Turkish Digest Advertising Rates

Annual Advertising options

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Turkey Relies on Indirect Funding for New Gear | C4ISR & Networks | c4isrnet.com

Turkey Relies on Indirect Funding for New Gear
Nov. 30, 2014 |

BURAK EGE BEKDIL

ANKARA — Turkey’s “direct” defense budget for 2015 will climb modestly from the current year, but the country’s procurement planners will rely on indirect and non-budgetary funding to finance new acquisitions worth about US $4 billion next year.

More:Turkey Relies on Indirect Funding for New Gear | C4ISR & Networks | c4isrnet.com

'Things will change!' – Turkish girls hopeful after Pope's visit :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

'Things will change!' – Turkish girls hopeful after Pope's visit

Istanbul, Turkey, Nov 30, 2014 / 01:47 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis’ visit to Turkey may change the traction Christians have in a country that is almost entirely Muslim, said two Turkish young women who had the occasion to greet the Pope on his recent trip.

More:'Things will change!' – Turkish girls hopeful after Pope's visit :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Women Are Unequal To Men? These Turkish Performers Probably Disagree with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Statements : Buzz : Music Times

Women Are Unequal To Men? These Turkish

If you ever want to become an international lightning rod, just say something nasty about women as a gender. Racist comments are bad, but sexist comments will land you in an even deeper trench because there are a hell of a lot more women in the world than members of any race. Unfortunately, many cultures still don't give the ladies the attention they deserve. We were still surprised to hear Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan badmouthing the fairer Turks, even considering his previous history of making head-shaking statements.

More:Women Are Unequal To Men? These Turkish Performers Probably Disagree with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Statements : Buzz : Music Times

Popularity of healers challenges Turkey's modern, secular self-image | Al Jazeera America

Popularity of healers challenges Turkey's modern, secular self-image
by Tara Isabella Burton @T_I_Burton November 30, 2014 5:00AM ET
Hocas, who mix Islam and folk tradition, attract an unlikely demographic: the young, educated and nonreligious

IZMIR, Turkey — When locals have problems in Bağarası, they go to Durmuş Ali Kurum. Kurum is a hoca — one of several in this village of fewer than 7,000 people — a term given to local healers and advisers practicing a syncretic combination of Islam and folk tradition. Walk-in clients wait on a dirty yellow sofa in Kurum’s courtyard while he holds consultations in his makeshift office, an unlit room across from his residence, its pipes discolored by rust. On the walls, a poster detailing the perils of smoking shares space with his list of signs of the coming apocalypse: men wearing silk shirts, women covering their hair but wearing tight dresses.

More:Popularity of healers challenges Turkey's modern, secular self-image | Al Jazeera America

Putin, Erdogan turn blind eye to Russia-Turkey differences - Yahoo7 Finance Australia

Putin, Erdogan turn blind eye to Russia-Turkey differences

Shrugging off disputes that could have wrecked other relationships, the strongmen leaders of Russia and Turkey are pursuing a tight alliance at a time of chilly relations with the West.

More:Putin, Erdogan turn blind eye to Russia-Turkey differences - Yahoo7 Finance Australia

Behind the Veil - FORK & CORK

Behind the Veil

AYLİN ÖNEY TAN - aylinoneytan@yahoo.com

Gastronomy is becoming the main motive of tourism. The hospitality and catering industry is growing quickly in Turkey; one proof is that the worldwide event Sirha is now celebrating its second year in Istanbul. The event took place last week between Nov. 27 and 29 at the Istanbul Congress Center, hosting 180 exhibitors to meet the increasing needs and requirements in all sectors of the hotel and restaurant trade. Among the many successful events, panels, discussions and competitions, one unfortunate incident cast a shadow on the future of gastronomy tourism in Turkey. The
wine and spirit section was ridiculously small, placed in an awkward corner, and tightly veiled behind heavy curtains hidden from visitor’s eyes. Officials and bodyguards strictly guarded all access to the spirit section, practically keeping that section off the limits.

More:Behind the Veil - FORK & CORK

Falling Russian ruble could damage Turkish tourism - MURAT YETKİN

Falling Russian ruble could damage Turkish tourism

ANTALYA

The quick depreciation of the Russian ruble against the U.S. dollar might affect Turkish tourism, warned Yusuf Hacısalihoğlu, head of the Association of Mediterranean Tourism and Hoteliers of Turkey (AKTOB), during a conference in the Turkish resort of Antalya on Nov. 28.

More:Falling Russian ruble could damage Turkish tourism - MURAT YETKİN

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Turkish döner with German twist worth 4 bln euros in Europe

Turkish döner with German twist worth 4 bln euros in Europe

“Döner turned into a different dish in Germany. It developed a new taste that it is not comparable to the original one,” said Ahmet Başbuğ, the co-founder and former head of the Association of Turkish Döner Producers in Europe (ATDID), in an interview with Sunday's Zaman.

More:Turkish döner with German twist worth 4 bln euros in Europe

Pope Francis Invites Turkey to Join An “Encounter of Civilizations” - Aleteia

Pope Francis Invites Turkey to Join An “Encounter of Civilizations”
A common theme for the Pontiff, in a very different setting

Like Aleteia

Turkish Pres. Erdogan welcomes Pope Francis to Ankara AP
In a study of contrasts, Pope Francis, all simplicity in his white soutane, entered the $600 million palace of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo ğ an and called for the “solidarity of all believers” in opposing religious fanaticism.

More:Pope Francis Invites Turkey to Join An “Encounter of Civilizations” - Aleteia

IHG celebrates its first Holiday Inn Open Lobby in Turkey. ~ Saturday, 29th November 2014 from 4Hoteliers

IHG celebrates its first Holiday Inn Open Lobby in Turkey.
Saturday, 29th November 2014

InterContinental Hotels Group has announced the opening of Holiday Inn® Ankara Çukurambar; the first Holiday Inn® hotel in Turkey to implement the brand’s trend setting Open Lobby.

More:IHG celebrates its first Holiday Inn Open Lobby in Turkey. ~ Saturday, 29th November 2014 from 4Hoteliers

Germans demand honour for Turkish woman beaten to death | euronews, world news

Germans demand honour for Turkish woman beaten to death

29/11 17:30 CET

Thousands of people gathered outside a hospital in Germany hours before the family of a 23 year-old woman decided to turn off her life support machine.

Tugce Albayrak, a student of Turkish descent, was brutally beaten two weeks ago by three men in the car park of a fast food restaurant in Offenbach near Frankfurt.

More:Germans demand honour for Turkish woman beaten to death | euronews, world news

Ankara Denies Claims That IS Attacked Kobani From Turkish Territory / Sputnik International

Ankara Denies Claims That IS Attacked Kobani From Turkish Territory
© REUTERS/ Osman Orsal

Turkish government denies claims that Islamic State terrorists attacked the town of Kobani from Turkish territory.

More:Ankara Denies Claims That IS Attacked Kobani From Turkish Territory / Sputnik International

Turkey’s castles take you on a journey through history | Travel | Daily Sabah

TURKEY’S CASTLES TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY

Hosting many civilizations on its soils, Turkey invites tourists who are willing to witness the fortified remnants of dozens of castles and fortresses

More:Turkey’s castles take you on a journey through history | Travel | Daily Sabah

Cut in Turkish gas price less than half of drop in global prices

Cut in Turkish gas price less than half of drop in global prices

The recent plunge in global oil prices from $115 per barrel to $71.25 in only five months has led to worries over the proportion taxes make up of Turkish gas prices, which have only dropped 11 percent in the same period.

More:Cut in Turkish gas price less than half of drop in global prices

Kurds blame Turkey as suicide bombers hit Kobani | Reuters

Kurds blame Turkey as suicide bombers hit Kobani

By Dasha Afanasieva and Alexander Dziadosz

ISTANBUL/BEIRUT Sat Nov 29, 2014 10:35am EST

(Reuters) - Turkey's main Kurdish party accused the government of turning a blind eye to Islamic State militants on its soil on Saturday after suicide bombers attacked the Syrian border town of Kobani, one of them using a car that had apparently come from Turkey.

More:Kurds blame Turkey as suicide bombers hit Kobani | Reuters

ANKARA, Turkey: Turkish police break up demo by president's palace | World | The News Tribune

Turkish police break up demo by president's palace

ANKARA, Turkey — Riot police have dispersed a protest by dozens of students near Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's new, contested 1,000-room palace.

Police on Saturday used shields and pepper spray to prevent the students from marching to the palace that has become an emblem of Erdogan's increasingly authoritarian style of governing. Video footage showed one officer punching a student in the face as he was being held by another officer. Twenty-two students were arrested, reports said.

More:ANKARA, Turkey: Turkish police break up demo by president's palace | World | The News Tribune

Pope Francis prays in Istanbul, Turkey, mosque in new outreach - Washington Times

Pope Francis prays in Istanbul, Turkey, mosque in new outreach

By Nicole Winfield and Suzan Fraser - Associated Press - Saturday, November 29, 2014

ISTANBUL (AP) — His head bowed and hands clasped in front of him, Pope Francis stood Saturday for two minutes of silent prayer facing east inside one of Istanbul’s most important mosques, as he shifted gears toward more religious affairs on the second leg of his three-day visit to mainly Muslim Turkey.

More:Pope Francis prays in Istanbul, Turkey, mosque in new outreach - Washington Times

The Turkish Governor's "Huge Hatred"

The Turkish Governor's "Huge Hatred"

by Burak Bekdil
November 29, 2014 at 5:00 am

"It is shameful for a public official to make such remarks. Hate-speech and anti-Semitism have seized the state. The hate-speech often exhibited by the ruling politicians encourages public officials to follow suit." — Aykan Erdemir, lawmaker, Republican People's Party.

