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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Turkey Still Ahead As Attractiveness Falls Slightly - February 1, 2009 - Packaging Digest

"Turkey Still Ahead As Attractiveness Falls Slightly

Middle East Food & Drink Business Environment Ratings BMI's Food and Drink Ratings assess a market's attractiveness to industry investors in comparison to its regional peers. The unique ratings take into account market size, current food and drink consumption levels, future industry growth prospects, the legislative environment and possible barriers to entry, as well as relevant aspects of the economic and political environment."

More:Turkey Still Ahead As Attractiveness Falls Slightly - February 1, 2009 - Packaging Digest

Turkey should promote wind, solar investment -IEA

"Turkey should promote wind, solar investment -IEA

By Ercan Ersoy
ISTANBUL, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Turkey, dependent on Russia for 65 percent of its gas supply, should boost wind and solar energy investments as part of efforts to diversify energy resources, the International Energy Agency's (IEA) chief economist said."

More:Business Feed Article | Business | guardian.co.uk

Turkish-Uzbek Business Council set up to promote economic relations, 31 December 2008 Wednesday 10:30

"Turkish-Uzbek Business Council set up to promote economic relations

The Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan (CCIU) have agreed to establish a bilateral Business Council to help promoting trade between the two countries, contribute to industrial and technological collaboration between their enterprises and economic institutions."

More:Turkish-Uzbek Business Council set up to promote economic relations, 31 December 2008 Wednesday 10:30

Turkish markets head lower, tracking global moves

"Turkish markets head lower, tracking global moves

ISTANBUL, Dec 31 (Reuters) - The Turkish lira weakened on Wednesday, having lost a quarter of its value against the dollar in 2008, while shares drifted sideways having halved in value this year as the global financial crisis battered sentiment."

More:Business Feed Article | Business | guardian.co.uk

New year, new investment?

"New year, new investment?

By Liam Bailey and Nicholas Barnes

Published: December 27 2008 00:09 | Last updated: December 27 2008 00:09

.....We have selected 10 locations – a mix of city centre and resort areas – where we think people can safely buy primary or holiday homes next year.
9 Turkey

With its substantial and beautiful coastline, Turkey is rapidly emerging as second-home market and while most development has so far been aimed at the mass- and mid-markets, higher-quality projects are beginning to appear. There are limits on foreign buyers – they can’t buy land of strategic, religious or cultural importance – but the country is mainly open (so long as Turks can buy in the foreigner’s country too). Prices in prime coastal areas typically range from €1,200-€2,600 per sq metre. Locations worthy of investigation include Belek, Altinkum and the less developed areas aound Bodrum. "

More:FT.com / Weekend / House & Home - New year, new investment?

Turkey - Factors to Watch on Dec 31 - Forbes.com

"Turkey - Factors to Watch on Dec 31
12.31.08, 01:54 AM E

ISTANBUL, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events which could affect Turkish financial markets on Wednesday."

More:Turkey - Factors to Watch on Dec 31 - Forbes.com

Taiwan's Yang Ming Marine to open container branch in Turkey

"Taiwan's Yang Ming Marine to open container branch in Turkey
Business News

Dec 31, 2008, 7:46 GMT

Taipei - Taiwan's Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp will open a branch in Turkey to expand its global container shipping business, the company said Wednesday."

More:Taiwan's Yang Ming Marine to open container branch in Turkey

Turkish PM in push for Israel-Hamas truce

"Turkish PM in push for Israel-Hamas truce
31 Dec 2008 10:02:07 GMT
Source: Reuters
ANKARA, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan flew to Syria on Wednesday as part of a four-country diplomatic push in the region to end hostilities between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas."

More:Reuters AlertNet - Turkish PM in push for Israel-Hamas truce

By the Treaty of Turkey, Greece and Italy for the construction of the pipeline will join Azerbaijan | Power Industry News

"By the Treaty of Turkey, Greece and Italy for the construction of the pipeline will join Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan will soon join the prisoner in July 2007 between Turkey, Greece and Italy contract for the construction of the pipeline, said at a meeting of the Turkish Parliament, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Hilmi Guler."

More:By the Treaty of Turkey, Greece and Italy for the construction of the pipeline will join Azerbaijan | Power Industry News

New rector controversy

"New rector controversy
ANKARA - President Abdullah Gül’s appointment of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s doctor, Prof. Yunus Söylet, to the rector’s post at Istanbul University has restarted the debate over Gül’s neutrality."

More:New rector controversy

A bookstore dedicated to the city of Istanbul

"A bookstore dedicated to the city of Istanbul
Istanbul Kitapçısı offers a wide variety of choices for those who are looking for a place to buy a book about the city, whether it is a simple guidebook, a cookbook dedicated to Istanbul cuisine, or a historical account of the great fires of 1782 that burned down most of the city"

More:A bookstore dedicated to the city of Istanbul

The year in Turkish economy

"The year in Turkish economy
SALE OF MEDIA ASSETS - The Competition Board on Jan. 10 approved the sale of ATV-Sabah to Çalık Group for $1.1 billion, a sale that is still debated over the group’s alleged links to the government and the two public banks that financed it."

More:The year in Turkish economy

Turkey drops the ’Y’ in its national currency

"Turkey drops the ’Y’ in its national currency
ISTANBUL - The Turkish currency will be called ’Turkish Lira,’ or TL, starting from Jan. 1. Speaking in Ankara, Central Bank Governor Durmuş Yılmaz says the campaign to promote the change has cost YTL1.14 million. Citizens generally view the transition positively."

More:Turkey drops the ’Y’ in its national currency

Muğla suffocates under hazy skies, polluted air

"Muğla suffocates under hazy skies, polluted air
MUĞLA - Despite being one of the most important cities in Turkey, thanks to its many popular tourism centers, Muğla is far from its grace these days. The Aegean city is suffering from heavy pollution and its skies are covered with haze, so that its residents hesitate to go out during the nights"

More:Muğla suffocates under hazy skies, polluted air

Turks economizing on New Year celebration

"Turks economizing on New Year celebration
ISTANBUL - Turks have opted to welcome the New Year at home due to the crisis.

Turks economizing on New Year celebration Restaurant and hotel reservations and bookings for trips abroad that are all usually done weeks ahead have been shelved. While hotels and restaurants cannot attract customers even sticking to 2007 prices, travel agencies are experiencing a 30 percent decrease in sales in foreign holiday packages."

More:Turks economizing on New Year celebration

Hopes pinned to red panties

"Hopes pinned to red panties
ISTANBUL - Sales of red underwear, believed to bring good fortune if worn on New Year’s Eve, has not been affected by the economic crisis. Due to consumer demand and those who want to relieve themselves of the stress of the crisis and hope for better luck, the sales of red underwear have increased by 10 to 20 percent."

More:Hopes pinned to red panties

In headscarf debate, out mounting economic crisis

"In headscarf debate, out mounting economic crisis
ISTANBUL-The ruling Justice andDevelopmentParty survived a closure case while the Ergenekon case, seen by some circles as the reprisal of the ruling party against secularists, became one of the most controversial court cases. Diplomatic traffic continued despite internal turbulences with the visits of British Queen Elizabeth II, Iranian and Syrian presidents"

More:In headscarf debate, out mounting economic crisis

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Turkey keen to see consensus response

"Turkey keen to see consensus response

By Andrew England in Abu Dhabi

Published: December 30 2008 19:12 | Last updated: December 30 2008 19:12

As Arab states scramble to find a unified response to Israel’s onslaught on Gaza, Turkey appears to be taking the initiative to bridge divisions that have undermined Arab efforts to influence Palestinians."

More:FT.com / Middle East / Arab-Israel conflict - Turkey keen to see consensus response

Islam in Europe: Netherlands: Turkish couple fights placement of children in lesbian foster family

"Netherlands: Turkish couple fights placement of children in lesbian foster family

Netherlands: Turkish couple fights placement of children in lesbian foster family

There's now a fuss in Turkey after Turkish-Dutch children were placed by a Dutch judge in a lesbian foster family."

More:Islam in Europe: Netherlands: Turkish couple fights placement of children in lesbian foster family

Turkey's National Security Council deep concerned over Israeli attack on Gaza

"Turkey's National Security Council deep concerned over Israeli attack on Gaza
31.12.08 00:59

Turkey's National Security Council (MGK) Tuesday expressed deep concern over the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians in the Israeli offensive in Gaza, the semi- official Anatolia news agency reported."

More:Trend News : Turkey's National Security Council deep concerned over Israeli attack on Gaza

Turkish man drowns in Copake pond

"Turkish man drowns in Copake pond
By DIANE VALDEN
12/30/2008
email this storyEmail to a friendpost a commentPost a Commentprinter friendlyPrinter-friendly
Divers work at Lower Rhoda Pond on the Copake/Ancram border to recover the body of 22-year-old man from Turkey who drowned there early the morning of December 30. Livingston State Police investigated. Photo by Lance Wheeler.

Posted Tuesday, December 30 at 2:55 p.m.
COPAKE--Divers recovered the body of Sinan Sudas, 22, of Turkey, from the waters of Lower Rhoda Pond December 30 at about 10:33 a.m."

More:The Independent - Turkish man drowns in Copake pond

Turkey's Erdogan to start Mideast tour over Israeli violence in Gaza

"Turkey's Erdogan to start Mideast tour over Israeli violence in Gaza
Turkey's Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan would visit Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, the government spokesman said on Monday."

More:World Bulletin [ Turkey's Erdogan to start Mideast tour over Israeli violence in Gaza ]

Turkey Interested in Georgia’s power system

"Turkey Interested in Georgia’s power system
Monday, December 29, 2008 - 05:31

Tbilisi (GBC) - Turkish power companies are interested in constructing a high-voltage electricity transmission line in Georgia, Levan Varshalomidze, head of the government of the Autonomous Republic of Achara, said after he returned from Turkey."

More:Georgian Business Week

Turkish real estate investment suggestion

"Turkish real estate investment suggestion
29.12.2008

England's Financial Times newspaper has published an article that suggests this is an ideal time for real estate investments due to the drop in property prices as a result of the crisis. The Financial Times listed the ten most desirable locations for secure investment opportunities, placing Turkey in ninth place amongst such locations as London, Paris and New York. The article wrote that Turkey is swiftly rising in the second home sector and locations worth closer inspection included Belek, Altınkum and regions around Bodrum."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - Economy - Turkish real estate investment suggestion

studentSN, Turkey's leading student communication platform has concluded a new financing round.

