Latest News from Turkey
Turkey Cracks Down on Social Media After Two Deadly School Shootings
Turkey has detained 83 people, blocked hundreds of accounts, and shut down groups for posts praising two school shootings on April 14 and 15 that killed nine, mostly children aged 10-11 and their teacher. The first attack in Sanliurfa wounded 16 by a former student; the second in Kahramanmaras by a 14-year-old son of a former police officer killed nine and wounded 13.
Authorities prepare funerals amid national shock.
Funerals Planned for School Shooting Victims as Internet Restrictions Tighten
Ahead of funerals for victims of back-to-back school shootings, Turkey ordered arrests for social media praise of the attacks that left nine dead, including children and a teacher. The crackdown targets content glorifying the violence in Sanliurfa and Kahramanmaras provinces.
This follows wounds to 29 people across both incidents.
Turkish Government Announces Formula 1 Return on 5-Year Deal Starting 2027
Turkey's government confirmed Formula 1 will return to Istanbul Park next year through 2031, with an announcement featuring President Erdogan, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The circuit, which hosted races from 2005-2011 and briefly in 2020-2021, aims to showcase Turkey as a regional safe haven.
Erdogan emphasized the deal's minimum five-year commitment.
Istanbul Park Set to Host Turkish Grand Prix from 2027 to 2031
A historic agreement brings Formula 1 back to Istanbul Park for the Turkish Grand Prix spanning 2027-2031, rekindling motorsport excitement in Turkey. This follows the track's previous stints and pandemic-era races.
The event promises economic and promotional boosts for the country.
Armenians Burn Turkish Flag in Yerevan During Genocide Remembrance March
Thousands marched in Yerevan on April 24 for the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, with some torching a Turkish flag, a term disputed by Turkey. Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan condemned the act as provocative.
The procession went from Republic Square to Tsitsernakaberd memorial with torches and candles.
European Parliament Marks April 24 as Day of Remembrance for Armenian Massacres
The European Parliament designates April 24 as remembrance for victims of Armenian massacres in the Ottoman Empire, coinciding with Yerevan protests involving Turkish flag burning. Turkey disputes the genocide label applied to World War I events.
The event drew thousands in a torchlight procession.
14-Year-Old Gunman Planned School Shooting in Kahramanmaras
A 14-year-old student, son of a former police officer, carried five guns to a school in Kahramanmaras on April 15, killing nine and wounding 13 in a pre-planned attack. Victims included children aged 10-11 and their 55-year-old teacher.
This followed a similar incident in Sanliurfa.
Former Student Opens Fire at Sanliurfa High School, Wounding 16
On April 14, a former student attacked his old high school in southeastern Sanliurfa province, injuring 16 people. This preceded the deadlier Kahramanmaras shooting the next day.
Social media praise for both led to widespread detentions.
Erdogan to Headline F1 Return Announcement in Turkey
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will feature at the Formula 1 return announcement, securing races at Istanbul Park for at least five years starting next season. The deal revives the Turkish Grand Prix post-2021.
No immediate F1 confirmation, but government sources affirm it.
Turkey's F1 Hosting to Boost Regional Image as Safe Haven
President Erdogan stated F1's return will demonstrate Turkey as the safe haven of its region. Istanbul Park resumes after hosting from 2005-2011 and COVID-era races in 2020-2021.
The multi-year deal runs through 2031.