Author: Daily Sabah With Agencies

Water prices have been raised in both Istanbul and Izmir. In a recent decision by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Council’s ISKI General Assembly, a 17.5% increase in water tariffs was approved. The new prices mean that the first tier of water (0-15 cubic meters) will go up from TL 32.28 (94 cents) to TL 37.92 ($1.10), with similar increases in the second and third tiers. These new rates will take effect in January 2025 and will be adjusted monthly based on the average of the Consumer Price Index (TÜFE) and the Domestic Producer Price Index (Yİ-ÜFE). The decision passed…

Search efforts have resumed to find two Belarusian sisters who went missing while climbing in the Aladağlar mountains of central Türkiye. Valentino and Mariao Ivankova, 36-year-old twin sisters, began their ascent to Kızılkaya Peak from Sokullupınar on Nov. 16. They were expected to return to their base camp by Nov. 18, but after losing contact with them, the Belarusian Consulate notified the Niğde governor’s office on Nov. 19, prompting a search and rescue operation. The Niğde Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (JAK) and Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) teams have been actively searching the Sokullupınar route, which covers Kızılkaya Peak…

Turkish prosecutors have prepared an indictment seeking a prison term of 72 to 240 years for the chief executive of private lender Denizbank for the alleged fraud of numerous football stars, according to local media reports on Tuesday. The new indictment relates to a previously opened case on the alleged defrauding of players, including Türkiye’s Arda Turan and Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera, by a former Denizbank branch manager. Denizbank has denied any role in wrongdoing. Anadolu Agency (AA) on Tuesday reported that Denizbank CEO Hakan Ateş and former assistant general manager Mehmet Aydoğdu, who faces similar charges, had denied the allegations…

When it mattered most in the UEFA Nations League B Group 4, Türkiye’s national team suffered a 3-1 defeat to Montenegro, finishing second in their group with 11 points. Despite a strong campaign, they now face a challenging playoff to secure promotion to League A. The loss in Niksic marked the end of a campaign that saw Türkiye secure three wins, two draws, and one loss in their group, where they competed against Wales, Iceland, and Montenegro. The team scored nine goals but conceded six. However, despite their solid performance, the defeat complicated their chances of advancing directly to League…

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called on NATO to carefully review and consider Russia’s statement on modifying its nuclear doctrine, as he drew attention to the threats of a nuclear war. “We cannot say that there are any pros to a war with nuclear weapons,” Erdoğan said at a news conference on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Brazil. He continued by saying that he hopes a permanent cease-fire is established between Russia and Ukraine, as he said the world is waiting for peace. Erdoğan said that Russia had to take steps to protect itself. Russian President Vladimir Putin on…

The spokesperson for the U.S. State Department was stern in his warning to Türkiye about siding with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas. As he was tackling questions on reports of Hamas leaders settling in Türkiye, Matthew Miller said on Monday that Washington would make clear to the Turkish government that there can be no more business as usual with Hamas. The U.S. is a major ally of Türkiye, as well as Israel and recognizes Hamas as a terrorist group, unlike Ankara. Yet, despite the alliance, Türkiye’s call for the extradition of members of a terrorist group residing in the U.S.…

Orkun Kökçü’s standout performances have caught the attention of one of England’s footballing powerhouses, with Premier League giants Liverpool reportedly preparing a move for the talented Turkish midfielder. The Feyenoord star, who was named Dutch Footballer of the Year in the 2022-23 season and played a pivotal role in securing the Eredivisie title for the club, moved to Benfica last summer. His growth continued in Portugal, where his performances alongside national team teammate Kerem Aktürkoğlu have turned heads across Europe, including in the English Premier League. According to Liverpool Echo, Kökçü has been on the radar of top Premier League…

The trial of the leaders and members of the “Newborn Gang,” who caused the deaths of babies by referring them to hospitals they had agreements with for illicit gains, has begun in Istanbul. The investigation into an organized crime gang accused of causing the deaths of 10 newborns due to negligence has concluded, and an indictment has been prepared by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. The indictment has been submitted to the Bakırköy 22nd High Criminal Court, where the trial of 47 defendants, 22 of whom are in custody, began today. Before the trial commenced, a heated debate arose…

Real Madrid’s Turkish midfielder Arda Güler has found himself with limited minutes on the field this season, fueling growing speculation about his future. Despite being a standout performer in the latter half of last season, where he made significant contributions and grabbed attention with his goals, Güler has yet to make a similar impact this season for Los Blancos. Reports from Spanish media indicate that Güler has become increasingly dissatisfied with his lack of playing time. According to sources close to the player, he has shared his decision with his inner circle: Güler is planning to explore loan offers during…

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan apparently found a kindred spirit in Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whom he met on Sunday. Erdoğan is in Rio de Janeiro to attend the G-20 Leaders’ Summit hosted by Brazil, which holds the rotating presidency of the group. One of the summit’s sessions is entitled “Reform of Global Governance Institutions.” Erdoğan is among the vocal advocates of reforms in international bodies, particularly the United Nations. The Presidency’s Directorate of Communications said that Erdoğan highlighted this issue in his meeting with his Brazilian counterpart. He criticized the U.N.’s inability to prevent conflicts, particularly in…