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Thursday, May 31, 2018

Turkey’s opposition scents success against Erdogan - Wind in their sails

Wind in their sails Turkey’s opposition scents success against Erdogan

Tukrey’s authoritarian president may be in a spot of bother

More:Turkey’s opposition scents success against Erdogan - Wind in their sails

Turkey's opposition unites to fend off election fraud

Turkey's opposition unites to fend off election fraud
Amberin Zaman (Turkey Pulse) May 31, 2018

Article Summary
A wide array of Turkish opposition groups has announced the formation of an alliance to ensure the hotly contested upcoming elections are run fairly.

More:Turkey's opposition unites to fend off election fraud

The Turkish 'she-wolf' on Erdogan's trail - The National

The Turkish 'she-wolf' on Erdogan's trail

Meral Aksener's platform as presidential candidate is to counter much of what her incumbent rival has done

More:The Turkish 'she-wolf' on Erdogan's trail - The National

Some Turkish books censored after D&R sale to pro-gov’t Turkuaz Group - Stockholm Center for Freedom

Some Turkish books censored after D&R sale to pro-gov’t Turkuaz Group
By
SCF -
May 31, 2018

Some books have been removed from the shelves of Turkey’s largest bookstore chain, D&R, after it was sold last month to the pro-government Turkuvaz Media Group, according to the head of a publishing association in Turkey.

More:Some Turkish books censored after D&R sale to pro-gov’t Turkuaz Group - Stockholm Center for Freedom

Turkey's Erdogan Ramps Up Nationalist Rhetoric

Turkey's Erdogan Ramps Up Nationalist Rhetoric
May 31, 2018 11:20 AM

Jamie Dettmer

Conspiracy theories have long been a feature of cultural and political life in Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been adept, say his political foes, in using them to stoke a long-held fear by Turks of the malevolence of foreign powers determined to "demolish" the country.

More:Turkey's Erdogan Ramps Up Nationalist Rhetoric

Turkish Envoy to Washington Returning to U.S. Amid Jerusalem Row: Turkish Official | World News | US News

Turkish Envoy to Washington Returning to U.S. Amid Jerusalem Row: Turkish Official

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's ambassador to Washington is returning to the United States after being recalled for consultations two weeks ago over a U.S. decision to move its Israeli Embassy to contested Jerusalem, an official in the Turkish foreign ministry said on Thursday.

More:Turkish Envoy to Washington Returning to U.S. Amid Jerusalem Row: Turkish Official | World News | US News

Can Turkey’s Economic Turmoil Derail Erdogan’s Reelection? - WSJ

Can Turkey’s Economic Turmoil Derail Erdogan’s Reelection?
Currency’s slide tests popular support for leader who gained votes by delivering prosperity
By Yaroslav Trofimov
May 31, 2018 5:30 a.m. ET
ISTANBUL—In Turkey’s elections set for June 24, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is running against an unusually dangerous opponent.

Its name: the U.S. dollar.

More:Can Turkey’s Economic Turmoil Derail Erdogan’s Reelection? - WSJ

OECD launches Istanbul centre | CPI Financial | CPI Financial News | Banking and Financial News,Islamic Business and Finance, Commercial Banking

OECD launches Istanbul centre

This is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) fifth international centre after Washington, Berlin, Tokyo and Mexico City

More:OECD launches Istanbul centre | CPI Financial | CPI Financial News | Banking and Financial News,Islamic Business and Finance, Commercial Banking

Lifting emergency laws could unfreeze Turkey's EU bid

Lifting emergency laws could unfreeze Turkey's EU bid

Turkey is set for snap elections on 24 June (Photo: David Stanley)

By Nikolaj Nielsen
Istanbul, Today, 08:19

The European Union may consider unfreezing accession talks with Turkey should the country lift its state of emergency decrees.

Christian Berger, the EU's ambassador to Turkey, said removing the state of emergency would be seen as a "very symbolic" gesture.

More:Lifting emergency laws could unfreeze Turkey's EU bid

Opposition candidate inching closer to Erdoğan in social media popularity | Ahval

Opposition candidate inching closer to Erdoğan in social media popularity

Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) presidential candidate Muharrem İnce has seen a 74 percent increase in social media popularity over the past week, bringing him close to his opponent, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, ahead of next month’s presidential and parliamentary elections, secular Cumhuriyet daily reported.

More:Opposition candidate inching closer to Erdoğan in social media popularity | Ahval

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

U.S. says in talks with Turkey on YPG withdrawal from Syria's Manbij | Reuters

U.S. says in talks with Turkey on YPG withdrawal from Syria's Manbij
Tuvan Gumrukcu, Ece Toksabay

ANKARA (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department on Wednesday denied media reports that a deal had been reached between the United States and Turkey on a three-step plan for withdrawing the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia from Syria’s Manbij.

More:U.S. says in talks with Turkey on YPG withdrawal from Syria's Manbij | Reuters

Erdogan’s Quest For Absolute, Unquestioned Power

Erdogan’s Quest For Absolute, Unquestioned Power

Presidential elections in Turkey

A quest for absolute, unquestioned power; a sense that the Turkish offensive against the Kurdish YPG in Syria would have refurbished his nationalist credentials; and concern that disaffection could increase with Turkey’s slowing economy, possibly prompted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to suddenly call for early general elections on June 24-more than one year ahead of schedule. Explaining his own rationale for calling early elections President Erdogan said economic challenges and the war in Syria meant Turkey must switch quickly to the powerful executive presidency that would go into effect after the vote.

More:Erdogan’s Quest For Absolute, Unquestioned Power

Turkish lira firms, shrugging off Moody's after economy officials meet investors - Nasdaq.com

Turkish lira firms, shrugging off Moody's after economy officials meet investors
May 30, 2018, 04:21:00 AM EDT By Reuters

Reuters

By Ezgi Erkoyun

ISTANBUL, May 30 (Reuters) - Turkey's lira hit its firmest level in nearly two weeks on Wednesday, a day after top economic officials met with investors in London in an attempt to soothe concerns about the direction of monetary policy under President Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Turkish lira firms, shrugging off Moody's after economy officials meet investors - Nasdaq.com

Erdogan’s ‘crazy’ Istanbul canal plan is dividing opinion

Erdogan’s ‘crazy’ Istanbul canal plan is dividing opinion
Turkey’s government plans ship route to rival the Suez and take strain off the Bosphorus
© Furkan Temir for the FT

Ayla Jean Yackley 7 HOURS AGO Print this page0
Turkish farmer Turgay Yoldas’s water buffalo may become an even rarer sight in the hills west of Istanbul, thanks to a vast and costly infrastructure project that even the country’s president admits is a “crazy” idea.

More:Erdogan’s ‘crazy’ Istanbul canal plan is dividing opinion

Does Turkey’s opposition have a chance at beating Erdoğan’s AKP in June?

Does Turkey’s opposition have a chance at beating Erdoğan’s AKP in June?
Kemal Kirişci and Kutay Onayli
Tuesday, May 29, 2018

After 15 years in government—particularly since a failed coup attempt in July 2016 crowned him with extraordinary executive authority—Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has never been more powerful.

More:Does Turkey’s opposition have a chance at beating Erdoğan’s AKP in June?

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Turkish opposition calls for TVs to be turned off to avoid propaganda

Turkish opposition calls for TVs to be turned off to avoid propaganda

Turks will head to the polls to choose their next president on June 24. Members of the opposition claim that the main media outlets, both public and private, are favouring the current government and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is campaigning for re-election. In parallel, Turkish organisations and small parties are campaigning for something else – for Turks to openly debate the news.

More:Turkish opposition calls for TVs to be turned off to avoid propaganda

Turkish military purges decimate career officer, pilot ranks

Turkish military purges decimate career officer, pilot ranks

Metin Gurcan May 29, 2018

Article Summary The impending dismissal of another 3,000 Turkish soldiers suspected of disloyalty is raising concerns about military readiness.