More:The Turkish Governor's "Huge Hatred"

Friday, November 28, 2014

Turkologist: Erdogan’s tolerance is due to EU requirements - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

Turkologist: Erdogan’s tolerance is due to EU requirements

The bill on recognition of crimes against humanity introduced in the Turkish parliament will not be approved, but it will remain on the political agenda of the country, Turkologist Hakob Chakryan said at a press conference today as he commented on the controversial bill submitted by Turkish parliament deputy Ms. Sebahat Tuncel of the Party of the People’s Democracy.

More:Turkologist: Erdogan’s tolerance is due to EU requirements - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

Actions and words in Turkey - GÜVEN SAK

Actions and words in Turkey

Here are two presidential addresses to consider from November 2014: President Barack Obama talked about net neutrality, while President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan talked about gender equality (or lack thereof). Obama’s address was direct and very practical. It was progressive in its underpinnings, but the thrust was in policy. Erdoğan’s address was evasive and philosophical in nature, but its socially conservative foundation is sure to get a popular reception. Obama addressed a 21st century issue – he was trying to get ahead of events and regulate them before they happen. Our president’s speech could have been made at any point in the 19th century. Obama’s address is about an action he was taking. Erdoğan’s address was “kelâm, kelâm, la y’enfah,” as the Arabs would say – talk, talk, but nothing got done. And therein lies the difference of politics in our two countries.

More:Actions and words in Turkey - GÜVEN SAK

Pope Francis receives 'Ottoman gifts' in Turkey - DIPLOMACY

Pope Francis receives 'Ottoman gifts' in Turkey

ANKARA

Turkish authorities presented two Ottoman-themed gifts to Pope Francis during the first day of the pontiff's historic visit to Turkey.

More:Pope Francis receives 'Ottoman gifts' in Turkey - DIPLOMACY

Erdogan intimidating his people, especially women, with ‘moral values’ - Middle East Israel News | Haaretz

Erdogan intimidating his people, especially women, with ‘moral values’
‘Our religion has defined a position for women: motherhood,’ says Turkey’s would-be sultan.
By Zvi Bar'el | Nov. 28, 2014 | 12:28 PM | 3

“Paradise lies at the feet of mothers,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this week, waxing lyrical. “I would kiss my mother’s feet because they smelled of paradise.”

But Erdogan, who was addressing an Istanbul conference on the status of women, had a different message for any women who imagined their president had come to praise their abilities. “You cannot put women and men on an equal footing,” Erdogan said. “It is against nature. They were created differently. Their nature is different. ... Our religion has defined a position for women: motherhood. Some people can understand this, while others can’t.”

More:Erdogan intimidating his people, especially women, with ‘moral values’ - Middle East Israel News | Haaretz

JOOST LAGENDIJK - Are the Dutch racists?

Are the Dutch racists?

Last Wednesday, a spokesman from Turkey's Foreign Ministry presented an official statement on some "extremely worrying developments in the Netherlands." The declaration refers to two recent reports and a letter by the Dutch government, dealing with the position of Dutch citizens of Turkish origin.

More:JOOST LAGENDIJK - Are the Dutch racists?

Turkish paper marbling art on UNESCO cultural list - ARTS

Turkish paper marbling art on UNESCO cultural list

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

The Turkish art of paper marbling, known as Ebru, has been added to the United Nations’ world cultural heritage list.

More:Turkish paper marbling art on UNESCO cultural list - ARTS

ekathimerini.com | Venizelos extends invite to Turkey at start of visit

Venizelos extends invite to Turkey at start of visit

Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos arrived in Ankara Friday night for two days of talks. Ahead of his visit he sought to make it clear that Greece is prepared to discuss maritime issues with Turkey regardless of its recent agreement with Cyprus and Egypt.

More:ekathimerini.com | Venizelos extends invite to Turkey at start of visit

Turkey's response to measles outbreak questioned - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkey's response to measles outbreak questioned

Turkey has recently faced a number of challenges, including terrorism and unemployment, after being swamped by refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war. Now another problem has emerged in the form of measles. The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) claims that the refugees are contributing to an increase in measles cases in the country.

More:Turkey's response to measles outbreak questioned - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Pope in Ankara, warns weapons not enough to stop ISIS - Politics - ANSAMed.it

Pope in Ankara, warns weapons not enough to stop ISIS
Commitment to peace and development, against hunger

28 November, 20:51

(ANSAmed) - ANKARA - Pope Francis on Friday offered measured support for military action against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria, reiterating that ''it's legitimate to stop an unjust aggressor''. He cautioned in meeting with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, however, that international law must be complied with and that military means alone would not solve the problem.

More:Pope in Ankara, warns weapons not enough to stop ISIS - Politics - ANSAMed.it

Visit of Pope Francis to Turkey Tests Vatican on Islam - WSJ

Visit of Pope Francis to Turkey Tests Vatican on Islam
Pontiff Faces Calls to Use His Good Image to Counter Religious Intolerance in Muslim World

Two weeks after his election, Pope Francis washed the feet of 12 people at a juvenile detention center in Rome for the annual Holy Thursday ritual. Among those chosen for the rite was a Muslim girl.

More:Visit of Pope Francis to Turkey Tests Vatican on Islam - WSJ

Review: 'There Was and There Was Not' crosses Turkish-Armenian divide - LA Times

Review
'There Was and There Was Not' crosses Turkish-Armenian divide
Meline Toumani

It was the need for recognition — from Turkey and the world — that the Armenian genocide had indeed happened. Even by grade school, Toumani knew certain truths that others denied or were oblivious to: One and a half million Armenians were killed under Ottoman Turkish rule in 1915. Others were driven out, scattering around the globe in a huge diaspora.

More:Review: 'There Was and There Was Not' crosses Turkish-Armenian divide - LA Times

Erdogan turns back on EU membership bid - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Erdogan turns back on EU membership bid

Given the current turmoil along Turkey’s eastern borders, many have forgotten that Ankara is still technically vying for EU membership. This bid, however, remains in the doldrums due to a combination of factors involving Turkey and Europe.

More:Erdogan turns back on EU membership bid - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

EconoMonitor : The Kapali Carsi » Turkey: The Sultan’s Speech

Turkey: The Sultan’s Speech

Author: Emre Deliveli · November 27th, 2014

The politician formerly known as PreSinister (President Prime Minister), and currently self-proclaimed Sultan, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave a great speech this week that summarized two key issues of the Turkish economy better than I could have in a dozen columns.

More:EconoMonitor : The Kapali Carsi » Turkey: The Sultan’s Speech

Turkey in Central Asia: Turkic Togetherness? | The Diplomat

Turkey in Central Asia: Turkic Togetherness?

Ankara has been noticeably reticent developing ties in the former Soviet sphere.

More:Turkey in Central Asia: Turkic Togetherness? | The Diplomat

Pope starts testing trip to Turkey - FT.com

Pope starts testing trip to Turkey

Daniel Dombey in Istanbul and Giulia Segreti in RomeAuthor alerts

As Pope Francis began a high profile trip to Turkey, the contrast with his host was hard to miss.

The softly spoken Pontiff, who shunned the 17th century grandeur of the Papal apartments in the Vatican for more humble lodgings, became on Friday the first foreign dignitary welcomed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s new 1,000-room, $600m palace, which boasts four times the floorspace of Louis XIV’s complex at Versailles.

More:Pope starts testing trip to Turkey - FT.com

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Turkey's king of controversy - The Economic Times

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Turkey's king of controversy
By AFP | 28 Nov, 2014, 12.10PM IST

ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has raised eyebrows around the world with a series of apparently outlandish comments but while his remarks sometimes cause bafflement abroad they strike a chord with many conservative Turks at home.

More:President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Turkey's king of controversy - The Economic Times

3,000-year-old settlement in Eastern Turkey reveals Armenian traces | Public Radio of Armenia

3,000-year-old settlement in Eastern Turkey reveals Armenian traces
10:05, 28 Nov 2014

The discovery of a large 3000 year old archaeological settlement in Eastern Turkey has been widely reported in Turkish media, last year, PeopleOfAr reports.

The article reports:

“3,000-year-old settlement found in eastern Turkey”

Largest archaeological settlement of Tunceli province was discovered

An archaeological settlement dating back to 3,000 years ago was discovered in eastern Tunceli province of Turkey.

More:3,000-year-old settlement in Eastern Turkey reveals Armenian traces | Public Radio of Armenia

On Erdogan and Muslim mothers - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

On Erdogan and Muslim mothers

Are Erdogan's remarks on women's nature and role as mothers reflected in Islamic scriptures?

More:On Erdogan and Muslim mothers - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Turkey and the Kurds

Turkey and the Kurds

by Uzay Bulut
November 28, 2014 at 5:00 am

For decades Turkey's official policy was: There are no Kurds -- so there is no problem.

"They wanted to send us a message through a beheading, a throat-cutting. This was an organized attack against our party. The [Turkish] state wanted to behead our party administrator in our party building. Behind this attack was the state itself." — Selahattin Demirtas, co-Chairman of the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP).

More:Turkey and the Kurds

873.0Istanbul Nights: Anna Moran travelled to Istanbul to investigate the mood in a city on the frontier of the Islamic state conflict.

Istanbul Nights Anna Moran travelled to Istanbul to investigate the mood in a city on the frontier of the Islamic state conflict.

Anna Moran | Contributing Writer

When we arrived into Turkey, a country where 98% of the population are Muslim, we had assumed that the western significance of the 31st of October would go unnoticed. However, as it grew dark on All Hallow’s Eve, all sorts of costumes began to appear on the main streets of Istanbul. Alongside the hijabs and burkas were leather leggings with cat tails peaking out from under coats. We felt oddly welcomed by the monstrous masks and fake blood, making us feel more familiar with a culture we knew little about. It also proved an interesting insight into the unique culture of Turkey.

More:The University Times | Istanbul Nights: Anna Moran travelled to Istanbul to investigate the mood in a city on the frontier of the Islamic state conflict.

