Istanbul

Winter has officially arrived in Türkiye, with residents across the country, including in Istanbul and Ankara, embracing the season's first snowfall, as it drapes the landscape in a pristine blanket of white.

Higher parts of Istanbul experienced the first snow of the season on Nov. 23, following strong south-west winds and heavy rains previously engulfing the metropolis.

Authorities have submitted motions to the parliamentary presidency seeking the revocation of legislative immunity for seven deputies, including one from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).

A 10-million-year-old Miocene fossil limpet that was discovered some 15 years ago in Istanbul offers insight into the parts of the city that are most vulnerable to a potential large-scale Marmara earthquake, an expert has pointed out.

Turkish cities of Istanbul, Antalya and İzmir have been ranked among the world's top 100 brand cities in the "City Index 2024" by Brand Finance, which assessed urban reputations through a global survey of 15,000 people across 20 countries.

The water level in Istanbul's dams has fallen to 29.92 percent, the lowest in a year, after months of insufficient rainfall.

This marks a sharp decline from April's average of 82.62 percent, with three dams — Alibeyköy, Kazandere and Pabuçdere — now below 10 percent of their full capacity. Elmalı Dam is the only one above 50 percent, at 51.61 percent."

An exhibition titled "Elisa Zonaro's Istanbul," showcasing the works of photographer Elisa Zonaro — the wife of renowned Ottoman-era palace painter Fausto Zonaro — has opened at Istanbul's Kazlıçeşme Sanat.

A new project designed to unify public transportation across the country under a single card system is set to begin partial implementation in Istanbul, with plans to expand the program nationwide.

The Türkiye Card rollout in Istanbul follows an Oct. 31 decision by the megacity's transportation coordination center UKOME.

Authorities are actively working to transform Istanbul's historic Sirkeci and Haydarpaşa train stations into hubs of art and culture, with renovations expected to be completed by 2026, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy has announced.

In a bid to introduce the historical, cultural and artistic assets of the historic metropolis Istanbul to a wider audience, local tourism authorities have launched a promotional magazine covering the historic megacity's appeal in various languages across different European nations.

Ahmet Özer, who was elected mayor of Esenyurt by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in the 31 March elections arrested and İstanbul Deputy Governor Can Aksoy appointed as trustee in his place.