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Thursday, January 31, 2008

Dutch minister for EU affairs in Ankara for talks

"Dutch minister for EU affairs in Ankara for talks
Dutch Minister Frans Timmermans
Turkey will become a more transparent and democratic country through making reforms as part of its drive to be a full member of the European Union, Dutch European Affairs Minister Frans Timmer-mans told reporters yesterday following his talks with Turkish officials in the capital."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Turkey's EU membership a global peace project

"Turkey's EU membership a global peace project

According to Ali Babacan, the Turkish Foreign Minister and Chief European Union negotiator, Turkey’s full membership to the EU would be one of the greatest global peace projects of the 21st century."

More:Buy Investment Property, Real Estate Overseas, Invest Abroad - Select Property

Olive oil competition among Turkish and Spanish producers

"Olive oil competition among Turkish and Spanish producers
Thursday, 31 January 2008
The delegation of Turkish olive producers and exporters watch over the harvesting of olives in Spain.

Turkish olive and olive oil exporters examine factories in the Spanish cities of Madrid, Seville and Cordoba that meet 51 percent of total global demand for olive oil, and hold meetings with representatives of the Olive and Olive Oil Exporters Association, the Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives and prominent olive and olive oil producers in the region."

More:TurkishNY.com World & Local News Portal

Turkish Olive oil sector aims for Asia | Olives, olive oil, news, health, info and article, recipes. | Olives101.com

"Turkish Olive oil sector aims for Asia

To increase foreign trade, the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) is preparing some overseas publicity activities for all sectors, particularly olive and olive oil.

China and India are the priority targets for the advertising campaigns, TİM Chairman Oğuz Satıcı said midweek at a press conference held by olive and olive oil sector representatives at the Foreign Trade Complex. The preparations have just begun, Satıcı said."

More:Turkish Olive oil sector aims for Asia | Olives, olive oil, news, health, info and article, recipes. | Olives101.com

Turkey and Postnational Europe: Challenges for the Cosmopolitan Political Community -- Baban and Keyman 11 (1): 107 -- European Journal of Social Theo

"Turkey and Postnational Europe
Challenges for the Cosmopolitan Political Community
Feyzi Baban

TRENT UNIVERSITY, CANADA, fbaban@trentu.ca

Fuat Keyman

KOC UNIVERSITY, TURKEY, fkeyman@ku.edu.tr

The question of Turkey's membership in the EU has been the subject of debates about the cosmopolitan future of Europe. Using the concept of cosmopolitanism as developed by Beck, Habermas, and Delanty, this article argues that the possibility of an antiontological and multicultural cosmopolitan European community will largely depend on how Europe answers the question of whether Turkey should be granted membership in the EU. Turkey forces a debate on three crucial areas that are directly related to the cosmopolitan future of Europe: (a) Europe's geopolitical place in the global world, (b) postnational forms of a European public sphere, and (c) European identity. The potential for a multicultural and pluralistic cosmopolitanism is a two-way street, and while Turkey's membership will have a transformative impact on the EU, the membership process will also have a similar impact on Turkish democracy and modernity."

Turkey and Postnational Europe: Challenges for the Cosmopolitan Political Community -- Baban and Keyman 11 (1): 107 -- European Journal of Social Theory

Government determined to make Turkey an attraction center » Turkey Financial News

"Government determined to make Turkey an attraction center

The economy minister Mehmet Şimşek said the government was determined to make Turkey an attractive center for investments and added that they attach great importance to the improvement of investment conditions for the private sector."

More:Government determined to make Turkey an attraction center » Turkey Financial News

Bianet :: Headscarf Debate Diverts Attention from Kurdish Issue and Economic Crisis

"Headscarf Debate Diverts Attention from Kurdish Issue and Economic Crisis

Prof. Dr. Narli predicts that the proposed constitutional change will reduce social tension. Yet the current debate is also diverting attention from the Kurdish issue and the global economic crisis, she believes."

More:Bianet :: Headscarf Debate Diverts Attention from Kurdish Issue and Economic Crisis

The Associated Press: Turkish Military Shuns Head-Scarf Debate

"Turkish Military Shuns Head-Scarf Debate

By CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA – 1 day ago

ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) — Turkey's military has a tradition of interfering in politics, even staging several coups in past decades. But on Wednesday, the chief of the secular armed forces refrained from direct comment on one of his country's most explosive debates: the Islamic head scarf."

More:The Associated Press: Turkish Military Shuns Head-Scarf Debate

Turkish business group slams MHP over headscarf support

"Turkish business group slams MHP over headscarf support
TUSIAD also criticized the AKP for not carrying out wider consultations on lifting the headscarf ban or establishing an atmosphere of consensus on the issue."

More:Turkish business group slams MHP over headscarf support

Press TV - Moderate quake rattles Ankara

"Moderate quake rattles Ankara
Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:21:16
A moderate earthquake has rattled the Turkish capital Ankara but no reports of death or damage have yet been made, officials say."