More:Turkish military purges decimate career officer, pilot ranks

Erdoğan’s alliance running second place in June Turkey elections - Akşener | Ahval

Erdoğan’s alliance running second place in June Turkey elections - Akşener

Meral Akşener, the leader of the Turkish nationalist opposition Good Party, said her party’s internal polling suggested President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan would not win in the first round of voting in June 24 presidential elections and his party and its far-right allies were polling lower than the opposition parties in parliamentary elections the same day, independent news site T24 said .

More:Erdoğan’s alliance running second place in June Turkey elections - Akşener | Ahval

US could stop Turkey, not yet a Moscow ally, from caving to Russia | TheHill

US could stop Turkey, not yet a Moscow ally, from caving to Russia
By Soner Cagaptay, opinion contributor

Turkey’s recent decision to purchase S-400 missile defense system from Russia has sparked a debate in Washington that Ankara has switched sides by becoming a Russian ally. In reality, feeling isolated against a resurgent Russia, Turkey is caving under its historic nemesis. Washington needs to devise astute policies to prevent Ankara’s slide under Russian President Vladimir Putin’s fold.

More:US could stop Turkey, not yet a Moscow ally, from caving to Russia | TheHill

Angela Merkel leads memorial of Solingen racist attack victims | News | DW | 29.05.2018

Angela Merkel leads memorial of Solingen racist attack victims

German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with political leaders, including Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, on the 25th anniversary of a neo-Nazi arson attack that killed five members of a Turkish-German family.

More:Angela Merkel leads memorial of Solingen racist attack victims | News | DW | 29.05.2018

Turkey’s agricultural decline rings alarm bells

Turkey’s agricultural decline rings alarm bells

Mehmet Cetingulec May 28, 2018

ARTICLE SUMMARY
The Turkish government is under fire for mismanaging the agricultural sector, whose decline has sent food prices soaring and forced the importation of basic items such as wheat, beans, meat and even straw.
REUTERS/Murad SezerVillagers drive a tractor carrying olive tree branches near the border city of Kilis, Turkey, April 21, 2012.

White bean stew is as popular as kebab dishes in Turkey and is often seen as the national dish of the commoner. But as one Twitter user notes, the national dish has come to rely on imported ingredients. According to the Twitter account, the recipe now includes “two cups of white beans imported from Kyrgyzstan, 300 grams of red meat imported from France, Bosnia or Brazil, two onions imported from Iran, a green pepper imported from Turkish Cyprus, a tablespoon of tomato paste imported from Ukraine, salt and water. Serve with pilaf made of rice from Russia,” the writer said, while others chime in with reminders to “not forget to saute the onion with olive oil imported from Tunisia” and serve the dish with “German Kuhne pickles.”

More:Turkey’s agricultural decline rings alarm bells

Suspicions on Erdoğan’s university degree continues during election campaigns | Ahval

Suspicions on Erdoğan’s university degree continues during election campaigns

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) presidential candidate Muharrem İnce on Monday visited the university he graduated from and distributed the photocopies of his diploma in western province Balıkesir, left-wing Birgün newspaper reported .

More:Suspicions on Erdoğan’s university degree continues during election campaigns | Ahval

Speculators Won't Break The Turkish Economy, For Now

Speculators Won't Break The Turkish Economy, For Now

Panos Mourdoukoutas , Contributor

The Argentine peso and the Turkish lira have been selling off in recent weeks, following a rise in US interest rates, and a stronger dollar which has been unwinding the “dollar carry trade.

More:Speculators Won't Break The Turkish Economy, For Now

Monday, May 28, 2018

Turkish lira firms towards 4.6 against dollar after cenbank policy simplification - Nasdaq.com

Turkish lira firms towards 4.6 against dollar after cenbank policy simplification

May 28, 2018, 04:49:00 AM EDT By Reuters

Reuters ISTANBUL, May 28 (Reuters) - Turkey's lira firmed as far as 4.6078 against the U.S. dollar on Monday, after the central bank said it decided to complete the monetary policy simplication process and set the one week repo rate as the policy rate.

More:Turkish lira firms towards 4.6 against dollar after cenbank policy simplification - Nasdaq.com

Turkey's snap election: The calculus of alliances - Qantara.de

The calculus of alliances

The upcoming ballot in Turkey on 24 June will be a race between the People's Alliance, formed to keep Erdogan president, versus the Nation Alliance, which aims to beat him or at least win a parliamentary majority. The result, however, depends on a third party, the pro-Kurdish HDP. Ayse Karabat reports from Ankara

More:Turkey's snap election: The calculus of alliances - Qantara.de

Feature: Young Turks serious in politics ahead of elections - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Feature: Young Turks serious in politics ahead of elections
Source: Xinhua 2018-05-27 21:47:19

ANKARA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- In a crowded cafe of Kizilay, downtown Ankara, young Turkish people were discussing their daily routine as a campaigner distributes leaflets of a political party which will run in the upcoming general elections.

More:Feature: Young Turks serious in politics ahead of elections - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Erdogan Economy Isn't Tanking Like Lira as Turkey Heads to Polls - Bloomberg

Erdogan Economy Isn't Tanking Like Lira as Turkey Heads to Polls
By Selcan Hacaoglu
and Onur Ant
May 27, 2018, 11:00 PM GMT+2

In Mersin, a key battleground, there’s pain but no crisis
Small shift could threaten president if vote goes to 2nd round

The economic numbers say Turkey is booming. The financial markets seem to think it’s on the verge of a crash.

More:Erdogan Economy Isn't Tanking Like Lira as Turkey Heads to Polls - Bloomberg

Turkish Lira - Crisis Or Opportunity? | Seeking Alpha

Turkish Lira - Crisis Or Opportunity? May 27, 2018 4:32 PM ET | Includes: TRYS Tarek El Sherbini

In the past few weeks, the Turkish Lira has been in the news frequently for its high volatility versus the USD. The Lira lost about 20% of its value to the USD from the beginning of this year, falling from 3.8 to the USD to 4.7 last Friday. Some commentators have been writing about all forms of doomsday scenarios; recession, capital controls, no more investors, etc. Some commentators were even comparing the Lira’s demise with that of the Argentine Peso.

More:Turkish Lira - Crisis Or Opportunity? | Seeking Alpha

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Erdogan asks Turks to prop up lira amid currency volatility | News | Al Jazeera

Erdogan asks Turks to prop up lira amid currency volatility

The Turkish currency has lost about 20 percent of its value since the beginning of the year.

More:Erdogan asks Turks to prop up lira amid currency volatility | News | Al Jazeera

Turkey’s Kurds may decide Erdogan’s electoral fate | AW

Turkey’s Kurds may decide Erdogan’s electoral fate

To boost its support among non-Kurdish, urban Erdogan critics, the HDP is fielding high-profile candidates.

More:Turkey’s Kurds may decide Erdogan’s electoral fate | AW

Can Turkey Regain Market Credibility? – Bloomberg

Can Turkey Regain Market Credibility?
Bloomberg Real Yield
May 26th, 2018, 12:50 AM GMT+0200

The lira has been one of the currencies hardest hit by an emerging-market sell-off this year amid concern the nation’s interest rates are too low given a current-account deficit and double-digit inflation. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who launched a re-election campaign on Thursday that may provide the toughest electoral test of his 15 years in power, favors lower interest rates to boost the economy. Henry Peabody, portfolio manager at Eaton Vance, and Matt Brill, head of U.S. investment grade for Invesco Fixed Income, join Bloomberg's Jonathan Ferro and Lisa Abramowicz to discuss the market and political pressures on Turkey, and other emerging markets.

