Istanbul

The article discusses Pakistan's government sending ministers to investment conferences to attract foreign investment, but highlights a decline in FDI from $5-6 billion to $0.5 billion, with chaotic governance and inconsistent policies deterring investment. It compares Pakistan's low FDI to Vietnam's higher inflows and notes past unfulfilled investment promises from Saudi Arabia and the US.

Emirates NBD is reportedly in talks to acquire HSBC's Turkey unit. The article references a HSBC bank branch in Istanbul.

Turkish President Erdogan ordered officials to resume talks on reopening the Halki seminary near Istanbul, an Orthodox Christian seminary closed by the Turkish state in 1971. The issue was raised by U.S. President Trump, who is expected to visit Ankara next month for a NATO summit.

The Turkish government has arrested 37 suspects, including mayors from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), in operations targeting opposition-run municipalities. The European Parliament criticized Turkey’s rule of law, and the CHP accused authorities of politically motivated actions following its 2024 local election victory.

Wolfgang Puck, a chef based in Los Angeles, describes his daily routine centered on espresso, walks, and managing his global restaurant empire, which includes over 100 eateries across locations like Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, London, and Shanghai. He emphasizes hands-on involvement in his restaurants, including tasting food and engaging with guests.

The United States and Turkey resolved a key issue regarding Turkiye Halk Bankasi AS ahead of a visit by Donald Trump. The bank's offices are located in the Istanbul Finance Centre in Istanbul.

Lebanon inaugurated René Mouawad Airport as its second international airport, located near Syria's border in the Akkar region. The airport aims to alleviate congestion at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport and will initially offer flights to Istanbul, Mersin, and Dubai, with future plans for routes to Athens, Cairo, and Medina. Named after late President-elect René Mouawad, who was assassinated in 1989, the project is seen as a step toward regional development.

Jefferies suggests Turkey may consider an Argentina-style dollar swap line. The analysis is based from Istanbul, Turkey.

Turkey’s economy experienced slower-than-expected growth, surprising observers. The article references the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and a photograph by Emre Caylak.

A new book examines the social and political upheaval in Istanbul under Erdogan's leadership, highlighting the city's transformation through a localized lens.

Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was fined for watching his phone while driving. The incident occurred after a Champions League match against Galatasaray in Istanbul, Turkey in March.

Bilgi University in Istanbul reopened after police intervened following days of student protests against a government decree threatening to close the university mid-year. Students celebrated the reversal of the closure order.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Ankara and Istanbul following a court verdict that removed the leader of Turkey's main opposition CHP party, marking the government's latest move against political opponents.

Turkey's Council of Higher Education has shuttered Bilgi University in Istanbul following a criminal investigation. The authority stated it would take measures to ensure students are not negatively impacted by the closure.

Israel deported approximately 420 Gaza flotilla activists after they attempted to breach the naval blockade of Gaza. The deportation followed international backlash, with several countries summoning Israeli envoys. The activists departed on planes to Turkey, where they arrived in Istanbul.

428 pro-Palestine activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, including 11 Australians, were released from Israeli detention after approximately 80 hours. The detainees reported being denied food and water during their detention and called for the Australian government to cut ties with Israel.

Activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla arrived in Istanbul on Thursday after a maritime mission, recounting allegations of Israeli violence. The flotilla's arrival marks another chapter in ongoing tensions related to Gaza humanitarian access.

Turkey's foreign exchange sales have reached $6 billion following a ruling by the opposition. The action appears to be a response to political developments, with the Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul serving as a backdrop to discussions about Turkey's economic measures.

Turkey unveiled the Yildirimhan intercontinental ballistic missile at the SAHA 2026 defense expo in Istanbul, signaling the country's pursuit of strategic autonomy and nuclear deterrence capabilities independent of NATO. The missile's public debut reflects Turkey's broader ambitions to strengthen its defensive posture amid regional instability in the Middle East.

Turkey's Kontrolmatik has defaulted on a debt of 450 million Liras. The default may impact the Turkish economy and real estate market, including residential and commercial buildings in Istanbul. This development could have significant financial implications.

Turkey has increased its year-end inflation target to 24% due to the Iran war. This change affects shoppers at the Mahmutpasa Bazaar in Istanbul. The adjustment is a significant economic move.

The Iran war is affecting the Turkish Central Bank's inflation target. The bank has an ambitious goal to control inflation. This situation is being closely watched in Istanbul.

Research suggests that working longer hours is linked to higher obesity rates, with countries like the US and Mexico having longer annual working hours and higher obesity rates. The study compared working patterns and obesity prevalence for 33 OECD countries from 1990 to 2022. Cutting work time could help with weight management.

Giorgio Armani SpA may split its stake for sale, and Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak ruled out capital movement restrictions. This move aims to bolster confidence. Emporio Armani operates luxury stores.

Global Sumud Flotilla activists arrived in Istanbul after Israel intercepted their Gaza-bound aid convoy at sea. The activists were detained by Israeli forces during their attempt to deliver aid to Gaza.

May Day protests across Europe and Asia have evolved into anti-American and anti-Israel political battlegrounds, with demonstrators linking labor issues to anti-war activism, U.S. foreign policy, and anti-capitalist rhetoric. Clashes occurred in Paris, Madrid, and Munich, while groups like the Heritage Foundation and Henry Jackson Society criticized the protests' focus on global conflicts over labor rights.

Turkish police used tear gas and arrested hundreds during a May Day demonstration at Istanbul’s Taksim Square. Authorities described the crackdown as a violent response to the protest.

Emerging-market bond sales are rising as investors return to risk, but Turkish markets declined after the detention of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s prominent rival, Ekrem Imamoglu, raising concerns about political instability disrupting economic reforms.

Turkish officials are promoting Istanbul as a regional financial hub amid the war's fallout on Gulf economies. The move aims to attract investors as the Iran war impacts the Gulf region's economic stability.

A hacked cryptocurrency platform is set to relaunch after securing new funding. Bitcoin has surged over 40% this year, driven by the successful debut of US ETFs that directly hold the token.

Turkish Airlines has replaced its management team and appointed a new CEO and Chairman. The airline's operations in Istanbul are highlighted in the article.

Turkey is restructuring leadership at its state-owned banks Halkbank and Vakifbank. The overhaul includes changes at a Turkiye Halk Bankasi branch in Istanbul.

A Turkish convoy of hundreds of vehicles marched through Istanbul to protest what they describe as the 'lawless aggression' of the United States and Israel. The demonstration highlights tensions between Turkey and Western nations over recent geopolitical actions.