ℹ️ Türkiye Launches Free Online Medical Consultations
Turkey’s Ministry of Health has introduced a new telemedicine service through the MHRS appointment system.
👨⚕️ Available consultations include:
• Psychological support;
• Smoking cessation advice;
• Nutrition guidance;
• Physical activity recommendations;
• Social support services.
📩 Appointments can be booked via MHRS. Patients receive an SMS with a link to join a video consultation.
🏥 The service is already available in 351 Healthy Life Centers across Türkiye.
Turkey’s Ministry of Health has introduced a new telemedicine service through the MHRS appointment system.
👨⚕️ Available consultations include:
• Psychological support;
• Smoking cessation advice;
• Nutrition guidance;
• Physical activity recommendations;
• Social support services.
📩 Appointments can be booked via MHRS. Patients receive an SMS with a link to join a video consultation.
🏥 The service is already available in 351 Healthy Life Centers across Türkiye.
🚨 Türkiye Reveals How Citizenship-by-Investment Fraud Worked
Turkish authorities have disclosed new details of a large-scale fraud scheme involving the Citizenship by Investment programme.
🔍 According to investigators, the network:
• Used fake property valuation reports to inflate real estate prices;
• Arranged fictitious property transactions;
• Created forged financial documents to simulate qualifying investments.
💰 Authorities estimate that around 2.5 billion TL (approximately $52 million) expected to enter the Turkish economy never actually arrived.
⚖️ The investigation is ongoing. Officials emphasize that the case targets fraudulent applications only — investors who obtained Turkish citizenship through legitimate investments are not affected.
Turkish authorities have disclosed new details of a large-scale fraud scheme involving the Citizenship by Investment programme.
🔍 According to investigators, the network:
• Used fake property valuation reports to inflate real estate prices;
• Arranged fictitious property transactions;
• Created forged financial documents to simulate qualifying investments.
💰 Authorities estimate that around 2.5 billion TL (approximately $52 million) expected to enter the Turkish economy never actually arrived.
⚖️ The investigation is ongoing. Officials emphasize that the case targets fraudulent applications only — investors who obtained Turkish citizenship through legitimate investments are not affected.
🏛 Prosecutors Seek to Lift Özgür Özel's Parliamentary Immunity
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has asked Türkiye's Ministry of Justice to begin the process of lifting the parliamentary immunity of opposition leader Özgür Özel.
⚖️ The request is linked to a bribery investigation concerning the 2024 local elections.
📌 Under Article 83 of the Turkish Constitution, only the Turkish Parliament can decide whether a member of parliament loses immunity.
🔍 At this stage, no decision has been made. The request is part of an ongoing legal process and does not automatically result in prosecution.
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has asked Türkiye's Ministry of Justice to begin the process of lifting the parliamentary immunity of opposition leader Özgür Özel.
⚖️ The request is linked to a bribery investigation concerning the 2024 local elections.
📌 Under Article 83 of the Turkish Constitution, only the Turkish Parliament can decide whether a member of parliament loses immunity.
🔍 At this stage, no decision has been made. The request is part of an ongoing legal process and does not automatically result in prosecution.
🎷 Bozcaada Jazz Festival Returns This September
The 10th Bozcaada Jazz Festival will take place from 4–6 September on the picturesque island of Bozcaada, bringing together music, art and cultural experiences.
🎶 This year's theme is "Impermanence", encouraging visitors to appreciate the present moment.
🌍 The festival will feature artists from Türkiye, the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands, with performances ranging from jazz and electronic music to experimental and psychedelic sounds.
✨ Visitors can also enjoy:
• Panel discussions;
• Creative workshops;
• Guided island walks;
• Jazz and ceramics sessions;
• Talks on winemaking, AI, entrepreneurship and culture.
🍇 Set against Bozcaada's vineyards and Aegean scenery, the festival promises a unique blend of music, creativity and island atmosphere.
The 10th Bozcaada Jazz Festival will take place from 4–6 September on the picturesque island of Bozcaada, bringing together music, art and cultural experiences.
🎶 This year's theme is "Impermanence", encouraging visitors to appreciate the present moment.