"studentSN, Turkey's leading student communication platform has concluded a new financing round.

2008-12-29 12:37:20 - studentSN, Turkey's leading student communication platform has concluded a new financing round. The company raised around 300'000 euros from a group of business angels led by Christophe Maire (StudiVZ, Places, Gate 5) and including Peter Schuepbach (StudiVZ, Xing)."

More:studentSN, Turkey's leading student communication platform has concluded a new financing round.

Turkey's new Kurdish television channel | Television diplomacy | The Economist

"Turkey and the Kurds
Television diplomacy

Dec 30th 2008 | ANKARA AND DIYARBAKIR
From The Economist print edition
Hopes that a new channel may herald fresh reforms

ROJIN is a feisty, beautiful Kurdish bard who belts out nationalist ballads. As a result, private Kurdish television channels that showed her were long penalised or even taken off the air. But now she will be a regular on Turkey’s stultified TRT state television, which this week launched a 24-hour Kurdish channel in the main Kurdish dialect, Kurmanji."

More:Turkey's new Kurdish television channel | Television diplomacy | The Economist

'Armenian TV' is on the way

"'Armenian TV' is on the way

TRT is now in preparation for the new Armenian TV station, which will begin broadcasts at the end of 2009. An affirmative outlook has been given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the upcoming Armenian TV channel."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - 'Armenian TV' is on the way

Apologizing to the Armenians: 'Eroding One of Turkey's Biggest Taboos' - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International

"'Eroding One of Turkey's Biggest Taboos'

More than 25,000 Turks have added their names to an online statement apologizing for Ottoman war crimes committed during World War I. SPIEGEL spoke with campaign initiator Baskin Oran."

More:Apologizing to the Armenians: 'Eroding One of Turkey's Biggest Taboos' - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International

Turkish-Israeli inter-parliamentary friendship group officials resign in protest of Israeli air raid over Gaza _English_Xinhua

"Turkish-Israeli inter-parliamentary friendship group officials resign in protest of Israeli air raid over Gaza
www.chinaview.cn 2008-12-30 18:19:55

Special report: Palestine-Israel Conflicts

ANKARA, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Senior officials of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has resigned from the Turkish-Israeli Inter-Parliamentary friendship group over the Israeli attacks on Gaza Strip, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Tuesday."

More:Turkish-Israeli inter-parliamentary friendship group officials resign in protest of Israeli air raid over Gaza _English_Xinhua

Turkey's Sabanci sees end-2009 real economy pick-up | Industries | Financial Services & Real Estate | Reuters

"Turkey's Sabanci sees end-2009 real economy pick-up

ISTANBUL, Dec 30 (Reuters) - Activity in Turkey's real economy is expected to pick up towards the end of 2009 with the first quarter of next year being of critical importance, Sabanci Holding Chairwoman Guler Sabanci said on Tuesday."

More:Turkey's Sabanci sees end-2009 real economy pick-up | Industries | Financial Services & Real Estate | Reuters

Sabancı CEO asks for more liberal energy market

"Sabancı CEO asks for more liberal energy market
ISTANBUL- Sabancı Holding CEO Ahmet Dördüncü has said a secure energy supply would only be possible with strong political determination to advance structural reforms that will in the end strengthen competition and investment opportunities."

More:Energy Newsletter TURKEY: Sabancı CEO asks for more liberal energy market

Iranian and Turkish presidents discuss Gaza

"Iranian and Turkish presidents discuss Gaza
Tehran Times Political Desk

TEHRAN – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul in a telephone conversation on Monday discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli crimes against the residents of the besieged enclave."

More:tehran times : Iranian and Turkish presidents discuss Gaza

Electricity generated in Russia will be exported to Turkey via Georgia

"Electricity generated in Russia will be exported to Turkey via Georgia

30.12.2008, 00.14

MOSCOW, December 29 (Itar-Tass) -- Electricity generated in Russia will be exported to Turkey through the territory of Georgia.

A subsidiary of INTER RAO UES – TGR Enerji, which was established in Turkey, received permission for exporting Russian electricity via Georgia, the press service of INTER RAO UES said on Monday."

More:ITAR-TASS

WESTERN THRACE TURKS IN EUROPE « Turkey & Macedonia

"WESTERN THRACE TURKS IN EUROPE

The existence of a minority is a question of fact and not of definition. (…) First of all, a minority is a group with linguistic, ethnic or cultural characteristics, which distinguish it from the majority. Secondly, a minority is a group which usually not only seeks to maintain its identity but also tries to give stronger expression to that identity.” However, the Turkish minority in Greece, which is determined to maintain its identity, suffer problems in the field of education, although the Convention of the Rights of the Child, of which Greece is a part, recognize the right of the child to education, and with a view to achieving this right progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity."

More:WESTERN THRACE TURKS IN EUROPE « Turkey & Macedonia

Monday, December 29, 2008

Secularism, loyalty vital, says court head

"Secularism, loyalty vital, says court head
ANKARA - The top court’s president, one of the actors of last week’s heated debate over an ambiguity in the upcoming local elections, stressed the importance of secularism and loyalty to the Constitution in a speech during an oath-taking ceremony yesterday at the Constitutional Court."

More:Secularism, loyalty vital, says court head

Turkish-Armenian film caught up in border problem

"Turkish-Armenian film caught up in border problem
ANKARA - While Turkey and Armenia take steps toward normalization, a documentary by a group of Turkish and Armenian filmmakers gets caught up dealing with border regulations of both countries. However, the filmmakers do not give up and shoot their film, holding on to the name ’Aras documentary,’ now the name of a young Turkish character instead of the river"

More:Turkish-Armenian film caught up in border problem

Arbitrary Detention of Iraqi Turkmen by Kurdish Islamic Terrorists

"Arbitrary Detention of Iraqi Turkmen by Kurdish Islamic Terrorists

Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
published December 29, 2008
The extent of the Islamic terror performed by the pseudo-Kurdish militias that are not controlled - as many erroneously believe - by either Talabani or Barzani is obvious in the extremely preoccupying case reported by the Dr. Sheth Jerjis, Chairman SOITM, the Netherlands-based Iraqi Turkmen Human Rights Research Foundation. It consists in a provocative case of arbitrary detention of an Iraqi Turkmen by the crypto-terrorist militias that will be playing for a while their theatrical parody of "Kurdish" forces. Then, the game will change…. "

More:American Chronicle | Arbitrary Detention of Iraqi Turkmen by Kurdish Islamic Terrorists

The compelling case of Turkey's constitution - Worldpress.org

"The compelling case of Turkey's constitution

Liam Hardy
December 29, 2008

Washington, DC – Turkish foreign minister and chief negotiator for the EU Ali Babacan, speaking at a NATO foreign ministers meeting recently, mentioned that the Turkish Constitution as it stands now will not help Turkey move forward with its reform agenda."

More:The compelling case of Turkey's constitution - Worldpress.org

Two 7th century B.C. graves accidentally discovered in Turkey

"Two 7th century B.C. graves accidentally discovered in Turkey
Vancouver Star
Monday 29th December, 2008
(ANI)

Istanbul, Dec 29 : Construction of a cesspool at the house in a village in Turkey has led to the accidental discovery of two ancient graves, dating back to the 7th century B.C."

More:Two 7th century B.C. graves accidentally discovered in Turkey

Science and Technology: Turkey's Erdogan drives up YouTube visits (SETimes.com)

"Science and Technology: Turkey's Erdogan drives up YouTube visits

29/12/2008

The Turkish prime minister admits to watching YouTube. Also in the news: Magyar Telekom won a ten-year licence to operate a 3G mobile network in Macedonia, and internet access increases in Cypriot households."

More:Science and Technology: Turkey's Erdogan drives up YouTube visits (SETimes.com)

APA - Tarkan: I have never even thought of joining Armenian apology campaign

"Tarkan: I have never even thought of joining Armenian apology campaign
[ 29 Dec 2008 20:26 ]
Baku. Ulkar Gasimova – APA. “I did not know that I was named in Armenian apology campaign in Turkey."

More:APA - Tarkan: I have never even thought of joining Armenian apology campaign

Italian priest's attacker sentenced in Turkey | International | Reuters

"Italian priest's attacker sentenced in Turkey
Mon Dec 29, 2008 12:05pm EST

ANKARA (Reuters) - A Turkish court sentenced a man to four years in prison Monday for stabbing an Italian Catholic priest in 2007 in a case that has highlighted attacks against Christians in Muslim but secular Turkey."

More:Italian priest's attacker sentenced in Turkey | International | Reuters

Turkey suspends mediation between Israel and Syria - MSNBC Wire Services- msnbc.com

"Turkey suspends mediation between Israel and Syria

By SELCAN HACAOGLU
updated 8:14 a.m. ET Dec. 29, 2008

ANKARA, Turkey - Turkey said Monday it was suspending its role as mediator for peace talks between Israel and Syria after Israeli attacks on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip."

More:Turkey suspends mediation between Israel and Syria - MSNBC Wire Services- msnbc.com

Turkish govt lowers 2008 energy consumption estimate | Markets | Reuters

"Turkish govt lowers 2008 energy consumption estimate
Mon Dec 29, 2008 2:24pm IST

ISTANBUL, Dec 29 (Reuters) - Turkey's government has cut its estimate for the country's electricity consumption in 2008 to 198 billion kwh down from an earlier 204 billion kwh, acting undersecretary of the energy ministry, Selahattin Cimen told a conference on Monday."

More:Turkish govt lowers 2008 energy consumption estimate | Markets | Reuters

Turkish Cyprus to hold early elections

"Turkish Cyprus to hold early elections
ISTANBUL - The Republican Turkish Party, which is the majority partner of the coalition government in Turkish Cyprus, decided to go to early elections in 2009, CNNTürk television reported Saturday."

More:Turkish Cyprus to hold early elections

Gap project did not help Southeast, says report

"Gap project did not help Southeast, says report
The South Eastern Anatolia Project, or GAP, has benefited all regions except the Southeast, the Regional Economic View Report, prepared by the municipalities of Turkey’s eastern and southeastern regions, said."

