Istanbul Times – Global & Local Highlights: September 8–14, 2025
Around the World
A provocative new mural by Banksy appeared outside London’s Royal Courts of Justice, depicting a judge violently beating an unarmed protester with a gavel. The artwork was interpreted as a response to the UK government’s recent ban on the activist group Palestine Action. Authorities announced the mural would be removed due to the historic and protected status of the 143-year-old building.
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Japan’s 100+ year old population has reached 99,763, marking the first time it exceeded 99,000. Women make up the majority (87,784), with men at 11,979. The oldest woman is 114, and the oldest man is 111. Japan’s Ministry of Health notes the centenarian population has been rising for 55 years, highlighting the nation’s increasing life expectancy (women 87.13, men 81.09).
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Uber partners with Joby Aviation and Blade Air Mobility to offer helicopter bookings via the Uber app starting 2026. Initially focusing on southern European cities, the service will primarily connect airports. Blade’s prior European experience, including routes like Nice–Monaco, positions it for seamless urban air mobility, though official routes are yet to be confirmed.
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Forget Business Cards, Chip-Embedded Nails Are the New Networking Trend! Traditional business cards are becoming obsolete. In San Francisco, professionals are turning to tech alternatives, including chip-embedded nails that share contact information instantly. Options include temporary or permanent chips, reflecting the growing shift toward digital networking solutions.
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YouTube Introduces Location-Based Restrictions for Premium Family Accounts! YouTube now requires Premium family members to live in the same household, similar to Netflix’s policy. Users sharing their subscription from different locations must either move under one roof or purchase the new “Two-Person Premium Plan.” The change aims to prevent account sharing abuse while keeping premium content secure.
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Plant-Based Microbeads Show Promise for Weight Loss! A new natural alternative to popular weight-loss pills and injections is emerging. Researchers in China tested plant-based microbeads made from green tea polyphenols and seaweed fiber on mice, finding they trap fats in the gut and promote weight loss without causing digestive issues. The study is now progressing to human trials with 26 participants, signaling a potential breakthrough in safe, natural obesity treatments.
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Istanbul’s Beyaz Köşk Up for Auction Again with 115M TL Discount. Beyaz Köşk, the historic Bebek mansion owned by fugitive Akın İpek, will be auctioned for the fourth time on September 30, 2025, with a 115 million TL price cut. The minimum bid is 810 million TL + VAT, and the auction will take place at Koza Altın İşletmeleri’ Ankara office via open bidding.
And hey, if any of my readers or guests are tempted to own a piece of Istanbul’s history, don’t hesitate, drop me an email and let’s talk!
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