Germany bids farewell to brave Turkish young woman - EUROPE

Germany bids farewell to brave Turkish young woman

Enis Tayman / Kazım Doğan ISTANBUL / OFFENBACH

Thousands in Germany are saying “danke” to a Turkish young woman who was brutally attacked for trying to rescue two German women from being harassed, before her life support is turned off on her birthday.

More:Germany bids farewell to brave Turkish young woman - EUROPE

In historic visit, Pope hopes Turkey can be 'great peacemaker,' Erdoğan slams Islamophobia, ISIL - POLITICS

In historic visit, Pope hopes Turkey can be 'great peacemaker,' Erdoğan slams Islamophobia, ISIL

ANKARA

Pope Francis has arrived in Turkey for a three-day visit that many are billing as an opportunity to increase dialogue between the Muslim and Christian worlds at a time of increased religious tension.

More:In historic visit, Pope hopes Turkey can be 'great peacemaker,' Erdoğan slams Islamophobia, ISIL - POLITICS

Turkish minister criticizes Denmark for EU complaint over suspect release - DIPLOMACY

Turkish minister criticizes Denmark for EU complaint over suspect release

STOCKHOLM

Turkey’s EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Volkan Bozkır has slammed Denmark’s decision to report Turkey to the EU over the release of the suspected shooter of a Danish writer.

More:Turkish minister criticizes Denmark for EU complaint over suspect release - DIPLOMACY

Turkey establishing industrial zone in West Bank

Turkey establishing industrial zone in West Bank

Erdogan: Foreigners love oil, gold, diamonds, and cheap labor of Islamic world. They like the quarrels of the Middle East. Believe me, they don’t like us.

More:Turkey establishing industrial zone in West Bank

Putin sees new opportunities for Turkey-Russia relations

Putin sees new opportunities for Turkey-Russia relations

President Putin: 'Our Turkish partners refused to sacrifice their interests for political ambitions of others'

More:Putin sees new opportunities for Turkey-Russia relations

Dutch, Turkish ministers hold talks as integration row heats up - DIPLOMACY

Dutch, Turkish ministers hold talks as integration row heats up

ANKARA

The foreign ministers of Turkey and the Netherlands have reportedly spoken on the phone about escalating tension over the integration of Turkish and Muslim immigrants in the northern European country.

More:Dutch, Turkish ministers hold talks as integration row heats up - DIPLOMACY

Turkey’s former EU Minister Bağış admits receiving gifts from key graft probe suspect - POLITICS

Turkey’s former EU Minister Bağış admits receiving gifts from key graft probe suspect

ANKARA

Former EU Minister Egemen Bağış has admitted receiving gifts including “chocolate, shirts and ties” from Iranian-Azeri businessman Reza Zarrab and said he helped some of Zarrab’s friends receive visas, speaking at a parliamentary commission on corruption allegations on Nov. 27. He also described “gift giving” as a “Turkish tradition.”

More:Turkey’s former EU Minister Bağış admits receiving gifts from key graft probe suspect - POLITICS

Putin visits Turkey | Vestnik Kavkaza

Putin visits Turkey
28 November 2014 - 1:47pm

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Turkey on December 1 to attend the fifth session of the Top-Level Cooperation Council. He plans to meet with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The sides will discuss cooperation in the trade-economic and energy sectors and international cooperation.


More:Putin visits Turkey | Vestnik Kavkaza

APA - Conflicting interests of Turkey and Iran against background of Syrian crisis - ANALYSIS

Conflicting interests of Turkey and Iran against background of Syrian crisis - ANALYSIS

[ 28 November 2014 15:39 ]

Baku – APA. The major participants in the clash of interests in the Middle East have remained unchanged after the end of the Cold War. Though Israel and Saudi Arabia play the role of main catalyst in the processes happening in the region, there are two states - Turkey and Iran that always try to take advantage of these events. This factor makes both states be constantly in competition.

More:APA - Conflicting interests of Turkey and Iran against background of Syrian crisis - ANALYSIS

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's president: Americans 'like seeing our children die' - Washington Times

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s president: Americans ‘like seeing our children die’

By Cheryl K. Chumley - The Washington Times - Friday, November 28, 2014

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a widely publicized address in Istanbul that the West, including America, enjoys watching Muslim children die.

More:Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's president: Americans 'like seeing our children die' - Washington Times

Bus etiquette in changing Turkey | The Saturday Paper

Bus etiquette in changing Turkey
Matthew Clayfield

Taking a seat on a bus in Turkey reveals the country shifting secularism.
Robert Harding Picture Library Ltd./Alamy
Mevlâna Museum, the mausoleum of the Sufi poet Rumi, in Konya.

It was the height of Ramadan, that wonderful, languid, celebratory month that so consumes the Middle East. And in Konya, Turkey, that had its repercussions.

More:Bus etiquette in changing Turkey | The Saturday Paper

A Surprising History of Turkey in America

A Surprising History of Turkey in America
How do you get from Christopher Columbus to Butterball by way of Constantinople? Just ask Ataturk.

BY Nick Danforth
NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently made the news when he claimed that Muslim seafarers "discovered America" and that when Christopher Columbus arrived in Cuba in 1492 he found a mosque, built there by the natives, who were also Muslim. It may sound ridiculous (OK, it is ridiculous), but it says a lot about Turkey's president and the Islamic chauvinism that makes Erdogan's "new Turkey" so different from the secular ideals of the country's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

More:A Surprising History of Turkey in America

Turkish delights | mydigitalfc.com

Turkish delights

Nov 27 2014

Turkey is a feast, indeed, and not just for the eyes
As I fidgeted in the narrow seat, with no tiny bottles of wine to calm my nerves — I was flying Saudi Arabian airlines — it was the memory of the distinct taste of İşkembe çorbası that bottled the anxiety and stirred the excitement instead. I had fallen instantly in love with the soup made of tripe when my Turkish friends introduced me to it, describing it as a taste that got to be cultivated. I had no idea then that I would be falling in love million times over in Turkey. That picture perfect landscapes of Turkey could take your breath away is a given. But trust me, Turkey is not just a feast for the eyes.

More:Turkish delights | mydigitalfc.com

HRW in favor of Turkey giving home to Uighur | Turkey | Worldbulletin News

HRW in favor of Turkey giving home to Uighur

Human Rights Watch has applauded a request by Turkey to have a group of Uighur discovered in a Thai border camp in March relocated to Ankara, highlighting the country's role in providing them with consular services.

More:HRW in favor of Turkey giving home to Uighur | Turkey | Worldbulletin News

Arab Students Find Homes in Turkey - Al-Fanar MediaAl-Fanar Media

Arab Students Find Homes in Turkey
Sarah Lynch / 27 Nov 2014

CAIRO—In a sprawling conference room at the back of a five-star hotel, Egyptians gathered this week to learn about studying in Turkey.

More:Arab Students Find Homes in Turkey - Al-Fanar MediaAl-Fanar Media

Turkey: new 'electronic' political party launched in Ankara - Politics - ANSAMed.it

Turkey: new 'electronic' political party launched in Ankara

(ANSAmed) - ANKARA, NOVEMBER 27 - A new political party called the Electronic Democracy Party, or e-Party, has emerged in Turkey weeks before the country enters election year in 2015.

More:Turkey: new 'electronic' political party launched in Ankara - Politics - ANSAMed.it

The Cyprus problem: Intractable—or insoluble? | The Economist

The Cyprus problem
Intractable—or insoluble?
Hopes of settling the Cyprus problem are starting to look unrealistic
Nov 29th 2014 | NICOSIA | From the print edition

EUROPEAN UNION countries loudly criticise Russia for creating frozen conflicts in Georgia, Moldova and, now, Ukraine. Yet they are quieter about their own case of Cyprus, an EU member with an unrecognised Turkish-Cypriot north. This frozen conflict is older: over 50 years have passed since clashes broke out between Turkish- and Greek-Cypriots, 40 since Turkey invaded and grabbed northern Cyprus and ten since the Annan plan for unification that Turkish-Cypriots accepted but Greek-Cypriots rejected.

More:The Cyprus problem: Intractable—or insoluble? | The Economist

Pope's Visit to Turkey Leader Erdogan's Ak Saray Stirs Controversy - NBC News.com

Pope's Visit to Turkey Leader Erdogan's Ak Saray Stirs Controversy
By Claudio Lavanga, Aziz Akyavas and Alexander Smith

ISTANBUL — He's championed austerity, condemned greed and been dubbed "The People's Pope." But during a visit to Ankara on Friday, Pope Francis is scheduled to visit a new $615-million palace seen by many Turks as a symbol of excess and their president's autocratic rule.

More:Pope's Visit to Turkey Leader Erdogan's Ak Saray Stirs Controversy - NBC News.com

EUobserver / Turkey needs its women, Mr Erdogan

Turkey needs its women, Mr Erdogan

27.11.14 @ 17:06

By Marietje Schaake

BRUSSELS - Earlier this week, president Erdogan of Turkey spoke at the Women and Justice Summit in Istanbul.

His comments didn't exactly do justice to the name of the event.

More:EUobserver / Turkey needs its women, Mr Erdogan

ANKARA, Turkey: Galatasaray sacks manager Prandelli after CL exit | More Sports | CentreDaily.com

Galatasaray sacks manager Prandelli after CL exit

The Associated PressNovember 27, 2014 Updated 10 hours ago

ANKARA, Turkey — A senior official says Galatasaray has sacked manager Cesare Prandelli following the side's elimination from European competition.

More:ANKARA, Turkey: Galatasaray sacks manager Prandelli after CL exit | More Sports | CentreDaily.com

Greek Foreign Minister Venizelos to Visit Turkey This Weekend | GreekReporter.com

Greek Foreign Minister Venizelos to Visit Turkey This Weekend

by Aggelos Skordas - Nov 27, 2014

Greek Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos has scheduled a two-day visit to Turkey this coming weekend, on November 29 and 30, where he will hold talks with his Turkish counterpart Melvut Cavusoglu, a week before the third Greek – Turkish High Level Cooperation Council that will be held in Athens on December 5 and 6.