More:Can Turkey Regain Market Credibility? – Bloomberg

Turkey’s opposition candidates are being reminded who owns the playing field | Ahval

Turkey’s opposition candidates are being reminded who owns the playing field

With the hints of a currency crisis looming and polls suggesting the possibility of a transfer of power after 16 years of Justice and Development Party (AKP) government, measures are increasingly being put in place to intimidate serious opposition presidential candidates and limit their freedom of action.

More:Turkey’s opposition candidates are being reminded who owns the playing field | Ahval

Turkish banker files appeals notice against US conviction

Turkish banker files appeals notice against US conviction
[AFP]
AFP•May 25, 2018

New York (AFP) - A Turkish banker sentenced to 32 months in prison for plotting to help Iran evade US sanctions on billions of dollars of oil proceeds took steps Friday to appeal his conviction in New York.

More:Turkish banker files appeals notice against US conviction

Friday, May 25, 2018

Erdogan Is Failing Economics 101 – Foreign Policy

Erdogan Is Failing Economics 101

Turkey's president has made a huge bet that he's right and all of the world's economic experts are wrong.

More:Erdogan Is Failing Economics 101 – Foreign Policy

Turkish economy faces crisis ahead of election | Euronews

Turkish economy faces crisis ahead of election

By Mark Armstrong last updated: 25/05/2018

As Turkey heads towards an election in June it is facing a collapse in its currency that threatens to precipitate an economic crisis. Since the start of the year, the Turkish lira has plunged about 20 percent against the U.S. dollar, although it rallied slightly this week after an interest rate hike by the Turkish central bank.

More:Turkish economy faces crisis ahead of election | Euronews

The unorthodox theory behind Erdogan's monetary policy

The unorthodox theory behind Erdogan's monetary policy

Marc Edward Hoffman May 25, 2018

Article Summary Economists and investors are not buying the controversial economic theory invoked by Turkey’s president to justify low interest rates in the face of high inflation and the lira's collapse. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

More:The unorthodox theory behind Erdogan's monetary policy

Turkish central bank allows some debt repayments at fixed lira rate - MarketWatch

Turkish central bank allows some debt repayments at fixed lira rate

Published: May 25, 2018

Turkey’s central bank stepped in to mitigate the fallout from the steep depreciation of its currency on Friday, marking its second such move this week.

More:Turkish central bank allows some debt repayments at fixed lira rate - MarketWatch

Presenting the plans for Istanbul′s new and hotly disputed cultural center | All media content | DW | 25.05.2018

Presenting the plans for Istanbul's new and hotly disputed cultural center

After being left to decay for 10 years, a revamped version of Istanbul's Cultural Center is to reopen in 2020. Many opposed the demolition of the building symbolizing Atatürk's modernist vision of Turkey.

More:Presenting the plans for Istanbul′s new and hotly disputed cultural center | All media content | DW | 25.05.2018

bne IntelliNews - BEYOND THE BOSPHORUS: Can Turkey really afford its pre-election spend-fest?

BEYOND THE BOSPHORUS: Can Turkey really afford its pre-election spend-fest?

By Suna Erdem in London May 25, 2018

It looks like a good time to be a pensioner in Turkey right now. The country’s retirees are gearing up for the first of two 1,000-lira ($200) bonus payments promised by the government. The second is scheduled to arrive after the snap presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24, perhaps as a reward for being good voters and once again choosing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Turkey’s top job and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) for government.

More:bne IntelliNews - BEYOND THE BOSPHORUS: Can Turkey really afford its pre-election spend-fest?

Turkey tried to save its currency. It worked — for a day. - The Washington Post

Turkey tried to save its currency. It worked — for a day.
By Matt O'Brien
May 25 at 10:54 AM

Markets 1, Autocrats 0.

That, at least, is the score after Turkey's central bank was forced, over the vociferous objections of the country's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to finally accede to economic reality and aggressively increase interest rates from 13.5 to 16.5 percent in what was only a temporarily successful attempt to prop up the nation's currency. Indeed, after a brief rally Wednesday, the lira was down an additional 2.3 percent Thursday to bring it 19 percent lower than it was at the start of March. Which is to say that investors aren't finished fighting with Erdogan over how high interest rates need to go.

More:Turkey tried to save its currency. It worked — for a day. - The Washington Post

CHP presidential candidate İnce vows new constitution, new democracy | CHP EU Representation – Brussels

CHP presidential candidate İnce vows new constitution, new democracy

Posted on May 25, 2018 by CHP EU Representation

Muharrem İnce, the presidential nominee of Turkey’s main opposition CHP, has vowed a new constitution reinstalling a strong parliamentary system guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law if elected in the June 24 snap election.

More:CHP presidential candidate İnce vows new constitution, new democracy | CHP EU Representation – Brussels

Opinion | Turmoil for Turkey’s Trump - The New York Times

Turmoil for Turkey’s Trump

An anti-establishment leader takes power after a contentious election. His administration quickly proves itself remarkably corrupt; but he subverts the legal system and is able not only to suppress investigations into his corruption — his supporters denounce it all as a “witch hunt” — but also to consolidate his rule and undermine institutions (the “deep state”) that might have limited his power.

More:Opinion | Turmoil for Turkey’s Trump - The New York Times

Opposition presidential hopeful Muharrem İnce vows to halt division of universities

Opposition presidential hopeful Muharrem İnce vows to halt division of universities
ISTANBUL

Muharrem Ince, centre, presidential candidate of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party, shines shoes as he sits with a street vendor during a visit.

Muharrem İnce, the presidential candidate from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has vowed to halt a recent government move to split up 13 major Turkish universities.

More:Opposition presidential hopeful Muharrem İnce vows to halt division of universities

Turkish national, three Turkish companies sanctioned for "supporting terrorists" | Ahval

Turkish national, three Turkish companies sanctioned for "supporting terrorists"

The U.S. government has published a list of companies and individuals newly classified as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" for supporting U.S.-sanctioned Iranian companies with links to terrorist-designated organisations.

More:Turkish national, three Turkish companies sanctioned for "supporting terrorists" | Ahval

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Why Turkey’s Erdoğan might actually lose the June 24 snap elections | openDemocracy

Why Turkey’s Erdoğan might actually lose the June 24 snap elections

Edgar Şar 24 May 2018

The rise of authoritarianism in Turkey has gone hand in hand with a de-institutionalization, in favour of what many call the “one man regime”. How long can that last?

More:Why Turkey’s Erdoğan might actually lose the June 24 snap elections | openDemocracy

Turkey's 'Lord of the Herbs' prescribes civil war

Turkey's 'Lord of the Herbs' prescribes civil war
Amberin Zaman (Turkey Pulse) May 24, 2018

Article Summary
In a TV interview, a Turkish writer vowed to support President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling party should they lose in the upcoming elections by promising to dig up a buried weapons stash and "take to the streets."

More:Turkey's 'Lord of the Herbs' prescribes civil war

A Turkish Nightmare - Sigma Insight Turkey

A Turkish Nightmare

Robert Ellis | May 24, 2018 | Insights | 0
A Turkish Nightmare

Turkish President Erdogan’s recent visit to London was not an unqualified success.

Turkey’s economy is on the ropes and President Erdogan delivered another blow to the solar plexus. In an interview with Bloomberg TV he declared he would take greater control of monetary policy after the June elections. The markets reacted with shock and the lira slumped to a new record low. At a meeting with investors Erdogan told of special schemes for foreign investors and assured them there was no discrimination between foreign and Turkish investors. But this is patently untrue.

More:A Turkish Nightmare - Sigma Insight Turkey

Turkey’s Currency Meltdown - WSJ

Turkey’s Currency Meltdown
Investors flee the lira amid Erdogan’s political central banking.
By The Editorial Board
May 23, 2018 6:21 p.m. ET

Investing in emerging markets is like watching the tides without the moon as a guide. Capital flows in and out in surges, and woe to the country that gets caught with bad policies when the tide suddenly goes out. Argentina has been getting that re-education of late, and now Turkey is watching capital flee for safer climes.

