Digital Phablet

Tag: Turkey

  • Turkish Police Clash with Daesh Militants, 3 Officers and 6 Fighters Killed

    Turkish Police Clash with Daesh Militants, 3 Officers and 6 Fighters Killed

    Yalova: On Monday, a shootout in northwest Turkey resulted in the deaths of three police officers and six Daesh militants, according to the Interior Ministry. This occurred a week after over 100 suspected Daesh members were detained for allegedly planning attacks during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that eight police officers and another security personnel were injured during a raid on a residence in Yalova, located along the Sea of Marmara south of Istanbul. Authorities conducted over 100 raids nationwide early Monday morning.

    Turkey has intensified its crackdown on suspected Daesh militants this year amid the group’s resurgence on the global stage. Last week, the U.S. conducted a drone strike against Daesh targets in northwest Nigeria, and Australian officials indicated that two individuals involved in an attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach earlier this month appeared to be inspired by Daesh.

    On December 19, U.S. forces launched extensive strikes against multiple Daesh sites in Syria in response to an assault on American personnel.

    During the raid in Yalova, authorities suspected militants were hiding there overnight. A witness from Reuters reported hearing sporadic gunfire during an operation that lasted nearly eight hours.

    Last week, Turkish police arrested 115 individuals suspected of belonging to Daesh, accusing them of plotting attacks on the holiday festivities across the country.

    Yerlikaya emphasized that all the militants killed in Monday’s clash were Turkish citizens. He added that five women and six children were rescued alive from the scene.

    Over the past month, authorities have arrested 138 Daesh suspects and conducted simultaneous operations at 108 locations in 15 provinces, he explained.

    President Tayyip Erdogan expressed condolences to the families of the fallen officers via a post on X (formerly Twitter), reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to fighting “the bloodthirsty villains who threaten our people’s peace and our nation’s security,” both within and outside its borders.

    In the early hours, police sealed off the road leading to the targeted house, with smoke rising from a nearby fire, and a police helicopter overhead. The Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office last week indicated that Daesh was particularly planning attacks targeting non-Muslim communities.

    Historically, the militant group was responsible for several attacks on civilians in Turkey about a decade ago, including shootings at Istanbul’s nightclub and main airport, which collectively claimed dozens of lives. Turkey served as a key transit hub for foreign fighters entering and leaving Syria during the conflict.

    Despite ongoing police operations over the years, the frequency of attacks has significantly decreased since the violence peaks in 2015-2017.

  • Turkey arrests 115 suspected Daesh members

    Turkey arrests 115 suspected Daesh members

    About 115 individuals believed to be affiliated with ISIS, suspected of orchestrating attacks during the holiday season, have been detained in Turkey, according to Istanbul’s chief prosecutor on Thursday. The prosecutor’s office reported that he had ordered the arrest of 137 suspects, with 115 currently in custody, based on intelligence suggesting ISIS was planning assaults during Christmas and New Year festivities.

    Turkey shares a 559-mile border with Syria, where insurgent groups remain active. Recently, U.S. authorities blamed a lone ISIS gunman for an assault in Palmyra, Syria, on December 13, which resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and an American civilian.

    Additionally, Turkey’s intelligence services conducted a recent operation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, leading to the capture of a Turkish citizen alleged to hold a senior position within ISIS. At the time of his arrest, Mehmet Goren, who has since been transferred to Turkey, faced accusations of organizing suicide bombings targeting civilians in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, and Europe.

  • Turkey reports signal loss with Libyan army chief over Ankara flight

    Turkey reports signal loss with Libyan army chief over Ankara flight

    A jet carrying Libya’s Army Chief of Staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, lost radio contact shortly after takeoff from Ankara, Turkey, according to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya on Tuesday. He stated on X that the aircraft took off at 1710 GMT and contact was lost at 1752 GMT. The minister mentioned the aircraft had requested an emergency landing while flying over Haymana district of Ankara, but no contact was re-established afterward. Four others were aboard the plane, and flight tracking indicated other flights were rerouted away from Ankara’s Esenboga Airport.

    Turkey’s defense ministry had announced the visit of Libya’s top military official earlier, noting meetings with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Turkish counterpart Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, and other Turkish military leaders. Although officials haven’t confirmed whether the plane crashed, Turkish broadcasters showed a flash of light near the location where contact was lost with the jet. There has been no immediate response from Libyan authorities.

