Ala

Bulgaria's Colorful Tradition: Unraveling the Mysteries of Baba Marta and the Martenitsa

On March 1, Bulgarians celebrate Baba Marta - one of the most beloved Bulgarian traditions, preserved to this day. We associate the holiday with the symbolic beginning of spring and the renewal of nature. On this day, everyone presents their loved ones with martenitsi - special ornaments made of white and red yarn. They are a symbol of health, luck and strength during the year.

LIVE: 10 killed, at least 15 wounded in explosion in Istanbul's Sultanahmet

An explosion occurred on Jan. 12 in Istanbul's touristic Sultanahmet Square, killing 10 while wounding at least 15, Istanbul governor's office has said.

According to reports by private broadcaster CNN Türk, the explosion occurred by the obelisk of Theodosius in the touristic Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul's Fatih district. 

5 million Turkish people wiretapped in one year: Interior minister

Some 5 million people in Turkey were listened in on in 2012, Interior Minister Efkan Ala has stated, referring to a calculation that around 250,000 people who were wiretapped spoke to at least 20 people on the phone. He blamed officers affiliated with the movement of U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen for the scandal.