Istanbul residents crowd beaches amid heat wave
A hot, sunny weekend prompted large numbers of Istanbul residents to flock to the city’s coastal districts. Beaches in Bebek, Silivri and Şile saw long vehicle queues and packed shorelines as families picnicked, walked, swam and fished. Local volunteers warned that the Bosphorus currents are strong and advised people who cannot swim to stay out of the water.
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s disaster agency (AKOM) issued a heat‑wave alert, forecasting temperatures rising to 34 °C later in the week and urging citizens to take precautions against the heat. The combination of high temperatures and clear skies has turned the city’s waterfronts into a popular weekend destination.
Authorities emphasized safety, noting that lifeguards are on duty at controlled beaches and reminding visitors to respect posted swimming zones.