  • RTÜK Bans HBO Max Series “Jasmine” in Turkey After Backlash

    RTÜK Bans HBO Max Series “Jasmine” in Turkey After Backlash

    Digital Phablet – The RTÜK ruling removed Jasmine from broadcast after sparking significant controversy.

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    The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), Turkey’s media regulatory authority, has taken decisive action against the new HBO Max series Jasmine. It has been banned across all streaming platforms within Turkey and subjected to the most substantial fine allowable. This decision followed extensive public and regulatory debate over the show’s first episode, which many believed infringed upon Turkey’s laws related to societal morality and family values.

    Jasmine debuted on HBO Max on December 12, 2025, quickly becoming one of the most discussed topics on Turkish social media—not only for its storyline but also for the passionate reactions from various viewers. The series is a psychological drama about Yasemin, a young woman battling a terminal heart condition. Her pursuit of a heart transplant leads her into morally complex situations. Her only close confidante is Tufan, her stepbrother. Their intense connection complicates their circumstances as they grapple with despair, ethics, and defying societal norms.

    Instagram post

    Asena Keskinci stars as Yasemin and is the central figure of the series. She gained fame through her role in the popular family show Bez Bebek and other dramas. Burak Can Aras portrays Tufan, which has contributed to lively discussions regarding the characters’ objectives and overarching themes of the show.

    Following the controversy, TV+ (which holds a licensing agreement with HBO Max) withdrew Jasmine from its platform. This move exemplifies how secondary partners respond to regulatory pressures.

    The dispute over Jasmine illuminates the ongoing tension in Turkey between creative expression on international streaming services and compliance with local broadcasting regulations, especially when sensitive issues challenge societal norms. The ongoing debates influence the show’s future and spark broader discussions about societal values and the limits of television content.

  • Turkish Artists Arrested Again in Drug Raid: Who Are They?

    Turkish Artists Arrested Again in Drug Raid: Who Are They?

    A recent shocking development has emerged in Turkey’s major drug crackdown, involving the detention of several well-known Turkish celebrities with alleged drug ties.

    The Turkish media landscape is buzzing with ongoing controversy due to a series of recent drug investigations impacting numerous celebrities. Reports indicate that, as part of an anti-drug operation based in Istanbul, law enforcement raided multiple locations in coordination with the city’s public prosecutor’s office, leading to the questioning of several high-profile individuals. Authorities reportedly discovered suspected narcotics at some sites, and legal processes are still underway.

    Sources suggest that police have taken into custody singer Aleyna Tilki, social media influencer Danla Bilic, and actress İrem Sak. Moreover, arrest warrants have been issued for Turkish actress and model Melisa Döngel and singer Yusuf Guney.

    Earlier in the country’s anti-drug efforts, a group of Turkish celebrities was also detained, with their homes searched and blood tests conducted. Some have been released, while others remain under investigation.

    According to reports from Haberler, eight individuals tested positive for drug usage, and four others confirmed using prescription medications. Those who tested positive include:

    1. Dilan Polat
    2. Kaan Yıldırım
    3. Derin Talu
    4. Berrak Tüzünataç
    5. Deren Talu
    6. Birce Akalay
    7. Kubilay Aka
    8. Metin Akdülger

    The list of celebrities testing positive for medicinal substances includes:

    – Engin Polat
    – İrem Derici
    – Feyza Altun
    – Ziynet Sali Safter

    Meanwhile, several others tested negative for any substances, including:

    – Duygu Özaslan Mutaf
    – Demet Evgar Babataş
    – Zeynep Meriç Aral
    – Ceren Moray Orcan
    – Hadise Açıkgöz
    – Özge Özpirinçci Yamantürk

    This ongoing crackdown underscores the serious extent of the country’s efforts to combat drug abuse, touching the lives of numerous prominent figures. The legal proceedings continue as investigations unfold.

  • Did Hande Erçel Buy a $4.5M House in London?

    Did Hande Erçel Buy a $4.5M House in London?

    Turkish actress Hande Erçel, who recently made headlines over her rumored relationship with Turkish producer Onur Güvenatam, is now speculated to have purchased an opulent residence in London.