More:Press TV - Moderate quake rattles Ankara

US State Deparment issues comments on Turkey's "turban debates" - Hürriyet

"US State Deparment issues comments on Turkey's 'turban debates'

Matt Bryza of the US State Deparment has commented on the ongoing debates this past week in Turkey on the search to find a 'turban formula' which would allow girls and women wearing headscarves to attend Turkish universities, noting 'The question of the turban is a national matter that Turkey will make its own decisions on.'"

More:US State Deparment issues comments on Turkey's "turban debates" - Hürriyet

ScienceDirect - Economic Modelling : An analysis of regime shifts in the Turkish economy

"An analysis of regime shifts in the Turkish economy

Hakan Yilmazkudaya, Corresponding Author Contact Information, E-mail The Corresponding Author and Koray Akayb
aDeparment of Economics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
bDepartment of Economics, Istanbul Bilgi University, Istanbul, 34440, Turkey
Accepted 29 November 2007. Available online 30 January 2008.

Abstract

We use a time-varying dynamic factor model with regime switching to construct and estimate the leading indicators of the currency crises in Turkey. After that, we analyze the business cycles of the Turkish economy, by using a three-state univariate Markov-switching model. Both models capture the observed dynamics of the Turkish economy over the period 1987–2002. "

More:ScienceDirect - Economic Modelling : An analysis of regime shifts in the Turkish economy

Expats pay homage to Robert Burns, Atatürk and Turkey

"Expats pay homage to Robert Burns, Atatürk and Turkey
Çalış resident Charlie Leighton played the bagpipes as guests stood in honor of Robert Burns and Atatürk.
Foreign residents convened, paying homage to Robert Burns, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and their host country, Turkey, at a traditional Scottish Burns Night Supper held in Çalış, Fethiye, on Friday."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

alJazeera Magazine - ‘Finally, Turkish army is respecting democratic values!’

"‘Finally, Turkish army is respecting democratic values!’

It appears now that the Turkish military has finally learned to respect the opinion of the general mass."

More:alJazeera Magazine - ‘Finally, Turkish army is respecting democratic values!’

Omar Faruk Tekbilek and Ensemble | PerthNow

"Omar Faruk Tekbilek and Ensemble

THE Perth Concert hall proudly presents Omar Faruk Tekbilek and Ensemble on Monday, March 17 at 8pm.
UNESCO Artist for World Peace and all-round virtuoso, Turkish born Omar Faruk Tekbilek is widely revered as the guru of new world and Sufi music. Master of the ney (bamboo flute), the double-reed oboe-like zurna, the baglama (long-necked lute) and numerous percussion instruments, Tekbilek - and his ensemble - weave traditional Arabesque and Turkish melodies with distinct traces of folk and flamenco to create sublime ambient soundscapes."

More:Omar Faruk Tekbilek and Ensemble | PerthNow

Turkish Islam and the headscarf

"Turkish Islam and the headscarf

The struggle between secularism and Islam in Turkey continues; now the Islamic-inclined government, which defeated the keenly secularist party in the election, plans to lift the ban on women covering their heads, Muslim-style, at universities (dating in spirit from Ataturk's secularism and in law from 1997). Under the changes only traditional scarves will be permitted in universities, tied loosely under the chin. No burqas, no chadors. Even so there is a row about it, and the Prime Minister has stressed that this reform will be restricted to universities and that women civil servants and teachers will still be banned from covering their heads."

More:Faith Central - Times Online - WBLG: Turkish Islam and the headscarf

Istanbul hosts furniture fair, seeking growth - Turkish Daily News Jan 31, 2008

"Istanbul hosts furniture fair, seeking growth
Thursday, January 31, 2008

Players in Turkey's expanding furniture industry will continue to meet over the next four days at the Istanbul Furniture Fair (IMOB) 2008 that began yesterday at the CNR Expo Fair Center in Istanbul."

More:Istanbul hosts furniture fair, seeking growth - Turkish Daily News Jan 31, 2008

Turkish Coca Cola unit in talks to buy tea firm | Deals | Mergers & Acquisitions | Reuters

"Turkish Coca Cola unit in talks to buy tea firm

ISTANBUL, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Coca Cola Icecek CCOLA.IS, the Turkish unit of Coca Cola (KO.N: Quote, Profile, Research), said on Thursday it had started talks with its U.S. parent with a view to buying a 50 percent stake in tea company Dogadan."

More:UPDATE 1-Turkish Coca Cola unit in talks to buy tea firm | Deals | Mergers & Acquisitions | Reuters

EU regulation challenges Turkish chemicals - Turkish Daily News Jan 31, 2008

"EU regulation challenges Turkish chemicals
Thursday, January 31, 2008

Turkish companies may be prevented from shipping products into the European Union market if their products do not comply with the requirements of Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), an EU institution set up last year to ensure safe usage of chemicals and to ensure competitiveness across the continent. Secondly and more crucially, companies whose supply chains intersect the EU market face the risk of costly supply chain disruptions, said Murat Akyüz, president of Istanbul Chemical and Chemical Products Exporters' Association (İKMİB) at a press meeting yesterday."

