Videos
Turkey Protests: Tensions in Istanbul soar as protests intensify
Turkey is witnessing its biggest wave of protests in over a decade. The streets of Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara are filled with voices demanding justice. The reason? The detention of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a man seen as President Erdoğan’s strongest political rival. İmamoğlu was taken into custody on March 19, a move his party—the Republican People’s Party, or CHP—calls politically motivated. His supporters see it as an attack on democracy itself. President Tayyip Erdoğan has issued a stern warning against the unrest, but that hasn’t deterred citizens in Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, and beyond. In some cities, clashes erupted as police used water cannons to disperse the crowds.
22 March,2025 02:43 PM IST
Massive protests break out across Turkey after arrest of Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu
Thousands of people protested in Istanbul on March 20 after the arrest of the city's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. Imamoglu, a member of the opposition party, is seen as a major challenger to President Erdogan. Authorities closed several roads, restricted social media, and imposed a four-day ban on protests to prevent further demonstrations. In Ankara, hundreds of protesters gathered and shouted anti-government slogans. Police used pepper spray to break up the crowd, and some protesters tried to push through the police lines. A total of 100 people, including Imamoglu and other key figures, were arrested. Imamoglu and his aides face accusations of corruption, including extortion and fraud. His arrest is seen as part of a wider effort by the government to target opposition leaders, with critics calling it a move to silence dissent.
20 March,2025 04:15 PM IST
Turkey fire tragedy: 66 Dead in Horrifying Fire at Turkey Ski Resort Hotel
A tragic fire at a ski resort hotel in Turkey's Bolu mountains killed 66 people on January 21. The deadly fire broke out at around 3:30 a.m. (0030 GMT) on the restaurant floor of the 12-story Grand Kartal Hotel, located at the Kartalkaya ski resort in northwest Turkey. The fire quickly spread, causing panic among guests. Many of the hotel’s visitors were forced to jump from windows to escape the flames. In addition to the 66 fatalities, 51 people were injured, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Around 230 guests were evacuated from the hotel as firefighting teams worked to control the blaze. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, while rescue and firefighting operations are ongoing. The fire has left the local community in shock as they deal with the aftermath of the disaster.
22 January,2025 10:33 AM IST
Turkey resort fire: Deadly fire at Ski Resort in Turkey, 10 killed
A deadly fire broke out early Tuesday morning at a hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort in Bolu province, northwestern Turkey. At least 10 people were killed and 32 others were injured, according to Turkey's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. The fire started around 3:27 a.m. local time. The hotel, a popular spot for winter holidaymakers, had around 234 guests staying at the time. Many people tried to escape the flames, with two victims tragically dying after jumping from the building in panic. Emergency teams quickly responded, with 267 personnel sent to the scene to help. Videos shared on social media and by Turkish news outlets showed flames coming from the upper floors of the hotel. Some guests used tied bed sheets to attempt to escape the fire. As a safety measure, other hotels in the resort were evacuated. The fire and its aftermath have shaken the popular winter destination, especially as school holidays run through January and into early February. Watch the video for more information.
21 January,2025 05:45 PM IST
Turkey's Foreign Minister meets Syrian rebel leader in Damascus amid tensions
On December 22, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in Damascus. Al-Golani played a key role in efforts to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. During the meeting, Fidan and al-Golani embraced and posed for photos. Turkish President Erdogan stated that Turkey would support Syria in forming a new government and writing a new constitution. For years, Turkey backed rebels against Assad and now wants to help rebuild Syria, especially as millions of Syrian refugees live in Turkey. Fidan's visit came amid ongoing fighting between Turkey-backed fighters and the Kurdish YPG militia in northern Syria. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are struggling to maintain their power after Assad’s fall.