More:Gap project did not help Southeast, says report

Taksim all dressed up for New Year’s Eve

"Taksim all dressed up for New Year’s Eve
ISTANBUL - Known as the center of Istanbul and the heart of the city’s cultural life, Taksim Square has been decorated accordingly for the New Year’s celebrations. With the cooperation of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Beyoğlu Enrichment and Preservation Association, the square has been festooned with colorful lamps."

More:Taksim all dressed up for New Year’s Eve

One-day fest in Istanbul

"One-day fest in Istanbul
ISTANBUL - The first of the one-day festival series, during which four films chosen by the Turkish Association of Cinema Writers, or SİYAD, will be screened, will take place Jan.10 at Istanbul Modern."

More:One-day fest in Istanbul

New Year fun for sale, prices make you pale

"New Year fun for sale, prices make you pale
ISTANBUL - Istanbul offers many options for those who want to celebrate the New Year dancing, singing, eating and drinking. The New Year’s Eve will most definitely be colorful in the city with an event for every budget from a YTL 50 casual gathering to a YTL 3,650 extravaganza."

More:New Year fun for sale, prices make you pale

Origins of the Gagauz people - a Turkish dynamic | Culture11

"Origins of the Gagauz people - a Turkish dynamic

By Razib K

December 28, 2008

Dienekes points me to a new paper, Searching for the origin of Gagauzes: Inferences from Y-chromosome analysis:

The Gagauzes are a small Turkish-speaking ethnic group living mostly in southern Moldova and northeastern Bulgaria. The origin of the Gagauzes is obscure. They may be descendants of the Turkic nomadic tribes from the Eurasian steppes, as suggested by the 'Steppe' hypothesis, or have a complex Anatolian-steppe origin, as postulated by the 'Seljuk' or 'Anatolian' hypothesis."

More:Origins of the Gagauz people - a Turkish dynamic | Culture11

Jewel touts Turkey as eurozone's value falls - Travel Trade Gazette

"Jewel touts Turkey as eurozone's value falls

Monday, December 29, 2008

Rupert Murray

Holidays to countries outside the eurozone and dollar-based regions are expected to be in demand in 2009.
Platon Loizou, managing director of Jewel in the Crown Holidays, predicts his company will see steady trading as a result."

More:Jewel touts Turkey as eurozone's value falls - Travel Trade Gazette

Death toll rises to 310 in Gaza, Israeli FM calls Turkish counterpart

"Death toll rises to 310 in Gaza, Israeli FM calls Turkish counterpart
The massive Israeli bombardment of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip has so far killed 310 Palestinians, medical officials said Monday. Israeli FM Tzipi Livni telephoned Turkish counterpart to inform him on the events."

More:Death toll rises to 310 in Gaza, Israeli FM calls Turkish counterpart

Turkey denies minority deal

"Turkey denies minority deal
ANKARA - Turkey and France both refrain from signing a convention on the protection of minorities. A Council of Europe official warns Ankara it will feel the pressure during European Union negotiations, while Turkish officials point at Paris as an explanation for their opposition, saying Turkey honors its obligations under the Lausanne Treaty."

More:Turkey denies minority deal

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Turkey 'hits PKK targets in Iraq'

"Turkey 'hits PKK targets in Iraq'
Map

Turkish fighter planes have bombed suspected Kurdish separatist positions in northern Iraq."

More:BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Turkey 'hits PKK targets in Iraq'

Turkey commemorates soldiers killed in World War One

"Turkey commemorates soldiers killed in World War One
Turkish commandos took part in a ceremony near the town of Sarikamis, eastern Turkey, on Sunday, to mark the 94th anniversary of the Sarikamis battle."

More:Turkey commemorates soldiers killed in World War One

Turkish PM still undecided on Ankara mayor candidate

"Turkish PM still undecided on Ankara mayor candidate
The Turkish prime minister announced the candidates of 18 provinces in the upcoming local elections on Sunday, excluding the highly anticipated and debated post of Ankara mayor, currently held by Melih Gokcek."

More:Turkish PM still undecided on Ankara mayor candidate

Incidents of 1915 "risky area"for Turkey-US relations

"Incidents of 1915 'risky area'for Turkey-US relations
Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said on Sunday that Turkish authorities regarded the issue of 1915 incidents as 'risky area' in the relations between Turkey and the United States during the period of the new U.S. administration."

More:Incidents of 1915 "risky area"for Turkey-US relations

Istanbul Calling: Turkey's Kurdish TV Gamble

"Turkey's Kurdish TV Gamble

In what could be a very significant move, Turkey's state broadcaster (TRT) is set to launch a Kurdish-language channel in the beginning of 2009. Full details about the channel, called TRT 6, are still sketchy, but it promises to provide much more than the pitiful current level of public broadcasting in Kurdish, limited to a few hours a week and hardly watched."

More:Istanbul Calling: Turkey's Kurdish TV Gamble

Kurdish Leaders Won’t Let Anymore PKK Attacks on Turkey

"Kurdish Leaders Won’t Let Anymore PKK Attacks on Turkey
Namo Abdulla
Dec 28 2008

President Talabani: Main Kurdish political parties take the necessary measures against the PKK and are soon to issue a joint appeal to the PKK to lay down its weapons."

More:The Hawler Tribune

Turkey's energy dependency on Russia to rise after nuclear plant

"Turkey's energy dependency on Russia to rise after nuclear plant

by Emek Kaplangil, Hurriyet

Turkey faces the risk of becoming heavily dependent on Russia uranium if the recent tender for Turkey's first nuclear power plant, won by a Russian firm led consortium, is not canceled, analysts say."

More:Energy Newsletter TURKEY: Turkey's energy dependency on Russia to rise after nuclear plant

Incidents of 1915 "risky area"for Turkey-US relations

"Incidents of 1915 'risky area'for Turkey-US relations
Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said on Sunday that Turkish authorities regarded the issue of 1915 incidents as 'risky area' in the relations between Turkey and the United States during the period of the new U.S. administration."

More:Incidents of 1915 "risky area"for Turkey-US relations

Turkey announces timetable for local elections

"Turkey announces timetable for local elections
www.chinaview.cn 2008-12-28 21:42:39

ANKARA, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's Supreme Board of Election on Sunday announced a timetable for the local elections set for March 29, 2009, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported."

More:Turkey announces timetable for local elections_English_Xinhua

Turkish Red Crescent sends foodstuff to Gaza

"Turkish Red Crescent sends foodstuff to Gaza
Turkish aid organization Kizilay (Red Crescent) sent 11,000 packages of foodstuff carried by 10 trucks to the region after the attack by Israel to Gaza, general director said on Sunday."

More:Turkish Red Crescent sends foodstuff to Gaza

Turkey's trade volume up by 4.1 pc in free zones

"Turkey's trade volume up by 4.1 pc in free zones
Trade volume with the EU countries amounted 6.9 billion USD and the figure was 1.6 billion USD in trade with the OECD countries."

More:World Bulletin [ Turkey's trade volume up by 4.1 pc in free zones ]

Tensions seen to escalate in Middle East as Israel vows more attacks

"Tensions seen to escalate in Middle East as Israel vows more attacks
Israel's catastrophic attack on Gaza on Saturday and its pledge to continue the operations carry the risk of a wider war in the Middle East as the Hamas leader calls for a new Palestinian intifada."

More:Tensions seen to escalate in Middle East as Israel vows more attacks

Turkey denounces Israel's airstrikes on Gaza

"Turkey denounces Israel's airstrikes on Gaza
www.chinaview.cn 2008-12-28 18:30:31

Special report: Palestine-Israel Relations

ANKARA, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Turkish leaders had strongly condemned the Israeli missile attacks on Gaza Strip, saying that the irresponsible move could cause instability in the region, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported Sunday."

More:Turkey denounces Israel's airstrikes on Gaza_English_Xinhua

Kurdish TRT launched against PKK

"Kurdish TRT launched against PKK

I argued a few years before that the only way for Turkey to combat PKK's tv-station Roj TV, is to open a Kurdish tv-channel. It seems that the AKP finally decided to follow this cultural strategy to combat the influence of the PKK-media. The As"

More:Transnational Middle-East Observer: Kurdish TRT launched against PKK

Constructing a Diaspora. German Turks and the German-Jewish Narrative.

"Constructing a Diaspora. German Turks and the German-Jewish Narrative

Abstract:

This article examines how German Turks employ the German Jewish trope to establish an analogous discourse for their own diasporic position in German society. Drawing on the literature on immigrant incorporation, we argue that immigrants take more established minority groups as a model in their incorporation process. Here, we examine how German Turks formulate and enact their own incorporation into German society. They do that by using as a master narrative the socio-cultural repertoire of Germany’s principal minority, German Jewry. This is accomplished especially in relation to racism and anti-Semitism and as a political model in terms of making claims against the German state. Jews and Turks, moreover, take notice of each other’s position in German society and think in terms of triadic relations. In order to understand immigrant incorporation, it is not sufficient to look at state-immigrant relations only; we also need to look at immigrant groups’ relationships with other minority groups."

More:Constructing a Diaspora. German Turks and the German-Jewish Narrative.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

The PKK is against Kurdish TV in Turkey, 28 December 2008 Sunday 1:29

"The PKK is against Kurdish TV in Turkey

28 December 2008

ANKARA (JTW) - The PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) which is on the terrorist organizations list of meny states, including United States, United Kingdom and Turkey, launched what can easily be called a smear campaign against the new Kurdish channel in Turkey. Murat Karayilan, one of the PKK leaders, referred to the TRT's Kurdish TV project as a "tightrope walker's game." In a message he sent to PKK sympathizers, Karayilan called for a boycott against the Kurdish TRT (TRT 6)."

More:The PKK is against Kurdish TV in Turkey, 28 December 2008 Sunday 1:29

The Associated Press: Turkish parliament cuts spending

"Turkish parliament cuts spending

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey's parliament on Saturday reduced the budget allocations of most ministries by up to 16 percent to cut overall spending as the country seeks a loan deal with the International Monetary Fund."

