Istanbul locked in for New Year's: Governor's Office announces measures
The Istanbul Governor's Office has announced the New Year's measures taken across the city to ensure a safe and peaceful welcome to 2026. The statement reported that all units, from security and health to transportation and food inspections, will be operating at full capacity.
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In an announcement made by the Istanbul Governor's Office, it was stated that comprehensive security and inspection measures have been implemented across the city as it enters 2026. The statement emphasized that all institutions will work in coordination to ensure Istanbul enters the new year in an environment of peace and security.
The Governor's Office statement indicated that police, gendarmerie, and coast guard teams will be on duty at all points in Istanbul, primarily shopping malls, airports, bus terminals, public transport stations, as well as squares, open areas, and entertainment venues where New Year's celebrations will take place.
In this context, it was reported that teams operating at 1,661 different locations will continue their inspections with 7,225 land vehicles, 37 maritime units, and 4 helicopters, with a total of 50,427 personnel performing active and intensive duty.
HEALTH SERVICES 24 HOURS UNINTERRUPTED
The statement noted that health services will also continue without interruption throughout the New Year. Accordingly, it was recorded that all hospitals in Istanbul will continue to serve on a 24-hour basis, and 112 Emergency Health Services will be on duty with 1,304 health personnel working at 340 stations, along with the command center.
AFAD, FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND CRISIS CENTERS ON ALERT
The Governor's Office announced that AFAD, AKOM, and fire department units will be on standby against fire and similar potential risks. It was conveyed that all relevant teams have made plans to be able to intervene immediately in case of possible emergencies.
FOOD, PRICE, AND MUNICIPAL POLICE INSPECTIONS INCREASED
While it was stated that the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry will continue food safety and hygiene inspections with 813 personnel, it was reported that the Directorate of Trade will continue its inspections against exorbitant pricing with 33 teams consisting of 90 personnel.
Furthermore, it was noted that municipal police teams affiliated with metropolitan and district municipalities will also effectively carry out inspections and controls across the city.
While it was stated that necessary measures have been taken by the relevant institutions against potential interruptions and malfunctions in telephone, electricity, water, and natural gas services, it was reported that infrastructure teams will be kept on standby for possible disruptions.
In the statement, it was announced that a temporary traffic regulation has been made for heavy-tonnage vehicles and construction machinery as part of the New Year's measures. Accordingly, the entry of these vehicles into the districts of Sarıyer, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Fatih, Bakırköy, Zeytinburnu, and Kadıköy has been prohibited from 08:00 on Wednesday, December 31, until 12:00 on Thursday, January 1.