attacked

The day concluded with a significant focus on Leman magazine, as an investigation was launched and a cartoonist detained following a caricature of Prophet Muhammad. This led to a physical attack on the magazine's building, marking a new development in media freedoms.

Earlier, the political landscape saw the long-anticipated CHP general assembly lawsuit postponed until September 8, shifting the focus away from the immediate judicial outcome.

Concurrently, legal repercussions for the Istanbul Pride March intensified, with initial detentions escalating to arrests reported later in the day.

Forest fires continued to be a persistent concern, particularly in the Aegean region, with reports questioning the government's response. The economic discourse included President Erdoğan's assurances on program stability and the AK Party's announcement of pension adjustments.
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