Kadir Topbaş

Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş has rejected a controversial plan that would allow construction in the historic Yedikule Gardens, a UNESCO-protected site near the Marmara shoreline along the Byzantine-era ramparts surrounding the old city.

Founded under the name ‘Darülbedayi’ in 1914, the Istanbul City Theater celebrates its 100th anniversary. A gala event was held for the celebration The 100th anniversary of the Istanbul City Theater, formerly known as “Darülbedayi,” was celebrated at an event at the Cemal Reşit Rey (CRR) Concert Hall on Nov. 17.

Founded under the name ‘Darülbedayi’ in 1914, the Istanbul City Theater celebrates its 100th anniversary. A gala event was held for the celebration The 100th anniversary of the Istanbul City Theater, formerly known as “Darülbedayi,” was celebrated at an event at the Cemal Reşit Rey (CRR) Concert Hall on Nov. 17.

Athletes from Morocco and Ethiopia on Nov. 16 won the 36th Vodafone Istanbul Marathon, dubbed “the only intercontinental race in the world.”

Hafid Chani won the men’s competition, finishing the 42-kilometer course in two hours, 11 minutes and 53 seconds, becoming the first athlete from Morocco to win the race in its history. Chani will a $50,000 prize for finishing first.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took time out of a stroll through Istanbul’s Esenler district on Nov. 2 to take umbrage with a man smoking a cigarette in a nearby café before ordering the municipal patrol to fine him.

The relief of local activists after the mosque construction in Istanbul’s protected Validebağ grove was halted has proven short-lived, with Mayor Kadir Topbaş announcing that the court order for a stay of execution had been reversed following the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s appeal.

Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has adopted “Unity and Fraternity Convention” as the main slogan of its upcoming extraordinary convention on Sept. 5 and 6.

Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Kadir Topbaş has blamed climate change while denying any problems with the city’s infrastructure as he sought to justify flooding in the center of the city following a short downpour on the weekend.

Istanbul's newest stadium opened late July 27 with an exhibition match that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan scored three goals.

Surprising most of the crowd, Erdoğan announced in the ceremony before the match that the stadium in Başakşehir neighborhood is named after Fatih Terim, the current director of Turkey's national football teams.

Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş has been acquitted in a case alleging malpractice in the acquisition of Metrobus vehicles for the city, which operate on a separate preference road.

Topbaş himself was present at the hearing at an Istanbul court, which was also attended by representatives from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).