Istanbul has suspended a range of weekend classes and exams on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, because of forecasts of further heavy rain, the Istanbul Governor’s Office said, days after deadly flash floods hit the city.
The decision was taken on Friday by the Istanbul Provincial Public Health Board, a body chaired by the governor that can impose city-wide measures in emergencies, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.
What is affected
The suspension covers face-to-face lessons at Science and Art Centres (BİLSEM), which run programmes for gifted pupils; exams held at the Education Ministry’s e-exam centres; the ministry’s weekend support and catch-up courses for school students; and face-to-face courses at Public Education Centres (Halk Eğitim Merkezi). The last group includes many of the low-cost Turkish language, craft and hobby classes popular with foreign residents.
The governor’s statement did not set new dates for the cancelled sessions. Anyone enrolled in a course or booked for an exam should check with the centre or the relevant online system for rescheduling.
Weather warnings continue
Türkiye’s meteorological service had issued an orange-level warning for five provinces, including Istanbul, for Saturday, according to Anadolu Agency. An orange warning, the second-highest level, signals weather that could cause damage and disrupt daily life.
The city is still recovering from torrential rain earlier this week that killed two people, shut schools and diverted 43 flights. The downpours did bring one benefit: Istanbul’s reservoirs jumped to 45% after months of concern over water supplies.
Practical advice
Residents are advised to avoid underpasses and low-lying roads during heavy showers, keep away from stream beds, and follow updates from the governor’s office, AFAD and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Doctors have also issued advice on tap water and soaked food in flood-hit areas.
Newcomers to the city can register for alerts and official services through e-Devlet, the government’s online portal; our moving to Turkey checklist explains how to get set up.
Sources
- İstanbul’da 17-18 Ekim’de bazı eğitim faaliyetlerine ara (Haber71 / AA)
- 60 saniyede bugün (16 Ekim 2026) (Anadolu Ajansı)
Photo: ALTUGD / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