More:The Associated Press: Turkish parliament cuts spending

Turkey to face difficulties in negotiations with EU over Ecology chapter: industrialists and experts

"Turkey to face difficulties in negotiations with EU over Ecology chapter: industrialists and experts
27 December 2008 | 18:21 | FOCUS News Agency
Istanbul. The chapter that would pose difficulties for Turkey in the process of negotiations for EY accession will be the Ecology and Environment chapter, said deputy chairperson of the Board of the Chamber of Industry in Istanbul and Chairperson of the Council on Environment – Zeynep Bodur Okyay, the Turkish Dunya newspaper informs."

More:FOCUS Information Agency

Snowfall immobilizes rural communities in eastern, central Turkey « Watts Up With That?

"Snowfall immobilizes rural communities in eastern, central Turkey

Cold weather and heavy snowfall brought daily life to a standstill in rural parts of Turkey, forcing closures of rural roads and inter-city routes in the country’s eastern and central regions."

More:Snowfall immobilizes rural communities in eastern, central Turkey « Watts Up With That?

Turkey condemns attacks on Gaza, urges Israel to halt operations

"Turkey condemns attacks on Gaza, urges Israel to halt operations
Turkey 'strongly' condemned on Saturday 'the death of many Palestinians as result of Israel's attack on Gaza,' urging Isarel to 'immediately halt' its military operation."

More:Turkey condemns attacks on Gaza, urges Israel to halt operations

Double the intensity

"Double the intensity

Kelter girls plan to play hockey and soccer at Wisconsin in the fall

By KEVIN KLOTT
kklott@adn.com

Published: December 27th, 2008 12:41 AM
Last Modified: December 27th, 2008 12:42 AM

Alev and Derya Kelter aren't your average teenage girls. They're twin sisters who are tough enough to play boys hockey and good enough for the University of Wisconsin to give them both scholarships to play women's soccer and hockey for the Badgers next fall."

More:Double the intensity: Alaska News | adn.com

The reign of Spain is over, as Turkey and Egypt see boost in bookings | Mail Online

"The reign of Spain is over, as Turkey and Egypt see boost in bookings

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:44 AM on 27th December 2008

Britain's love affair with the Costas is cooling as the pound slumps against the euro - with holiday bookings down dramatically for next summer."

More:The reign of Spain is over, as Turkey and Egypt see boost in bookings | Mail Online

KeHaber Turkish Media Watch

"How do the religious and secular communities regard women in public who remove their veils?
Hürriyet -Vatan - Yeni Şafak December 27, 2008 | A few Turkish women in the public eye have recently removed their veils. Their reasons vary widely from reclaiming an acting career to irritated skin. In the most prominent case recently of a woman becoming uncovered, Reyhan Gürtuna, wife of a former Istanbul mayor, removed her veil last year."

More:KeHaber Turkish Media Watch

Kurds plan int’l conference on Turkey’s Kurdish issue

"Kurds plan int’l conference on Turkey’s Kurdish issue
Kurdish groups from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey and Europe are planning to organize an international conference under the auspices of northern Iraqi Kurdish leadership in order to create a road map for the solution of the Kurdish problem in Turkey."

More:Kurds plan int’l conference on Turkey’s Kurdish issue

EU steps up involvement in fight against PKK terrorism

"EU steps up involvement in fight against PKK terrorism
Gilles de Kerchove
The European Union has increased its involvement with the ongoing fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), with a senior EU official meeting with intelligence authorities in the Turkish capital earlier this week."

More:EU steps up involvement in fight against PKK terrorism

Ancient graves found accidentally

"Ancient graves found accidentally
MUĞLU - Two ancient graves, dating back to the 7th century B.C., have been uncovered during construction of a cesspool at the house of Mehmet Çoban in the Damlıboğaz village of Muğla's Milas district, which hosts the ancient city of Hydai."

More:Ancient graves found accidentally

Getting in superpower sync

"Getting in superpower sync
ANKARA - The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council consulted with Turkey last week over its two-year membership on the council, in an effort to align the newcomer’s position with the international community."

More:Getting in superpower sync

State television begins Kurdish test broadcasts

"State television begins Kurdish test broadcasts
ISTANBUL - The head of the Diyarbakır Chamber of Trade and Industry, Mehmet Kaya, agrees that TRT’s new channel is important, as such mediums can allow the language and culture of a people to develop. He says the TRT’s belated efforts on Kurdish TV are welcome, but argues that it need to be supported by scientific measures to promote Kurdish"

More:State television begins Kurdish test broadcasts

Poor seize chance to bid city farewell

"Poor seize chance to bid city farewell
ISTANBUL - The Taşkıran family are one of the many disillusioned by the promise of the big smoke and now embarking on a return to their rural homeland. The financial crisis is a last straw for most and Istanbul municipality’s sponsorship of anyone ready to head back is the final incentive"

More:Poor seize chance to bid city farewell

Illuminating effect in Istanbul’s hidden corner

"Illuminating effect in Istanbul’s hidden corner
ISTANBUL - Neşat Fehmi Erdoğdu, an artisan of light, has designed lamps using iron and glass since 1984. After studying ceramics at Mimar Sinan University, he decided to continue his father’s lamp business. He owns a shop in a hidden corner of Şişhane district. Erdoğdu’s lamps and chandeliers look like sculptures and his shop like a temple."

More:Illuminating effect in Istanbul’s hidden corner

Turkish synagogue exhibit in Tel Aviv

"Turkish synagogue exhibit in Tel Aviv
TEL AVIV - A new exhibit called 'Turkey’s Synagogues: A Testament to Tolerance' opened in Tel Aviv on Friday, with Turkey’s Chief Rabbi İzak Haleva and Turkish Jewish Community President Silvio Ovadya in attendence."

More:Turkish synagogue exhibit in Tel Aviv

New concept bar: Yan Gastrobar in Cihangir

"New concept bar: Yan Gastrobar in Cihangir
ISTANBUL - Yan Restaurant opened its doors a year ago in Istanbul’s Cihangir with the idea of presenting the city with something new and in this case a gastrobar that is probably the first one in the city although the idea is widespread abroad."

More:New concept bar: Yan Gastrobar in Cihangir

Turkey's opposition on rise as ruling AKP weakens, poll says

"Turkey's opposition on rise as ruling AKP weakens, poll says
Public support to Turkey's opposition parties are rising, while ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is losing ground ahead of the local elections, a recent poll showed."

More:Turkey's opposition on rise as ruling AKP weakens, poll says

Pinter remembered for work on Kurdish rights in Turkey

"Pinter remembered for work on Kurdish rights in Turkey
ISTANBUL - The Nobel Prize winner playwright Harold Pinter was a vocal opponent of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, likening U.S. President George W. Bush's administration to the Nazis and calling former British Prime Minister Tony Blair a 'mass murderer.' He also criticized a former ban on the Kurdish language in Turkey after the 1980 military coup and wrote a play on the issue"

More:Pinter remembered for work on Kurdish rights in Turkey

The deep call of Kemer

"The deep call of Kemer

By LEVENT KONUK

The deep call of Kemer The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean have an appeal for divers too. Are you prepared to discover three shipwrecks in a single day?

Anatolia has been home to various civilizations over the centuries, and although the seas that surround this land can perhaps not compare with the tropical seas in terms of the range and vitality of their submarine life, these waters boast a very special wealth; shipwrecks."

More:The deep call of Kemer

Debating the shape of Islam in Europe - The National Newspaper

"Debating the shape of Islam in Europe

Simon Freeman, European Correspondent

* Last Updated: December 27. 2008 12:26AM UAE / December 26. 2008 8:26PM GMT

The recently opened Duisberg-Marxloh mosque is conservative in comparison to some of Bohm's designs. Wolfgang von Brauchitsch for The National

The German architect who designed an ambitious, if controversial, mosque in Cologne cannot wait for construction to begin in the new year so that he can watch his dream take physical shape."

More:Debating the shape of Islam in Europe - The National Newspaper

Iraq's Ergenekon And The PKK

"Iraq's Ergenekon And The PKK
Published: 12/26/2008

BY SAMIL TAYYAR
STAR- A security agreement signed last month between the US and Iraq is a harbinger of things to come. As I`ve written before, it is an important agreement which will have a deep impact on Turkey, particularly on the concept of fighting terrorism and the Middle East policy. What made the agreement important was transferring control of the airspace from the US to the Iraqi government as of January 1 and setting a date for the withdrawal of US soldiers from Iraq by the end of 2011. This development created a historic opportunity for Turkey. The new era which started with the National Security Council`s (NSC) statement this April that it would be beneficial to continue consultations with all Iraqi groups and formations was strengthened by this pact."

More:Iraq's Ergenekon And The PKK

Friday, December 26, 2008

Turkey: Dreams of an ancient land

"Turkey: Dreams of an ancient land

02:04 PM CST on Friday, December 26, 2008

By RICK STEVES / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News

Turkey is even tastier, friendlier, cheaper and richer in culture and history than its more popular neighbor, Greece."

More:Turkey: Dreams of an ancient land | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Travel Columnist Rick Steves | Dallas Morning News

Chechen refugee detained in Turkish airport

"Chechen refugee detained in Turkish airport
Imran Abdulazimov who fought at Chechen-Russia War was brought to Ataturk Airport to send back to Russia."

More:World Bulletin [ Chechen refugee detained in Turkish airport ]

Turkey rejects ombudsman law

"Turkey rejects ombudsman law
Published: Friday 26 December 2008 11:47 UTC
Last updated: Friday 26 December 2008 12:05 UTC
Turkey's most senior court has scrapped a law for the appointment of a national ombudsman to hold the government to account for the treatment of its citizens. Turkey's Constitutional Court ruled that the law was invalid within the context of a case brought against former president Ahmet Necdet Sezer two years ago."

More:International news - Radio Netherlands Worldwide - English

Should Turkey Apologize To The Armenians? - Forbes.com

"Should Turkey Apologize To The Armenians?
Asli Aydintasbas, 12.26.08, 12:01 AM EST
A conciliatory Web site causes a furor.

ISTANBUL--Should we apologize to Armenians?

It's almost a miracle, but I have somehow managed to avoid the 'Armenian issue' throughout my journalism career. I never wrote a single column on it, even throughout the various diplomatic rows between Turkey and Armenia on whether or not the tragic events of 1915 were genocide."