More:Turkey’s Currency Meltdown - WSJ

Erdogan’s push for power creates new chaos - The Washington Post

Erdogan’s push for power creates new chaos
by Ishaan Tharoor May 24 at

Given the Trump administration's recent dramatic moves in the Middle East — its rejection of the Iran nuclear deal and its embrace of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-line worldview — it may be easy to overlook what's happening nearby in Turkey.

More:Erdogan’s push for power creates new chaos - The Washington Post

Erdogan’s Flying Carpet – Foreign Policy

Erdogan’s Flying Carpet

Istanbul’s massive new airport fits with Turkey’s grand neo-Ottoman ambitions, but it may be too big for its own good.

More:Erdogan’s Flying Carpet – Foreign Policy

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Erdogan says Turkey will take 'different measures' against inflation after election | Reuters

Erdogan says Turkey will take 'different measures' against inflation after election

Reuters Staff

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday Turkey would take “different measures” to tackle double-digit inflation and a current account deficit after next month’s elections.

More:Erdogan says Turkey will take 'different measures' against inflation after election | Reuters

Turkish Lira Recovers After Rise in Key Interest Rate - WSJ

Turkish Lira Recovers After Rise in Key Interest Rate

The central bank will still need to do more to reassure markets, some investors say

By Mike Bird and Olga Cotaga
Updated May 23, 2018 3:20 p.m. ET

The Turkish lira, among the most vulnerable emerging-market currencies in the face of a rising U.S. dollar, plunged before recovering on Wednesday after the central bank answered concerns over spiraling inflation and its own independence from government with a rate increase.

More:Turkish Lira Recovers After Rise in Key Interest Rate - WSJ

Turkey’s Global Ports to operate and invest Havana’s cruise port

Turkey’s Global Ports to operate and invest Havana’s cruise port

Turkey’s Global Ports Holding (GPH) has signed a 15-year management agreement with the Cuban company Aries S.A. for the operation of the cruise port in Havana, Cuba.

More:Turkey’s Global Ports to operate and invest Havana’s cruise port

Tumbling lira casts shadow over Erdogan's June election | Reuters

Tumbling lira casts shadow over Erdogan's June election

Reuters Staff

By Ali Kucukgocmen and David Dolan

ISTANBUL, May 23 (Reuters) - Running a market stall in Istanbul’s working class Fatih district, Ozgur Kamis struggles to make a living as the cost of his stock rises day by day - and he reckons it will only get worse after elections in June.

More:Tumbling lira casts shadow over Erdogan's June election | Reuters

'Fair' elections impossible in Turkey, warns Reporters Without Borders | Middle East Eye

'Fair' elections impossible in Turkey, warns Reporters Without Borders
#TurkeyPolitics

RSF's Erol Onderoglu says 24 June polls cannot be free due to the 'liquidation' of the media

The "liquidation" of the media in Turkey means it is impossible for "free and fair" elections to be carried out on 24 June, a leading media activist warned on Wednesday.

Erol Onderoglu, head of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in Turkey, said that a combination of pro-government buyouts of media outlets, the mass arrest of journalists and the cowing of remaining independent media means that there could be no hope of an honest choice in the upcoming parliamentary and presidential votes.

More:'Fair' elections impossible in Turkey, warns Reporters Without Borders | Middle East Eye

Turkish lira freefall amid concern of Erdogan's central bank influence - Business Insider

The Turkish lira is in 'complete freefall' amid concerns of Erdogan's influence on its central bank

Gina Heeb

Turkish President Erdogan greets his supporters during a ceremony in Istanbul Thomson Reuters The Turkish lira fell to record lows against the greenback overnight Tuesday. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is running for reelection, is a self-proclaimed "enemy" of interest rates. Follow the lira in real time here. The Turkish lira plummeted to a record low versus the US dollar Tuesday as investors pull cash out of the country ahead of a presidential election next month.

More:Turkish lira freefall amid concern of Erdogan's central bank influence - Business Insider

Turkey's lavish presidential palace gets special operations command amid economic collapse - Stockholm Center for Freedom

Turkey’s lavish presidential palace gets special operations command amid economic collapse

By SCF - May 23, 2018

The Turkish National Police has reportedly formed a Special Operations Command to serve the lavish Presidential Palace in the capital Ankara amid the strengthened signs of an economic collapse in Turkey.

More:Turkey's lavish presidential palace gets special operations command amid economic collapse - Stockholm Center for Freedom

Almere-Digest: TURKEY - Erdogan Driving Turkey Over The Cliff: Why Investors Have Become Skittish About Turkey

TURKEY - Erdogan Driving Turkey Over The Cliff: Why Investors Have Become Skittish About Turkey

For the better part of 16 years, Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a "self-styled economic reformer", and the world’s great hope for Muslim democracy, had a compelling story—and for most of that time, everyone bought it. Everyone, that is, except Turkey’s old guard—the secular establishment, the billionaires, generals, and educated elites who stood to lose their monopoly on power, wealth, and influence.

More:Almere-Digest: TURKEY - Erdogan Driving Turkey Over The Cliff: Why Investors Have Become Skittish About Turkey

Turkey: In need of a friend | Article | ING Think

Turkey: In need of a friend

Author Chris Turner

The Turkish lira sold off another 3% in early Asia. International investors are looking for a response from policymakers to break the cycle of surging inflation and a weaker currency. So far, there's been no response

More:Turkey: In need of a friend | Article | ING Think

Turkey’s biggest problems economy, unemployment - survey | Ahval

Turkey’s biggest problems economy, unemployment - survey

A nation-wide survey conducted by MAK Consulting company unveiled that the plunging lira and unemployment are the greatest problems facing Turkey as the nation heads to the polls next month for snap presidential and parliamentary elections, secular newspaper Cumhuriyet reported.

More:Turkey’s biggest problems economy, unemployment - survey | Ahval

Lira Plunges as Japanese Investor Exodus Adds to Turkey's Woes - Bloomberg

Lira Plunges as Japanese Investor Exodus Adds to Turkey's Woes
By Masaki Kondo
and Daisuke Sakai
May 23, 2018, 3:27 AM GMT+2 Updated on May 23, 2018, 7:03 AM GMT+2

Lira slid as much as 3.2% vs dollar early Wednesday in Asia
Japanese margin investors cut losses on lira slump: Gaitame

Add skittish Japanese investors to the list of woes for Turkish assets, as what was once a favored emerging market becomes more like a no-go zone.

More:Lira Plunges as Japanese Investor Exodus Adds to Turkey's Woes - Bloomberg

Neo-Ottomanism: a myth or reality? - Daily Times

Neo-Ottomanism: a myth or reality?

Know what you are going to experience; prepare well; imagination alone could be precarious

M Saad ur-Rehman

May 23, 2018

In the treaty of Lausanne (1923), signed in Palais de Rumine, Turkey gave up the remainder of the territory held by the Ottoman Empire. In return, the allied powers recognised the new republic of Turkey and eventually one of the greatest empires in the history of mankind came to an end. Mustafa Kemal, the founder of the modern Turkey, introduced rigorous reforms in all sectors of the country and laid down the foundation of the secular, modern, and progressive nation-state. Though the reforms were widely welcomed and considered a necessity, it does not eliminate the love and affection of Turkish people towards the days of the great Ottoman Empire.

More:Neo-Ottomanism: a myth or reality? - Daily Times

Muharrem İnce ready to repair “wreckage” after election | Ahval

Muharrem İnce ready to repair “wreckage” after election

Main opposition presidential candidate Muharrem İnce fully expects to win the Jun. 24 election and has one eye on the “wreckage” his rival, the incumbent president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will leave in his wake, İnce said during a speech in Bolu, northwest Turkey on Tuesday.