More:Greek Foreign Minister Venizelos to Visit Turkey This Weekend | GreekReporter.com

Erdogan intimidating his people, especially women, with ‘moral values’ - Middle East Israel News | Haaretz

Erdogan intimidating his people, especially women, with ‘moral values’

‘Our religion has defined a position for women: motherhood,’ says Turkey’s would-be sultan.

More:Erdogan intimidating his people, especially women, with ‘moral values’ - Middle East Israel News | Haaretz

The unhappy marriage of Ankara and Washington - CENGİZ ÇANDAR

The unhappy marriage of Ankara and Washington

While I was looking for a place for myself at the breakfast hall to listen to retired General John Allen at the Halifax International Security Forum, I came across my acquaintance, an Afghan media magnate. He said to me:“I was with General Allen last night at dinner. You will notice that when you listen to him; he is a special person, very different from many American officials.”

More:The unhappy marriage of Ankara and Washington - CENGİZ ÇANDAR

Allah, Mom, and Baklava: Turkish PM Uses Mothers and Kids as Political Pawns - The Daily Beast

Allah, Mom, and Baklava: Turkish PM Uses Mothers and Kids as Political Pawns

As he attempts to Islamize Turkey, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is using women and their children.

More:Allah, Mom, and Baklava: Turkish PM Uses Mothers and Kids as Political Pawns - The Daily Beast

Financial Mirror dot com - CYPRUS: Bi-communal Olive Festival and autumn fruit fair

CYPRUS: Bi-communal Olive Festival and autumn fruit fair
27 November, 2014

A Bi-communal olive festival will take place on 30 November 2014 in Nicosia's Buffer Zone involving the Greek and Turkish Cypriot producers

More:Financial Mirror dot com - CYPRUS: Bi-communal Olive Festival and autumn fruit fair

Women blast Erdogan over 'hate crime' - Yahoo Maktoob News

Women blast Erdogan over 'hate crime'
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera – 19 hours ago

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again sparked outrage among women's rights groups by declaring that men and women are not equal. However, unlike similar statements made in the past, his comments mostly sparked angry words, as opposed to the mass protests that traditionally would follow.

More:Women blast Erdogan over 'hate crime' - Yahoo Maktoob News

The President Who Ate Turkey - Steven A. Cook - POLITICO Magazine

The President Who Ate Turkey

How Recep Tayyip Erdogan gorged on a whole country.

By STEVEN A. COOK

November 27, 2014

Without fail every year, starting around November 10, my #Turkey Twitter feed is jammed with not just the latest news from Ankara and Istanbul, but also Auntie Jean’s turkey recipe and suggestions about how to deep fry the bird without blowing up your house. And every year, on behalf of Turks and Turkey scholars the world over, I plaintively ask the tweeting masses to change #Turkey to #Turkiye, the actual Turkish name for the country that borders Greece, Bulgaria, Iran, Iraq and Syria—alas, with no success.

More:The President Who Ate Turkey - Steven A. Cook - POLITICO Magazine

Nicholas Dima: Helping the Kurds is tricky business

Nicholas Dima: Helping the Kurds is tricky business

The conflict between Israel and the Arabs is well-known and properly documented. There is, however, a more intractable and riskier conflict in the Middle East between the Kurds and the countries that divide them.

More:Nicholas Dima: Helping the Kurds is tricky business

OPEC on Hold Proves Friend of Lira Bond Rally: Turkey Credit - Bloomberg

OPEC on Hold Proves Friend of Lira Bond Rally: Turkey Credit
By Onur Ant Nov 27, 2014 5:00 PM ET

OPEC is giving investors in Turkish bonds a reason to keep believing in emerging markets’ biggest debt rally this quarter.

More:OPEC on Hold Proves Friend of Lira Bond Rally: Turkey Credit - Bloomberg

Turkey's accusations of racism "inaccurate, uninformed and inappropriate" - NL Times

Turkey’s accusations of racism “inaccurate, uninformed and inappropriate”
Posted on Nov 27, 2014 by Ingrid Grindstad

“Should the case be that Turkey has accused the Netherlands of racism; it is inaccurate, uninformed and inappropriate” responds Minister Lodewijk Asscher to a statement published today on the website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

More:Turkey's accusations of racism "inaccurate, uninformed and inappropriate" - NL Times

Is corruption becoming a systemic practice in Turkey? | Al Bawaba

Is corruption becoming a systemic practice in Turkey?

Published November 27th, 2014 - 22:40 GMT via SyndiGate.info

It is a concern to see corruption and bribery become more widespread than ever in Turkey, an elite Turkish business club warned on Wednesday, urging the government to take concrete steps to fight what threatens to turn into a “systematic practice of fraud.”

More:Is corruption becoming a systemic practice in Turkey? | Al Bawaba

Startup Weekend On The Turkish Border Unites Two Countries’ Entrepreneurs | TechCrunch

Startup Weekend On The Turkish Border Unites Two Countries’ Entrepreneurs

It’s not unusual to encounter a Startup Weekend somewhere in the world. The trademarked event that brings together individuals eager to build and present it before a panel of entrepreneurship experts and investors is well known and widely replicated.

More:Startup Weekend On The Turkish Border Unites Two Countries’ Entrepreneurs | TechCrunch

Neo-Ottomanism in tatters - Khaleej Times

Neo-Ottomanism in tatters

Dr. Adil Rasheed / 28 November 2014

Turkey's self-righteous grandstanding is isolating it internationally.

More:Neo-Ottomanism in tatters - Khaleej Times

Event report: the 9th annual Istanbul Leather Fair - Leather International

Event report: the 9th annual Istanbul Leather Fair
27 November 2014

Following the ninth annual Istanbul Leather Fair (IDF) at the Tuyap Exhibition Centre last week, the consensus was that the event was quieter than 2013. Official numbers are due to be released on 8 December, but the expectation of attracting 15,000 visitors, as stated by the Turkish Leather Foundation (TÜRDEV), have probably fallen short, if comments on the ground were any indication.

More:Event report: the 9th annual Istanbul Leather Fair - Leather International

Pope Francis arrives in Turkey for potentially testing visit

Pope Francis arrives in Turkey for potentially testing visit

Fri, Nov 28, 2014, 01:00

First published: Fri, Nov 28, 2014, 01:00

Pope Francis, who originally indicated he might not travel as much as some of his immediate predecessors, is back on the road again this weekend as he makes an intriguing, potentially difficult visit to Turkey.

More:Pope Francis arrives in Turkey for potentially testing visit

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Bathonea excavations shed light on Istanbul’s history - ARCHAEOLOGY

Bathonea excavations shed light on Istanbul’s history

ISTANBUL - Anadolu Agency

The Bathonea excavations that have been continuing in the Küçükçekmece lake basin for five years fill a gap in Istanbul’s chronology by revealing traces from 2,000 B.C.

The head of the excavations, Associate Professor Şengül Aydıngün said the first years were spent on cleaning, researching, mapping and geophysical work, while diggings started as of 2011-2012.

More:Bathonea excavations shed light on Istanbul’s history - ARCHAEOLOGY

Turkey bans reporting on corruption investigation of ex-ministers | Reuters

Turkey bans reporting on corruption investigation of ex-ministers

By Gulsen Solaker

ANKARA Wed Nov 26, 2014 11:29am EST

(Reuters) - A Turkish court has banned media from reporting on a parliamentary investigation into corruption allegations against four ex-ministers, a move the opposition says amounts to protecting thieves.

More:Turkey bans reporting on corruption investigation of ex-ministers | Reuters

Another Byzantine structure rescued in Istanbul - ARCHAEOLOGY

Another Byzantine structure rescued in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

The traces of a large cistern have been found during the construction of a hotel on land owned by the Armenian Catholic Mıhitaryan Monastery and School Foundation in Istanbul’s Şişli Halaskargazi neighborhood.

More:Another Byzantine structure rescued in Istanbul - ARCHAEOLOGY

Pope Francis to visit Turkey in most challenging mission of papacy so far | World news | The Guardian

Pope Francis to visit Turkey in most challenging mission of papacy so far

Pontiff to try to tackle relations with Islam, Christian persecution in the Muslim world and the Catholic-Orthodox schism

More:Pope Francis to visit Turkey in most challenging mission of papacy so far | World news | The Guardian

Minister admits ’Ak Saray’ ruling not overturned

Minister admits ’Ak Saray’ ruling not overturned

Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ (R) (Photo: Cihan)
November 27, 2014, Thursday/ 17:33:53/ VEDAT DENİZLİ / Ankara

The minister of justice has admitted that a February court ruling ordering a halt to the construction of the new presidential palace has not been reversed by a higher court and apologized for previously having said the opposite.

More:Minister admits ’Ak Saray’ ruling not overturned

Dutch foreign minister talks to Turkey after racism claim row - DutchNews.nl

Dutch foreign minister talks to Turkey after racism claim row
Politics
November 27, 2014

Netherlands turkeyDutch foreign minister Bert Koenders had a 30-minute phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart about claims that the Netherlands discriminates against Dutch Turkish citizens on Wednesday night.

More:Dutch foreign minister talks to Turkey after racism claim row - DutchNews.nl

How Strong Is the U.S. Friendship with the Kurds? - The New Yorker

How Strong Is the U.S. Friendship with the Kurds?
By Elliot Ackerman

A couple of weeks ago, I was preparing to head back to Turkey from Erbil, in northern Iraq. I had spent the past few days in and around the city, visiting the Kurdish peshmerga’s front lines against the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Matt, my travel companion on this trip, had lived in the semiautonomous Kurdish region during the Iraq War, spending two years working at the American University of Iraq, in Sulaymaniyah, a neighboring city. After we checked out of our hotel, he insisted that we stop by the Citadel of Erbil. I’d never been, and he said that it’d be a crime if I didn’t see it.