More:Should Turkey Apologize To The Armenians? - Forbes.com

Turkish Government Apologizes To Alevi

"Turkish Government Apologizes To Alevi
December 26th, 2008 by Fred Stopsky

The Alevi are a Muslim group which adheres to liberal ideas in which all faiths are recognized as being good and women are on an equal basis with men. The Alevi has suffered constant discrimination and hate because of their independent views on the nature of the Muslim religion and their refusal to follow fundamentalist approaches to religion. Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ertugrul Gunay, spoke for the current government by making clear hi Justice and Development Party, although a religious centered one, is sorry for the manner in which Alevi have been treated and persecuted for their religious beliefs. ‘I want to apologize for all of the wrongdoings done in the past” and he thanked Alevi for their “unwavering belief and protection of the Turkish nation.”"

More:Turkish Government Apologizes To Alevi

Turkish Petrol Ofisi says tax fine 42.8 mln lira - Forbes.com

"Turkish Petrol Ofisi says tax fine 42.8 mln lira
12.26.08, 03:01 AM EST

ISTANBUL, Dec 26 (Reuters) - Turkish fuel distributor Petrol Ofisi said on Friday it had been fined a total 42.8 million lira ($28.4 million) over tax payments after the auditing of 2003 accounts."

More:Turkish Petrol Ofisi says tax fine 42.8 mln lira - Forbes.com

Grundig Rises Most in Almost 5 Years on Sony Bravia LCD Deal

"Grundig Rises Most in Almost 5 Years on Sony Bravia LCD Deal

By Seda Sezer

Dec. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Grundig Elektronik AS, a Turkish television maker, rose the most in Istanbul trading since February 2004 after saying it signed an agreement with Sony U.K. Ltd. to make two models of the Sony Bravia LCD television."

More:Bloomberg.com: Europe

Newfound Riches Come With Spiritual Costs for Turkey’s Religious Merchants - NYTimes.com

"Newfound Riches Come With Spiritual Costs for Turkey’s Religious Merchants

By SABRINA TAVERNISE
Published: December 25, 2008

ISTANBUL — Turkey’s religious businessmen spent years building empires on curtains, candy bars and couches. But as observant Muslims in one of the world’s most self-consciously secular states, they were never accepted by elite society."

More:Newfound Riches Come With Spiritual Costs for Turkey’s Religious Merchants - NYTimes.com

Lottery tickets sell like hotcakes

"Lottery tickets sell like hotcakes
ISTANBUL - Lottery tickets printed by Milli Piyango, the Turkish National Lottery Administration, are selling like hotcakes this year."

More:Lottery tickets sell like hotcakes

Eco-stamps go ahead

"Eco-stamps go ahead
ISTANBUL - Turkey’s Green Buildings Association is organizing its first training on environmental certification systems next month.Co-founder of the association, Duygu Erten, calls for more cooperation to reduce emissions from existing buildings in Turkey"

More:Eco-stamps go ahead

AKP not clear on Ankara mayor

"AKP not clear on Ankara mayor
ANKARA - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said they were waiting on poll results to announce the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP’s, Ankara mayoral candidate."

More:AKP not clear on Ankara mayor

Ankara’s road signs to be modernized

"Ankara’s road signs to be modernized
ANKARA - Ankara Metropolitan Municipality will place road signs compatible with world standards on main artery roads and 60 crossroads will be modernized with traffic lights that feature pedestrian buttons and countdown displays."

More:Ankara’s road signs to be modernized

Villagers tell politicians not to bother turning up

"Villagers tell politicians not to bother turning up
ARDAHAN - After years of being ignored, 10 villages in Ardahan in the northeast of the country decide enough is enough and ban politicians from entering their region. One local village head says the villages have many problems that are never addressed. He adds they cannot even get the state to fix the bridge that provides access to each of the 10 villages"

More:"Villagers tell politicians not to bother turning up

Cautious for snowfall

"Cautious for snowfall
ISTANBUL - Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has commissioned 3,557 people to tackle adverse weather conditions. There will be 1,058 vehicles driving around the city to prevent accidents. The municipality also has placed automatic meteorology observation sensors at 25 points around the city"

More:Cautious for snowfall

Thursday, December 25, 2008

APA - Monument of Ataturk to be erected in the capital of Azerbaijan

"Monument of Ataturk to be erected in the capital of Azerbaijan
[ 25 Dec 2008 17:24 ]
A monument of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Republic of Turkey will be erected in Baku, Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Hulusi Kilic said at today’s press conference, APA reports."

More:APA - Monument of Ataturk to be erected in the capital of Azerbaijan

Turkey To Cut Some Ministries' Spending 10%-16.5% In '09 -IHA - EasyBourse actualité

"Turkey To Cut Some Ministries' Spending 10%-16.5% In '09 -IHA
Thursday December 25th, 2008 / 17h32
ANKARA (IHA)--Turkey's parliament on Thursday approved a resolution that contains a cut in spending for some ministries and institutions by between 10%-16.5% in 2009, the Ihlas News Agency, or IHA, has reported."

More:Turkey To Cut Some Ministries' Spending 10%-16.5% In '09 -IHA - EasyBourse actualité

FTN - Turkey Surpass 2008 Target in 11 Months

"Turkey Surpass 2008 Target in 11 Months
Published by Ozgur Tore
Thursday, 25 December 2008
turkey.gifTurkish Culture and Tourism Ministry announced beginning of year to host 25 million tourists. The 2008 target of tourist arrivals is surpassed in November.

Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry announced that the number of foreigners arriving in Turkey in January-November 2008 was recorded 25,245,301 by 13,10 % increase when compared with the same period of previous year."

More:FTN - Turkey Surpass 2008 Target in 11 Months

Belarus, Turkey coordinate further ties in trade and investments - Gomel oblast executive commitee - Economics / Gomel Oblast News

"Belarus, Turkey coordinate further ties in trade and investments
Belarus and Turkey have coordinated a plan of actions till 2010 on the development of links in foreign trade, investments and contracted services. The document was signed by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Kurshad Tuzmen and Foreign Minister of Belarus Sergei Martynov who is staying in Ankara on a working visit, BelTA learnt from the Foreign Ministry press service."

More:Belarus, Turkey coordinate further ties in trade and investments - Gomel oblast executive commitee - Economics / Gomel Oblast News

Israeli defense contractors, Turkey ink deal | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

"Israeli defense contractors, Turkey ink deal
December 25, 2008

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israel's Elbit Systems Ltd. and Israel Aerospace Industries inked a combined $141 million deal with the Turkish Air Force.

The IAI and Elbit subsidiaries will supply Turkey's Air Force with airborne air and space imagery intelligence systems over the next four years, Israel's business daily Globes reported."

More:Israeli defense contractors, Turkey ink deal | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

Report: Turkey can integrate Kurds

"Top News

Report: Turkey can integrate Kurds

ANKARA, Turkey, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Turkey can integrate its Kurdish minority with a more inclusive constitution and amnesty for members of the PKK, a report said.

The Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation report, 'Recommendations from the Region to the Government,' was based on interviews with 35 Kurdish leaders and with local officials and residents of the Kurdish-dominated region, Today's Zaman reported."

More:Report: Turkey can integrate Kurds - UPI.com

Turkey attracting winter sun-seekers

"Turkey attracting winter sun-seekers

Turkey is one of several European destinations attracting holidaymakers in search of a warm climate over the Christmas period.

Frances Tuke, spokesperson for the Association of British Travel Agents, said the country is proving popular with UK people who prefer the 'winter sun aspect' for their Christmas holidays."

More:Turkey attracting winter sun-seekers

Photo Ed: Christians celebrate Christmas in Istanbul

"Photo Ed: Christians celebrate Christmas in Istanbul
Christians celebrate the traditions of Christmas in Istanbul, Turkey."

More:Photo Ed: Christians celebrate Christmas in Istanbul

Santa Claus - TIME

"Santa Claus
By Claire Suddath Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008
italy father christmas holiday church
Santa Claus
KAREN BLEIER / AFP / Getty

Santa Claus doesn't talk about it very often, but he's actually Turkish. The world's most famous toymaker has had a diverse career — that's what happens when you stick around for over 1,700 years — and has dabbled in everything from raising the dead to working at the mall. A timeline of St. Nick's illustrious life:"

More:Santa Claus - TIME

TESEV Announces Its Report About The Kurdish Problem

"TESEV Announces Its Report About The Kurdish Problem

The Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) publishes a report about the Kurdish suggestions to end the Kurdish problem. The report touches upon many dimensions of the problem."

More:Bianet :: TESEV Announces Its Report About The Kurdish Problem

TSYS appoints new business development director for Turkey - Computer Business Review

"TSYS appoints new business development director for Turkey
23rd December 2008
By Staff Writer
Total System Services, or TSYS, a provider of electronic payment services, has appointed Bulent Senver as business development director for the Turkish payments market."

More:TSYS appoints new business development director for Turkey - Computer Business Review

Australian signs with Turkish club - International Herald Tribune

"Australian signs with Turkish club

SYDNEY, Australia: Australian midfielder Mile Jedinak has signed a 2 1/2-year contract with Turkish club Genlerbirligi for an undisclosed fee and will leave the A-League's Central Coast Mariners next week."

More:Australian signs with Turkish club - International Herald Tribune

Sick trees of Istanbul nursed back to health

"Sick trees of Istanbul nursed back to health
ISTANBUL - The Parks and Gardens Department of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has nursed hundreds of trees in the city back to health."

More:Sick trees of Istanbul nursed back to health

Cyprus landmine removal out of funds

"Cyprus landmine removal out of funds
NICOSIA - The U.N. Mine Action Center’s Manager Michael Raine said Wednesday there was only enough money left to continue with mine removals inside the 180 kilometer buffer zone that separates Greek and Turkish Cypriots until the end of January."

More:Cyprus landmine removal out of funds

Airport deal in northern Cyprus

"Airport deal in northern Cyprus
GİRNE - While negotiations between Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders aimed at reunifying the island are ongoing, a joint airport services organization has become operational, with hopes economic cooperation will spread to the political sphere."

More:Airport deal in northern Cyprus

Bodrum is switching on

"Bodrum is switching on
BODRUM - This time it will not be a competition between people or animals that will keep the jury busy. It is time for picking Bodrum’s most festive place."