    This information was initially highlighted on the “Let’s Talk” show, where the host reportedly mentioned that the famous actress Hande Erçel has decided to relocate to London. The show’s host, Ece Erken, claimed to have learned from a highly trusted source that Erçel was paid 30 million Turkish Lira for a commercial shoot.

    Furthermore, rumors suggest that the 32-year-old star has acquired a property valued at approximately 200 million Turkish Lira, which is roughly $4,680,000 USD.

    Hande Ercel. (Instagram)

    Erken reaffirmed her stance, stating, “I stand by my report. Despite the denials claiming she didn’t purchase a house, I have reliable information—information that’s well known—that Erçel bought a home in London for around 200 million Turkish Lira.”

    However, no official confirmation has been issued to verify that Hande has indeed purchased a costly property in the UK.

    Who Is Hande Erçel’s New Boyfriend?

    Turkish media reports indicate that Erçel has been living in London for about a month and is dating Onur Güvenatam, the owner of OGM Pictures. Güvenatam, a producer celebrated for his work on various TV and film projects, was born in Ankara in 1985. He launched his career in 2010 and quickly made a name for himself through significant contributions to the industry.

    It’s noteworthy that Hande Erçel previously dated Hakan Sabancı, with their relationship ending last summer.

    Turkish producer Onur Güvenatam, Hande Erçel's new boyfriend. (Onur Güvenatam's social media)

    Güvenatam is recognized for his work in television and cinema.

    [Video highlight link and further multimedia content omitted for brevity]

  • Turkish Actress Yildiz Asyalı Alleges Husband’s Violence

    Turkish Actress Yildiz Asyalı Alleges Husband’s Violence

    Digital Phablet – Turkish artist Yildiz Asyalı has shocked her followers by revealing that she was subjected to domestic violence by her husband, businessman Mustafa Semih Demirci, five months into their marriage.

    In a post on her official Instagram account, the Turkish singer posted two photos displaying blue scars caused by abuse at her husband’s hands. She captioned the images with, “I was beaten by my husband,” tagging the magazine “Son Dakika Magazin.”

    The TV actress’s post received over 1,500 reactions, with numerous fans and advocates encouraging her to leave the home and report the incident to authorities. Many urged her to seek help from the police and consider her safety.

    Yildiz shared during a televised interview that the altercation stemmed from jealousy, following her disclosure of her desire to divorce. She also confirmed that she had obtained a restraining order against her husband last September due to concerns about his behavior.

    This marks Yildiz Asyalı’s third marriage. She was previously married to American businessman Vatan Sefer in 2015, with whom she has a daughter named Ayşe Mira. The couple parted ways in 2017. Later, in 2020, she married director Kerem Saka, but that marriage also ended within the same year.

  • Pope’s Special Visit to Istanbul’s Iconic Blue Mosque

    Pope’s Special Visit to Istanbul’s Iconic Blue Mosque

    Pope Leo XIV arrived at Esenboga International Airport in Ankara on November 27, 2025, marking his first apostolic journey to Turkey. As he stepped off the plane, the scene was captured by Reuters, highlighting the significance of his visit.

    On Saturday morning, the Pope plans to visit the renowned Blue Mosque in Istanbul, a highly symbolic act during his third day in Turkey. This will be his first time visiting a Muslim place of worship since becoming the leader of the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide in May. His predecessor, Pope Francis, had previously championed interfaith dialogue, and Leo’s visit continues that tradition.

    Leo follows in the footsteps of previous pontiffs who have visited the Blue Mosque. Pope Benedict XVI did so in 2006, and Pope Francis followed in 2014, both accompanied by Istanbul’s Grand Mufti. Unlike those visits, Leo will not be going to the nearby Hagia Sophia, an iconic 6th-century basilica built during the Byzantine Empire. Originally a Christian church, it was transformed into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The Turkish authorities, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, turned Hagia Sophia into a museum in 1935, and it gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985. However, in 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque, a move that drew international criticism, including from the late Pope Francis, who expressed deep sadness over the decision.

    The Blue Mosque, known for its striking blue İznik tiles inside, stands as one of Istanbul’s top tourist attractions. Constructed in the early 17th century during Sultan Ahmed I’s reign, it features six tall minarets and stands on part of the ancient Hippodrome, once a major chariot racing stadium in Constantinople.