🌍 The festival will feature artists from Türkiye, the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands, with performances ranging from jazz and electronic music to experimental and psychedelic sounds.
✨ Visitors can also enjoy:
• Panel discussions;
• Creative workshops;
• Guided island walks;
• Jazz and ceramics sessions;
• Talks on winemaking, AI, entrepreneurship and culture.
🍇 Set against Bozcaada's vineyards and Aegean scenery, the festival promises a unique blend of music, creativity and island atmosphere.
🚬 JTI Cigarette Prices Rise in Türkiye
Starting 5 August 2026, JTI has increased cigarette prices across its entire product range by 10 TL per pack.
💰 Updated prices:
• Cheapest pack: 115 TL
• Most expensive pack: 130 TL
📈 According to the Tobacco Retailers Mutual Assistance Association (TBYD), the new prices are already in effect at stores across Türkiye.
⚠️ Experts say higher production costs, inflation and tax increases continue to put upward pressure on tobacco prices, meaning further price hikes cannot be ruled out in the coming months.
Starting 5 August 2026, JTI has increased cigarette prices across its entire product range by 10 TL per pack.
💰 Updated prices:
• Cheapest pack: 115 TL
• Most expensive pack: 130 TL
📈 According to the Tobacco Retailers Mutual Assistance Association (TBYD), the new prices are already in effect at stores across Türkiye.
⚠️ Experts say higher production costs, inflation and tax increases continue to put upward pressure on tobacco prices, meaning further price hikes cannot be ruled out in the coming months.
🚌 Express Buses Between Istanbul and Ankara Coming This November
Starting in November 2026, Türkiye will launch non-stop express buses between Istanbul and Ankara.
⚡️ The new service will skip all intermediate cities, reducing travel time.
📌 Standard routes with stops will remain available, while express tickets are expected to cost slightly more.
🚍 If successful, the model could expand to other intercity routes across Türkiye.
Starting in November 2026, Türkiye will launch non-stop express buses between Istanbul and Ankara.
⚡️ The new service will skip all intermediate cities, reducing travel time.
📌 Standard routes with stops will remain available, while express tickets are expected to cost slightly more.
🚍 If successful, the model could expand to other intercity routes across Türkiye.
✈️ Antalya Airport's New Control Tower Reaches 46 Metres
Construction of the new control tower at Antalya Airport is progressing on schedule. The structure has now reached 46 metres, with the full height set to reach 77 metres by the end of 2026.
🏗 The new tower will feature:
• 14 floors;
• Modern air traffic control systems;
• An observation level;
• Architecture inspired by the ancient Lycian lighthouses.
🌍 The project is part of Antalya Airport's major expansion and is designed to improve flight safety and handle growing passenger traffic, especially during the busy tourist season.
Construction of the new control tower at Antalya Airport is progressing on schedule. The structure has now reached 46 metres, with the full height set to reach 77 metres by the end of 2026.
🏗 The new tower will feature:
• 14 floors;
• Modern air traffic control systems;
• An observation level;
• Architecture inspired by the ancient Lycian lighthouses.
🌍 The project is part of Antalya Airport's major expansion and is designed to improve flight safety and handle growing passenger traffic, especially during the busy tourist season.
📱 Türkiye Goes More Digital: New TÜİK Data for 2026
The latest figures from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) show that 92.3% of people aged 16–74 now use the internet regularly, up from 90.9% last year.
📊 Key highlights:
🌐 92.3% of the population are regular internet users.
🛍 60% shop online.
🏛 76% use e-Devlet for government services.
💬 WhatsApp remains the country's most popular messaging app, used by around 90% of internet users.
📈 Türkiye continues its rapid digital transformation, with online services becoming an essential part of everyday life.
The latest figures from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) show that 92.3% of people aged 16–74 now use the internet regularly, up from 90.9% last year.
📊 Key highlights:
🌐 92.3% of the population are regular internet users.
🛍 60% shop online.
🏛 76% use e-Devlet for government services.
💬 WhatsApp remains the country's most popular messaging app, used by around 90% of internet users.
📈 Türkiye continues its rapid digital transformation, with online services becoming an essential part of everyday life.