More:How Strong Is the U.S. Friendship with the Kurds? - The New Yorker

Pope Francis tour tour of Turkey will highlight plight of refugees

Pope Francis tour of Turkey will highlight plight of refugees

Francis will help draw the attention of Europe to the plight of refugees and the need for other countries to assist Turkey in its humanitarian burden

This Friday, Pope Francis heads to Turkey on his sixth international visit, an event spread over three days in several major Turkish cities, including the capital, Ankara, where he will be the guest of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Pope Francis tour tour of Turkey will highlight plight of refugees

6 new Turkish films hit the road for Festival on Wheels

6 new Turkish films hit the road for Festival on Wheels

November 26, 2014, Wednesday/ 16:50:22/ TODAY'S ZAMAN / ISTANBUL

A selection of multiple award-winning recent features by Turkish directors, including Erol Mintaş’s “Annemin Şarkısı” (Song of My Mother) and Tayfun Pirselimoğlu’s “Ben O Değilim” (I Am Not Him), will be offered to cinephiles in three Turkish cities at this year’s Festival on Wheels, which unrolls its 20th edition this weekend in Ankara.

More:6 new Turkish films hit the road for Festival on Wheels

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

I’m a defender of women’s rights, says Erdogan - The Malaysian Insider

I’m a defender of women’s rights, says Erdogan

Published: 26 November 2014

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claims he is a defender of woman's rights. – Reuters pic, November 26, 2014.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claims he is a defender of woman's rights. – Reuters pic, November 26, 2014.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today insisted he had advocated women's rights throughout his political career, accusing media of distorting his hugely controversial comments on equality between men and women.

More:I’m a defender of women’s rights, says Erdogan - The Malaysian Insider

Turkey's Erdogan attacks US 'impertinence' on Syria | Daily Mail Online

Turkey's Erdogan attacks US 'impertinence' on Syria

By Afp

Published: 08:43 EST, 26 November 2014 | Updated: 08:43 EST, 26 November 2014

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday slammed US "impertinence" on the Syrian conflict, exposing the extent of strains between Washington and Ankara days after his key meeting with US Vice President Joe Biden.

More:Turkey's Erdogan attacks US 'impertinence' on Syria | Daily Mail Online

The Netherlands' Newest "Accomplishment"

The Netherlands' Newest "Accomplishment"

by Abigail R. Esman
November 26, 2014 at 4:00 am

The Netherlands, that country that so bravely pioneered movements such as gay marriage and the legalization of marijuana, seems on the brink of pioneering yet another: the official Islamization of Europe's parliaments.

More:The Netherlands' Newest "Accomplishment"

Turkey slams Dutch prejudice against Turks | Turkey | Worldbulletin News

Turkey slams Dutch prejudice against Turks

Discrimination, xenophobia and Islamophobic and racist accusations against Turks in Netherlands are unacceptabble says Turkey's Foreign Ministry spokesman

More:Turkey slams Dutch prejudice against Turks | Turkey | Worldbulletin News

Turkey alone against the world

Turkey alone against the world

Turkey appears to be in the grip of a wave of xenophobia, according to the results of a recent survey by the US-based Pew Research Foundation. The findings come as the country has to cope with two conflicts on its borders and faces increasingly strained relations with key allies and neighbours. But as Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul, the findings could be part of a far deeper historical fear of the West

More:Turkey alone against the world

Women's groups slam Turkey's Erdogan for sexist remarks - CNN.com

Rights groups slam Turkey's Erdogan over remarks on women
By Laura Smith-Spark and Gul Tuysuz, CNN
updated 6:18 PM EST, Tue November 25, 2014

Istanbul (CNN) -- Women's rights groups responded angrily Tuesday to comments by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that women and men are not equal "because their nature is different."

More:Women's groups slam Turkey's Erdogan for sexist remarks - CNN.com

Ancient house with floor heating unearthed in southern Turkey - ARCHAEOLOGY

Ancient house with floor heating unearthed in southern Turkey

ISPARTA – Doğan News Agency

A Roman-era house that has been unearthed in the ancient city of Pisidia in the southern province of Isparta’s Yalvaç district used the floor heating system, archaeologists have said, adding that the house also had water and sewage systems.

More:Ancient house with floor heating unearthed in southern Turkey - ARCHAEOLOGY

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Has Erdogan lost his golden touch? | The National

Has Erdogan lost his golden touch?

November 25, 2014 Updated: November 25, 2014 06:21 PM

For a politician whose deft perception of Turkish public opinion gave him a decade of commanding political success, Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent utterances have been more likely to cause raised eyebrows than nodding heads. A case in point is the president’s declaration this week that women are not equal to men.

More:Has Erdogan lost his golden touch? | The National

Former Turkish President: we must raise 'certain standards' on women's rights | Middle East Eye

Former Turkish President: we must raise 'certain standards' on women's rights
#TurkishPolitics

The admission comes a day after current President Erdogan, provoked controversy by arguing that gender equality 'goes against the laws of nature'

More:Former Turkish President: we must raise 'certain standards' on women's rights | Middle East Eye

JOOST LAGENDIJK - Here we go again

Here we go again

I am curious what verbal bombshell President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is planning to drop next week. Last week, he managed to capture the headlines by rewriting the history of America's discovery.

More:JOOST LAGENDIJK - Here we go again

Obama Should Correct Erdoğan on Women « Commentary Magazine

Obama Should Correct Erdoğan on Women
Michael Rubin | @mrubin1971 11.25.2014 - 5:10 PM

That Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan should not only believe but also state openly that he doesn’t believe women to be the equal of men should surprise no one after all these years. While Turkey was once one of the most enlightened majority Muslim populations when it came to women—being one of the first Muslim countries to elect a female prime minister, for example—in recent years, the plight of women has declined precipitously.

More:Obama Should Correct Erdoğan on Women « Commentary Magazine

Turkey gives ‘license to plunder’ for shopping malls and residential complexes - GREEN

Turkey gives ‘license to plunder’ for shopping malls and residential complexes

Aysel Alp ANKARA

Turkey’s Environment Ministry has exempted a number of construction projects – including shopping malls, residential complexes, golf courts and small sized hydro-electric plants – from the mandatory environmental impact assessment process, in blatant violation of a Constitutional Court ruling.

More:Turkey gives ‘license to plunder’ for shopping malls and residential complexes - GREEN

65 percent of Turkey’s tourism facilities need to be renewed - TOURISM

65 percent of Turkey’s tourism facilities need to be renewed

ANTALYA - Anadolu Agency

Some 65 percent of tourism facilities on Turkey’s coasts need to be renovated to compete with other facilities around the Mediterranean, even though nearly half of Turkey’s hotels are less than 10 years old, according to a recent report by the Touristic Hoteliers Association of the Mediterranean (AKTOB).

More:65 percent of Turkey’s tourism facilities need to be renewed - TOURISM

Islam, ecumenism and regional conflict on pope's agenda in Turkey | National Catholic Reporter

Islam, ecumenism and regional conflict on pope's agenda in Turkey

Almost every papal trip abroad is a complex mix of the religious and political, and that will be especially true of Pope Francis' Nov. 28-30 visit to Turkey.

Given the country's crucial geographic position straddling Europe and Asia, its historic importance for both Christianity and Islam and the wars now raging in neighboring Syria and Iraq, Francis will have to address a variety of urgent topics during his three-day visit. Here are five of the biggest issues that await him.

More:Islam, ecumenism and regional conflict on pope's agenda in Turkey | National Catholic Reporter

Bus passes to be used in Istanbul’s car parks | Nation | Daily Sabah

BUS PASSES TO BE USED IN ISTANBUL’S CAR PARKS

Daily Sabah
Published : 26.11.2014 00:54:00

Bus passes to be used in Istanbul’s car parks
ISTANBUL — The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality is preparing to introduce smart cards used in mass transit for the city's car parks. Motorists will be able to use car parks across the city via Istanbulkart payment, a prepaid smart card used for bus, metro train and ferry fares.

More:Bus passes to be used in Istanbul’s car parks | Nation | Daily Sabah

Jewels of Istanbul: 48 hours in Turkey's most scintillating city | Gay Star News

Jewels of Istanbul: 48 hours in Turkey's most scintillating city

25 November 2014 | By Doug Wallace

Pushed and pulled by the eastern and western worlds for centuries, absorbing influences and attitudes from both Europe and the Middle East, Turkey is astoundingly resilient.

More:Jewels of Istanbul: 48 hours in Turkey's most scintillating city | Gay Star News

Egypt and Cyprus freeze out Turkey in possible gas deal - FT.com

Egypt and Cyprus freeze out Turkey in possible gas deal

Egypt and Cyprus are deepening energy co-operation, as an apparent anti-Turkey bloc emerges in the Eastern Mediterranean – potentially undermining US hopes that the area’s gas finds could reduce regional tensions.

More:Egypt and Cyprus freeze out Turkey in possible gas deal - FT.com

Turkey delivers arms to Iraqi Kurds in fight against IS | GlobalPost

Turkey delivers arms to Iraqi Kurds in fight against IS
Placard Enlarge
(Globalpost/GlobalPost)

ANKARA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkey has provided weapons to Iraqi Kurdish forces fighting against the Islamist State (IS) militants, Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Chief of Staff Fuad Hussein said.

More:Turkey delivers arms to Iraqi Kurds in fight against IS | GlobalPost

Turkey’s next election could shape more than the next four years - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkey’s next election could shape more than the next four years

With the August presidential election and March local election already passed, the June 2015 general election will be Turkey's last until 2019. Coming when Turkey's political system is on the brink of profound change, that election could define much more than the next four years.

More:Turkey’s next election could shape more than the next four years - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Ankara and Baghdad turn over new leaf in relationship - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Ankara and Baghdad turn over new leaf in relationship

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s visit to Baghdad last week, the first by a Turkish prime minister since 2011, has prepared the ground for improved relations between the two countries following a period of tension under former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

More:Ankara and Baghdad turn over new leaf in relationship - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Embattled governor apologizes to Turkish Jews over synagogue remarks - CİHAN

Embattled governor apologizes to Turkish Jews over synagogue remarks
ISTANBUL - 25.11.2014 17:41:07

Edirne Governor Dursun Ali Şahin, who recently announced that he will turn a centuries-old synagogue into a museum in the western border province in response to Israel's latest moves against the Palestinians at the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, has apologized to Turkey's Jewish community for his statements.

