Kurdish PKK Group Announces Historic Disbandment After 40 Years of Armed Struggle

A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul on April 23, 2025, according to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The quake, one of the strongest in recent years, occurred at 12:49 PM local time, with its epicenter in Silivri, approximately 80 kilometers west of the city. It reached a depth of about 6.92 kilometers. While there were no immediate reports of widespread damage, the quake prompted residents to evacuate buildings as it shook the metropolis of 16 million people, situated on both the European and Asian coasts of the Bosphorus Strait. However, a local broadcaster reported that one individual sustained injuries after jumping from a balcony during the tremor, which coincided with a public holiday in Turkey. The German Research Centre for Geosciences measured the quake's magnitude slightly lower at 6.0 and noted a depth of 10 kilometers. AFAD has advised caution, warning residents against entering any damaged structures in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for the destruction of Israel during his Eid al-Fitr prayer on March 30, 2025, at the Grand Camlica Mosque in Istanbul. Speaking to attendees, Erdogan stated, “May Allah damn Zionist Israel,” as reported by Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency. Erdogan addressed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, expressing his solidarity with Palestinians. He emphasized the high civilian casualties in Gaza, lamenting, “The genocide taking place in Gaza... will tear the hearts of anyone with a shred of conscience.” He criticized the international community, particularly Western countries, for their perceived inaction, stating that such negligence emboldens oppressors. The remarks drew sharp criticism from Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who labeled Erdogan’s statements as antisemitic and a threat to regional stability. Sa’ar urged NATO members to recognize Erdogan's dangerous rhetoric before it becomes too late to mitigate its impact. The heightened tensions signal an ongoing geopolitical strain as Turkey continues to voice strong opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza.

Ekrem Imamoglu, the Mayor of Istanbul, has been jailed on corruption charges following a court ruling that has ignited widespread protests across Turkey. Supporters gathered outside the municipality headquarters, responding to Imamoglu's call on social media to rally for "truth, law, justice." According to reports, several thousand demonstrators were present, expressing their discontent with the ruling, which Imamoglu described as “political and unlawful” and indicative of the current political climate in Turkey. Imamoglu, who is a member of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), has previously been viewed as a significant challenger to the ruling government. His arrest has sparked concerns about judicial independence in the country. Protesters have taken to the streets to voice their support for the mayor and to demand accountability from the government. "We will not bow down," Imamoglu asserted, calling for resistance against what he deemed unjust political actions. These developments come amidst a period of intensifying political unrest in Turkey, as authorities continue to grapple with dissent and criticism.