More:EU regulation challenges Turkish chemicals - Turkish Daily News Jan 31, 2008

17 die in Turkish fireworks building blast - CNN.com

"17 die in Turkish fireworks building blast

(CNN) -- A blast ripped through a building in an industrial neighborhood of Istanbul on Thursday, leaving at least 17 people dead, authorities told CNN.
art.turkey.ap.jpg

The authorities, who ruled out terror activity, believe fireworks stored in the building caused the blast."

More:17 die in Turkish fireworks building blast - CNN.com

A nation's delicate retreat from secularism

"A nation's delicate retreat from secularism
Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan has begun to rewrite the country's legal code. The push may upset a political and cultural balance

DOUG SAUNDERS

In a small ritual every morning in downtown Istanbul, church and state collide: As the streetcar stops at Bosporus University, dozens of young women remove the colourful scarves from their heads, fold them and put them in their handbags."

More:globeandmail.com: A nation's delicate retreat from secularism

Trend News : There is no place for Turkey in EU – Nikola Sarkozy and Angela Merkel

"There is no place for Turkey in EU – Nikola Sarkozy and Angela Merkel
31.01.08 10:54

French President Nikola Sarkozy and Angela Merkel, Germany's first female chancellor, stated that they object to Turkey joining the European Union."

More:Trend News : There is no place for Turkey in EU – Nikola Sarkozy and Angela Merkel

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Antalya - Rally to bring summer excitement to Antalya

"Rally to bring summer excitement to Antalya

AntalyaPeople on summer holidays to Antalya will have some exciting sporting action to keep them entertained as the city hosts a leg of the World Rally Championship (WRC)."

More:Airflights.co.uk - Travel News - Antalya - Rally to bring summer excitement to Antalya

Digg - Turkey has been named in Thomas Cook's Top Five Value Resort

"Turkey has been named in Thomas Cook's Top Five Value Resort

Turkey has been named in Thomas Cook's Top Five Value Destinations in 2008. Taking into account the cost of flights, accommodation and cost of living, the travel firm placed Turkey in a list of countries which will see tourists get the most out of their money, reports the Daily Mirror."

More:Digg - Turkey has been named in Thomas Cook's Top Five Value Resort

Erkan's field diary: Turkish press teaches how to wear a legally approved headscarf...Illustrated one day course:)

"Turkish press teaches how to wear a legally approved headscarf...Illustrated one day course:)

Although I got irritated by Radikal's too pro-CHP politics in recent years, the newspaper now seems to be retreating to its "marginal" and"critical" position. This first page well redescribes positions on the headscarf debate. "A republic of fear" Secularists fear that more veiled women to come and Islamists fear that with the new definition of 'turban', parts of women bodies will be exposed. Well, being part of a small partner of mainstream press, Radikal still plays a trick. Who really produces a climate of fear? We don't know much what Islamists are up to publicly, but mainstream TV channels and press are broadcasting scenarios of ultrasecularists' ultra nightmares everyday...But another level, Radikal headline signifies a social/political habitus. A constant need to produce fears..."

More:Erkan's field diary: Turkish press teaches how to wear a legally approved headscarf...Illustrated one day course:)

James in Turkey: A crash course in Turkey's headscarf debate

"A crash course in Turkey's headscarf debate

Not for the first time in recent Turkish politics, the headscarf is all anyone can talk about. That piece of fabric that Muslim women use to wrap around their heads has been banned in universities and public buildings de jure since 1980, and de facto since 1997, meaning that Turkish women wearing it are not allowed to work in most civil service positions. Many, including the president's wife, were given a place at university but were unable to go because of the headwear."

More:James in Turkey: A crash course in Turkey's headscarf debate

Designer's one-of-a-kind jewelry inspired by Istanbul's history | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Life/Travel: FDLuxe

"Designer's one-of-a-kind jewelry inspired by Istanbul's history

Istanbul-based jewelry designer Sevan carves worlds in gold an

10:25 PM CST on Tuesday, January 29, 2008

BY JASON SHEELER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM GRANADO

Istanbul is the only city in the world that stretches across two continents. Connecting Europe with Asia, the city straddles more than the Bosphorus River, it straddles cultures. As a child, Sevan Bicakci lived on a street with a church, mosque and temple – three different beliefs that serve as inspiration for the very enigmatic jewelry designer now known simply as Sevan."

