Istanbul Times – Global & Local Highlights: September 22–28, 2025
Around the World
Italy Considers “Dog Tourist Tax” – In Bolzano province, lawmakers proposed a tax on dogs: visitors would pay €1.50 per dog per night, and locals would pay €100 per year. The idea sparked outrage across Italy, with critics calling it “madness.” It’s the first time a “tourist tax” is aimed at pets and it could inspire (or scare) other regions.
If we tried this in Istanbul, the city budget would overflow in a week with all our street dogs! 🐕😂
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Teknofest Istanbul 2025 Inspires Young Innovators – Teknofest Istanbul 2025, attracted over one million visitors, showcasing breakthroughs in aviation, robotics, AI, and space technology. The festival stood out for its engagement with young audiences, offering students and emerging innovators hands-on experiences, workshops, and competitions that foster creativity and problem-solving.
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Bosphorus Bridges and Highways Up for Sale – The government is considering privatizing 2 Bosphorus bridges and 9 highways, potentially the largest deal in Turkish history. About 450,000 vehicles cross these bridges daily. Once again, critical public infrastructure is up for grabs while ordinary citizens bear the cost. Selling national assets? The people are the ones paying the price.
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Turkiye Secures 20-Year LNG Deal Amid Erdoğan’s U.S. Visit: Turkiye’s state energy company, BOTAS, signed a 20-year LNG supply agreement with Mercuria, delivering 4 billion cubic meters annually starting in 2026. This bold move comes as Turkiye continues to import significant gas from Russia, and the deal finalized during President Erdoğan’s U.S. visit and meeting with former President Trump signals Washington’s influence in shaping Turkiye’s energy strategy. The pictured LNG carrier will transport the gas, strengthening Turkiye’s energy diversification and security.
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Turkish Airlines Orders 225 Boeing Jets – THY has placed a massive order with Boeing: 150 firm aircraft and 75 optional, with deliveries scheduled between 2029–2034. The announcement came shortly after a meeting between Presidents Trump and Erdoğan, where Trump hinted at “large-scale Boeing sales.” THY’s fleet will grow significantly, currently 485 planes (279 Airbus, 206 Boeing).
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4,500-Year-Old Gold Brooch Found in Troy – Excavations in Troy, ongoing for over 160 years, uncovered a rare gold brooch with a jade stone and some bone tools. Troy still has secrets to reveal, 4,500 years later!
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Palestinian State Recognition: A significant diplomatic development occurred as Canada, the UK, and Australia formally recognized the state of Palestine. This move has intensified tensions in the Middle East, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly rejecting the recognition, stating it “will not happen.” The international community remains divided on this issue, with some countries supporting the recognition and others opposing it.
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EA Nears $50B Takeover – Gaming giant EA (FIFA, The Sims, Battlefield) is reportedly close to a ~$50B deal to go private with Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia’s PIF, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. EA shares jumped ~15%. This would be one of gaming’s biggest buyouts, giving EA more freedom for bold moves. Saudi PIF is a major backer of Kushner’s firm, tying the deal indirectly to the Trump family network.
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TikTok’s U.S. Future Secured – President Trump announced that TikTok’s U.S. operations will be sold to a group of investors, including Oracle, Rupert Murdoch, and Michael Dell. The app’s algorithm will now be controlled in the U.S., using only American user data, while China’s approval remains crucial. This move lets TikTok continue in the U.S. while addressing national security concerns.
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Why We Feel More Tired in Autumn – Dr. Erica De Lange, Director of Psychology Services at Cygnet Health Care, explains that shorter days disrupt our circadian rhythm, lowering energy and motivation. Less sunlight means less serotonin, making us feel sluggish, while earlier melatonin release makes us sleepy sooner. Low vitamin D levels can also contribute. Our bodies are simply adjusting to seasonal changes, fatigue is natural!
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