Uskudar

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said his attempts to meet with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad were rebuffed, as fighting intensifies between opposition and government forces in the war-torn country.

Demolition actions have commenced on an illegal structure in Istanbul's Üsküdar district, where unauthorized construction was halted last month.

The area, overlooking the Bosphorus in the Vaniköy neighborhood, has been under scrutiny following the discovery of building violations.

Security forces dismantled two organized crime groups in the capital Ankara and Istanbul, resulting in the apprehension of more than 70 suspects, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has announced.

Senior journalist Hasan Kılıç, a former employee of Hürriyet and the Turkish Journalism Association (TGC) member, has died at the age of 79 on Dec. 18.

Kılıç, who worked at Hürriyet for 34 years, died of a heart attack.

Some 100 warships have sailed and carried out an unprecedented procession on Istanbul's Bosphorus in the Turkish Navy's largest parade to mark the 100th anniversary of the foundation of modern Türkiye on Oct. 29.

Scores of Istanbulities flocked to the coastlines or the hills of the city, where they were able to witness the historic navy procession.

High monthly maintenance fees paid for residential properties are becoming a big headache for occupants and landlords alike in many cities across Türkiye, but particularly in Istanbul.

Finding an affordable housing in Istanbul is becoming increasingly difficult for low- and medium-income groups with rent prices in the city rising fast.

A recent survey found that the average rent price of a 100 square meter house in Istanbul climbed to 16,000 Turkish Liras ($589).

According to local media, Istanbul's congested traffic makes it nearly impossible to ride a bicycle, which is supposed to be an alternate and healthier mode of transportation, as the city lacks enough bicycle lanes.

Complaints have been pouring in about the loud music emanating from tourist boats sailing in the Bosphorus until late at night, with numerous residents living around the iconic strait expressing their grievances regarding the noise.

Two individuals have been detained following an attack on Istanbul Municipality officials during the demolition of illegal cafes in Üsküdar district.