More:Muharrem İnce ready to repair “wreckage” after election | Ahval

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Fitch warns Turkey credit profile at risk after June elections

Fitch warns Turkey credit profile at risk after June elections

Fitch warned on Tuesday that Turkey’s sovereign credit profile could come under pressure if central bank independence is curtailed after a snap election in June that is expected to consolidate power in the hands of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Fitch warns Turkey credit profile at risk after June elections

Turkey’s pipedreams and NATO’s nightmares | The Strategist

Turkey’s pipedreams and NATO’s nightmares

22 May 2018|Amelia Meurant-Tompkinson

Turkey’s relationship with NATO is at a nadir. Following its recent incursion into Syria’s Afrin district against NATO-backed Kurdish forces, Ankara now finds itself at loggerheads with the United States and other NATO allies.

More:Turkey’s pipedreams and NATO’s nightmares | The Strategist

Monday, May 21, 2018

CHP's Ince promises return to parliamentary system on election manifesto - Daily Sabah

CHP's Ince promises return to parliamentary system on election manifesto

The Republican People's Party's (CHP) presidential candidate, Muharrem Ince, vowed on Saturday to bring back the parliamentary system in his election manifesto if he wins.

More:CHP's Ince promises return to parliamentary system on election manifesto - Daily Sabah

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Turkey’s Erdogan seeks expatriate support for re-election - The Washington Post

Turkey’s Erdogan seeks expatriate support for re-election

by Amer Cohadzic and Zeynep Bilginsoy | AP May 20 at 12:14 PM

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina — Turkey’s president addressed thousands of expatriate Turks in Bosnia’s capital Sunday to shore up support before his country’s snap presidential and parliamentary elections next month.

More:Turkey’s Erdogan seeks expatriate support for re-election - The Washington Post

Turkey's President Erdogan holds an election rally in Sarajevo | Euronews

Turkey's President Erdogan holds an election rally in Sarajevo

By Mark Armstrong last updated: 20/05/2018

Turkey's President Erdogan is in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo to hold a rally ahead of next month's election in his country. He was greeted by the leader of Bosnia's SDA party, Bakir Izetbegovic, who is a member of the tripartite presidency.

More:Turkey's President Erdogan holds an election rally in Sarajevo | Euronews

Turkey's Erdogan to hold controversial election rally in Bosnia - The National

Turkey's Erdogan to hold controversial election rally in Bosnia

Sarajevo was chosen for the rally after several European Union countries, including Germany, banned such rallies

More:Turkey's Erdogan to hold controversial election rally in Bosnia - The National

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Turkish voters could pay a heavy price for Erdoganomics | Francis Ghiles | AW

Turkish voters could pay a heavy price for Erdoganomics

Erdogan harbours a deep antagonism towards high-interest rates, taking the unconventional view that they cause rather than curb inflation.

More:Turkish voters could pay a heavy price for Erdoganomics | Francis Ghiles | AW

Turkey and Israel: Barking, biting, but still doing business

Turkey and Israel: Barking, biting, but still doing business

Cengiz Candar May 18, 2018

Article Summary: The ties between Israel and Turkey are being strained and stretched, but they aren't likely to snap as long as both sides benefit from the relationship.

More:Turkey and Israel: Barking, biting, but still doing business

Friday, May 18, 2018

Disreputation of Turkish Diplomats

Disreputation of Turkish Diplomats

By Dr Ugur Tok

Being a Turkish diplomat and defending President Erdogan’s policies of the Turkish government in international platforms has been one of the toughest jobs in recent years. Unfortunately, Turkish diplomats have been desperately striving to persuade international community of Ankara’s pathetic excuses for Turkey’s day by day worsening profile. What Ambassador Faruk Kaymakci, Permanent Repr. of Turkey to the EU, tried in his latest interview was one of the examples of this smear campaign.

More:Disreputation of Turkish Diplomats

Tumbling Turkish lira tests voters’ support for Erdogan

Tumbling Turkish lira tests voters’ support for Erdogan

Growing cynicism is alarming for the president’s party, whose vote has been declining

More:Tumbling Turkish lira tests voters’ support for Erdogan

Turkish Hotelier Sees Opportunity in Lira Decline for Expansion - Bloomberg

Turkish Hotelier Sees Opportunity in Lira Decline for Expansion

By Taylan Bilgic May 18, 2018

The rollercoaster ride jolting investors in Turkey’s lira is giving at least one corner of the economy grounds for optimism.

More:Turkish Hotelier Sees Opportunity in Lira Decline for Expansion - Bloomberg

$6 billion price tag for 6,000 new-generation gas stations in Turkey

$6 billion price tag for 6,000 new-generation gas stations in Turkey

Turning 6,000 Turkish gas stations into fuel stations of the future is estimated to cost $6 billion.

More:$6 billion price tag for 6,000 new-generation gas stations in Turkey

President Erdogan's juggling act | Vocal Europe

President Erdogan’s juggling act

Robert Ellis 17/05/2018

At Tuesday’s press conference with Turkey’s President Erdogan, the best Theresa May could muster in the form of condemnation of Turkey’s human rights abuses was a pious reminder: “I have underlined to President Erdogan that we want to see democratic values and international human rights obligations upheld”. But May’s appeal fell on deaf ears.

More:President Erdogan's juggling act | Vocal Europe

Political freedom and Turkish expat voters in Europe - Daily Sabah

Political freedom and Turkish expat voters in Europe
KAAN ELBIR
@kaanelbir

Turkey's coming presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24 are not only a major topic for Turkey but also for Turkish citizens abroad, especially in Germany. Germany has the largest Turkish diaspora that constitutes a sizable amount of voters abroad – a total of 3 million Turkish citizens are eligible to vote abroad, 1.5 million of whom live in Germany.

More:Political freedom and Turkish expat voters in Europe - Daily Sabah

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Congress puts US military sales to Turkey in jeopardy

Congress puts US military sales to Turkey in jeopardy

Bryant Harris May 16, 2018

Article Summary Lawmakers in both chambers want to penalize the NATO ally for detaining an American pastor and signing arms deals with Russia.

More:Congress puts US military sales to Turkey in jeopardy

CHP presidential candidate Muharrem İnce vows to ensure Central Bank independence if elected

CHP presidential candidate Muharrem İnce vows to ensure Central Bank independence if elected
ANKARA

Muharrem İnce, the presidential candidate of the main opposition Republican People’s Party’s (CHP), has vowed to ensure the independence of the Central Bank if elected, amid currency turbulence and investor doubts about Turkey’s economic future.

More:CHP presidential candidate Muharrem İnce vows to ensure Central Bank independence if elected

How Turkey fell from investment darling to junk-rated emerging market - Buttonwood: Istanbuls and bears

How Turkey fell from investment darling to junk-rated emerging market

Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes high interest rates are the cause of inflation, not the remedy for it

More:How Turkey fell from investment darling to junk-rated emerging market - Buttonwood: Istanbuls and bears

Erdogan Woos Voters With Billions in Spending Before Election - Bloomberg

Erdogan Woos Voters With Billions in Spending Before Election
By Selcan Hacaoglu
May 17, 2018, 11:00 AM GMT+2

With just weeks left to elections, Turks are being showered with government largesse.

From a pair of $250 checks for 12 million retirees, to tax breaks, lower mortgage rates, debt forgiveness packages and more, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government is rolling out all the stops as he seeks to guarantee a win on June 24. The spending comes against a backdrop of economic strain that for the first time looks likely to threaten his support.

More:Erdogan Woos Voters With Billions in Spending Before Election - Bloomberg

Turkey′s low-interest time bomb | Business| Economy and finance news from a German perspective | DW | 17.05.2018

Turkey's low-interest time bomb

Turkish President Recep Erdogan takes potshots at financial markets, rating agencies and even his own central bank. Is it all just part of his election campaign theater — or is the economy really running out of steam?