    Later Saturday afternoon, the Pope will meet with local church leaders and participate in a short service at the Patriarchal Church of St. George. He will then join Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at his residence on the Golden Horn to sign a joint declaration, the contents of which have not yet been disclosed publicly.

    In the evening, Leo will celebrate a mass at the Volkswagen Arena, where an estimated 4,000 worshippers are expected to attend. On Friday, the Pope traveled to Iznik for an ecumenical prayer service commemorating 1,700 years of one of the earliest significant councils of the Church.

    Sunday morning will see the Pope participating in prayer at the Armenian Cathedral, conducting a divine liturgy at St. George’s, and then heading to Lebanon for the second phase of his trip. This marks his first international journey since his election to the papacy.

  • Is Kerem Bürsin’s ‘Çarpıntı’ Series Ending After 2 Episodes?

    Is Kerem Bürsin’s ‘Çarpıntı’ Series Ending After 2 Episodes?

    Digital Phablet – Fans of Turkish actor Kerem Bürsin have been concerned after rumors circulated on social media claiming that his newest series, “Çarpıntı Dizisi,” is coming to an end soon.

    Online posts have suggested that “Çarpıntı,” a Turkish romantic drama, will conclude after just two more episodes. It’s important to note that the series premiered on September 7, 2025, and new episodes continue to air weekly on Sundays on the Turkish channel “Star TV.”

    Despite these rumors, Turkish journalist Birsen reports that “Çarpıntı” will persist, and no final decision has been made to halt its production.

    The series “Çarpıntı” centers around the story of a woman named Asli, portrayed by Lizge Cömert, who receives a heart transplant from a girl named Melike Alkan after her sudden passing. Asli finds herself immersed in a world filled with grief, power struggles, and illicit love alongside Aras Alkan, played by Kerem Bürsin.

    Following the heart transplant, the characters undergo significant changes and face startling twists, prompting Aras and Asli to investigate whether Melike’s death was accidental or foul play.

    The main cast includes:
    1. Sibel Tasçioglu as Reyhan Alkan
    2. Kerem Bürsin as Aras Alkan
    3. Lizge Cömert as Asli Günes
    4. Deniz Çakir as Hülya Günes
    5. Serif Sezer as Figen Alkan
    6. Ogün Kaptanoglu as Metin Alkan
    7. Pinar Çağlar Gençtürk as Meryem Alkan
    8. Ceren Tasci as Emel Alkan
    9. Helin Elveren as Sezin Günes
    10. Mehmet Fatih Obuz as Murat Günes
    11. Asya Kasap as Biricik Alkan
    12. Sevval Kaya as Melike Alkan

    While social media buzzes with speculation about the series’ fate, there has been no official confirmation or denial regarding its conclusion. According to Birsen, the show is set to continue, and no termination plans have been announced as of now.

  • Turkey reports 20 soldiers killed in Georgia plane crash

    Turkey reports 20 soldiers killed in Georgia plane crash

    Turkish C-130 cargo plane crashed shortly after taking off from Ganja, Azerbaijan. The Turkish Defense Ministry announced that 20 soldiers lost their lives in the incident that occurred in Georgia yesterday, as investigators work to determine the cause of the crash.

    The aircraft, which was en route from Azerbaijan to Turkey, went down in the Sighnaghi municipality of Georgia’s Kakheti region. Authorities in Ankara have yet to release an official explanation for the tragedy, which marks Turkey’s deadliest military crash since 2020. Inspections began early Wednesday morning at the crash site, where debris was scattered across a grassy hillside. Unverified social media footage suggests that the plane disintegrated mid-air before spiraling into the ground in flames.

    The Turkish Defense Ministry provided a list of the 20 personnel who perished in the accident. Leaders from Azerbaijan and Georgia, along with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, have expressed their sympathies. Additionally, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack issued a statement of solidarity with Turkey following the crash.

    Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the widely used C-130 Hercules—an aircraft known for its cargo, troop, and equipment transport capabilities—offered its condolences and pledged support to Turkey during the investigation. The Hercules is a four-engine turboprop aircraft capable of operating from unprepared runways, making it a versatile choice for various military missions, including assault, reconnaissance, and gunship roles. It remains a key tactical airlift asset for many armed forces worldwide.

