Author: Daily Sabah With IHA

The first kittens of the year have been born at Van Cat Villa, a popular site visited by tens of thousands of local and international tourists every year. Efforts to preserve the Van cats – registered as a national breed in Türkiye and renowned globally – are continuing with great dedication. Known for their friendly nature, white silky fur, lion-like walk, bushy tails resembling foxes, heterochromatic eyes and love of water, Van cats are among the most iconic symbols of the city. The first kittens of 2025 have now opened their eyes. In the first round of births this year,…

During the nine-day Ramadan Bayram, also known as Eid al-Fitr, holiday in Diyarbakır, southeastern Türkiye, approximately 50 tons of registered liver kebab were consumed. Diyarbakır, home to 33 civilizations, including Hittites, Urartians, Assyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans, became a focal point for both local and foreign tourists during the Ramadan Bayram holiday. Visitors who chose the city as their holiday destination had the opportunity to explore numerous historical and cultural landmarks such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city walls, Içkale Museum Complex, Ulu Mosque, Ongözlü Bridge, Sülüklü Han, Deliler Han, and Hasanpaşa Han. As hotels and businesses experienced high…

The water level of the Çoruh River in northeastern Türkiye, which has become a symbol of Bayburt and flows through the city center, increased due to melting snow and heavy rainfall. Originating from the slopes of the Mescit Mountains and flowing from Batumi to the Black Sea, Çoruh River is one of the fastest-flowing rivers in the world and also holds the title of the deepest. As its water level rises, its flow rate increases. In winter, the surface of the river is covered with ice, and in spring, it is fed by snowmelt. The rising water levels of the…

During the first three days of the Ramadan Bayram, also known as Eid al-Fitr holiday, Mount Nemrut in Adıyaman, southeastern Türkiye, known for its colossal statues, has seen a surge in visitors. Standing at 2,206 meters and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Nemrut reopened for tourism on March 15 after being closed during winter. The holiday has drawn large crowds, making it one of the top destinations for tourists. While Mount Nemrut typically hosts 700-800 visitors per day, the holiday period has significantly increased this number to around 2,000 daily. Despite the cold weather, mostly local tourists…

The Seljuk Meydan Cemetery, located in the Ahlat district of Bitlis, eastern Türkiye, and recognized as the largest Turkish-Islamic cemetery, is experiencing a surge in visitors during Ramadan Bayram. Listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, the 210-acre cemetery, often referred to as the “Orkhon Inscriptions of Anatolia,” houses nearly 10,000 graves and welcomes visitors from across Türkiye. With its monumental tombstones adorned with reliefs, motifs, carvings, inscriptions and writings, the cemetery offers visitors a journey through history. Baran Demir, a visitor from Istanbul, expressed his admiration for Ahlat, stating: “Ahlat is a beautiful tourist destination. We love Ahlat and…

One person lost their life and 14 others were injured when a shuttle bus fell into a creek bed in Istanbul’s Tuzla. Reports indicate that the driver entered a shoulder to push the stalled vehicle but lost control, causing it to roll into a ditch. The accident occurred at around 8 a.m. in the Aydınlı neighborhood of Tuzla. Numerous fire, police and medical teams were dispatched to the scene. One person was revived at hospital. The individuals trapped in the shuttle bus were rescued by the fire department, while some managed to exit the vehicle on their own. Fourteen injured…

One person lost their life and 14 others were injured when a shuttle bus fell into a creek bed in Istanbul’s Tuzla. Reports indicate that the driver entered a shoulder to push the stalled vehicle but lost control, causing it to roll into a ditch. The accident occurred at around 8 a.m. in the Aydınlı neighborhood of Tuzla. Numerous fire, police and medical teams were dispatched to the scene. One person was revived at hospital. The individuals trapped in the shuttle bus were rescued by the fire department, while some managed to exit the vehicle on their own. Fourteen injured…

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has completed its “First Five-Year Provincial Action Plans” under the Zero Waste Blue initiative, collecting 245,000 tons of marine litter – enough to fill 20,500 trucks – over five years. Launched by first lady Emine Erdoğan on June 10, 2019, the Zero Waste Blue initiative focuses on combating marine debris through localized strategies. A directive issued by the ministry ensures marine litter collection in 28 coastal provinces, emphasizing region-specific measures to prevent litter at its source and clean coastal areas, sea surfaces and the seabed. The action plans include nationwide awareness campaigns…

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has completed its “First Five-Year Provincial Action Plans” under the Zero Waste Blue initiative, collecting 245,000 tons of marine litter – enough to fill 20,500 trucks – over five years. Launched by first lady Emine Erdoğan on June 10, 2019, the Zero Waste Blue initiative focuses on combating marine debris through localized strategies. A directive issued by the ministry ensures marine litter collection in 28 coastal provinces, emphasizing region-specific measures to prevent litter at its source and clean coastal areas, sea surfaces and the seabed. The action plans include nationwide awareness campaigns…

A funeral ceremony was held in Istanbul on Thursday for Chief Rabbi Isak Haleva, who led the Turkish Jewish community for 23 years. Haleva passed away on Jan. 14 in Istanbul at the age of 85. Born in Istanbul, Haleva’s death was announced by the Turkish Chief Rabbinate Foundation on their website. A funeral ceremony was held for Haleva at the Neve Shalom Synagogue in Beyoğlu. The ceremony was attended by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, former Minister for European Union Affairs Egemen Bağış, senior rabbinical officials and many other guests. Jewish religious leaders…