More:Turkey′s low-interest time bomb | Business| Economy and finance news from a German perspective | DW | 17.05.2018

A merger between Turkey's AK Party and nationalist MHP on cards

A merger between Turkey's AK Party and nationalist MHP on cards

Murat Sofuoglu 7 hours ago

Avni Ozgurel, a prominent nationalist analyst, who has long been around Bahceli’s power circles, thinks AK Party-MHP alliance will turn into political unity after the elections.

More:A merger between Turkey's AK Party and nationalist MHP on cards

Erdogan Faces the #Tamam Campaign in Turkey

Has Turkey Had Enough of Erdogan? By Nathaniel Handy • May 16, 2018

The excitement over a viral Twitter campaign obscures deeper realities upon which Erdogan’s power rests in Turkey. In a speech on May 8, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, “If one day our nation says ‘enough,’ only then will we step aside.” It may have seemed innocuous, but in the world of social media and electoral spin, such passing phrases can quickly come back to haunt you. So it was for President Erdogan. The opposition jumped on this lone word to galvanize the most energetic campaign so far in the run-up to the snap general election called for June 24.

More:Erdogan Faces the #Tamam Campaign in Turkey

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Turkish Lira Reverses Losses as Central Bank Vows to Take Steps - Bloomberg

Turkish Lira Reverses Losses as Central Bank Vows to Take Steps
By Constantine Courcoulas
, Onur Ant
, and Tugce Ozsoy
May 16, 2018, 11:46 AM GMT+2 Updated on May 16, 2018, 1:57 PM GMT+2

The Turkish lira reversed a drop to a record low after the central bank said it was monitoring markets and would take necessary steps, a sign policy makers are getting closer to action to stem a rout.

More:Turkish Lira Reverses Losses as Central Bank Vows to Take Steps - Bloomberg

Calls mount for Turkey to release jailed Kurdish politician ahead of vote

Calls mount for Turkey to release jailed Kurdish politician ahead of vote

Ayla Jean Yackley May 16, 2018

Article Summary: Nationalist presidential candidate Meral Aksener has joined a growing chorus demanding the release of politician Selahattin Demirtas, who is staging a quixotic bid to become head of state from his prison cell.

More:Calls mount for Turkey to release jailed Kurdish politician ahead of vote

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Turkey's lira hammered after Erdogan says wants greater economic control | Reuters

Turkey's lira hammered after Erdogan says wants greater economic control
Daren Butler, Nevzat Devranoglu

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Investors hammered Turkey’s lira on Tuesday, sending it to a record low after President Tayyip Erdogan said he plans to take greater control of the economy after next month’s election, deepening concerns about his influence on monetary policy.

More:Turkey's lira hammered after Erdogan says wants greater economic control | Reuters

Erdogan Wants to Be Turkey's Lone Strongman. What If He Gets What He Wants? - FPIF

Erdogan Wants to Be Turkey’s Lone Strongman. What If He Gets What He Wants?

The Turkish president may get his win next month, but when trouble comes, he'll own it.

More:Erdogan Wants to Be Turkey's Lone Strongman. What If He Gets What He Wants? - FPIF

Turkish Currency Woes Put Erdogan in Tight Spot in Re-Election Bid

Turkish Currency Woes Put Erdogan in Tight Spot in Re-Election Bid
May 14, 2018 5:00 PM

Dorian Jones

ISTANBUL —

The Turkish lira is increasingly under siege amid mounting international investors’ concerns. The publication Monday of unexpectedly poor economic data saw the lira approach record lows. The increasing financial turbulence comes as opposition parties begin to narrow the gap ahead of the June 24 presidential and general elections and voter concerns over the economy grow.

More:Turkish Currency Woes Put Erdogan in Tight Spot in Re-Election Bid

100,000 web pages banned in Turkey

100,000 web pages banned in Turkey

A worrying number of websites and pages, including a number of Hürriyet news items, are banned by the authorities in Turkey. What’s more, most of these bans were applied without proper investigations being conducted and without any testimonies being taken.

More:100,000 web pages banned in Turkey

Turkey stands to suffer under new US sanctions on Iran

Turkey stands to suffer under new US sanctions on Iran

Fehim Tastekin May 11, 2018

Article Summary: Turkey might have a tough time dealing with pending US penalties against Ankara's trading partner Iran.
More:
Turkey stands to suffer under new US sanctions on Iran

Monday, May 14, 2018

Turkey: Over 59 million people to vote in early poll

Turkey: Over 59 million people to vote in early poll

3 million people abroad to vote in June 24 presidential and parliamentary election, says election body head

More:Turkey: Over 59 million people to vote in early poll

Meral Aksener launches Turkish presidential election campaign | News | Al Jazeera

Meral Aksener launches Turkish presidential election campaign

Iyi Party leader says she is seeking to fill what she says is 'the administrative vacuum in Turkey'.

More:Meral Aksener launches Turkish presidential election campaign | News | Al Jazeera

Turkey's president blames US for returning world to 'dark days' | World news | The Guardian

Turkey's president blames US for returning world to 'dark days'

US has chosen to be part of problem not solution, says Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in London speech

More:Turkey's president blames US for returning world to 'dark days' | World news | The Guardian

Turkey’s opposition

Turkey’s opposition

The good news is that Turkey’s opposition is recovering from its long-time inertia. That is not to say this will lead to an election victory on June 24, which may not happen for many reasons. But it is at least a good thing. Thanks to the resistance of nationalist İYİ (Good) Party leader Meral Aksener, the opposition could not come together on the joint candidacy of ex-President Abdullah Gül, which would have been a total surrender to the ruling ideology. As a result, the parties who have formed an election alliance are now running with their own candidates.

More:Turkey’s opposition

Erdogan's 'crazy' canal alarms villagers and environmentalists | Reuters

Erdogan's 'crazy' canal alarms villagers and environmentalists
Ali Kucukgocmen

SAZLIBOSNA, Turkey (Reuters) - When residents of Sazlibosna, a village near Istanbul, tried to attend a public meeting about the Turkish government’s plan to dig a 400 metre-wide canal through their farmlands, they were stopped by police.

More:Erdogan's 'crazy' canal alarms villagers and environmentalists | Reuters

Sunday, May 13, 2018

What common ground will Theresa May find with President Erdogan? | Coffee House

What common ground will Theresa May find with President Erdogan?
Robert Ellis

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Brussels Robert Ellis 13 May 2018 12:06 PM

When Turkey’s President Erdogan visits Theresa May in Downing Street on Tuesday, he will no doubt be on his best behaviour and control his baser instincts. Otherwise, as he will be met by a Free Turkey Media demonstration organised by English PEN, he could do as he has done earlier – as in Washington and Ecuador – and call on his bodyguards to beat up demonstrators.

More:What common ground will Theresa May find with President Erdogan? | Coffee House

Weeks before Turkish elections, why is Erdogan hinting at defeat? | Thomas Seibert | AW

Weeks before Turkish elections, why is Erdogan hinting at defeat?

Even a new foray into Syria may not be enough for Erdogan and the AKP in the face of stubbornly high unemployment and a lack of enthusiasm among their own base.

More:Weeks before Turkish elections, why is Erdogan hinting at defeat? | Thomas Seibert | AW

Turkey will supply gas to Europe bypassing Russia | The Siver Times.com

Turkey will supply gas to Europe bypassing Russia
magictr | May 12, 2018 | News | No Comments

The power of the new channel allows us to deliver 16 billion cubic meters of gas per year.

Turkey will supply gas to Europe via the TRANS-Anatolian (TANAP) gas pipeline bypassing the Russian border.

