Turkey's most populated city Istanbul will ring in the new year on Sunday night. This cheerful occasion is also the first anniversary of an attack by a Daesh gunman who mowed down 39 revelers in Reina nightclub in the city. Authorities have thus stepped up security measures and banned large-scale outdoor celebrations in popular spots including Taksim Square, Şişli and Beşiktaş on New Year's Eve.

Vasip Şahin, the city's governor, told reporters yesterday that they would deploy 37,000 police officers that day across the city while 4,000 gendarmerie officers will be on duty in remote parts of the city. "We took serious measures for a safe and peaceful new year for our citizens. Almost every security personnel in the city will be working Sunday," the governor said.

Şahin said they would take extra measures at venues popular among revelers. "We warned nightclubs to become more cautious and police patrols will be deployed near these places as well so that people can celebrate the new year in the best way possible. We also take measures for a smooth flow of vehicle traffic and will have health services on alert," he said.