Mahir Polat
Istanbul Municipality to restore 500-year-old dilapidated shrine
Within the scope of a restoration project by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the 500-year-old shrine of Asude Hatun in Istanbul's Fatih district will be revived.
Renovation work for Basilica Cistern to start after official ruling
The Cultural Heritage Preservation Board has approved a structural strengthening plan for the Basilica Cistern presented by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality 66 days ago, according to daily Milliyet.
"When the formal decision is delivered to us, we will start the renovation process in the Basilica Cistern," said Mahir Polat, secretary-general of the municipality.
Turkey Opposition Condemns Move to Arm Night Watchmen
After night-long debates and even a fist fight, Turkey's parliament on Wednesday accepted a new bill with the votes of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling coalition, which greatly expands the powers of the night watchmen, or neighbourhood guards.
They can now stop and search people if and when they see necessary, and may now carry weapons and use force.