More:Embattled governor apologizes to Turkish Jews over synagogue remarks - CİHAN

It’s impossible to laugh off the appalling sexism of the Turkish president | Alev Scott | Comment is free | The Guardian

It’s impossible to laugh off the appalling sexism of the Turkish president
Alev Scott

Tuesday 25 November 2014 08.11 EST

On Monday, Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, made headlines by announcing at a summit on women and justice in Istanbul that women are not equal to men “because it goes against the laws of nature”.

More:It’s impossible to laugh off the appalling sexism of the Turkish president | Alev Scott | Comment is free | The Guardian

Turkey and the PKK: Saving the Peace Process / ISN

Turkey and the PKK: Saving the Peace Process

What steps do the Turkish government and Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) need to take in order to save their troubled peace process? According to our partners at the ICG, their desired end states need to be more precise, they need to adopt a more urgent timeline and more.

More:Turkey and the PKK: Saving the Peace Process / ISN

Turkey’s Balkan politics - TransConflict

Turkey’s Balkan politics
November 25, 2014 11:46 am

The accession of Western Balkan countries to the European Union will be among the principal preoccupations of Turkish foreign policy in the upcoming years.

More:Turkey’s Balkan politics - TransConflict

No Time to Disown Turkey in Best Bond Rally With $80 Oil - Businessweek

No Time to Disown Turkey in Best Bond Rally With $80 Oil
By Constantine Courcoulas November 25, 2014
Turkey Oil Imports

In case you missed it, there’s probably still time to profit from this quarter’s biggest government-bond rally.

Turkish lira bonds returned about 10 percent since Sept. 30, beating all 57 emerging- and developed-market peers tracked by Bloomberg bond indexes. Two-year yields have fallen more than 2 percentage points in the period on bets that slumping oil will shrink the nation’s current-account deficit and tame above-target inflation.

More:No Time to Disown Turkey in Best Bond Rally With $80 Oil - Businessweek

Monday, November 24, 2014

Turkish Youth angered by Deputy PM's remarks about ISIS - NL Times

Turkish Youth angered by Deputy PM’s remarks about ISIS
Posted on Nov 24, 2014 by Janene Van Jaarsveldt

A number of Turkish-Dutch young people are delivering a message to Minister Lodewijk Asscher (Deputy Prime Minister and Social Affairs) this afternoon stating that he should be more aware of the impact of his words.

More:Turkish Youth angered by Deputy PM's remarks about ISIS - NL Times

Under US pressure, Turkey focuses on relations with Baghdad - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Under US pressure, Turkey focuses on relations with Baghdad

The visit of Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to Baghdad, three years after the 2011 visit of then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has to be seen as a new start between the two countries.

More:Under US pressure, Turkey focuses on relations with Baghdad - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkish President Says Men and Women Are Not Equal | TIME

Turkish President Says Men and Women Are Not Equal

Alexandra Sifferlin @acsifferlin

2:32 PM ET
It's not the first time he's publicly said something offensive

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has caused a controversy by saying women and men are not equal—at a women’s justice summit.

More:Turkish President Says Men and Women Are Not Equal | TIME

Turkish Delight: Inside Istanbul's Newest Luxury Spa - ForbesLife

Turkish Delight: Inside Istanbul's Newest Luxury Spa
By Maridel Reyes Contributor

Istanbul’s most glamorous new spa is located in a surprising spot: The business district.

The nearly 33,000 square foot spa at Raffles Istanbul sits at the heart of the Zorlu Center, a mixed-use development in the Zincirlikuyu neighborhood, on the European shore in Beşiktas. Raffles Istanbul, which opened September 1st, overlooks the Bosphorus, the Princes Islands and the historic peninsula.

More:Turkish Delight: Inside Istanbul's Newest Luxury Spa - ForbesLife

White House 'pleased' with Ankara talks, despite disagreement on key issues - INTERNATIONAL

White House 'pleased' with Ankara talks, despite disagreement on key issues

WASHINGTON - Anadolu Agency

Washington is pleased with talks held during U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Turkey, despite their failure to yield any solid outcomes sought by either of the sides, a high-ranking White House official said, briefing the press during the trip.

More:White House 'pleased' with Ankara talks, despite disagreement on key issues - INTERNATIONAL

Turkish President Erdoğan says gender equality ‘against nature’ - POLITICS

Turkish President Erdoğan says gender equality ‘against nature’

ISTANBUL

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appears set to anger women and rights groups in Turkey once again after voicing his strong objection to the equality of women and men, instead recommending what he called “equivalency.”

More:Turkish President Erdoğan says gender equality ‘against nature’ - POLITICS

Istanbul Ataturk airport hosts diabetes awareness campaign | The News

Istanbul Ataturk airport hosts diabetes awareness campaign

Monday, 24 November 2014 10:39
Written by Roberto Castiglioni

TAV Istanbul Atatürk Airport is hosting a diabetes awareness initiative realised by students of Maltepe University and Anadolu University.

More:Istanbul Ataturk airport hosts diabetes awareness campaign | The News

Revisiting the Turkey-Syria conflict, AsiaOne Asian Opinions News

Revisiting the Turkey-Syria conflict
Ramin MirfakhraieAsiaOneMonday, Nov 24, 2014

From the current level of hostility between Turkey and Syria, the casual observer might assume that the two countries have for long been bitter enemies. This, however, is hardly the case, as from the late 1990s through 2010, the two countries actually enjoyed friendly relations, with increasing cooperation at all levels.

More:Revisiting the Turkey-Syria conflict, AsiaOne Asian Opinions News

President Erdogan and Islam: Piety and Ottomanitas — RT Op-Edge

President Erdogan and Islam: Piety and Ottomanitas

Islam is currently going through a remarkable revival in Turkey. Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoglu and President Tayyip Erdogan are both working hard to consolidate this Muslim re-awakening at home and the spread of Turkey's religious pretensions abroad.

More:President Erdogan and Islam: Piety and Ottomanitas — RT Op-Edge

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Turkish army chief to sue retired commander for claims over alleged link with Gülenists - POLITICS

Turkish army chief to sue retired commander for claims over alleged link with Gülenists

The top commander of Turkey has announced that he will sue a retired member of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) who indicated that he was involved with the movement of U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, referred to by government officials as the “parallel state.”

More:Turkish army chief to sue retired commander for claims over alleged link with Gülenists - POLITICS

A portrait of a failing relationship: US and Turkey - NURAY MERT

A portrait of a failing relationship: US and Turkey

U.S.-Turkey relations are similar to the stories of celebrities’ failing marriages. Everyone knows that the couple does not get on anymore and even cheats on each other, but both parties publicly say the marriage is going well. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Turkey was like the celebrity couple that goes out for dinner to discuss problems and smiles to journalists at the end of the dinner to assure that everything is going well - even if behind the doors the two cannot sort out major disagreements, though they decide to keep trying.

More:A portrait of a failing relationship: US and Turkey - NURAY MERT

Humor magazines continue to be power Turkish pop culture - RIGHTS

Humor magazines continue to be power Turkish pop culture

Emrah Güler
Celebrating the anniversary of the very first Ottoman satirical magazine ‘Diyojen,’ here’s a look at how such magazines have evolved from intellectual endeavors to antagonistic and sexually explicit voices in Turkey

More:Humor magazines continue to be power Turkish pop culture - RIGHTS

Biden Wraps Up Visit to Turkey

Biden Wraps Up Visit to Turkey

November 23, 2014 1:47 PM

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and his wife met Sunday with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, during the last day of his visit to Turkey.

More:Biden Wraps Up Visit to Turkey

Forget politicians, entrepreneurs are Turkey’s true leaders - CONTRIBUTOR

Forget politicians, entrepreneurs are Turkey’s true leaders

Elmira Bayraslı

It is easy to be depressed about Turkey these days. The country’s economy – once an emerging market miracle story – has started to slow down. As things unravel in Iraq and Syria, the country’s foreign policy has gone from zero to many problems – including strained relations with the United States. Socially, Turkey is increasingly moving away from the rule of law and democracy and toward one-man authoritarian rule. Journalists are harassed. Free speech and the right to protest are denied. Tensions between Turks and minorities, particularly the Kurds, have been resurrected.

More:Forget politicians, entrepreneurs are Turkey’s true leaders - CONTRIBUTOR

Kobanê, Turkey, and the Syrian Struggle - International Viewpoint - online socialist magazine

Kobanê, Turkey, and the Syrian Struggle

Sunday 23 November 2014, by Joseph Daher

An extended interview with Joseph Daher, a member of the Revolutionary Left Current in Syria, living in Switzerland, will be published in the forthcoming Winter 2015 issue of New Politics. Here we [New Politics] just post the questions dealing with Kobanê and Turkey. He was interviewed in Geneva on October 22, 2014, by New Politics board member Riad Azar, with some email updates.

More:Kobanê, Turkey, and the Syrian Struggle - International Viewpoint - online socialist magazine

Istanbul police detains the organizer of the migrant boat catastrophe | Nation | Daily Sabah

ISTANBUL POLICE DETAINS THE ORGANIZER OF THE MIGRANT BOAT CATASTROPHE

ISTANBUL — The organizer of the refugee boat catastrophe on November 2 was detained by the Istanbul police in the house he had been hiding in since the accident.

The illegal immigrant transit from just north of Bosporus in the Black Sea ended in catastrophe when the boat sank, killing 28 out of the 40 on board.

More:Istanbul police detains the organizer of the migrant boat catastrophe | Nation | Daily Sabah

Hundreds of feminists march against murder and AK Party

Hundreds of feminists march against murder and AK Party

Feminists marched against the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government and for the protection of women during a mass demonstration in İstanbul on Sunday.