More:Bodrum is switching on

Marmaris’ party spots to get safer

"Marmaris’ party spots to get safer
MUĞLA-Turkey’s most popular holiday spots are about to get safer for tourists, as a series of higher security measures are taken by the local authorities. Muğla Governor says that private security will be employed for nightclub avenues"

More:Marmaris’ party spots to get safer

Canadian investor for Multi Turkmall

"Canadian investor for Multi Turkmall
ISTANBUL - Multi Corporation’s Turkey subsidiary, Multi Turkmall, has announced it will spend 4.3 billion euros on new projects and investments as part of its 'Multi Turkey Real Estate Fund.'

The Investment Board of Canada Pension Plan, or CPP, became the first founding investor to the Multi Turkey Real Estate Fund with a 250 million euro commitment, according to a written statement by Multi Turkmall."

More:Canadian investor for Multi Turkmall

Ottoman house now serves as a hotel

"Ottoman house now serves as a hotel
GAZİANTEP - A historic mansion from the Ottoman Empire era in Gaziantep has been restored and jas re-opened as a boutique hotel.

Abdülkadir Demir, general secretary of the Special Provincial Administration of Gaziantep, said while they were going through the assets of the administration during a restructure, they discovered a historic mansion in the district of Eyüpoğlu was among them."

More:Ottoman house now serves as a hotel

Bahrain FM arrives in Ankara

"Bahrain FM arrives in Ankara
ANKARA - Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Şeyh Halid bin Ahmed bin Muhammed El Halife met separately with his Turkish counterpart Ali Babacan and President Abdullah Gül during an official visit to Ankara yesterday."

More:Bahrain FM arrives in Ankara

Iraqi Kurds cold to PKK fight

"Iraqi Kurds cold to PKK fight
ANKARA - The Iraqi Prime Minister’s visit to Ankara is an attempt to bolster closer relations and economic cooperation. Yet the Iraqi leader makes no mention of how the PKK problem that casts a shadow on bilateral relations could be resolved. 'We should not let the PKK harm bilateral ties,' he says after meeting with Prime Minister Erdoğan"

More:Iraqi Kurds cold to PKK fight

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Foreign visitors to Turkey up 7.69 pct in Nov

"Foreign visitors to Turkey up 7.69 pct in Nov

ISTANBUL, Dec 24 (Reuters) - The number of foreign visitors to Turkey rose 7.69 percent year-on-year in November to 1.268 million, the Culture and Tourism Ministry said on Wednesday."

More:Business Feed Article | Business | guardian.co.uk

Istanbul's allure

"Istanbul's allure (final)

Published: Wednesday | December 24, 2008
Laura Tanna - LETTER FROM LAURA

Istanbul! Everyone who visits this ancient city, known as Byzantium, then Constantinople and now Istanbul, has marvellous memories. Sprawling across the Bosphorus Straits, sitting astride both Europe and Asia, it has history and monuments enough to satisfy the most intrepid of travellers."

More:Jamaica Gleaner News - Istanbul's allure (final) - Wednesday | December 24, 2008

A cut above: Zen Diamond works its way to the top Diamond Review:

"A cut above: Zen Diamond works its way to the top

Zen Diamond, the largest manufacturer of diamond jewelry in Europe and the No. 1 exporter of precious stones in Turkey, has plans to enhance efficiency and boost productivity during the global economic slowdown, a top company executive has said."

More:» A cut above: Zen Diamond works its way to the top Diamond Review:

India and Turkey specialist upbeat about 2009

"India and Turkey specialist upbeat about 2009
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ... Posted on: December 24th, 2008 by Taylor Smith

Jewel in the Crown Holidays, a travel operator specializing in India and Turkey, has said that it remains upbeat about business prospects for 2009, largely due to the euro’s strength."

More:India and Turkey specialist upbeat about 2009

Turkey, Iraq vow fight against Kurdish rebels - International Herald Tribune

"Turkey, Iraq vow fight against Kurdish rebels
The Associated Press
Published: December 24, 2008

ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey and Iraq will wage a joint struggle against Kurdish rebels operating along their shared mountainous border, the Turkish prime minister said Wednesday after meeting with his visiting counterpart from Iraq."

More:Turkey, Iraq vow fight against Kurdish rebels - International Herald Tribune

Stepan Demirchyan: "It is wrong that Nagorno Karabakh is left beyond the negotiation process"

"Stepan Demirchyan: 'It is wrong that Nagorno Karabakh is left beyond the negotiation process'
24 December 2008 [17:54] - Today.Az

'It is not correct that Karabakh is left beyond the negotiation process and next year the diplomatic efforts of powers must aim to involve Karabakh into the negotiation process as its full party, said head of the Popular Party of Armenia Stepan Demirchyan, drawing conclusions of the external policy of Armenia in the passing year."

More:Today.Az - Stepan Demirchyan: "It is wrong that Nagorno Karabakh is left beyond the negotiation process"

Belgium: Turkish-Belgian chosen as Miss Belgium

"Belgium: Turkish-Belgian chosen as Miss Belgium

Zeynep Sever (19) from Molenbeek was chosen in the Spiroudome in Charleroi to be Miss Belgium 2009.

Cassandra D'Ermilio (21) of Henegouw came second and Michèle Thissen (20) of Limburgs came third.

Zynep is 1m76, born on July 9, 1989 and lives in Molenbeek. She studies secretarial-tourism studies and loves volleyball and music."

Islam in Europe: Belgium: Turkish-Belgian chosen as Miss Belgium

Turkish Airlines will Purchase Four New Planes

"Turkish Airlines will Purchase Four New Planes
Published by Ozgur Tore
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Turkish Airlines, following a meeting of the board of directors on Monday, announced that the company will acquire four new A321-200 model jetliners as a part of an expansion program.

thy_logo_en.gifHaving the “business” seat configuration, as major characteristic, and including 20 business, 158 economy, and 178 seats in total, the A321, single-aisle aircraft, are installed with new entertainment equipment designed to be different from other existing single-aisle planes. Operating with customer orientation and observance of high quality, Turkish Airlines stresses the configuration of inner seat in the purchase of single-aisle medium-range jetliners."

More:FTN - Turkish Airlines will Purchase Four New Planes

Turkish bonds, lira close flat in quiet trade | Reuters

"Turkish bonds, lira close flat in quiet trade
Wed Dec 24, 2008 8:55pm IST

ISTANBUL, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Turkish bonds and the lira traded flat and stocks dipped on Wednesday in thin volume as Europe began its holiday season amid negative data from the United States."

More:UPDATE 1-Turkish bonds, lira close flat in quiet trade | Reuters

Three Turkish soldiers killed in Kurdish attack | Reuters

"Three Turkish soldiers killed in Kurdish attack
Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:24pm EST

TUNCELI, Turkey, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Three Turkish soldiers were killed in an attack by Kurdish separatist guerrillas in a town near the Iraqi border on Wednesday, military sources said."

More:Three Turkish soldiers killed in Kurdish attack | Reuters

Three Turkish soldiers killed in Kurdish attack | Reuters

"Three Turkish soldiers killed in Kurdish attack
Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:24pm EST

TUNCELI, Turkey, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Three Turkish soldiers were killed in an attack by Kurdish separatist guerrillas in a town near the Iraqi border on Wednesday, military sources said."

More:Three Turkish soldiers killed in Kurdish attack | Reuters

Smuggled artifacts head back to Turkey

"Smuggled artifacts head back to Turkey
DİDİM - Turkish artifacts smuggled into Germany in 2002 and retrieved in Bremen have been sent back to Turkey. Artifacts taken to Hannover, Bremen in Germany six years ago were sent back to Turkey with the help of Turkey’s Consulate General in Hannover."

More:Smuggled artifacts head back to Turkey

Turkey's Bank Provides Loan From German Bank

"Turkey's Bank Provides Loan From German Bank
Published: 12/24/2008

ISTANBUL - A Turkish bank provided loan from a German bank, the bank said on Monday.
Turkey's Is Bankasi received 20 million Euro loan from the KFW Entwicklungsbank within the scope of second phase of the Small Enterprises Loan Programme (Selp II) of the European Union, the bank statement said."

More:Turkey's Bank Provides Loan From German Bank

Turkey near accord on extent of IMF deal-min/agency - Forbes.com

"Turkey near accord on extent of IMF deal-min/agency
12.24.08, 01:11 AM EST

ISTANBUL, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Turkey is near a deal with the International Monetary Fund on the extent of measures in a planned agreement with the Fund, state-run Anatolian news agency on Wednesday quoted Economy Minister Mehmet Simsek as saying."

More:Turkey near accord on extent of IMF deal-min/agency - Forbes.com

Two Mistakes In The Discussion Between Gul And Aritman

"Two Mistakes In The Discussion Between Gul And Aritman
Published: 12/24/2008

BY FIKRET BILA
MILLIYET- Everyone is talking about a statement made by Canan Aritman, Republican People's Party (CHP) Izmir deputy, which implied that President Abdullah Gul's mother had Armenian roots. Citing his family tree, President Gul said this argument was false. Gul stated that he is Muslim and Turkish on both sides of his family, as 100 years of the tree proves. Gul said that he felt he had to set the record straight in order to correct a tendentious lie which started when he ran for president last year and has recently been openly and deviously resurrected. He added that he wanted to establish the truth for history's sake."

More:Two Mistakes In The Discussion Between Gul And Aritman

Turkey faces cautious outlook for chrome exports in 2009

"Turkey faces cautious outlook for chrome exports in 2009

It is reported that Turkey is successful in having developed largely its production of chrome ore in 2007 and 2008 but, as for the exports of chrome ore in 2009, a major producer in Turkey has a cautious outlook."

More:SteelGuru - News

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Foreign direct investment declines

"Foreign direct investment declines
ANKARA - Net foreign direct investment in Turkey totaled $1.7 billion in October, official figures have revealed. The figure for between January and October reached $15.29 billion, despite a 15.9 percent decline compared to the corresponding period last year, according to Treasury data, when the figure stood at $18.19 billion."

More:Foreign direct investment declines

How the command economy killed the Ottomans

"How the command economy killed the Ottomans

Austrolabe, an Australian Muslim blog, on how command economy reforms destroyed the Ottoman Islamic monarchy. I am in complete agreement:"

More:Western Standard

Europe complains of Turkish red tape

"Europe complains of Turkish red tape
ANKARA- The European Union has called on Turkish authorities to speed up technical preparations in order to open new negotiation chapters.

