At least 33 people have died and 48 others hospitalized in Istanbul due to methanol poisoning from adulterated alcohol, according to Turkish authorities. Four suspects have been arrested for selling the illicit beverages, as critics blame high alcohol taxes for fueling illegal production. This incident highlights ongoing public health risks and economic challenges in Turkey.
Tag: Istanbul
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Epiphany celebrations at the Church of St. George in Phanar, Istanbul, which included a solemn Divine Liturgy and the traditional blessing of the waters in the Keratian Gulf. The event drew large crowds from Greece, Romania, Ukraine, and other Orthodox regions, with prominent attendees such as Nikos Androulakis and Akis Skertsos. Similar ceremonies were held in other parts of Istanbul, reflecting the enduring importance of this Orthodox tradition.
Nikos Androulakis, leader of PASOK-Movement for Change, met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar in Istanbul to mark Epiphany Day. During the meeting, Androulakis praised the Patriarch's leadership, describing him as an inspiration to millions of Orthodox Christians worldwide, while also extending wishes for health and prosperity in 2025.
After 15 centuries shrouded in mystery, a vast underground network beneath Hagia Sophia is being opened to the public. Explore a labyrinth of tunnels and catacombs, some potentially older than the iconic structure itself, offering a unique glimpse into this historic landmark's hidden depths.
Hundreds of thousands marched in Istanbul on January 1, 2025, protesting Israel's actions in Gaza. Bilal Erdoğan, son of the Turkish president, addressed the crowd, condemning the "genocide" and declaring that "Western values have died in Gaza." He also vowed to "liberate" the Al-Aqsa Mosque, just as Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque.
Despite being acquitted of theft charges, Greek woman Agathi Markopoulou remains stranded in Turkey due to a travel ban.
Six cadets from the Hellenic Air Force Academy (three Greek nationals and three Cypriot nationals) were reportedly arrested outside the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul last Saturday after unfurling Greek flags.
The historic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is gearing up for a significant restoration project, with plans to dismantle and carefully restore its iconic dome. Aimed at preserving the structural integrity of this ancient monument, the process will involve the removal of the lead cover and repairs using traditional materials, ensuring minimal disruption to visitors and worshippers.
Aegean Airlines is expanding its network with the addition of new international and domestic routes,…
Turkish-Australian celebrity chef Somer Sivrioglu has been sentenced to more than five years in prison…
On December 5, Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko visited Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia as part of their first official trip to Türkiye. The visit commemorated the centennial of diplomatic relations between the two countries, showcasing the enduring cultural significance of the historic site.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the feast of St. Andrew in Istanbul, bestowing honors, welcoming a delegation from Rome, and emphasizing the importance of interfaith dialogue and peace amidst global conflicts. He also expressed optimism for the reopening of the Halki Theological School.
A Greek mother's Istanbul shopping trip turned into a "Midnight Express"-like ordeal after she accidentally took a shopkeeper's phone. Despite the shopkeeper withdrawing his complaint, she remains in Turkey facing trial, separated from her deported daughter. Her family pleads for her return.
A pair of 1,500-year-old sandals, inscribed with a Greek message wishing the wearer health and beauty, has been unearthed during excavations in Istanbul. This remarkable find, along with other significant discoveries, is shedding new light on the city's rich history.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew opened a conference commemorating the 60th anniversary of the 1964 expulsion of thousands of Greeks from Constantinople. He described the event as an "unhealed wound" and drew parallels to modern-day displacement. The conference also honored the late historian Alexis Alexandris.
Tensions in Istanbul’s City Council exploded into a brawl between councillors from President Erdoğan's AKP and Mayor İmamoğlu's CHP. The clash follows the government’s removal of opposition mayors accused of PKK links, sparking fears of a broader crackdown on political rivals.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized a "win-win" approach to resolving Aegean Sea disputes with Greece, advocating for mutual benefits and lasting peace in the region. In an Aksam newspaper interview, Fidan expressed Turkey’s commitment to diplomacy, aiming to transform the Aegean into a "sea of peace." The remarks precede key talks between Turkish and Greek delegations in Istanbul, part of Confidence Building Measures to ease longstanding tensions.
The historic Greek-language newspaper Apoyevmatini marks a century of news and service to the Greek community in Istanbul. Established on July 12, 1925, it stands as Turkey's oldest continuously published newspaper. A documentary by Bellek 365, titled "100: Apoyevmatini," delves into the newspaper’s pivotal role within the community, featuring interviews with past and present employees and insights from prominent figures such as Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Editor-in-Chief Mihail Vasiliadis and his son Minas Vasiliadis continue to uphold the newspaper’s legacy with dedication and passion.
A prominent independent radio station in Istanbul, Acik Radyo, was forced off the air by Turkish authorities for using the term "Armenian Genocide" during a broadcast. The station, known for its commitment to open dialogue and diverse voices, vows to fight the decision and continue broadcasting through alternative means.
Aegean Airlines unveils new direct flights from four popular Greek islands – Heraklion, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini – to Istanbul for Summer 2025. These convenient connections offer travelers the perfect opportunity to combine idyllic island escapes with the cultural richness of Istanbul.