More:Turkey will supply gas to Europe bypassing Russia | The Siver Times.com

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Britain’s relationship with Turkey in charts

Britain’s relationship with Turkey in charts

As Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives in London, trade is top of the agenda

More:Britain’s relationship with Turkey in charts

Turkish Markets Brace for Banker’s Sentencing in NY

Turkish Markets Brace for Banker’s Sentencing in NY
May 11, 2018 ADAM KLASFELD

MANHATTAN (CN) – As Hakan Atilla learns what sentence he must serve for helping Iran launder billions of dollars, Istanbul’s fragile markets will watch closely Wednesday for cues about the fate of the Turkish banker’s former employer.

More:Turkish Markets Brace for Banker’s Sentencing in NY

Friday, May 11, 2018

Spotlight: Turkey to be hard hit by U.S. sanctions against Iran: analysts - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Spotlight: Turkey to be hard hit by U.S. sanctions against Iran: analysts

ISTANBUL, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. move to reinstate economic sanctions against Iran would not only harm Turkey's economy but also pose problems in Ankara's regional policy, analysts told Xinhua.
More:Spotlight: Turkey to be hard hit by U.S. sanctions against Iran: analysts - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Lira falls after Erdogan calls interest rates ‘mother of all evil’

Lira falls after Erdogan calls interest rates ‘mother of all evil’
Turkish president says interest rates must go down

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that interest rates must go down, calling them the ‘mother of all evil’ at a time when Turkey’s central bank is fighting to tamp down a flight away from the lira.

More:Lira falls after Erdogan calls interest rates ‘mother of all evil’

Thursday, May 10, 2018

CHP’s 15 resigned deputies return from İYİ Party

CHP’s 15 resigned deputies return from İYİ Party
ANKARA

Fifteen lawmakers who resigned from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) to join the İYİ (Good) Party and ensure the latter’s participation in snap elections have returned to the CHP after the İYİ Party’s participation was secured.

More:CHP’s 15 resigned deputies return from İYİ Party

The young Turks rejecting Islam - BBC News

The young Turks rejecting Islam
By Selin Girit BBC News, Istanbul

"This is the only thing left that connects me to Islam," says Merve, showing me her bright red headscarf.

Merve teaches religion to elementary school children in Turkey. She used to be a radical believer of Islam.

More:The young Turks rejecting Islam - BBC News

Erdogan has succeeded where Trump has failed

Erdogan has succeeded where Trump has failed From Dr John Doherty, Vienna, Austria

In discussing immigration, Gideon Rachman writes that Turkey has “sealed its border with Syria”(“Migration now drives western politics”, Opinion, May 8). In fact, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has succeeded where Donald Trump has failed, and built a border wall.

More:Erdogan has succeeded where Trump has failed

Ankara celebrates Europe Day, urges more cooperation - Daily Sabah

Ankara celebrates Europe Day, urges more cooperation

On Wednesday, Ankara celebrated Europe Day by stressing the importance of the European Union as an example of political unification and expressed optimistic wishes on the future EU-Turkey relations.

More:Ankara celebrates Europe Day, urges more cooperation - Daily Sabah

UN Calls on Turkey to Lift State of Emergency, Pave Way for Fair Elections | Al Bawaba

UN Calls on Turkey to Lift State of Emergency, Pave Way for Fair Elections

The United Nations human rights chief has called on Turkey to lift the country’s repeatedly extended state of emergency to pave the way for free and fair elections.

More:UN Calls on Turkey to Lift State of Emergency, Pave Way for Fair Elections | Al Bawaba

Turkey: Six candidates to run for presidency

Turkey: Six candidates to run for presidency

- Erdogan, Ince, Aksener, Demirtas, Karamollaoglu and Perincek are candidates, according to Supreme Election Board

More:Turkey: Six candidates to run for presidency

Wednesday, May 09, 2018

İnce brings a new style to Turkish politics

İnce brings a new style to Turkish politics

Muharrem İnce, the presidential candidate for the social democratic main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has brought a new style to Turkish politics since starting his campaign after being nominated by CHP head Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

More:İnce brings a new style to Turkish politics

Tuesday, May 08, 2018

Spotlight: Turkish economy suffers while bracing for snap elections - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Spotlight: Turkish economy suffers while bracing for snap elections
Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-08 07:06:25|Editor: Chengcheng

by Burak Akinci

ANKARA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Once his strongest point, economy has become the biggest trouble of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and one of the most important reasons for his decision to call snap elections for June as he plans a shift to an executive presidency to weather a storm.

More:Spotlight: Turkish economy suffers while bracing for snap elections - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Turkey's Erdogan - Need majority in parliament for constitutional changes | Reuters

Turkey's Erdogan - Need majority in parliament for constitutional changes

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday said his ruling AK Party needed a parliamentary majority after next month’s snap elections to make constitutional changes until the new executive presidential system becomes fully functional.

More:Turkey's Erdogan - Need majority in parliament for constitutional changes | Reuters

Half a million Turks say 'Enough' to Erdogan on social media | Reuters

Half a million Turks say 'Enough' to Erdogan on social media

ANKARA (Reuters) - More than half a million Turks piled onto social media to call time on President Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday, making the word “Tamam” (“Enough”) a trending topic worldwide after he promised to step down if the people wanted it.

More:Half a million Turks say 'Enough' to Erdogan on social media | Reuters

News.Az - Turkish gov’t cuts property taxes ahead of snap election

Turkish gov’t cuts property taxes ahead of snap election
Mon 07 May 2018 10:02 GMT

The government has slashed property taxes ahead of the snap June 24 elections, with a new legal package also including a higher income tax exemption for female workers whose children go to a day care center and changes to the special consumption tax for a group of alcoholic beverages.

More:News.Az - Turkish gov’t cuts property taxes ahead of snap election

Turkey’s Perfect Path to Autocracy - Carnegie Europe - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Turkey’s Perfect Path to Autocracy

Marc Pierini

Turkey’s next presidential and legislative elections, initially scheduled for November 3, 2019, have been brought forward to June 24, 2018. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s latest electoral move illustrates his determination to secure another victory at the ballot box. It embodies a political strategy of survival, where all the instruments necessary to capture and keep absolute power are put to work.

More:Turkey’s Perfect Path to Autocracy - Carnegie Europe - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

How President Erdogan Is Turning Turkey Into Putin's Russia - The Globalist

How President Erdogan Is Turning Turkey Into Putin’s Russia

Erdogan is driving out business people and the well-educated – the economic forces he needs to achieve his goal of transforming the country into a great power.

More:How President Erdogan Is Turning Turkey Into Putin's Russia - The Globalist

Secular candidate hopes to push Erdogan into Turkish presidential runoff

Secular candidate hopes to push Erdogan into Turkish presidential runoff

Amberin Zaman (Turkey Pulse) May 7, 2018

Article Summary While some Turks see Erdogan as vulnerable, others only have hopes that his party can be denied a parliamentary majority.

More:Secular candidate hopes to push Erdogan into Turkish presidential runoff

Monday, May 07, 2018

Muharrem Ince, a burst of energy to Turkey's lackadaisical opposition

Muharrem Ince, a burst of energy to Turkey's lackadaisical opposition
07.05.2018

Muharrem Ince, a 54-year-old firebrand lawmaker from Turkey's staunch secularist camp, will be the main opposition's candidate for the presidential election next month, as the party seeks to galvanise its supporters.

The former high school physics teacher, who is married with one child, is seen as a populist who can excite a crowd.

More:Muharrem Ince, a burst of energy to Turkey's lackadaisical opposition

Turkey at loggerheads with Washington over arms sales

Turkey at loggerheads with Washington over arms sales
By NEOnline | IR

Ankara is threatening Washington with retaliation if there is a disruption in weapons supplies to Turkey.

