News of the World: What you missed this week internationally

ISTANBULA historic apartment building neglected for decades has been given a rebirth.The once decaying Botter Apartment on Istanbul’s busiest pedestrian street underwent a major renovation and now it’s back as a cultural center and shared workspace. The property was commissioned by Sultan Abdülhamid II, who ruled from 1876 to 1909, for his tailor as a residence and fashion house.

It was the first Art Nouveau building in the country.MEXICOSoccer fans are not getting a kick out of these price tags.Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico City hotel prices have drastically increased by a staggering average of nearly 1,000% — the highest for any host city in the tournament.

Mexico City is hosting the inaugural match of Mexico vs.South Africa on June 11 at its soccer stadium, Estadio Banorte.

The city’s Marriott resort Le Meridien Mexico City Reforma has a room that costs $3,882 a night for the week of the opening match, that is only $157 a night to book in late May, a 2,372% increase.ITALYThis is pasta-tively well-deserved.Italian cooking has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

UNESCO announced the delectable news on Wednesday during an assembly in Delhi.On its website, it lauded Italian cooking for being “a communal activity that emphasizes intimacy with food, respect for ingredients, and shared moments around the table.”JAPANThe Japanese character for bear was selected as the one most symbolic of the mood in Japan for 2025.

This distinction is attributed to the fact that bears have been spotted more this year, and have caused a record number of fatalities and injuries to residents.The announcement was made on Friday by Kyoto-based Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, which runs an annual character poll where votes are cast by the public.

Of the 189,122 votes, “bear” garnered 23,346, followed by the character for rice, which got 23,166 votes due...