★ Turkey marked Victory Day on August 30, commemorating the decisive 1922 Battle of Dumlupınar that sealed the country's independence and led to the founding of the Republic. Across the country, ceremonies included military parades, official wreath-layings, and public celebrations.

  But this year's observances also sparked controversy. The official Friday sermon prepared by the Directorate of Religious Affairs did not mention Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the commander of the independence struggle and founder of the Republic. Opposition politicians and civil society groups criticized the omission as disrespectful, saying Atatürk's role in defeating the invading forces is inseparable from the meaning of Victory Day.

  Government officials have not directly addressed the criticism, but the debate added tension to a national holiday that usually unites the country in remembrance of independence and resilience.

★ On August 24, 2025, Turkish authorities arrested İsmet Sayhan, the former head of the state‑owned Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE),  and on August 27,  Emin Öner and Gürcan Okumuş,  two senior figures from ASSAN, a private defense contractor,  as part of a sweeping military espionage investigation.

  Gürcan Okumuş was the former head of the state defense research institute TÜBİTAK SAGE.

  The investigation alleges that sensitive procurement data, including the details of artillery shell contracts, was improperly accessed and shared after Sayhan left public service. Authorities have placed ten Assan Group companies under state trustee management.

  Officials say the investigation spans multiple provinces and includes organized crime charges. Assan Group has denied wrongdoing, calling the allegations baseless and politically motivated.

  The arrests mark one of the most serious corruption and espionage cases in Turkey's defense sector in recent years, raising questions over procurement security and post‑employment restrictions for senior officials. 

★ Residents of İstanbul's Ümraniye district have been resisting for 30 days against an urban renewal project that threatens to demolish their homes in the Topağacı neighborhood.

  The area, declared a "reserve building area" last year, is slated for 174 demolitions to make way for over 1,100 new housing units and commercial spaces.

  Authorities cut electricity, water, and natural gas in late July, prompting protests, rallies, and the creation of a "Right to Housing Office" to coordinate resistance.

  Despite police interventions and detentions, residents continue to demand transparency, rent support, and the cancellation of the reserve area designation, accusing the project of being driven by profit.

  A reserve building area, under Turkey's Urban Renewal Law, refers to land designated by the state for redevelopment. Since a 2023 amendment, this can include already-inhabited neighborhoods, such as Topağacı, meaning residents can lose their homes even if their buildings are not officially deemed unsafe.

★ Ayşe Barım, a talent manager, imprisoned for 213 days after being arrested in connection with the Gezi Park protests that occurred 12 years ago, wrote a letter describing her deteriorating health and appealing for the protection of her right to life.

  She said she has lost 66 lbs. in an unhealthy and rapid way, suffers from severe muscle loss and weakened ligaments, and has developed serious anxiety and panic attacks due to prison conditions.

  Referring to doctors' reports, Barım noted that they clearly state prison conditions have worsened her illnesses and put her at risk of sudden death.

  In the past three months alone, she fainted six times as a sign of her worsening heart problems.

  Her only request, she wrote, is for the protection of her right to life.

  Critics say the Justice and Development Party-led coalition uses pretrial detention to silence opponents, while hardened criminals are sent home under house arrest.

★ Turkish police seized jewels, precious metals, and antiques worth about 30 million dollars in a major raid on 23 businesses in Istanbul's historic Grand Bazaar, arresting 40 people as part of a diamond smuggling probe.  

  The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said the investigation involves organized crime and smuggling violations, with firearms and digital materials also confiscated during the operation. 

★ Internet usage in Turkey surpassed 90 percent, up from 88.2 percent in 2024, reports the independent news outlet Bianet.

  Online shopping and the use of e-government services also continued to grow.

★ Two major public sector unions in Turkey walked out of arbitration talks on civil servant wages, but the government-approved board proceeded with salary increases for 2026 and 2027.

  The board ruled an 11 percent raise for the first half of 2026, 7 percent for the second half, then 5 percent and 4 percent for the two halves of 2027, a decision that civil servants cannot appeal. 

  Both the lowest and average salaries fall far below the current poverty level in Turkey.

  Union leaders from Memur-Sen and Türkiye Kamu-Sen criticized the process, saying their demands were ignored despite their efforts and goodwill.

  Because union members attended the start of the session, a quorum was reached, allowing the board to legally finalize a ruling that impacts over six million civil servants and retirees.

★ According to Deutsche Welle, İsmail Atız, who was arrested in Germany on allegations of being the leader of the "Caspers" criminal organization, has been released, and Turkey's request for his extradition was rejected due to concerns that he would not receive a fair trial.

★ A foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Konya's Ereğli district, in central Turkey, has forced the closure of livestock markets, leaving producers unable to sell their animals and facing heavy losses.

  Farmers report having to slaughter healthy cattle early to curb the spread of the disease, while rising feed costs worsen the crisis and threaten the viability of livestock farming.