More:Designer's one-of-a-kind jewelry inspired by Istanbul's history | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Life/Travel: FDLuxe

Renewable Energy Planned for Turkish Islands

"Renewable Energy Planned for Turkish Islands
Yesterday, Turkey announced plans to invest in renewable energy on the island of Bozcaada in the Aegean Sea, following a project on Sedef. 'We will implement a similar project on Bozcaada if we accomplish our solar and wind energy project on Sedef islet (in Marmara Sea),' said Hilmi Guler, the Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister."

More:Renewable Energy Planned for Turkish Islands

Turkish-Afghan-Pakistani cooperation forum discusses projects

"Turkish-Afghan-Pakistani cooperation forum discusses projects
A cooperation forum between Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan that was established at the initiative of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) held its second landmark meeting yesterday in İstanbul, where they released a joint statement heralding concrete projects they are planning to pursue."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Moscow to Close Turkish Lycees in Muslim Regions of Russia

"Window on Eurasia: Moscow to Close Turkish Lycees in Muslim Regions of Russia

Paul Goble

Baku, January 30 – Moscow is taking steps to close the elite lycees Turkey created in Muslim regions of the Russian Federation in the 1990s out of fears that these schools are spreading radical Islam or providing cover for Turkish espionage. And that plan has prompted Ankara and Kazan to consult on how to prevent this from happening.
The Russian education ministry has set a letter to its counterpart in Tatarstan saying that Turkish citizens teaching in the Tatar-Turkish lycees in that Middle Volga republic do not have the necessary pedagogical training, according to Zvezda Povol’zha"

More:WindowonEurasia: Window on Eurasia: Moscow to Close Turkish Lycees in Muslim Regions of Russia

JTW News - Turkey and the US to cooperate for clean energy

"Turkey and the US to cooperate for clean energy

Wednesday , 30 January 2008

Turkey to cooperate USA for clean energy projects

Turkish Energy & Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler said Tuesday that Turkey and the United States would carry out projects on clean energy technologies to further improve cooperation between the two countries."

More:JTW News - Turkey and the US to cooperate for clean energy

Hisarciklioglu: Turkey should keep going with economic reforms for sustainable growth

"Hisarciklioglu: Turkey should keep going with economic reforms for sustainable growth

The New Anatolian / Ankara
30 January 2008

Rifat Hisarciklioglu, head of the Union of Chambers & Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), said EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn suggested that a joint conference be held to discuss economic problems between Turkey and the EU."

More:The New Anatolian

Many detained in police operation - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2008

"Many detained in police operation
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Around 23 people, including deputy prison directors and judicial personnel, were detained yesterday in simultaneous police operations against armed criminal organizations in four Turkish cities."

More:Many detained in police operation - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2008

Trend News : Armenia is the Paraguay of This Century: Says Former Assistant of British Prime Minister

"Armenia is the Paraguay of This Century: Says Former Assistant of British Prime Minister
30.01.08 13:44

Azerbaijan, Baku, 30 Januay / corr. Trend K. Ramazanova, F. Rzayev / Armenia is the Paraguay of this century, said Normann Stone, assistant to Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of the Great Britain."

More:Trend News : Armenia is the Paraguay of This Century: Says Former Assistant of British Prime Minister

Trend News : Armenian Lobby Falsifies European Archives: Turkish Prof.

"Armenian Lobby Falsifies European Archives: Turkish Prof.
30.01.08 15:42

Great Britain, London, 30 January /corr. Trend G.Ahmadova / The Armenian lobby placed false documents regarding the 1915-1917 events in Turkish-Armenian relations, in the archives of Europe, said the Turkish researcher, Salahi Sanel."

More:Trend News : Armenian Lobby Falsifies European Archives: Turkish Prof.

Istanbul Modern's new films - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2008

"Istanbul Modern's new films
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Fatma Çolakoğlu is in charge of the film program for Istanbul Modern, a particularly busy series of showings that change every month and feature different subjects and themes
"

More:Istanbul Modern's new films - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2008

‘Turkey should focus on Gulf to deal with credit squeeze in West’ » Turkey Financial News

"‘Turkey should focus on Gulf to deal with credit squeeze in West’

While global financial fluctuations triggered by the subprime mortgage crisis in the US continue, Turkey’s top fiscal team gathered to discuss how to handle the problem, including a focus on Gulf capital inflow."

More:‘Turkey should focus on Gulf to deal with credit squeeze in West’ » Turkey Financial News

Trend News : Turkey’s EU membership Might Break Its Traditions: Thatcher’s Former Assistant

"Turkey’s EU membership Might Break Its Traditions: Thatcher’s Former Assistant
30.01.08 15:52

Azerbaijan, Baku 30 January / corr Trend K.Ramazanova, F.Rzayev / Turkey’s membership in the European Union (EU) is not bad, but EU laws could disrupt the country’s traditons, Normann Stown, an asistant to Former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, said."

More:Trend News : Turkey’s EU membership Might Break Its Traditions: Thatcher’s Former Assistant

Turkish Progress - WSJ.com

"Turkish Progress
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL EUROPE
January 30, 2008

Turkey's long struggle to build a liberal society is one of many baby steps forward and back. So it was Monday.