  • Turkish Military Cargo Plane Crashes in Georgia, Several Injured

    Turkish Military Cargo Plane Crashes in Georgia, Several Injured

    A Turkish C-130 military cargo aircraft crashed in Georgia after departing from Azerbaijan on Tuesday, leading Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to extend condolences for “our martyrs” as rescue teams headed to the crash site. The Turkish defense ministry confirmed the incident near Georgia’s border with Azerbaijan, stating they are working closely with Georgian authorities to reach the location.

    While giving a speech in Ankara, Erdogan was handed a note by his aides, and afterward, he expressed sadness over the crash. “God willing, we will get through this tragedy with minimal hardship. May God grant rest to our martyrs, and may we honor them through our prayers,” he said.

    Authorities have not disclosed the cause of the crash or the number of casualties. Local media reports indicate that both Turkish and Azerbaijani personnel were on board, but specific figures have not been confirmed.

    Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated he had spoken with his Georgian counterpart, who was en route to the crash site.

  • Kurdish PKK Fighters Declare Disarmament, Exit Turkey

    Kurdish PKK Fighters Declare Disarmament, Exit Turkey

    The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced on Sunday that it is pulling back from Turkey as part of a disarmament process coordinated with the government. This move is intended to pave the way for the group to enter the political arena. The PKK, which has been fighting against the Turkish government since 1984, decided in May to disarm and disband following a call from its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, to end the armed conflict. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths.

    In July, the banned organization, classified as a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, symbolically destroyed some of its weapons as a gesture of good faith. During a ceremony in the Qandil Mountains, their stronghold in northern Iraq, the PKK stated it had decided to withdraw all fighters from Turkey to establish a foundation for a “free, democratic, and brotherly life.”

    The group emphasized that this move demonstrates its dedication to the disarmament and integration process. It called on the Turkish government to facilitate its transition into “democratic politics” through the passage of relevant laws. As a senior official read the statement aloud at the event, about two dozen PKK fighters stood in formation, with a large image of Ocalan displayed prominently in the background.

    “We are committed to implementing leader Ocalan’s peace plan,” PKK spokesperson Zagros Hiwa told Reuters from Qandil. “The Turkish side must now carry out political reforms and create a conducive environment for this project.”

    Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s communications director, Burhanettin Duran, praised the announcement and expressed hope that it would lead to lasting peace and stability. “This is a positive step towards the PKK finally laying down its weapons in all its components,” Duran wrote on X.

    In recent years, the PKK has operated mainly from northern Iraq after being driven beyond Turkey’s southeastern borders. The Turkish military frequently targets PKK bases there and has established multiple outposts.

    Over time, the PKK’s objectives shifted from seeking outright independence to advocating for increased Kurdish rights and limited autonomy primarily in southeastern Turkey, where the Kurdish population is concentrated. Turkey claims to support Kurdish rights but insists that it will not tolerate any separatist efforts.

    If Turkey’s conflict with the PKK concludes successfully, it could have wider regional implications, particularly in neighboring Syria, where the U.S. allies with Kurdish forces that Ankara considers to be tied to the PKK.

  • Seventeen B die in Aegean migrant boat sinking in latest disaster

    Seventeen B die in Aegean migrant boat sinking in latest disaster

    Sixteen migrants and a smuggler drowned after their inflatable boat capsized early Friday in the Aegean Sea near Bodrum, Turkey, according to the coast guard. Two others were rescued alive. The authorities have not disclosed the victims’ nationalities. The incident marks the latest tragedy among a series of migrant deaths along the narrow but dangerous route between the Turkish coast and Greek islands such as Samos, Rhodes, and Lesbos, which serve as entry points into Europe.

    “The bodies of 16 illegal migrants and a trafficker have been recovered,” the coast guard reported, noting that rescue operations are ongoing. Earlier, the local governor’s office had reported 14 migrant deaths and stated on social media that one migrant had managed to alert rescue teams.

    One of the survivors, an Afghan, told rescuers that their boat sank just ten minutes after it started taking on water. He said he swam for six hours to reach Celebi Island. Authorities have not confirmed the nationalities of the other migrants. Bodrum is located less than three miles from the Greek island of Kos.