Europe complains of Turkish red tape The message was conveyed by French Ambassador Bernard Emie to Yaşar Yakış, the head of Parliament’s EU Harmonization Committee, in a meeting held late Monday, the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review learned."

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Turkish fest ends in US

"Turkish fest ends in US
BOSTON - The 13th Boston Turkish Culture and Art Festival, which started in 1996 and runs every year from the Oct. 29 Republic Holiday to the middle of December, has ended."

More:Turkish fest ends in US

Turkey, Georgia vow to boost economic relations _English_Xinhua

"Turkey, Georgia vow to boost economic relations

ANKARA, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Turkish and Georgian prime ministers agreed on Tuesday to further cooperation in trade, investment and joint projects amid the current global economic crisis.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Georgian counterpart Grigol Mgalobishvili made the remarks while holding a joint press conference following their meeting in Turkish capital city of Ankara. "

More:Turkey, Georgia vow to boost economic relations _English_Xinhua

French warming to Turkey's membership in EU, survey reveals

"French warming to Turkey's membership in EU, survey reveals
A public opinion survey conducted in June revealed that more than half of the French population supports Turkey's eventual accession to the European Union if it fulfills all criteria for accession."

More:French warming to Turkey's membership in EU, survey reveals

DALOGLU: The Armenian tragedy

"DALOGLU: The Armenian tragedy
Congress ponders genocide bill: But was it genocide?
Tulin Daloglu
Wednesday, December 24, 2008

OP-ED:

In a recent action alert, Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) wrote that '[t]he Turkish government, which has outlawed discussion of the Armenian genocide within its borders, is exporting its undemocratic free-speech restrictions to the United States by imposing a 'gag-rule' on congressional consideration and adoption of the Armenian Genocide Resolution.' This kind of talk will soon - once again - dominate the U.S.-Turkey relationship."

More:Washington Times - DALOGLU: The Armenian tragedy

'Turks want 'framework' for direct Israeli-Syrian talks' | Middle East | Jerusalem Post

"'Turks want 'framework' for direct Israeli-Syrian talks'
By HERB KEINON

Turkey is keen on putting a "mechanism" in place that would make direct Syrian-Israeli talks possible before the February 10 Israeli elections, a senior government source said Tuesday.

The source said the idea was to have a framework up and working prior to the changing of the guard in the United States and Israel. "

More:'Turks want 'framework' for direct Israeli-Syrian talks' | Middle East | Jerusalem Post

Wilders Asks Albayrak to Give up Turkish Passport

"PvdA Memo: Wilders Asks Albayrak to Give up Turkish Passport

THE HAGUE, 24/12/08 - Confronting her with yesterday's statements of Labour (PvdA) chairwoman Liliane Ploumen, Party for Freedom (PVV) leader Geert Wilders is challenging Justice State Secretary Nebahat Albayrak (PvdA) to give up her Turkish passport."

More:Dutch news - PvdA Memo: Wilders Asks Albayrak to Give up Turkish Passport

Next year to be significant for Turkey to join EU

"Next year to be significant for Turkey to join EU
23.12.08 14:35

Turkey, Ankara, Dec. 23 / TrendNews, A.Alaskarov / The next year will be significant for Turkey in the respect to join the EU, Ollie Rehn, the EU Commissar for enlargement issues, said to Reuter."

More:Trend News : Next year to be significant for Turkey to join EU

Turkey-among main Moldova's economic partners

"Turkey-among main Moldova's economic partners

CHISINAU, December 23 /MOLDPRES/. Turkey is among main Moldova's economic partners both in export and import and enhancement of cooperation is favorable for the countries, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Didilica told the opening of the Moldovan-Turkish cooperation exchange, organized by the chamber in Chisinau. Participating in the exchange were about 30 local businessmen and representatives of nine Turkish companies that will stay with an economic mission in Moldova till December 24, MOLDPRES reports."

More:BSANNA News - BSANNA NEWS

Turkish pres welcomes Talabani's PKK remarks, to visit Iraq in Jan

"Turkish pres welcomes Talabani's PKK remarks, to visit Iraq in Jan
Turkish President Abdullah Gul said Tuesday he welcomed Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's remarks regarding the terror organization PKK, but added it was necessary to wait for tangible results. He also said he planned to visit Iraq in January."

More:Turkish pres welcomes Talabani's PKK remarks, to visit Iraq in Jan

Italy's Danieli sees 6-mo delay to Turkish contracts - Forbes.com

"Italy's Danieli sees 6-mo delay to Turkish contracts
12.23.08, 10:42 AM EST

MILAN, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Italian foundry equipment maker Danieli said on Tuesday its contracts to install equipment for two steel plants in Turkey may suffer a six month delay due to delays in contruction works and their financing."

More:Italy's Danieli sees 6-mo delay to Turkish contracts - Forbes.com

Russia sells copters to Turkey, gives MiGs to Lebanon - UPI.com

"Russia sells copters to Turkey, gives MiGs to Lebanon
By MARTIN SIEFF
Published: Dec. 23, 2008 at 8:00 AM

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Russia has closed a deal to sell $1 billion of used helicopters to Turkey, a member of the U.S.-led NATO alliance for more than half a century.

The Turkish newspaper Vatan claimed Monday that the Ankara government was going to purchase 32 used Mir Mi-28 -- Havoc -- helicopters for $1 billion, RIA Novosti said."

More:Russia sells copters to Turkey, gives MiGs to Lebanon - UPI.com

'Bush Shoe' Is Bonanza For Turkish Cobbler - Forbes.com

"'Bush Shoe' Is Bonanza For Turkish Cobbler
Javier Espinoza, 12.23.08, 01:04 AM EST
Man who claims to have made footwear hurled at U.S. president says orders are pouring in.
Ramazan Baydan

Amid a downturn, it can take something outrageous to spark buying. Turkish shoemaker Ramazan Baydan boasts that his company has been swamped with thousands of orders from around the globe due to his claims to have designed and produced the black leather shoes an Iraqi journalist threw at U.S. President George W. Bush."

More:'Bush Shoe' Is Bonanza For Turkish Cobbler - Forbes.com

Minimum 10 pct gas price cut expected as of 2009 in Turkey

"Minimum 10 pct gas price cut expected as of 2009 in Turkey
A minimum 10 percent cut is expected in the price of natural gas in Turkey at the beginning of 2009 due to the decline in oil prices and the easing of the lira's sharp fall against foreign currencies, NTVMSNBC reported on Tuesday citing unnamed officials."

More:Minimum 10 pct gas price cut expected as of 2009 in Turkey

Alstom Hydro to supply equipment for Turkish hydropower plants - Energy Business Review

"Alstom Hydro to supply equipment for Turkish hydropower plants
22nd December 2008
By Staff Writer
Alstom Hydro has signed a contract with Turkey-based Enerjisa Enerji Uretim to supply equipment for three new hydropower plants being constructed on the Seyhan and Goksu rivers in the Adana province in southern Turkey."

More:Alstom Hydro to supply equipment for Turkish hydropower plants - Energy Business Review

Explosives-laden Car Seized In Southeast Turkey - Officials - EasyBourse actualité

"Explosives-laden Car Seized In Southeast Turkey - Officials
Tuesday December 23rd, 2008 / 12h10
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (AFP)--Police in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast have seized a vehicle containing 57 kilograms of explosives and ammunition, officials said on Tuesday."

More:Explosives-laden Car Seized In Southeast Turkey - Officials - EasyBourse actualité

Recordati completes Turkish buy, more acquisitions to come

"Recordati completes Turkish buy, more acquisitions to come
23 December 2008
Recordati of Italy has completed the acquisition of Turkish pharmaceutical firm Yeni Ilac for 48 million euros.

The Milan-based group says that the purchase of Yeni Ilaç represents part of its strategy to expand in the emerging markets of central and eastern Europe. Founded in 1927, Yeni Ilac’s sales are expected to reach around 17 million euros and the firm, which is headquartered near Istanbul, employs 300 staff, of which around 100 are medical representatives."

More:PharmaTimes | Industry News | World News | Recordati completes Turkish buy, more acquisitions to come

Britain detains several PKK terrorists in London- Turkish agency

"Britain detains several PKK terrorists in London- Turkish agency
Several PKK members were detained in London during raids carried out by British security forces on the terror organization's offices, Turkey's state-run news agency reported on Tuesday."

More:Britain detains several PKK terrorists in London- Turkish agency

Olmert to discuss Syria in Turkey | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

"Olmert to discuss Syria in Turkey

December 18, 2008

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Ehud Olmert will meet with Turkey's prime minister to discuss progressing to direct peace talks with Syria.

The Israeli prime minister is scheduled to fly to Turkey Monday to meet with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been mediating indirect talks between Israel and Syria."

More:Olmert to discuss Syria in Turkey | JTA - Jewish & Israel News

Turkish assets ease in thin pre-holiday trade - Forbes.com

"Turkish assets ease in thin pre-holiday trade
12.23.08, 05:07 AM EST

ISTANBUL, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Turkish assets eased on Tuesday in thin trade ahead of public holidays in much of the world, with stocks following Asian markets lower as investors locked in profits from a short-lived year-end rally."

More:Turkish assets ease in thin pre-holiday trade - Forbes.com

Istanbul 'An Awe-Inspiring City Break Destination'

"Istanbul 'An Awe-Inspiring City Break Destination'
Istanbul An Awe-Inspiring City Break Destination Istanbul has been described as an 'awe-inspiring' city by one travel commentator.

The Turkish city is an excellent destination for a gastronomic break, with a wide range of eateries to suit all tastes and budgets, suggested Ginny McGrath, writing for the Times."

More:Istanbul 'An Awe-Inspiring City Break Destination'

Talking peace moves in Ankara: Israel and Turkey

"Talking peace moves in Ankara: Israel and Turkey 23/12 07:59 CET

The Israeli and Turkish prime ministers have met in Ankara. Ehud Olmert was keen to thank Turkey for its mediation role in negotiations between his country and Syria. Turkey has been meeting Israeli and Syrian delegations separately since last May in the role of go-between."