First, one backward. Atilla Yayla was convicted and given a 15-month suspended sentence yesterday for daring to suggest that the one-party secular regime imposed by 'this man' -- Mustafa Kemal Atatürk -- wasn't 'progressive.' For expressing himself, Mr. Yayla fell afoul of a little-known 1951 statute against insulting the long-dead founder of modern Turkey."

More:Turkish Progress - WSJ.com

Turkey requests second-hand U.S. gunships to fight against PKK _English_Xinhua

"Turkey requests second-hand U.S. gunships to fight against PKK
www.chinaview.cn 2008-01-30 21:47:12

ANKARA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkish military is now seeking acquisition of second-hand U.S. Super Cobra gunships in order to fight against the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), local newspaper Today's Zaman reported on Wednesday."

More:Turkey requests second-hand U.S. gunships to fight against PKK _English_Xinhua

World Bank to boost employment in Turkey

"World Bank to boost employment in Turkey

The New Anatolian / Ankara
30 January 2008

A large part of a 6.5 billion USD loan --to be granted by World Bank to Turkey within the scope of the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) between 2008 and 2011-- will be used to boost employment and competitiveness."

More:The New Anatolian

United States, Turkey seek 'green' partnership - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2008

"United States, Turkey seek 'green' partnership
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

DAMARIS KREMIDA
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

In an effort to provide momentum to clean energy partnerships between the United States and Turkey, members of government, scientific and private sector communities gathered in Istanbul for the Turkish-American Clean Energy Technologies Conference yesterday. "

More:United States, Turkey seek 'green' partnership - Turkish Daily News Jan 30, 2008

Plan to drop head scarf ban worries secular Turks

"Plan to drop head scarf ban worries secular Turks

January 30, 2008
The Associated Press

ANKARA, TURKEY

A bill that would lift a decades-old ban on women wearing head scarves at universities was submitted to parliament yesterday, worrying secular Turks who fear the government is raising the profile of Islam."

More:TheRecord.com - CanadaWorld - Plan to drop head scarf ban worries secular Turks

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Hüseyin Karabey, Turkey’s pride at Rotterdam film festival

"Hüseyin Karabey, Turkey’s pride at Rotterdam film festival

It is another frightfully cold and windy day as I head to meet with director Hüseyin Karabey during the International Rotterdam Film Festival."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Turkey's Headscarf Dilemma: Is There a Way Out?By Soner Cagaptay

"Turkey's Headscarf Dilemma: Is There a Way Out?
By Soner Cagaptay
September 7, 2007

Note: This PolicyWatch is based on the author's recent op-ed in Financial Times Deutschland. Read the original op-ed (in German).

Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) won the July 22 parliamentary elections with a solid mandate. A major task awaiting the new AKP government is resolving the controversy surrounding the turban, an Islamic head covering for women that emerged in Turkey in the 1980s. The Turkish turban -- not to be confused with the south Asian male turban -- is considered a political symbol by Turkish courts and is banned on school campuses. Although the AKP did not deal with the turban issue during its first term, the controversy has now taken center stage in Turkish politics: in a striking break with precedent, the wife of recently elected president Abdullah Gul wears a turban. Can the AKP resolve this issue? And what are its implications for Europe and the United States?"

More:www.washingtoninstitute.org

Carrefour jv sells Istanbul real estate; to build Carrefour hypermarket on site - Forbes.com

"Carrefour jv sells Istanbul real estate; to build Carrefour hypermarket on site

PARIS (Thomson Financial) - Carrefour said its CarrefourSA joint venture with Sabanci Holding in Turkey, sold a real estate site in Istanbul for 267 mln eur and that it plans to build a hypermarket on the location, to open in 2010."

More:Carrefour jv sells Istanbul real estate; to build Carrefour hypermarket on site - Forbes.com

WWI-era mass grave with 20,000 skeletons found in Bitlis - Military Photos

"WWI-era mass grave with 20,000 skeletons found in Bitlis
A mass grave has been discovered in the eastern city of Bitlis containing an estimated 20,000 corpses, sparking claims that they are the bodies of Turks killed by Armenian gangs and Cossacks."