    Search and rescue efforts are continuing with four coast guard vessels, a specialized diving team, and a helicopter involved. The Aegean Sea is a common transit route for thousands of migrants fleeing North Africa and the Middle East, especially from Turkey—home to millions of refugees from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

    In 2019, Turkey’s migration authorities recorded nearly 455,000 irregular crossings, mostly from Afghanistan and Syria. According to the Missing Migrants Project run by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), almost 1,400 migrants have died trying to reach Europe by sea this year. Turkey, which signed an agreement with the European Union in 2016 to curb illegal migration, currently hosts more than 2.5 million refugees, predominantly Syrians.

  • Leaked Drug Test Results of Turkish Celebrities — Who Tested Positive

    Leaked Drug Test Results of Turkish Celebrities — Who Tested Positive

    Digital Phablet – In early October, authorities in Istanbul initiated an investigation into alleged drug use, leading to the participation of numerous Turkish celebrities in the country’s largest-ever drug crackdown.

    The operation, launched on October 8, sent shockwaves through Turkey’s entertainment scene, as many high-profile figures underwent drug testing, were questioned regarding narcotics allegations, and were subsequently released after their tests.

    However, complications arose when the results of the drug tests for 19 celebrities, including artists and public figures, were leaked before they received official authorization or were formally documented. This leak sparked chaos across Turkey.

    According to local media sources, “The results were made public prior to their inclusion in the Public Prosecution’s official records or registration in the electronic judicial system.”

    List of Turkish celebrities who tested positive:

    Reports indicate that eight individuals tested positive for drug use, and four others tested positive for prescription medications:

    1. Dilan Polat
    2. Kaan Yıldırım
    3. Derin Talu
    4. Berrak Tüzünataç
    5. Deren Talu
    6. Birce Akalay
    7. Kubilay Aka
    8. Metin Akdülger

    Image: Kaan Yıldırım
    — Turkish actor Kaan Yıldırım (Instagram)

    List of celebrities with medicinal substances:

    The following celebrities were found to have medications obtained through legitimate prescriptions:

    1. Engin Polat
    2. İrem Derici
    3. Feyza Altun
    4. Ziynet Sali Safter

    It’s noteworthy that Derici, Altun, and Sali’s medications were legally prescribed by licensed physicians.

    List of celebrities who tested negative:

    Several celebrities were cleared of any drug or prescription medication use, including:

    1. Duygu Özaslan Mutaf
    2. Demet Evgar Babataş
    3. Zeynep Meriç Aral
    4. Ceren Moray Orcan
    5. Hadise Açıkgöz
    6. Özge Özpirinçci Yamantürk

    Image: Özge Özpirinçci
    — Turkish actress Özge Özpirinçci (Instagram)

    List of celebrities linked to the Istanbul drug operation:

    According to Hurriyet Daily News, the list includes singers, influencers, and other public figures summoned during the investigation:

    • Demet Evgar
    • Özge Özpirinçci
    • Mert Yazıcıoğlu
    • Kaan Yıldırım
    • Kubilay Aka
    • Berrak Tüzünataç
    • Meriç Aral
    • Singer Hadise Açıkgöz
    • İrem Derici
    • Influencer Duygu Özaslan
    • Influencers Dilan and Engin Polat

    This development marks a significant chapter in Turkey’s ongoing efforts to combat drug use and highlights the process of accountability within the entertainment industry.

  • Hakan Sabancı and Tuba Büyüküstün’s Relationship Sparks Hande Erçel Fans’ Heartbreak

    Hakan Sabancı and Tuba Büyüküstün’s Relationship Sparks Hande Erçel Fans’ Heartbreak

    Fans of Turkish actress and model Hande Erçel are taken aback by recent rumors suggesting her former boyfriend, Turkish businessman Hakan Sabancı, is now dating actress Tuba Büyüküstün.

    Despite their breakup earlier this year, speculation has been swirling that Sabancı is involved with Büyüküstün, especially after he appeared to like a social media post of hers. The online buzz intensified when Turkish outlets reported that the 33-year-old businessman removed his like on a photo Büyüküstün shared from Paris Fashion Week. Screenshots of the like quickly went viral on social media.