23 December,2024 03:01 PM IST
Syria Civil War: India evacuates 75 citizens after rebels take over Syria
The world is closely watching the political situation in Syria as rebel forces have toppled President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Amid the ongoing civil war, many migrants are stranded and facing serious dangers. In response, the Indian Government evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also set up a helpline and email for Indians still stuck in the country. On December 8, rebel groups captured Syria’s capital, Damascus, after President al-Assad fled to Russia. Russian news sources report that Assad and his family have been granted asylum in Russia on humanitarian grounds. Russia, which has two military bases in Syria, has been a key ally of Assad throughout the war.
11 December,2024 01:45 PM IST
Syria Civil War: India reacts to Syria’s political shift after Assad's ouster
On December 8, President Bashar al-Assad’s 50-year-old regime in Syria was overthrown by rebel forces, who took control of Damascus after Assad fled to Russia. India has expressed concern over the situation and is in contact with its citizens in Syria to ensure their safety. U.S. President Joe Biden called the fall of Assad’s regime a “fundamental act of justice.” The United Nations urged Syrians to use this moment for a peaceful future. Meanwhile, Assad and his family have been granted asylum by Russia on humanitarian grounds, as Russia has been a strong ally of Assad throughout Syria’s civil war. Russia also has key military bases in Syria.
10 December,2024 11:45 AM IST
Syrian Civil War: India issues advisory asking Indian citizens to leave Syria
Amid the increasing dangers due to the Syrian civil war, MEA on Dec 06 issued a travel advisory for Syria and advised Indian nationals to avoid travel until further notice. While advising Indian nationals, MEA asked them to be in contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus and said “leave by the earliest”. Earlier during PC, MEA spox informed that there are around 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 working in various UN Organizations. Warning from MEA comes in light of the situation prevailing in Syria, which poses significant risks to travelers. Syrian rebels made a major development on Dec 06 after they claimed to reach the key city of Homs a strategic town for President Bashar al-Assad. It was the third major city, after Aleppo and Hama in the northwest and center, to fall out of Assad's control in a week. The latest escalation in the Syrian civil war comes after years that was largely dormant for years. The conflict began in 2011, after Assad moved to stamp out peaceful pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring.
07 December,2024 01:23 PM IST
Big terror attack at Turkish Aerospace company, 5 dead, 22 injured
A tragic attack unfolded at the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) near Ankara on October 23, resulting in the deaths of 5 individuals and injuring 22 others. Footage from the scene captured armed assailants entering the building amidst reports of gunfire and a loud explosion. Emergency services were swiftly dispatched to the site, where employees were escorted to shelters, and access to the area was restricted. Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, labeled the incident a "terrorist attack" and confirmed that two of the assailants were killed during the incident. However, the cause and identity of the perpetrators remain unclear. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who was attending a BRICS conference in Kazan alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin when the news broke, expressed his condolences. President Putin also extended his sympathies to President Erdogan in light of the tragedy. TUSAS is recognized as one of Turkey's most significant defense and aviation companies, making this attack particularly alarming for national security. The investigation into the motives behind the attack is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to uncover more information.
24 October,2024 11:43 AM IST
Dramatic scenes from Turkish Parliament as MPs engage in fist-fight
In a shocking incident, an intense fist-fight broke out in Turkey's Parliament on August 16. The fight broke out after an oppn deputy was attacked after calling for his colleague, Can Atalay, to be admitted to assembly. The clash went so violent that blood stains were spotted on the white steps of the speaker's podium. The footage shows MPs of ruling AKP party rushing in to punch TIP lawmaker Ahmet Sik at lectern and dozens more joining a melee. The deputy parliament speaker declared a 45-minute recess after things turned violent in the house. Atalay is currently serving an 18-year prison sentence on charges of trying to overthrow the govt by organizing anti-government protests. Despite his imprisonment, Atalay was elected to parliament last year to represent Workers' Party of Turkey, known as TIP. Parliament stripped him of his seat, but on August 1 the Constitutional Court declared his exclusion null and void.
18 August,2024 01:24 PM IST