North Aegean islands

Turkey's northwestern region has enjoyed a relatively warm weather free of precipitation over the past few weeks, but a cold spell, accompanied by heavy downpours and strong winds, has returned.

Istanbul, a metropolis with more than 16 million population, was battered by heavy rainfall in the early hours of April 8 following warnings from the meteorological authority and experts.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry on Tuesday slammed comments made by Greece's foreign affairs chief regarding the Greek minority in Imvros, Tenedos and Istanbul as "tragicomic," and went on to accuse Greece of carrying out a "policy of assimilation and repression" on the Muslim minority of Thrace.

A historical chapel, which is believed to be 250 years old, in the Aegean province of Balıkesir's Ayvalık district, has been destroyed by treasure hunters who took advantage of measures implemented against the coronavirus outbreak.

Cunda (Alibey) Island, which is one of the favorite tourism spots in the north Aegean region, has begun to host local and foreign tourists with its old Greek houses, many of which are boutique hotels, cobblestones, churches and the dishes of Greek and Turkish cuisine.

Gale-force winds disrupted ferry schedules from Piraeus to the islands of the Northern and Eastern Aegean on Monday.

The winds, reaching up to 9 and 10 on the Beaufort scale, have led to the suspension of the Nissos Samos ferry service from Piraeus to Chios and Mytilini, while the ships leaving from Lavrio to Kea island also remained tied at the port.

Just 61 refugees and migrants arrived at the islands of the northeastern Aegean by late Thursday, Greek authourities said.
Of those arrivals, 24 people reached northern Lesvos and 37 disembarked in Samos.

Those who live on the islands of the northeastern Aegean have suffered. The plan tabled by the government, which includes the creation of new closed migrant centers, is the only way forward for the islanders' relief.

The long-awaited creation of closed centers for asylum seekers on five northeastern Aegean islands was announced on Monday by government spokesman Stelios Petsas, who stressed that a legislative act will be issued to allow for the acquisition of properties, land and sites by expropriation.

Residents of the islands of Lesvos, Chios and Samos on Wednesday held public protests against what they said is the negative impact of the migration crisis on their communities and on North Aegean islands at large, which is home to the most congested reception and identification facilities - also known as hotspots.

The regional governor for the northern Aegean islands has thrown his weight behind calls by local mayors and residents to halt construction of closed centers for migrants and refugees.