    The photo in question showed Büyüküstün in a chic grey checked suit with velvet collar details and a sky-blue blouse, taken during the fashion event in Paris. The background story started when Sabancı, who previously dated Erçel for about three years, was seen engaging with Büyüküstün’s post. He quickly unliked the photo after the media attention.

    Additionally, a tweet from Misal+MAG highlighted that Sabancı had liked Büyüküstün’s picture but withdrew his approval once it was noticeable, fueling the ongoing rumor. In the image Sabancı liked, Büyüküstün was captured posing during Paris Fashion Week, a moment that has now become the focal point of the dating speculation.

    This revelation comes after Sabancı and Erçel’s relationship ended, concluding a highly publicized romance. The breakup history, combined with the recent online activity, has kept fans and media alike guessing about the nature of Sabancı’s new relationship.

  • Erdogan to negotiate F-35 deal with Trump at White House

    Erdogan to negotiate F-35 deal with Trump at White House

    President Donald Trump and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 23, 2025. The relationship between NATO countries, especially those with the largest armies, has been notably warm in recent years. Erdogan aims to use this improved rapport to persuade the U.S. to lift sanctions and approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets.

    Erdogan’s visit marks his first to the White House in nearly six years. Turkey seeks to capitalize on the current U.S. administration’s openness to significant arms and trade agreements. While the Biden administration had kept Turkey at a distance, partly due to Ankara’s close ties with Russia, the Trump era saw a shift—favoring Moscow less and fostering closer personal ties with Erdogan.

    During Trump’s first term, their relationship had its ups and downs, but since his return to office, both leaders have aligned on Syria, a major point of contention before. Both countries now support the Syrian government’s central authority. However, disagreements persist over Israel’s actions in Gaza, with Ankara condemning Israeli attacks as genocide—an issue that could complicate otherwise friendly negotiations.

    Erdogan, who has led Turkey for over two decades, also emphasized the importance of speaking out against Gaza’s violence, framing it as a shared responsibility. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later remarked that global leaders, including Erdogan, might voice their opinions but ultimately turn to the White House when seeking results.

    Turkish hopes are high that Trump and Erdogan can find a workaround for U.S. sanctions initially imposed in 2020 over Turkey’s acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems. Such a breakthrough might enable Turkey to purchase Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets again—initially a buyer and manufacturer before being barred over the S-400s.

    Former Turkish ambassador Timur Soylemez commented that, despite expected resistance from Congress, a green light for F-35 sales to Turkey could be possible if both sides exhibit the political will and work through the issues diplomatically. Trump expressed optimism about F-35 talks ahead of the meeting.

    Defense topics, including negotiations for the F-16 jets Turkey also desires, are expected to be central to discussions, along with regional conflicts, energy concerns, and trade. A draft U.S. statement of intent points to several sales to Turkey, including new F-16s—though F-35s remain off the table due to legal restrictions linked to the S-400 issue.

    Turkey aims to bolster its air power by acquiring 40 Eurofighter Typhoons, although this move has raised concerns among regional allies like Israel and Greece. The U.S. also plans to highlight Turkey’s agreement to purchase over 200 Boeing aircraft, including 787 and 737 jets, with negotiations ongoing for engines worth around $10 billion.

  • Turkey detains teen in deadly shooting that killed two police officers

    Turkey detains teen in deadly shooting that killed two police officers

    A 16-year-old suspect opened fire on a police station near Izmir, Turkey, resulting in the deaths of two officers and injuries to two others. The suspect, who has no prior criminal history or previous arrests, was caught and taken into custody, sustaining injuries during the arrest. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the assault, which involved the use of a long-barreled firearm, reportedly a pump-action shotgun, according to media sources. The attack occurred in Balcova, a neighborhood just west of the popular resort city, and security was swiftly intensified across the area.

    At the scene, officials confirmed the suspect resides on the same street as the police station and was injured during the apprehension. Witness footage shows a person dressed in a black top and pale pants, wearing a balaclava, running along the sidewalk with a rifle before entering a building. Another clip depicts the suspect lying on the pavement, being attended to by medical personnel; he appears conscious but is covered in blood, with multiple shell casings nearby. Civilians assisted in loading him into a police vehicle.

    Local authorities condemned the attack as a treacherous act and extended condolences to the families of the fallen officers. Measures remain in place to secure the area amid ongoing investigations.