More:WWI-era mass grave with 20,000 skeletons found in Bitlis - Military Photos

Professor’s daughter forced out of French local polls

"Professor’s daughter forced out of French local polls

A Turkish candidate standing in French local elections has been forced to withdraw her candidacy amid pressure from Armenian groups who wanted her to publicly recognize Armenian claims of genocide in the final years of the Ottoman Empire."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Press TV - Ankara to host Palestinian envoys

"Ankara to host Palestinian envoys
Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:50:22

Palestinian ambassadors from around the world are slated to meet in Ankara next month in a bid to review the country's foreign policy. "

More:Press TV - Ankara to host Palestinian envoys

Outside View: Turks, Kurds won't fight

"Outside View: Turks, Kurds won't fight

By GEORGY MIRSKY
UPI Outside View Commentator
MOSCOW, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Turkey has invaded northern Iraq, the domain of the Kurdistan Workers Party, several times. Five years ago I was in the area where fighting is now taking place. At that time small Turkish groups used to cross the border to deliver strikes on Kurdish positions. "

More:International Security - Emerging Threats - Analysis - UPI.com

Ancient city from Byzantine period discovered in Turkey - Thaindian News

"Ancient city from Byzantine period discovered in Turkey

Ankara (Turkey), Jan 29 (ANI): Archaeologists have discovered remnants of an ancient city from the Byzantine period during surface excavations carried out in the Anatolian city of Corum in Turkey."

More:» Ancient city from Byzantine period discovered in Turkey - Thaindian News

Turkish social network Yonja raises $12.5m

"Turkish social network Yonja raises $12.5m

What is it about Turkey? They are really getting into social networking. Turkish social network Yonja (whose logo actually looks Irish to me) has raised $12.5M in Series A funding from Greywolf Capital Partners and Tiger Global Management, reports PEWire."

More:Turkish social network Yonja raises $12.5m

Police detain Turkish Airlines hostage-taker

"Police detain Turkish Airlines hostage-taker

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Police detained a Turkish Airlines employee on Tuesday after he released a woman he had been holding hostage with a gun at the company's headquarters, a company spokeswoman told Reuters."

More:Reuters.com

Alarm in Turkey over violence against Christians (SETimes.com)

"Alarm in Turkey over violence against Christians

29/01/2008

A spate of recent attacks has highlighted the threat religious minorities face, mostly from marginal ultranationalist groups.

By Ayhan Simsek for Southeast European Times -- 29/01/08
photo

The EU has faulted Turkey for not providing adequate protection to Christians and other minorities. [SETimes photo]

Adriano Franchini, a 65-year old Catholic priest, had just celebrated Sunday Mass at Izmir's St. Anthony Church when a teenager approached him, expressing an interest in converting to Christianity. As the priest spoke with him, the young man -- actually a fervent nationalist -- flew into a rage and stabbed him in the stomach."

More:Alarm in Turkey over violence against Christians (SETimes.com)

Ten reasons to invest in Turkey

"Ten reasons to invest in Turkey
Bodrum is a very popular Turkish resort

Bodrum is a very popular Turkish resort

© Emre Nacigil
29th January 2008

Rhiannon Williamson, from offshore investment firm Shelter Offshore, offers 10 top reasons why canny property investors are looking at Turkey."

More:999 Today - Property & Real Estate - Ten reasons to invest in Turkey

In Turkey, a Step to Allow Head Scarves - New York Times

"In Turkey, a Step to Allow Head Scarves

By SABRINA TAVERNISE
Published: January 29, 2008

ISTANBUL — Turkey’s governing political party — a class of young, observant Muslim politicians — reached an agreement late Monday to lift a ban on the wearing of head scarves by women attending universities, a move likely to enrage the country’s staunchly secular old guard and clear the way for a more openly religious society."

More:In Turkey, a Step to Allow Head Scarves - New York Times

The 5th Boston Turkish Film and Music Festival

"The 5th Boston Turkish Film and Music Festival

Last night K, Joe and I went to the Museum of Fine Arts to see Istanbul Tales (Anlat Istanbul, 2005), which opened The 5th Boston Turkish Film and Music Festival. I likened the film to a Turkish Pulp Fiction, in which the world of organized crime and mob violence were prominent themes and in which seemingly disconnected stories were woven together. Ts fairytales."

More:Marriage Like People Spirit Work » The 5th Boston Turkish Film and Music Festival

A controversial genocide - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

"A controversial genocide
Monday, January 28, 2008

Robert ELLIS

Presidential candidate Barack Obama has jumped onto the Armenian bandwagon and pledged to recognize the Armenian genocide, should he be elected, and Hillary Clinton has just done the same. No doubt the prospect of wooing a potential one and a half million Armenian votes plays a role in this pledge. "

More:A controversial genocide - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

TURKEY: No Agreement, But a Breakthrough

"TURKEY: No Agreement, But a Breakthrough
Analysis by Hilmi Toros

ISTANBUL, Jan 29 (IPS) - For the first time in half a century, a Greek head of government has paid an official visit to Turkey. The two Mediterranean neighbours, often described as the worst of friends or the best of enemies, attempt to tackle their old problems in a volatile eastern Mediterranean."