More:Turkey at loggerheads with Washington over arms sales

Sunday, May 06, 2018

Turkey's Dangerous Game of 'Hostage Diplomacy' - The Atlantic

Turkey's Dangerous Game of 'Hostage Diplomacy'

How an American pastor became a political pawn for Erdogan Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan greets his supporters during a meeting of the ruling AK Party in Izmir,

On October 7, 2016, Andrew Brunson, a 50-year-old American pastor working as a missionary in Turkey, received a call from the police requesting that he come in for a visit. Since 1995, Brunson had lived in the city of Izmir in western Turkey, serving as a Presbyterian pastor. When the police got in touch, he had been awaiting the renewal of his residence permit, and figured it might be ready. Instead, the police detained him on suspicions of collaborating with terrorists, and imprisoned him without charges for the next year and a half.

More:Turkey's Dangerous Game of 'Hostage Diplomacy' - The Atlantic

In election manifesto, Erdogan vows new military campaigns - The Register Citizen

In election manifesto, Erdogan vows new military campaigns

Updated 10:41 am, Sunday, May 6, 2018

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turksih President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is promising new military operations against Kurdish militants along its border in Syria and Iraq as he presented his election manifesto.

More:In election manifesto, Erdogan vows new military campaigns - The Register Citizen

Turkey threatens retaliation against US if Washington halts weapons sales | News | DW | 06.05.2018

Turkey threatens retaliation against US if Washington halts weapons sales

The US and Turkey are at odds over the prospect of Ankara buying high-tech missiles from Russia. Turkey accuses Washington of bullying but also is also eyeing advanced US fighter jets.

More:Turkey threatens retaliation against US if Washington halts weapons sales | News | DW | 06.05.2018

Turkey Faces an Intensifying Storm - WSJ

Turkey Faces an Intensifying Storm

A terrible week for the country’s markets and economy may be made worse by rising U.S. interest rates and a stronger dollar

More:Turkey Faces an Intensifying Storm - WSJ

Saturday, May 05, 2018

‘Secular firebrand’ to face Erdogan in Turkish poll

‘Secular firebrand’ to face Erdogan in Turkish poll
Turkey's main opposition CHP’s candidate Muharrem Ince starts his campaign in Ankara for the upcoming snap presidential election, on Thursday. (AFP)
Updated 05 May 2018
MENEKSE TOKYAY
May 05, 2018 04:52

Polls show that Ince and Erdogan will be running in the second-round vote for the presidency
Ince previously ran as the sole challenger in the previous two-party elections

ANKARA: Turkey’s main opposition CHP has named Muharrem Ince as its presidential candidate against Recep Tayyip Erdogan in elections on June 24.

More:‘Secular firebrand’ to face Erdogan in Turkish poll

Turkey hints alternative to federation for Cyprus peace deal

Turkey hints alternative to federation for Cyprus peace deal

By Brinkwire on May 5, 2018 News

ANKARA, Turkey — A Turkish foreign ministry official said Thursday that reunifying Cyprus as a federation may not be possible and suggested that alternatives should be sought to resolve the island’s decades-long ethnic division.

More:Turkey hints alternative to federation for Cyprus peace deal

From Ottoman Slap to Turkish Snap - Diplomatic Courier

From Ottoman Slap to Turkish Snap

May 4, 2018 Written by Daniel Metz ANKARA – In February of this year, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stood before members of his Justice and Development Party (AKP), and with a fiery disposition and aggressive rhetoric, he aroused the nationalist sentiments of those in attendance. “It’s clear that those who say, ‘We’ll respond if they hit us,’ have never in their lives received an Ottoman slap,” he said, referring to the legendary Ottoman soldiers who were said to practice open-handed slaps on blocks of marble and could crack a man’s skull in battle. The metaphor works well for the strongman persona Erdoğan has cultivated, with recurrent themes of hostility towards the West and an underdog Turkey rising against its supposed enemies. It’s with this kind of rallying cry that Erdoğan hopes to swing the electorate in his favor in late June.

More:From Ottoman Slap to Turkish Snap - Diplomatic Courier

Friday, May 04, 2018

A Syrian refugee MP in Turkey?

A Syrian refugee MP in Turkey?

The report, headlined “The refugee parliamentary candidate with 30,000 signatures,” could only find itself a tiny spot in Turkey’s hecticnews environment when it was published in daily newspaper Karar on May 2.

More:A Syrian refugee MP in Turkey?

Jailed Kurdish leader to challenge Erdogan in polls | Jordan Times

Jailed Kurdish leader to challenge Erdogan in polls

By AFP - May 03,2018 - Last updated at May 03,2018

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, chairman of the Republican People’s Party, (CHP) delivers a speech during his party’s group meeting at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in Ankara on Wednesday (AFP photo)

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s main pro-Kurdish party on Wednesday said its charismatic former leader Selahattin Demirtas would challenge President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in polls next month even though he is currently jailed.

More:Jailed Kurdish leader to challenge Erdogan in polls | Jordan Times

Turkey’s lira tumbles as inflation nears record high

Turkey’s lira tumbles as inflation nears record high

Ayla Jean Yackley May 3, 2018

Article

Summary Investors are dumping the Turkish currency amid worries that a pre-election spending spree and pressure on the Central Bank to keep interest rates low could see the lira continue to spiral.

More:Turkey’s lira tumbles as inflation nears record high

Wednesday, May 02, 2018

How Erdogan Made Turkey’s Next Election Like No Other: QuickTake - The Washington Post

How Erdogan Made Turkey’s Next Election Like No Other: QuickTake
by Selcan Hacaoglu | Bloomberg May 2 at 12:00 AM

The most pivotal election in modern Turkish history will mark the abolition of the prime minister’s role and the coronation of Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s presidential office as the nexus of political power. The early poll on June 24 will cap Erdogan’s years-long drive to overturn almost a century of parliamentary rule. Now the question is: Can any opposition candidate wage a credible challenge to Erdogan?

More:How Erdogan Made Turkey’s Next Election Like No Other: QuickTake - The Washington Post

Turkish opposition parties to sign four-way election alliance on Thursday: NTV

Turkish opposition parties to sign four-way election alliance on Thursday: NTV
Istanbul skyline (Shutterstock)
Updated 17 sec ago
May 02, 2018 06:21

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and three other opposition parties will sign an electoral alliance deal on Thursday for snap elections on June 24, NTV and other broadcasters said on Wednesday.

More:Turkish opposition parties to sign four-way election alliance on Thursday: NTV

Internet goes crazy when it realizes Swedish meatballs aren't Swedish - The Local

Internet goes crazy when it realizes Swedish meatballs aren't Swedish

The internet has gone crazy after finding out that Swedish meatballs aren't actually Swedish, but in fact originate from Turkey.
Sweden's official Twitter account dropped the bombshell on Saturday, when it revealed that the recipe for the succulent, meaty globes was brought back by King Charles XII in the early 18th century, after he spent five years exiled in Moldova, then part of the Ottoman Empire.

More:Internet goes crazy when it realizes Swedish meatballs aren't Swedish - The Local

Tuesday, May 01, 2018

S&P cuts Turkey's rating deeper into 'junk' - Nasdaq.com

S&P cuts Turkey's rating deeper into 'junk'

ISTANBUL, May 1 (Reuters) - In an unexpected move, Standard & Poor's cut its sovereign debt rating on Turkey further into junk territory on Tuesday, citing widening concern about the outlook for inflation amid a sell-off in the Turkish lira currency.

More:S&P cuts Turkey's rating deeper into 'junk' - Nasdaq.com

Erdogan's Party to Send Cash to 12 Million Turks Before Election - Bloomberg

Erdogan's Party to Send Cash to 12 Million Turks Before Election
By Benjamin Harvey
May 1, 2018, 6:27 AM EDT

Government unveils package of incentives, debt relief measures
Payments to arrive a week before early elections on June 24

More than 12 million Turkish retirees, or about 15 percent of the total population, will get a check in the mail from the government a week before elections on June 24.

More:Erdogan's Party to Send Cash to 12 Million Turks Before Election - Bloomberg