🏠 Türkiye Updates Property Tax Rules for 2027
The Turkish government has introduced new official construction cost standards that will be used to calculate property tax (Emlak Vergisi) from 2027.
📌 The updated values apply to:
• Residential buildings;
• Hotels;
• Factories;
• Schools;
• Hospitals and other properties.
⚠️ This does not mean property prices are increasing. The new figures are used only for government tax calculations and official property assessments.
📅 The updated standards will be applied when calculating property tax obligations for 2027.
The Turkish government has introduced new official construction cost standards that will be used to calculate property tax (Emlak Vergisi) from 2027.
📌 The updated values apply to:
• Residential buildings;
• Hotels;
• Factories;
• Schools;
• Hospitals and other properties.
⚠️ This does not mean property prices are increasing. The new figures are used only for government tax calculations and official property assessments.
📅 The updated standards will be applied when calculating property tax obligations for 2027.
🌊 23 Companies Fined for Polluting the Mediterranean Sea
Türkiye has fined 23 companies for releasing microplastics and untreated wastewater into the Mediterranean.
💸 Total fines: 47.6 million TL
📍 Violations were found in:
• Adana
• Antalya
• Hatay
• Mersin
• Muğla
🔎 Authorities are continuing inspections, with 142 high-risk facilities now under environmental monitoring.
🌿 Türkiye says coastal environmental enforcement will become even stricter to protect marine ecosystems.
Türkiye has fined 23 companies for releasing microplastics and untreated wastewater into the Mediterranean.
💸 Total fines: 47.6 million TL
📍 Violations were found in:
• Adana
• Antalya
• Hatay
• Mersin
• Muğla
🔎 Authorities are continuing inspections, with 142 high-risk facilities now under environmental monitoring.
🌿 Türkiye says coastal environmental enforcement will become even stricter to protect marine ecosystems.
🤖 Turkish Engineer Appointed Google AI Senior Vice President
Google has promoted Koray Kavukcuoglu to Senior Vice President of AI at Google DeepMind.
In his new role, he will oversee:
• AI model development;
• Gemini;
• Advanced AI research;
• Developer teams.
💬 Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai described Kavukcuoglu as a "world-renowned expert", highlighting his 13 years at Google DeepMind and his contributions to breakthroughs such as WaveNet and Deep Q-Network (DQN).
🚀 The appointment marks another major milestone for a Turkish engineer on the global AI stage.
Google has promoted Koray Kavukcuoglu to Senior Vice President of AI at Google DeepMind.
In his new role, he will oversee:
• AI model development;
• Gemini;
• Advanced AI research;
• Developer teams.
💬 Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai described Kavukcuoglu as a "world-renowned expert", highlighting his 13 years at Google DeepMind and his contributions to breakthroughs such as WaveNet and Deep Q-Network (DQN).
🚀 The appointment marks another major milestone for a Turkish engineer on the global AI stage.
🛡 Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to Sign Defense Agreement
Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are set to sign a trilateral defense agreement during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's working visit to Jeddah.
🤝 Erdoğan is expected to meet:
• Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman;
• Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
📌 The agreement aims to strengthen military and strategic cooperation between the three countries amid ongoing regional security challenges.
🌍 The leaders are also expected to discuss developments in the Middle East, including diplomatic efforts related to Gaza and regional stability.
Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are set to sign a trilateral defense agreement during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's working visit to Jeddah.
🤝 Erdoğan is expected to meet:
• Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman;
• Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
📌 The agreement aims to strengthen military and strategic cooperation between the three countries amid ongoing regional security challenges.
🌍 The leaders are also expected to discuss developments in the Middle East, including diplomatic efforts related to Gaza and regional stability.
📉 Türkiye's Birth Rate Falls to Record Low
Türkiye is facing growing demographic challenges as the country's fertility rate drops to its lowest level on record.
📊 Key figures:
• 958,000 babies were born in 2023.
• The fertility rate fell to 1.51, far below the 2.1 needed to maintain population levels.
👥 The report also highlights:
✔️ The average age has increased to 34 years.
✔️ By the 2040s, the number of people aged 65+ is expected to equal the number of children under 15.
✔️ The UN projects Türkiye's population will peak at 91.4 million around 2047 before beginning a gradual decline.