  Opposition lawmaker Ömer Fethi Gürer warned that without financial support, Turkey's livestock and dairy production could collapse under the combined pressures of disease, low milk prices, and soaring feed expenses.

  In addition, economists say government policies over recent years have significantly reduced Turkish farming and agricultural output, making the country increasingly dependent on imports of meat and grain.

★ Turkey's Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu received a speeding ticket after posting a video on X showing himself driving up to 140 mph on a highway with an 85-mph limit.

  The video, filmed on the Ankara-Niğde Highway and featuring music and speeches by President Erdoğan, has been viewed over five million times.

★ According to Bianet, a Mediterranean monk seal came ashore in Datça, Muğla, prompting swimmers to alert authorities, who confirmed the animal was healthy and only resting.

  As public attention grew, the seal moved from Palamutbükü to Gerence beach.

  To protect it from disturbance, gendarmerie units set up a security cordon while experts continue to monitor its condition.

★ Turkey has ended its foreign exchange-protected deposit scheme (KKM) on August 23, halting new accounts and renewals.

  Launched in 2021 to curb dollarization, the scheme backfired, costing the state an estimated 60–300 billion dollars.

  Officials say closing the foreign exchange-protected deposit scheme removes a major liability and will strengthen financial stability.

★ Marmara, Avşa, and Ekinlik Islands will host nine days of art and culture during the "Three Islands Culture and Art Days" from August 31 to September 8. Organized under the Marmara Axes Project of the İstanbul Culture and Arts Foundation's European Union-supported Partnership Program, the festival features 11 events across nine island locations, from Çınarlı to Ekinlik. Music, dance, theater, gastronomy, archaeology, and workshops for all ages are on the program, all free and open to the public.

  A highlight will be the Rights-Based Local Cultural Policy Workshop on September 3 at Çınarlı Culture and Arts Campus, with sessions on island life as an artist, the Marmara Island Literature Festival, and island gastronomy. 

  Other events include Christina Schray Dance Theater's performance Island and Movement (Sept. 1, Ekinlik Pier Square), a Parchment Workshop with Hazel Aymaz (Sept. 2, Saraylar), Sevinç Erbulak's children's theater workshop and a talk on Marmara's olive culture (Sept. 4, Topağaç), a Vineyard Composting Workshop (Sept. 5, Avşa), Cyanotype Photogram Workshop (Sept. 6, Gündoğdu), and Colors of the Island collage event for children (Sept. 7, Asmalı). The program ends with a closing ceremony at the Marmara Islands Museum (Sept. 8).

  Project Coordinator Dr. Adil Çamur believes the events will foster an inclusive cultural ecosystem on the Marmara, Avşa, and Ekinlik islands, and link them to the world's cultural networks. Marmara Islands Mayor Aydın Dinçer added that the festival seeks to rebuild weakened ties between the islands and their communities.

★ DasDas, the cultural hub on Istanbul's Asian side, opens its new theater season on September 5 with Open Relationship, starring Binnur Kaya and Mert Fırat, who also co-adapted and directed the play.

★ At the Stevie Awards, nearly 4,000 nominees from 78 countries were evaluated by over 250 professionals. 

  İş Sanat won in the "Event," "Broadcast," and "Video Awards" categories. 

  The Stevie Awards are recognized globally as a leading program that honors workplace achievement.

★ The 20th Contemporary Istanbul will return to Tersane Istanbul with its Focus America program, welcoming international galleries. 

  Preview days are September 24, followed by general visits from September 25 to 28.

★ ENKA Sanat, the cultural arm of the Turkish company ENKA,  has sponsored a new documentary, "A Ferhangi Life," exploring the legacy of Ferhan Şensoy. 

  The film traces his formative years, his return to Turkey after time in France and Canada, the creation of his distinctive theatrical style, his training of new actors through Nöbetçi Tiyatro, and his lasting influence on generations of theater lovers.

★ Akbank Short Film Festival canceled amid wave of harassment allegations in Turkey's arts sector

  The festival's director was among dozens of men facing sexual harassment accusations amid a new wave of online revelations by women.

★ A recent amendment to Turkey's Mining Law has opened large areas of Muğla's Milas and Yatağan districts, historically rich in Carian archaeological heritage, to expanded mining activity.

  Archaeologists and environmental groups warn that coal mining has already damaged ancient sites such as Stratonikeia, Lagina, and Bronze Age settlements, and that the new "super permit" law threatens further irreversible destruction.

  The Turkish Foundation for Combating Erosion reports that in some provinces, two-thirds of the land is now licensed for mining, putting forests, olive groves, cultural heritage, and rural life at risk.

  Critics argue the law prioritizes extractive industries and short-term energy needs over environmental protection, local communities, and the safeguarding of world-class archaeological heritage.

★ The 19th International Osmangazi Municipality Balkan Festival in Bursa, a city in northwestern Turkey, brought together thousands of people with colorful performances by dance groups from North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Montenegro, along with local ensembles.