More:euronews | Talking peace moves in Ankara: Israel and Turkey

Turkey says "welcomed" with EU summit results

"Turkey says 'welcomed' with EU summit results
European Council meeting was held on December 11-12.
Tuesday, 23 December 2008 07:47
Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday that Turkey welcomed the understanding of consensus reached on issues such as the completion of the ratification process of Lisbon Treaty by the end of 2009 and importance of the continuation of the Middle East Peace Process, during the European Council meeting held on December 11-12."

More:World Bulletin [ Turkey says "welcomed" with EU summit results ]

Georgian PM to Visit Turkey

"Georgian PM to Visit Turkey
23/12/2008 09:52 (11:47 minutes ago)

The FINANCIAL -- According to Civil Georgia, Georgian Prime Minister, Vladimir Mgaloblishvili, is paying a working visit to Turkey on December 23-24, the Georgian government’s press office reported."

More:The FINANCIAL, News That Makes Money, Business News & Multimedia - Georgian PM to Visit Turkey

Germany drops support for Turkish dam

"Germany drops support for Turkish dam

By Chris Bryant in Berlin

Published: December 22 2008 15:07 | Last updated: December 22 2008 15:07

The future of Turkey's Ilisu dam was put in jeopardy on Monday after the German government suspended financial support for one of Europe’s most controversial development projects."

More:FT.com / Europe - Germany drops support for Turkish dam

Istanbul readies for hosting EMITT

"Istanbul readies for hosting EMITT
ANTALYA - The 13th East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Fair, or EMITT, of primary importance in the tourism industry, is to be held at TÜYAP Beylikdüzü Fair and Convention Center from Feb. 12 to 15, 2009."

More:Istanbul readies for hosting EMITT

Can Gürzap opens his own theater

"Can Gürzap opens his own theater
ISTANBUL-Renowned Turkish theater artist Can Gürzap has opened his own theater called, 'Theater Dialogue.'

Can Gürzap opens his own theater Gürzap, who has thought dialogue courses to many students for 18 years, will address more art lovers in his own theater under the motto 'New Human New Theater.'"

More:Can Gürzap opens his own theater

Istanbul Calling: A Turkish Mea Culpa?

"A Turkish Mea Culpa?
A group of Turkish academics and intellectuals have launched an online campaign that allows Turks to sign on to an apology for the 'great catastrophe' that the Armenians suffered during World War I. The apology, now signed by more than 15,000, studiously avoids the 'G' word, but it is being seen as another important step in making the Armenian issue less of a taboo in Turkey."

More:Istanbul Calling: A Turkish Mea Culpa?

Study underscores depth of divisions at heart of Turkey - The Irish Times - Tue, Dec 23, 2008

"Study underscores depth of divisions at heart of Turkey

NICHOLAS BIRCH in Istanbul

A report on discrimination against secular Turks may itself end up being used as a weapon in an ongoing ideological war.

A STUDY documenting how non-practising Turks feel forced to conform to a former Islamist government's conservative values if they want government jobs or promotions has sparked heated debate, revealing once again the depth of divisions in this secular Muslim country."

More:Study underscores depth of divisions at heart of Turkey - The Irish Times - Tue, Dec 23, 2008

‘Cyprus issue must be solved to get results in EU-Turkey negotiations’ haberi - Monday, 22 December 2008 13:04

"‘Cyprus issue must be solved to get results in EU-Turkey negotiations’
Dorothee Schmid, head of the Turkish studies program at Institut français des relations internationales (Ifri), has said the European Commission is concerned that the Cyprus issue may block the bureaucratic pace of the accession negotiations with Turkey."

More:‘Cyprus issue must be solved to get results in EU-Turkey negotiations’ haberi - Monday, 22 December 2008 13:04

Minister urges Turks to be more active by learning German : Euro-Islam.info: News and Analysis on Islam in Europe and the United States

"Minister urges Turks to be more active by learning German
World Bulletin - November 25, 2008

A Turkish minister underlined on Monday the importance of language in social integration. Turkey’s State Minister Mustafa Said Yazicioglu said that learning a language was important. “We are all aware of importance of learning a language, however it will be more beneficial if people learn a language in the country it is spoken,” Yazicioglu told a press conference in the German capital of Berlin."

More:Minister urges Turks to be more active by learning German : Euro-Islam.info: News and Analysis on Islam in Europe and the United States

Turkish immigrants in Germany and their cultural conflicts - Essay 

"Turkish immigrants in Germany and their cultural conflicts

Author: BA(Hons) Edgar Klüsener
Subject: History - Newer History, European Unification

Download instantly as PDF-file for 3,99 EUR (6,31 USD, 3,15 GBP)
Abstract


Nuri Sahin loves playing Football, and the 17 years old young man is fortunate, for he can actually make a living from this love. He is Germany's youngest professional player. Pundits regard the Borussia Dortmund forward as one of the greatest German footballing talents ever. However, if Turkey had qualified for the final round, Nuri Sahin would have been playing for them in the World Cup 2006 tournament in Germany. Although he was born in Germany and grew up in the small German town of Lüdenscheid, he still has decided to remain a Turkish citizen and play for Turkey rather than for Germany."

More:GRIN - Turkish immigrants in Germany and their cultural conflicts - Essay 

Monday, December 22, 2008

Ataturk

"Ataturk

Every nation has its heroes. For the United States, two of the top candidates would no doubt be Abraham Lincoln, for preventing the dissolution of the Union and for his stance against slavery, the country's greatest stain, and George Washington, for leading the country to victory in the War of Independence and serving as its first president. In some countries, especially many monarchies or de facto monarchies, the current ruler is placed on a highly public pedestal for adoration (see post of 5.4). Communist Russia, China and Vietnam all chose to honor their 'greatest' leaders by embalming them and putting them on display. No country I can think of, however, can lay claim to a man whose stature in the country is as monumental, and as well-deserved, as Turkey's Mustafa Kemal Ataturk."

More:Paul's travel blog: Ataturk

The CHP's Growing Pains

"The CHP's Growing Pains
Published: 12/22/2008

BY MURAT YETKIN
RADIKAL- The Republican People`s Party (CHP) changed its program yesterday, at a time when both Turkey and the world are facing major transformations. The first factor forcing the CHP`s hand is this wave of change. In 2008, we`re seeing the collapse of a spoiled, aggressive type of capitalism which ignores human concerns, just like the oppressive socialism unconcerned with people was wiped out with the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. So it can be said that the globe is on the threshold of an era in which social justice and social democracy have greater importance. Nor is there any way for Turkey to stay outside of this. Turkey has become closer to political, economic, financial and social developments in the world thanks to our EU reforms over 2002-2005, with the CHP`s help as well."

More:The CHP's Growing Pains

The Looming Crisis in Turkey

"The Looming Crisis in Turkey

By Claire Berlinski

Filed under: World Watch
A country of massive economic and strategic significance could be headed for disaster.

ISTANBUL—In the wake of the First World War, Turkish General Mustafa Kemal Atatürk drove the occupying Allied Forces from the rump of the defeated Ottoman Empire. The liberated territory, he announced, would form the new Turkish Republic. Its paramount value would be nationalism, anchored in an exceptionally stringent brand of secularism. Islam would henceforth be banned from the public sphere and subordinated entirely to the state’s authority."

More:The Looming Crisis in Turkey — The American, A Magazine of Ideas

Gulf investment inflow to Turkey rises $1.6 bln in 2008

"Gulf investment inflow to Turkey rises $1.6 bln in 2008
The direct investments inflow was only 5 million USD between January and September 2007."

More:World Bulletin [ Gulf investment inflow to Turkey rises $1.6 bln in 2008 ]

Turkish markets close mixed in quiet trade | Reuters

"Turkish markets close mixed in quiet trade
Mon Dec 22, 2008 8:51pm IST

ISTANBUL, Dec 22 (Reuters) - The Turkish lira and bonds closed stronger on Monday while stocks lost marginally as Turkish markets settled into a holiday range, reflecting global trading sentiment."

More:UPDATE 1-Turkish markets close mixed in quiet trade | Reuters

Board submits controversial list to Turkish president in rector elections

"Board submits controversial list to Turkish president in rector elections
Turkey's education body submitted Monday a controversial list to the president for selection in the rector elections at Turkey's oldest university, placing second the candidate who gained the highest number of votes from the university's academic staff."

More:Board submits controversial list to Turkish president in rector elections

Travel Biz Monitor :: Turkish Airlines to introduce First Class on select routes

"Turkish Airlines to introduce First Class on select routes
By TBM Staff | Mumbai
Turkish Airlines, which recently leased three Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft for its long haul flights from Jet Airways, will soon introduce First Class on select routes initially starting with flights to Singapore, Hong Kong, London, New York and Tokyo. According to a TravelDailyNews report the first two Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft are scheduled to join the Turkish Airlines fleet on the 24th and 25th of this month. These two aircraft will have a configuration of eight, First Class, 30 Business Class and 274 Economy Class seats, a total seating capacity of 312."

More:Travel Biz Monitor :: Turkish Airlines to introduce First Class on select routes

Turkish FM Babacan says Armenia solution was never this close

"Turkish FM Babacan says Armenia solution was never this close
A solution for the disputes between Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan, which has lasted since World War One, was never this close, Turkey's foreign minister told Hurriyet daily on Monday."

More:Turkish FM Babacan says Armenia solution was never this close

Turkish Police Detain 5 Over Mosque Fires- Agency - World - Javno

"Turkish Police Detain 5 Over Mosque Fires- Agency
It said police were questioning the five suspects. However, police officials declined to comment on the report.

Turkish police have detained five people in connection with a series of apparent arson attacks on mosques in Istanbul, state-run Anatolian news agency reported on Monday.

Media in overwhelmingly Muslim but secular Turkey have carried reports of an unprecedented spate of fires in mosques this month, and there has been persistent uncertainty over the cause of the fires."

More:Turkish Police Detain 5 Over Mosque Fires- Agency - World - Javno

Study: secular Turks face discrimination, pressure - International Herald Tribune

"Study: secular Turks face discrimination, pressure

ANKARA, Turkey: Non-practicing Muslims in Turkey are under pressure to wear headscarves, attend Friday prayers and fast during Ramadan if they want government jobs or promotions, a study has found."

More:Study: secular Turks face discrimination, pressure - International Herald Tribune