⚠️ President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has described the demographic trend as an "existential threat", warning that it could affect the country's economy, labour market and long-term development.
Türkiye is facing growing demographic challenges as the country's fertility rate drops to its lowest level on record.
📊 Key figures:
• 958,000 babies were born in 2023.
• The fertility rate fell to 1.51, far below the 2.1 needed to maintain population levels.
👥 The report also highlights:
✔️ The average age has increased to 34 years.
✔️ By the 2040s, the number of people aged 65+ is expected to equal the number of children under 15.
✔️ The UN projects Türkiye's population will peak at 91.4 million around 2047 before beginning a gradual decline.
⚠️ President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has described the demographic trend as an "existential threat", warning that it could affect the country's economy, labour market and long-term development.
🚀 OpenAI May Launch a Screen-Free AI Device in 2027
OpenAI is reportedly developing a new AI-powered device that could arrive as early as 2027.
💡 What makes it different?
• No traditional screen;
• Voice-first interaction;
• Designed as a personal AI companion rather than a smart speaker.
💰 The expected price is over $300.
If the reports are accurate, the device could introduce a completely new way of interacting with artificial intelligence—without relying on displays.
OpenAI is reportedly developing a new AI-powered device that could arrive as early as 2027.
💡 What makes it different?
• No traditional screen;
• Voice-first interaction;
• Designed as a personal AI companion rather than a smart speaker.
💰 The expected price is over $300.
If the reports are accurate, the device could introduce a completely new way of interacting with artificial intelligence—without relying on displays.
🇹🇷 Europe Asks Türkiye to Confirm the Origin of Gas Supplies
European countries are asking Türkiye to provide documents confirming the origin of natural gas supplied to Europe and verify that it is not Russian.
⚡️ Türkiye's Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said European partners want to receive gas through Türkiye with clear documentation of its country of origin.
📊 According to the minister, Türkiye could potentially export 70–80 billion cubic meters of gas per year supplied through different routes.
🔹 Bayraktar also highlighted the importance of TurkStream, saying the pipeline plays a major role in Türkiye's natural gas supply security.
🌍 The issue highlights Türkiye's growing importance as an energy transit hub between gas-producing regions and Europe.
European countries are asking Türkiye to provide documents confirming the origin of natural gas supplied to Europe and verify that it is not Russian.
⚡️ Türkiye's Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said European partners want to receive gas through Türkiye with clear documentation of its country of origin.
📊 According to the minister, Türkiye could potentially export 70–80 billion cubic meters of gas per year supplied through different routes.
🔹 Bayraktar also highlighted the importance of TurkStream, saying the pipeline plays a major role in Türkiye's natural gas supply security.
🌍 The issue highlights Türkiye's growing importance as an energy transit hub between gas-producing regions and Europe.
💶 **Bulgaria Completes Its Transition to the Euro**
From August 9, Bulgarian shops will no longer be required to display prices in both euros and Bulgarian levs.
🏷 Prices will be shown in euros, while lev prices can still be displayed voluntarily.
🇪🇺 Bulgaria adopted the euro on January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st eurozone member.
🇹🇷 The change is especially relevant for Edirne, where businesses closely follow spending patterns among Bulgarian visitors.
From August 9, Bulgarian shops will no longer be required to display prices in both euros and Bulgarian levs.
🏷 Prices will be shown in euros, while lev prices can still be displayed voluntarily.
🇪🇺 Bulgaria adopted the euro on January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st eurozone member.
🇹🇷 The change is especially relevant for Edirne, where businesses closely follow spending patterns among Bulgarian visitors.
🏠 New Real Estate Financing Rules in Türkiye
🇹🇷 Türkiye's banking regulator BDDK has approved new rules for savings financing companies.
💰 The maximum contract limit for residential and commercial property financing will increase to 62.5 million TL.
🚗 The vehicle financing limit will rise to 6.25 million TL.
📅 The new rules will take effect on October 1, 2026.
⚠️ Important: the 62.5 million TL limit applies specifically to savings financing contracts, not conventional bank mortgages.
🇹🇷 Türkiye's banking regulator BDDK has approved new rules for savings financing companies.
💰 The maximum contract limit for residential and commercial property financing will increase to 62.5 million TL.