More:TURKEY: No Agreement, But a Breakthrough

Turkish Immigrants Can Impact German Election

"Turkish Immigrants Can Impact German Election
January 29th, 2008 by Fred Stopsky · No Comments

Voters in the German state of Hesse are voting after a campaign that was highlighted by vicious attacks against Turkish immigrants. Sparked by the virulent anti-immigrant rantings of Roland Koch, the electorate has been told all problems in Hesse are the result of the presence of young Turkish immigrants who commit crimes and cause fear among people. There are about one million immigrants in Hesse and at least 250,000 are Turks. It is estimated 40,000 Turks have obtained the right to vote and they undoubtely will support candidates who oppose the anti-immigrant rhetoric of Koch."

More:Turkish Immigrants Can Impact German Election

Turkish fashion on the world scene - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

"Turkish fashion on the world scene
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Turkish fashion breeze blows from the United States to Britain. ‘Turkish Fashion Fabric Exhibition,’ organized by the Istanbul Textiles and Apparel Exporters Associations, features leading Turkish textile and fabric manufacturers"

More:Turkish fashion on the world scene - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

Turkish Avea targets 13 mln subscribers in 2008 | Industries | Technology, Media & Telecommunications | Reuters

"Turkish Avea targets 13 mln subscribers in 2008

ISTANBUL, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Turkish mobile phone operator Avea had 10 million subscribers last year and targets 13 million subscribers in 2008, the company's Chief Executive Officer Cuneyt Turktan told a news conference on Tuesday."

More:Turkish Avea targets 13 mln subscribers in 2008 | Industries | Technology, Media & Telecommunications | Reuters

Are American Indians Turkish? - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

"Are American Indians Turkish?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

'This conference did not intend to make a statement. We are not suggesting that all Native Americans are of Turkish descent,' says Ali Çınar. 'However what came out of the conference is that the link between the groups needs to be studied in a more serious way'
"

More:Are American Indians Turkish? - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

Reforms a must, says Deutsche Bank - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

"Reforms a must, says Deutsche Bank
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Germany’s giant Deutsche Bank urges structural reforms in Turkey, noting that a sustainable growth and a stable economy depends on them. The nation’s credit rating may increase if they are implemented, the bank’s report says"

More:Reforms a must, says Deutsche Bank - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

East's call for doctors unheard - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

"East's call for doctors unheard
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Hospitals in eastern and southeastern Turkey are unable to find enough doctors due to problems related to security and lack of social facilities. Doctors still prefer western cities despite the YTL 15,000 salaries offered in hospitals in the East"

More:East's call for doctors unheard - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

Energy security: A new buzzword for Europe - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

"Energy security: A new buzzword for Europe
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Without ensuring its energy security, Europe's ability to be a serious global player is at risk. The answer to the question “is Europe ensuring its energy security?” is negative. If current trends continue, Europe will be more energy hungry and more dependent on unreliable suppliers. On the other hand, attempts to build alternative energy supply routes for European markets face opposition by Russia. The EU should develop a common European Energy policy, collaborate with NATO in securing routes of supply from asymmetric threats, integrate energy rich countries like Azerbaijan and Kazahkstan into Euro-Atlantic structures, and develop stronger dialogue with Russia"

More:Energy security: A new buzzword for Europe - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

Turkey and Korea to collaborate in nuclear energy project. « Green Icebergs - a look at the world from a different perspective

"Turkey and Korea to collaborate in nuclear energy project.

While local media were reporting on Turkey’s lifting of the headscarf ban for university students, another interesting Turkish venture was confirmed that has not received as much local coverage. The New Anatolian reported that “two leading Turkish and Korean companies have confirmed they have established a joint venture hoping to build Turkey’s first nuclear energy power plant.” Seoul Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) and Turkey’s ENKA expect the project to be completed by the end of the year."

More:Turkey and Korea to collaborate in nuclear energy project. « Green Icebergs - a look at the world from a different perspective

Looking at Istanbul with eyes wide open - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

"Looking at Istanbul with eyes wide open
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Anyone who has ever spent time maneuvering the trinket-laden streets of Sultanahmet would have come across the wonderful Basilica Cistern. Now the cistern is one of my favourite things in Istanbul. Not only is it evidence of the engineering brilliance of the Byzantines, but what I find really interesting is the fact that after the Turks arrived, the cistern was forgotten about for about the first hundred years of the Ottoman Empire. Sure the locals knew something was down there but, thanks to the presence of holes in the floors of houses through which you could simply lower a bucket and collect water, nobody bothered to go down there and investigate."

More:Looking at Istanbul with eyes wide open - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

Turkish diplomats killed by Armenians remembered

"Turkish diplomats killed by Armenians remembered

The New Anatolian / Ankara
29 January 2008

The Federation of Turkish Associations in the U.K. organized a conference in London to commemorate Turkish diplomats killed by Armenian gangs.

'This is the second conference held in memory of our martyred diplomats, and this is the most serious way to enlighten painful incidents of history,' Bahadir Kaleli, Turkey's consul general in London, said during the conference."