More:Hundreds of feminists march against murder and AK Party

Turkey synagogue to host worshippers despite governor threats - Al Arabiya News

Turkey synagogue to host worshippers despite governor threats

By Staff Writer | Al Arabiya News
Saturday, 22 November 2014

A Turkish official said a landmark synagogue would remain a house of worship and would not be converted into a museum despite threats from the city’s governor, Turkey’s Hurriyet Daily News reported.

More:Turkey synagogue to host worshippers despite governor threats - Al Arabiya News

Mother prevents father from kidnapping child on plane to Denmark - CRIME

Mother prevents father from kidnapping child on plane to Denmark

Nurettin Kurt ANKARA

A seven-year-old boy whose father was attempting to take him to Denmark without the permission of his mother was prevented at the last minute at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport just before take-off.

More:Mother prevents father from kidnapping child on plane to Denmark - CRIME

US, Turkey discuss boosting Syrian opposition

US, Turkey discuss boosting Syrian opposition

Date
November 23, 2014 - 1:53PM

Roy Gutman

Istanbul: United States Vice-President Joe Biden has assured Turkey the US planned to strengthen Syrian rebels and ensure a political transition away from the Assad regime, but he stopped short of committing to the regime change demanded by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:US, Turkey discuss boosting Syrian opposition

Istanbul to host 30th Session of COMCEC - Azerbaijan State Telegraph Agency

Istanbul to host 30th Session of COMCEC
23.11.2014 [11:41]

Baku, November 23, AzerTAc

The 30th Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) will be held in Istanbul on 25-28 November 2014 with the participation of the OIC Member States and relevant OIC, regional and international institutions.

More:Istanbul to host 30th Session of COMCEC - Azerbaijan State Telegraph Agency

Biden fence-mending in Turkey

Biden fence-mending in Turkey

Roy Gutman, McCLATCHY FOREIGN STAFF
Posted: Sunday, November 23, 2014, 1:09 AM
ISTANBUL, Turkey - Vice President Biden assured Turkey on Saturday that the U.S. plans to strengthen Syrian rebels and ensure a political transition "away from the Assad regime," but he stopped short of committing to the regime change in Damascus demanded by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Biden fence-mending in Turkey

Biden announces nearly $135 million in additional humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees, | Star Tribune

Biden announces nearly $135 million in additional humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees,

Article by: DEB RIECHMANN , Associated Press

ISTANBUL — Vice President Joe Biden and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emerged from a nearly four-hour meeting Saturday, offering no indication that the U.S. and Turkey had bridged their differences about how to deal with Islamic State fighters or Syrian President Bashar Assad.

More:Biden announces nearly $135 million in additional humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees, | Star Tribune

Vice President Biden Mends Fences In Turkey, Pledges More Funds For Humanitarian Aid

Vice President Biden Mends Fences In Turkey, Pledges More Funds For Humanitarian Aid
By Marcy Kreiter@marcykreiterm.kreiter@ibtimes.com on November 22 2014 9:49 PM

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden spent four hours talking with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul Saturday in what was seen as a fence-mending foray in the wake of Biden's remarks criticizing Turkey for not doing enough to keep Islamic State group supporters from joining the carnage in Syria. Biden and Erdoğan discussed a wide range of issues, including Iraq, Syria and Cyprus.

More:Vice President Biden Mends Fences In Turkey, Pledges More Funds For Humanitarian Aid

Is Turkey Serving Up Assad For Thanksgiving? | In Homeland Security

Is Turkey Serving Up Assad For Thanksgiving?
November 23, 2014

By Brett Daniel Shehadey
Special Contributor for In Homeland Security

In a four hour long meeting, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and discussed a transition of power in Syria. America has finally caved in to Turkey’s self-interested demands and their hunger to end Assad and Iran’s proxy for good. Turkey has vehemently assured the U.S.-led coalition that this refocus to regime change in Syria will be required in order in order to secure Turkey’s full support and cooperation in the war against the Islamic State (ISIL).

More:Is Turkey Serving Up Assad For Thanksgiving? | In Homeland Security

See splendid Turkey on a budget: Take the bus

See splendid Turkey on a budget: Take the bus

The scents and textures of Turkey are hard to forget. You can see it all inexpensively if you travel by bus.

By Ellen Creager, Detroit Free Press

CAPPADOCIA, Turkey – If all of Turkish history were on this bus, I'd be sitting next to sultans, whirling dervishes, Silk Road caravanners, Greek shopkeepers, apostles and olive growers.

More:Trendy Turkey's 5 top attractions

Turkey to bridge the Dardanelles in new mega project - thenews.com.pk

Turkey to bridge the Dardanelles in new mega project

Saturday, November 22, 2014

ISTANBUL: Turkey is planning to build a bridge across the famed Dardanelles strait to help ease traffic congestion in Istanbul, a minister said, revealing the latest in a string of mega projects under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Turkey to bridge the Dardanelles in new mega project - thenews.com.pk

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Biden in Istanbul seeking to ease strains on Syria | Mid-East | Saudi Gazette

Biden in Istanbul seeking to ease strains on Syria
Last updated: Saturday, November 22, 2014 11:32 PM

ISTANBUL — US Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan aiming to ease strains over the crisis in Syria and persuade Turkey to step up its support for the coalition against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) group.

More:Biden in Istanbul seeking to ease strains on Syria | Mid-East | Saudi Gazette

Lockdown extended for Dutch jihadi bride - UPI.com

Dutch officials lock up jihadi teen bride
Teen's mom said she traveled to Syria for love.
By Mary Papenfuss | Updated Nov. 22, 2014 at 5:04 AM

A teenage Dutch girl is facing terrorism charges after traveling to Syria to marry an Islamist militant. But her mom says she only did it for love (Wikipedia).
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Officials in the Netherlands have extended detention for a Dutch teenager who traveled to Syria to marry an Islamist fighter.

More:Lockdown extended for Dutch jihadi bride - UPI.com

The Architect’s Apprentice by Elif Shafak – old Istanbul brought to life | Books | The Guardian

The Architect’s Apprentice by Elif Shafak – old Istanbul brought to life

Elif Shafak’s novels resemble maps that use detailed keys to help readers to journey through them, so it’s not surprising that her latest book is about the building of an ancient city. The Architect’s Apprentice describes how Istanbul blossomed in the 16th century under its most revered architect, Mimar Sinan, who served three Ottoman emperors over 50 years. Each Sultan’s reign produced a cluster of mosques envisioned and executed by Sinan, many of which still exist today. Narrated by Sinan’s fictional disciple, this is, at its core, a story about a master and his student.

More:The Architect’s Apprentice by Elif Shafak – old Istanbul brought to life | Books | The Guardian

Friday, November 21, 2014

Turkey to open mosques ‘in every university’ - Al Arabiya News

Turkey to open mosques ‘in every university’

AFP, Istanbul
Friday, 21 November 2014

Turkey’s top religious body said on Friday that there are plans to build a mosque in every state university, adding to concerns over what critics say are creeping efforts to force Islamic values on the society.

More:Turkey to open mosques ‘in every university’ - Al Arabiya News

Dutch teen who married Turkish jihadist in court after mum rescues her - INTERNATIONAL

Dutch teen who married Turkish jihadist in court after mum rescues her

THE HAGUE - Agence France-Presse

A Dutch teenager who allegedly travelled to Syria to marry an Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant of Turkish origin but was later rescued by her mother will appear in court Nov. 21 on terror charges, Dutch prosecutors said.

More:Dutch teen who married Turkish jihadist in court after mum rescues her - INTERNATIONAL

Turkish Army’s Special Forces to train Peshmerga - MIDEAST

Turkish Army’s Special Forces to train Peshmerga

Sevil Erkuş ANKARA

The Turkish Special Forces, known as the “maroon berets,” is set to launch a training program for the Peshmerga forces of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq, a Turkish official has told the Hürriyet Daily News.

More:Turkish Army’s Special Forces to train Peshmerga - MIDEAST

Despite court order, municipality resists demolishing 16:9 towers - CİHAN

Despite court order, municipality resists demolishing 16:9 towers
ISTANBUL - 21.11.2014 18:01:55

A residential complex named 16:9 (OnaltıDokuz) under construction in the Zeytinburnu district of İstanbul continues to stir public outrage as the Zeytinburnu Municipality resists obeying a court decision for the destruction of a number of its floors, a decision which was made on the grounds that the complex adversely affects İstanbul's historic silhouette.

More:Despite court order, municipality resists demolishing 16:9 towers - CİHAN

Old meets new in Istanbul - Travel - Life & Style - London Evening Standard

Old meets new in Istanbul

With one night in Turkey’s largest city, Jo Fernández just has time to check into the new Raffles and sample the latest nightspot to open

More:Old meets new in Istanbul - Travel - Life & Style - London Evening Standard

First hotel with open lobby concept opens in Ankara - CİHAN

First hotel with open lobby concept opens in Ankara
ISTANBUL - 21.11.2014 18:01:49

The United Kingdom-based InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) on Nov. 4 inaugurated a new Holiday Inn in Ankara's Çukurambar district, Turkey's first hotel to feature an “open lobby” concept, a term that refers to the integrated space of the hotel lobby to give the most comfort to guests.

More:First hotel with open lobby concept opens in Ankara - CİHAN

CHP deputy elected Turkey’s most outstanding young person - POLITICS

CHP deputy elected Turkey’s most outstanding young person

ANKARA

A lawmaker from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has been selected as Turkey’s most outstanding young person in the field of politics, law and public administration.

More:CHP deputy elected Turkey’s most outstanding young person - POLITICS

Gorgeous autumn landscape adds mystification to historical city of Istanbul - CİHAN

Gorgeous autumn landscape adds mystification to historical city of Istanbul
ISTANBUL - 21.11.2014 14:49:20
Video

Istanbul, Turkey’s historical city also cradle of many civilizations nowadays dazzling whoever visit there with its spectacular autumn landscapes, which attract many tourists not only inside of Turkey but also elsewhere in the World.