🚗 The vehicle financing limit will rise to 6.25 million TL.
📅 The new rules will take effect on October 1, 2026.
⚠️ Important: the 62.5 million TL limit applies specifically to savings financing contracts, not conventional bank mortgages.
⛽️ Petrol Ofisi Updates Fuel Tariffs in Türkiye
Türkiye’s energy regulator EPDK has approved new tariffs for Petrol Ofisi terminals in Derince, Antalya and Kırıkkale, as well as the LPG facility in Yarımca.
📌 The changes cover:
• fuel storage and transportation;
• receipt and delivery;
• transshipment services;
• terminal capacity rental.
💰 Large volumes and long-term contracts can qualify for discounts of up to 80%.
🇹🇷 The new tariffs were published on August 8, 2026.
Türkiye’s energy regulator EPDK has approved new tariffs for Petrol Ofisi terminals in Derince, Antalya and Kırıkkale, as well as the LPG facility in Yarımca.
📌 The changes cover:
• fuel storage and transportation;
• receipt and delivery;
• transshipment services;
• terminal capacity rental.
💰 Large volumes and long-term contracts can qualify for discounts of up to 80%.
🇹🇷 The new tariffs were published on August 8, 2026.
🏛 Istanbul’s Museum of the Ancient Orient Reopens
After four years of restoration, the Museum of the Ancient Orient has reopened as part of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums complex.
✨ Visitors can now see hundreds of artifacts from Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula.
📜 Highlights include:
• the ancient Treaty of Kadesh;
• around 75,000 cuneiform tablets;
• the Stele of Naram-Sin;
• Babylonian reliefs and Ishtar Gate fragments;
• one of the oldest known love poems.
🏺 Many artifacts that had been kept in storage are now on public display for the first time.
📍 Istanbul
After four years of restoration, the Museum of the Ancient Orient has reopened as part of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums complex.
✨ Visitors can now see hundreds of artifacts from Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula.
📜 Highlights include:
• the ancient Treaty of Kadesh;
• around 75,000 cuneiform tablets;
• the Stele of Naram-Sin;
• Babylonian reliefs and Ishtar Gate fragments;
• one of the oldest known love poems.
🏺 Many artifacts that had been kept in storage are now on public display for the first time.
📍 Istanbul
☀️ More Control Coming to Türkiye’s Beaches
Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment has received additional powers to manage and monitor coastal areas.
🏖 The ministry will now be able to participate in:
• beach cleaning and maintenance;
• safety measures;
• creating showers, shelters, changing rooms and toilets;
• tackling illegal construction and restricted access to the coast.
📌 Beaches and shorelines must remain open for public use.
ℹ️ The new powers were introduced through an amendment published on August 9, 2026.
Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment has received additional powers to manage and monitor coastal areas.
🏖 The ministry will now be able to participate in:
• beach cleaning and maintenance;
• safety measures;
• creating showers, shelters, changing rooms and toilets;
• tackling illegal construction and restricted access to the coast.
📌 Beaches and shorelines must remain open for public use.
ℹ️ The new powers were introduced through an amendment published on August 9, 2026.
🌠 Perseid Meteor Shower Over Mount Erciyes
✨ On August 12, astronomy lovers can watch the spectacular Perseid meteor shower from Mount Erciyes in Kayseri.
📍 The event will take place at 2,650 meters, away from light pollution.
🔭 Visitors can:
• watch meteors through telescopes;
• learn about planets and constellations;
• enjoy the night sky with professional astronomers.
🎟 Admission is free!
🧥 Bring warm clothes, a blanket and a folding chair — it can get cold at night.
📅 August 12
📍 Mount Erciyes, Kayseri
✨ On August 12, astronomy lovers can watch the spectacular Perseid meteor shower from Mount Erciyes in Kayseri.
📍 The event will take place at 2,650 meters, away from light pollution.
🔭 Visitors can:
• watch meteors through telescopes;
• learn about planets and constellations;
• enjoy the night sky with professional astronomers.
🎟 Admission is free!
🧥 Bring warm clothes, a blanket and a folding chair — it can get cold at night.
📅 August 12
📍 Mount Erciyes, Kayseri