  Held at Kültürpark Open-Air Theater, the event highlighted the cultural ties between Turkey and the Balkans, with remarks from Osmangazi Mayor Erkan Aydın and the participation of local officials and dignitaries.

  The festival concluded with a concert by popular Balkan musician Rumeli Semih, leaving the audience with moments of joy and celebration.

★ The C-Major Türkiye İş'ten Sesler / C-Major Voices from the Businesses of Turkey Choir, composed of senior figures—primarily CEOs—from Turkey's business community, will hold its 15th charity concert on August 31 at 9:00 p.m. at the Sianji Well-Being Resort in Bodrum, in cooperation with the Turkish Education Foundation, to support young people's education.

  Under the motto "So That Young People Can Study," the choir has organized 14 benefit concerts since 2016, bringing together leading figures from the arts and business worlds; this year's program will feature Safiye Soyman, Faik Öztürk, Ege, Ali Soydan, and Pınar Seli, with Esra and Kaya Akkaya as hosts.

  Proceeds will go toward scholarships for children and young people in need, continuing TEV's mission since its founding in 1967 to expand educational opportunities in Turkey.

★ An ancient stela depicting a mounted soldier was discovered during landscaping works in the Çal district of Denizli, in western Turkey.

  The artifact, believed to represent the son of Apollo, was found in fill soil that had reportedly been transported from another location ten years ago.

  Authorities transferred the stela to the Denizli Museum for examination.

★ Archaeologists discovered one of Anatolia's oldest street plans at the 10,000-year-old Canhasan 3 Mound in Karaman, in Central Anatolia.  

  Led by Associate Professor Adnan Baysal, the excavation team uncovered 3.5 ft-wide passages between houses—the earliest evidence of a street concept in Central Anatolia, predating nearby Çatalhöyük by 800 years.

  The mound dates back to 7,750 BCE, and researchers consider the find an early example of urban planning.  

★ Archaeologists in the ancient city of Sagalassos, located in Burdur's Ağlasun district in southwestern Turkey, are uncovering an odeon buried about 12 feet underground.  

  Believed to become the third-largest odeon in Turkey after those in Ephesus and Kibyra, the structure once hosted musical performances and civic meetings, and could seat around 2,500 people.  

  Researchers note that traces of Byzantine alterations remain, but restoration is possible. Together with the nearby 9,000–10,000-seat theater, the discoveries suggest that Sagalassos had a population of 35,000–40,000 in antiquity.

  Archaeologist Dr. Düzgün Tarkan emphasized that the ongoing excavation and restoration work will help preserve the city's rich heritage for both science and future generations. 

★ Archaeologists are excavating Mendik Tepe in Şanlıurfa's Eyyübiye district, in southeastern Turkey, a site believed to predate the famous Göbeklitepe nearby.    

  Led by Prof. Douglas Baird of Liverpool University in collaboration with the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum and the British Institute of Archaeology, the team has uncovered buildings of varying sizes whose functions are being studied, ranging from possible storage areas to ritual structures.  

  The site is thought to date to the very beginning of the Neolithic period. It may be older than both nearby Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe, offering new insights into the transition to settled life in Anatolia.  

  Unlike the large T-shaped pillars of Göbeklitepe, Mendik Tepe features different forms of standing stones, suggesting unique local characteristics within the Taş Tepeler (Stone Hills) cultural network.

★ On Sunday, August 24, 2025, the 37th Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race was held in Istanbul, starting from Kanlıca and finishing in Kuruçeşme, with over 2,800 athletes from 81 countries competing on the 4-mile course.

  In the men's category, Doğukan Ulaç won in 56:49, followed by Gökhan Yiğitoğlu and Mehmet Çağlar. In the women's category, Su İnal claimed first place in 58:54, with Eylül Nisa Ayçetin and Hilal Zeyneb Saraç coming in second and third.

  First organized in 1989 with 68 swimmers, the event has since gained international acclaim, winning awards from the World Open Water Swimming Association and being ranked among the world's best open water races.

  Nikolai Andreevich Svechnikov, a Russian swimmer,  went missing during the race.

  Despite extensive and ongoing search and investigation efforts, there has been no confirmed resolution.

Ankara, in central Turkey:             90/63 Sunny  
Antalya, on the Mediterranean:         88/79 Sunny  
Erzurum, in eastern Turkey:            92/63 Sunny  
Istanbul, in northwestern Turkey:      85/73 Mostly Sunny  
Izmir, on the Aegean:                  88/78 Sunny  
Trabzon, on the Black Sea:             79/76 Mostly Cloudy 


Sea water temperatures:


Black Sea measured at Trabzon:         78  
Marmara Sea measured at Tekirdağ:      76  
Aegean Sea measured at İzmir:          75  
Mediterranean Sea measured at Antalya: 86