ISTANBUL

İYİ (Good) Party leader Meral Akşener has announced that she will not seek reelection for the party leadership following a disappointing performance in the local elections held on March 31.

Türkiye has announced the abolishment of visa exemption for citizens of Tajikistan, following recent security concerns linked to international incidents involving Tajik nationals.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has warned drivers that nine people lost their lives and 1,047 people were injured in traffic accidents on the first day of the Eid holiday.

In a vibrant spectacle unfolding before onlookers, tulips have burst into full bloom across Istanbul, transforming iconic landmarks into colorful havens and marking the beginning of the much-anticipated Tulip Festival.

Citizens are expected to enjoy their nine-day Eid holiday in the warmth of the spring season, prominent meteorologist Dr. Orhan Şen has said, saying that temperatures will rise to a comfortable level in the coming days.

The total number of passengers Turkish Airlines carried in the first three months of 2024 has increased by 8.4 percent annually to 18.5 million.

The international passenger tally was up 6.7 percent from a year ago to more than 12 million, while domestic passengers rose by 12.8 percent to 4.49 million, the carrier said in a filing with Borsa Istanbul.

A regional election authority in the northeastern city of Ardahan has decided to annul the recent elections in the city and call for a renewal following objections from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

The Istanbul Film Festival is ready for its 43rd edition between April 17 and 28, bringing together acclaimed and award-winning films from the Türkiye and world cinema, as well as special screenings, stars and master filmmakers. Festival tickets are on sale as of today. 

World Autism Awareness Day, recognized annually on April 2, saw historic and iconic buildings in Istanbul and across the country illuminated with red or blue lights, symbolizing solidarity with individuals with autism, to raise awareness about the disorder and shed light on its unique challenges.

Following the local elections held on March 31, multiple parties have challenged various results, particularly in constituencies where the race was tightly contested, sparking a flurry of demands for recounts and calls for renewed elections.

In Istanbul, both the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) have raised objections.