Service Charges in Hospitality Sector Strictly Regulated

Ministry of Trade bans extra fees not listed in price tariffs for restaurants and cafes

The Ministry of Trade has amended the Regulation on Price Tags to increase transparency in the food and beverage sector. The amendment explicitly prohibits restaurants, cafes, patisseries, and similar establishments from demanding any additional payments from consumers under names such as "service charge," "table fee," or "couvert" (kuver) unless these fees are clearly listed in the tariff and price list. This regulation takes effect immediately.

([Resmî Gazete, Page 15])

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Anti-Dumping Measures Continued for Polyester Fiber Imports

Duties on imports from India, Taiwan, and Thailand revised following sunset review

Following a final review investigation, the Ministry of Trade has decided to continue damping measures on "polyester synthetic staple fibers" (GTİP 5503.20) originating from India, Taiwan, and Thailand. The investigation concluded that lifting the measures would likely lead to a recurrence of dumping and injury to domestic industry. The new decision applies varying CIF percentage rates (ranging from 3.20% to 12.00%) to specific companies in these countries.

([Resmî Gazete, Pages 19–32])

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New Regulation for Assigning Education Administrators

Ministry establishes exam-based selection and training criteria for school principals

The Ministry of National Education has issued a comprehensive new regulation governing the assignment of administrators (principals and vice-principals) to public schools. The regulation mandates a written exam and the completion of an "Administrator Training Program" at the National Education Academy. It outlines specific eligibility criteria, including required teaching experience and specialized requirements for vocational, fine arts, and special education institutions.

([Resmî Gazete, Pages 1–14])

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Monetary Limits Increased for Cultural Heritage Projects

Thresholds for restoration tenders and financial aid updated for 2026

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has updated the monetary limits for two key areas: the procurement of goods/services for the restoration of cultural assets and state aid provided to immovable cultural assets. The limits have been increased based on the 2025 Domestic Producer Price Index (Yİ-ÜFE). Effective 1 February 2026, the upper limits for various direct procurement and tender thresholds have been raised significantly (e.g., specific limits raised to approx. 10.3 million TL and 41.5 million TL).

([Resmî Gazete, Pages 16–18])

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Pre-Qualification for Kars-Georgia Railway Rehabilitation

Transport Ministry seeks contractors for IsDB-financed Middle Corridor project

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (AYGM) has issued a pre-qualification invitation for the "Eastern Turkey Middle Corridor Railway Development Project (ETMIC)." The project, financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), involves the rehabilitation of the Kars-Georgia border railway section. The scope includes infrastructure, superstructure, electrification, station buildings, and the Kars Logistics Center electromechanical works. Applications are due by 25 March 2026.

([Resmî Gazete, Pages 36–37])

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ISBAK Tenders Operation of Transport Tracking Infrastructure

Revenue-sharing model for Istanbul's public transport monitoring systems

Istanbul Bilişim ve Akıllı Kent Teknolojileri A.Ş. (ISBAK) is tendering the operation of the tracking systems, cameras, software, and emergency buttons installed in Istanbul's public transport vehicles (taxis, minibuses, buses). The tender includes operating the Authorized Service Center under a revenue-sharing model. The estimated value is approximately 1.67 billion TL, with the tender scheduled for 17 February 2026.

([Resmî Gazete, Pages 39–40])

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Urban Transformation Construction Tender in Eskişehir

Municipality offers project valued at 1.67 Billion TL via land share model

The Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality is tendering a "Construction in Return for Land Share" (Kat Karşılığı) project for the Gündoğdu-1 Urban Transformation Area. The project involves residential and commercial zones on two plots. The estimated total value is 1,678,377,081 TL. The tender will be conducted via closed bid on 4 March 2026.

([Resmî Gazete, Pages 52–53])

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Geothermal Sites Auctioned in Tokat

Special Provincial Administration offers 11 exploration and operating licenses

The Tokat Special Provincial Administration has announced a tender to grant exploration and operating licenses for 11 geothermal sites located in Zile, Niksar, Erbaa, Sulusaray, and Reşadiye. The estimated values for the licenses range from approximately 106,000 TL to 4.9 million TL. The open bid auction is scheduled for 12 February 2026.

([Resmî Gazete, Pages 44–46])

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Consultancy for National Building Life Cycle Assessment

World Bank-funded earthquake recovery project seeks technical assistance

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change (General Directorate of Construction Affairs) has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest for consultancy services. Funded by the World Bank under the "Türkiye Earthquake Recovery and Reconstruction Project," the assignment involves developing a National Building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to support "build back better" approaches. The deadline for interest is 2 March 2026.

([Resmî Gazete, Pages 34–35])

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TPAO Oil Exploration Licenses Extended

MAPEG approves extensions for sites in Adana, Konya, and Niğde

The General Directorate of Mining and Petroleum Affairs (MAPEG) has announced decisions regarding the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO). These include the extension of the exploration license for a site (AR/TPO/K/L43-c1,c2) for two years due to force majeure, and the notification of expiration for licenses in Adana, Konya, and Niğde, allowing for third-party compensation claims within one year.

([Resmî Gazete, Page 57])

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Procurement of Communication Cables

Turkish Hard Coal Enterprises tenders for 20,000 meters of cable

The Turkish Hard Coal Enterprises (TTK) General Directorate has announced an open tender for the procurement of 20,000 meters of communication cable. Domestic bidders are eligible, with a 15% price advantage for domestic goods. Bids are due by 18 February 2026.

([Resmî Gazete, Pages 47–49])

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Daily Financial Indicators and Debt Securities

Central Bank releases exchange rates and government bond values

The Central Bank of Turkey has published the indicative exchange rates for 29 January 2026 (USD Selling: 43.4224 TL; Euro Selling: 51.9426 TL) and the daily values for Government Domestic Borrowing Securities and Lease Certificates effective 30 January 2026.

([Resmî Gazete, Pages 98–119])