More:Gorgeous autumn landscape adds mystification to historical city of Istanbul - CİHAN

PressTV - Ankara, intelligence agency ‘plotting’ against main opposition

Ankara, intelligence agency ‘plotting’ against main opposition

Fri Nov 21, 2014 9:55AM

The Turkish government and intelligence agency are in cahoots against the Republican People’s Party (CHP) to weaken its image through a media circus, the leader of the party says.

More:PressTV - Ankara, intelligence agency ‘plotting’ against main opposition

Turkey, US ink wind power deal - ENERGY

Turkey, US ink wind power deal

ISTANBUL - Anadolu Agency
Turkey and the United States sign a memorandum of understanding to improve clean wind energy, also signaling more cooperation on nuclear energy

More:Turkey, US ink wind power deal - ENERGY

Turkey on course to become member of Schengen area, minister - Politics - ANSAMed.it

Turkey on course to become member of Schengen area, minister

21 November, 11:22

(ANSAmed) - ANKARA, NOVEMBER 21 - Turkey is on its way to becoming a member of the Schengen area, the country's EU minister and chief negotiator, Volkan Bozkir, said on Thursday as reported by World Bulletin website. The Schengen area is a zone comprised of 26 European countries that allows citizens to cross shared borders without internal checks.

More:Turkey on course to become member of Schengen area, minister - Politics - ANSAMed.it

The fall of the would-be emperor | Cyprus Mail

The fall of the would-be emperor Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan

By Alon Ben-Meir

President Erdogan has recently come under intense criticism for his unwillingness to come to the aid of the beleaguered Syrian Kurds in the city of Kobani just across the Turkish border. Sadly, Erdogan’s behavior is not surprising as he has always pursued policies consistent with the image of himself as a great leader and his country as a regional hegemon and a global power.

More:The fall of the would-be emperor | Cyprus Mail

Istanbul airport contractor’s copper mine project in natural haven halted - GREEN

Istanbul airport contractor’s copper mine project in natural haven halted

Cengiz Construction’s dreams of extracting copper in the eastern Black Sea has been halted by the law, just days after a court similarly prevented Kolin İnşaat, a fellow partner in the winning consortium for the third Istanbul bridge, from building a coal plant on an olive plantation on the Aegean.

More:Istanbul airport contractor’s copper mine project in natural haven halted - GREEN

Lira Analysts See Dovish Signals Tilting Turkish Policy - Bloomberg

Lira Analysts See Dovish Signals Tilting Turkish Policy
By Constantine Courcoulas Nov 21, 2014 9:21 AM ET

While Turkey’s central bank Governor Erdem Basci kept his benchmark interest rate unchanged for a fourth month, traders are betting it’s only a matter of time before he cuts.

More:Lira Analysts See Dovish Signals Tilting Turkish Policy - Bloomberg

World's most popular tourist attractions: Istanbul's Grand Bazaar tops list | Daily Mail Online

The world's most popular tourist attractions: Istanbul's Grand Bazaar tops list with 91MILLION visitors... but not a single UK destination makes it into top 50

By Simon Cable for MailOnline

Published: 04:21 EST, 21 November 2014 | Updated: 04:43 EST, 21 November 2014

Disney theme parks make up four of the world’s top 20 tourist attractions, according to new research.

Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Park in California and Tokyo DisneySea registered a total of more than 66 million visitors last year.

More:World's most popular tourist attractions: Istanbul's Grand Bazaar tops list | Daily Mail Online

US, Turkey still not in sync on Syria - US News

It's Biden's turn to try to get US and Turkey in sync over what to do about Syria
The Associated Press

Associated Press Nov. 21, 2014 | 2:01 p.m. EST + More

By DEB RIECHMANN, Associated Press

ISTANBUL (AP) — U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on Friday became the latest in a parade of U.S. officials trying to push Turkey to step up its role in the international coalition's fight against Islamic State extremists.

More:US, Turkey still not in sync on Syria - US News

Turkey's Bark and Bite

Turkey's Bark and Bite

by Burak Bekdil
November 21, 2014 at 5:00 am

Calls and campaigns against Israeli-made commodities and companies allegedly owned by Jewish businessmen, including Turkish Jews, fill Islamist newspaper pages every day.

More:Turkey's Bark and Bite

BBVA gambles on growth with Turkish move - FT.com

BBVA gambles on growth with Turkish move

Daniel Dombey in Istanbul

When BBVA, the Spanish banking group, announced a €2bn investment this week to take control of Garanti, a leading Turkish lender, its optimism about the country’s banking sector came through loud and clear.

More:BBVA gambles on growth with Turkish move - FT.com

Thursday, November 20, 2014

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey: Turkish government, Kurdish authorities argue over Yazidi refugees | Syria | McClatchy DC

Turkish government, Kurdish authorities argue over Yazidi refugees

By Roy Gutman

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey — In a picnic grove nestled in wheat and cotton fields just south of Diyarbakir, municipal officials have set up a refugee camp for more than 4,000 Yazidis who fled the threat of genocide when Islamic State extremists captured their cities in early August.

More:DIYARBAKIR, Turkey: Turkish government, Kurdish authorities argue over Yazidi refugees | Syria | McClatchy DC

Amnesty International: 85 percent of Syrian refugees in Turkey living outside government camps | Fox News

Amnesty International: 85 percent of Syrian refugees in Turkey living outside government camps
Published November 20, 2014
Associated Press

ISTANBUL – With Turkey's government-run refugee camps operating at full capacity, more than 1 million Syrian refugees who have flocked to Turkey to escape fighting at home are struggling to survive on their own, according to an Amnesty International report released Thursday.

More:Amnesty International: 85 percent of Syrian refugees in Turkey living outside government camps | Fox News

The İstanbul-Berlin döner wars

The İstanbul-Berlin döner wars

When I first visited Germany some eight years ago, I couldn't make sense of the fact that everyone insisted I should try the döner kebab there, swearing it would be unlike anything I had tasted up until then. At the Berlin döner restaurant I went to, the cook there assured me that “I had never eaten anything like this in İstanbul.”

More:The İstanbul-Berlin döner wars

İstanbul mayor cancels 90-hour water cut after public backlash

İstanbul mayor cancels 90-hour water cut after public backlash

İstanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş has ordered the İstanbul Waterworks Authority (İSKİ) to cancel its plan to cut water for 90 hours in 12 İstanbul districts.

İSKİ released a statement early on Thursday announcing that it would cut water for 90 hours starting on Monday in 12 districts on the Asian side of İstanbul.

More:İstanbul mayor cancels 90-hour water cut after public backlash

The Heart of Turkey - Global Times

The Heart of Turkey
By Liao Fangzhou Source:Global Times Published: 2014-11-20 18:23:01

Turkey has experienced a dramatic rise in Chinese tourists since Turkish Cultural Year took place in China in 2013. The number of Chinese visitors to Turkey soared 43.3 percent year-on-year to 149,631 in the first nine months of 2014, according to Tayfun Sener, the tourism and culture counselor at the Turkish Embassy in Beijing.

More:The Heart of Turkey - Global Times

President Erdoğan hails new gas deal with Algeria - ENERGY

President Erdoğan hails new gas deal with Algeria

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has hailed a new 4.4-billion cubic meter natural gas deal between Turkey and Algeria.

More:President Erdoğan hails new gas deal with Algeria - ENERGY

Mehr News Agency - Cyprus, a Turkey political hostage: Analyst

Cyprus, a Turkey political hostage: Analyst

TEHRAN, Nov. 20 (MNA) – A Turkish journalist and regional analyst believes Cyprus is now a political hostage in disposal of Turkey vis-à-vis Greece and the EU.

More:Mehr News Agency - Cyprus, a Turkey political hostage: Analyst

Amnesty Report: Turkey Strained by Syrian Refugees - ABC News

Amnesty Report: Turkey Strained by Syrian Refugees
ISTANBUL — Nov 20, 2014, 4:00 AM ET
By DEB RIECHMANN Associated Press

The Associated Press

With Turkey's government-run refugee camps operating at full capacity, more than 1 million Syrian refugees who have flocked to Turkey to escape fighting at home are struggling to survive on their own, according to an Amnesty International report released Thursday.

More:Amnesty Report: Turkey Strained by Syrian Refugees - ABC News

Why Turkey’s Erdogan still insists Muslims reached America before Columbus - The Washington Post

Why Turkey’s Erdogan still insists Muslims reached America before Columbus
By Ishaan Tharoor November 20 at 2:22 PM Follow @ishaantharoor

This weekend, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan courted controversy (and jeers) by declaring on television that there was evidence that Muslims had reached the Americas before Christopher Columbus. Speaking at a summit of Muslim leaders from Latin America, Erdogan said that Muslim sailors reached the New World about 300 years before Columbus and that the Italian explorer had even spied the ruins of a mosque on the Cuban coast. (WorldViews examined the dubious claim here.)

More:Why Turkey’s Erdogan still insists Muslims reached America before Columbus - The Washington Post

Kurds launch new offensive against ′IS′ | News | DW.DE | 20.11.2014

Kurds launch new offensive against 'IS'

Kurdish peshmerga fighters and Iraqi government security forces have launched fresh offensives against the "Islamic State" in Iraq. The heaviest fighting is concentrated around the city of Kirkuk.

More:Kurds launch new offensive against ′IS′ | News | DW.DE | 20.11.2014

Poll reveals mixed feelings on multiculturalism in the Netherlands

Poll reveals mixed feelings on multiculturalism in the Netherlands
20 November 2014, by Zoe Neilson

According to a recent poll, a slight majority of Dutch people think there are too many people of foreign origin living in the Netherlands.

More:Poll reveals mixed feelings on multiculturalism in the Netherlands