More:The New Anatolian

Turkish c.bank calls for fiscal discipline

"Turkish c.bank calls for fiscal discipline

By Emma Ross-Thomas
ISTANBUL, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Turkey's central bank on Tuesday urged fiscal discipline at a time of shrinking global risk appetite and said a worse-than-expected global slowdown could hurt the inflation outlook."

More:Feed Article | Business |

Rehn: EU ready to help Turkey in nuclear energy

"Rehn: EU ready to help Turkey in nuclear energy

The New Anatolian / Ankara
29 January 2008

Olli Rehn, EU commissioner for enlargement, said Tuesday the EU was ready to assist Turkey in nuclear energy.

Rehn said the Turkish government should take into consideration nuclear safety when it makes a decision on construction of nuclear power plants when he responded to a question motion. The European Commission asked member countries to assure a high-level nuclear safety, he stated."

More:The New Anatolian

Turks in Germany: an interesting study | jakedolson.com

"Turks in Germany: an interesting study

Despite my frustration with the quote from Steve Inskeep that I mentioned yesterday; the report on Germany’s Muslim subculture was absolutely fascinating. Sylvia Poggioli reported about the phenomenon of the Muslim subculture in Germany. It was especially interesting to hear how Anatolian Rural traditions are maintained by the practice of importing brides from Turkey; rather than finding a Turkish woman raised in Germany."

More:Turks in Germany: an interesting study | jakedolson.com

Talat : “We expect a new initiative from the UN Secretary General”

"Talat : “We expect a new initiative from the UN Secretary General”

TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat, in an interview given to Greek Cypriot daily Alithia stated that he was waiting a new initiative form the UN Secretary General to restart talks on Cyprus.

Responding to Greek Cypriot accusations of intransigency for the Turkish side, the President said the intransigent side was not the Turkish side but Papadopolous administration."

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::.. Türkiye'nin AB'deki gözü

Five-star by-pass in heart of ancient Istanbul - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

"Five-star by-pass in heart of ancient Istanbul
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

The five-star Four Seasons Hotel, built on the relics of the Grand Byzantine Palace and operating in a century-old building, Dersaadet Tevkifhanesi, (Sultanahmet prison), a neoclassic structure in the heart of Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district, has plans to expand with a 50-bed capacity additional building, the body of which will be constructed with steel. Art historians are anxious about these developments"

More:Five-star by-pass in heart of ancient Istanbul - Turkish Daily News Jan 29, 2008

BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkish MPs plan headscarf reform

"Turkish MPs plan headscarf reform

There is strong public support for lifting the ban, polls suggest
Two major parties in Turkey say they will submit a joint plan to parliament to ease a ban on the Islamic headscarf in universities."

More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkish MPs plan headscarf reform

Monday, January 28, 2008

Turkey Busts Alleged Murder Network - TIME

"Turkey Busts Alleged Murder Network
Monday, Jan. 28, 2008 By PELIN TURGUT/ISTANBUL

Turkey's Nobel Prize-winning novelist Orhan Pamuk might sleep a little easier tonight — or not. A series of dramatic arrests over the weekend has laid bare what is alleged to be a shadowy network of ultra-nationalist killers with connections in high places. Their hit list allegedly included the famous writer, targeted for speaking out about Turkey's patchy treatment of its minorities."

More:Turkey Busts Alleged Murder Network - TIME

Press TV - Turkish police rejects CIA request

"Turkish police rejects CIA request
Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:57:31
Turkey has rejected a request by the CIA to attend the interrogation sessions of al-Qaeda suspects detained by Turkish local police."

More:Press TV - Turkish police rejects CIA request

Visitors to Turkey 'could be tempted to stay'

"Visitors to Turkey 'could be tempted to stay'

Dalaman, TurkeyThe lure of Turkish destinations such as Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya is so strong that it could encourage some foreign visitors to relocate to the country permanently, a market expert has suggested."

More:Airflights.co.uk - Travel News - Dalaman, Turkey - Visitors to Turkey 'could be tempted to stay'

Turkey warned over Iranian banks

"Turkey warned over Iranian banks

A U.S. Treasury Department official urged Turkey on Monday to be vigilant in its financial dealings with Iran, which Washington accuses of bankrolling terror and seeking nuclear missiles."

More:Turkey warned over Iranian banks

‘Disappeared' Turks to be shown in footnotes

"‘Disappeared' Turks to be shown in footnotes
Ömer Demir
The Turkish Statistics Institute (TurkStat) will explain the difference in the Turkish population figure cited in its previous projections and the results of the latest address-based census to the international public with footnotes when translating the statistics into English."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

DWW and Deniz Feneri send a team of volunteer Turkish medics to Niger

"DWW and Deniz Feneri send a team of volunteer Turkish medics to Niger
The Turkey branch of Doctors Worldwide (DWW) and the Deniz Feneri (Lighthouse) foundation have taken steps to help the estimated 200,000 Nigerien women suffering from post-natal complications requiring surgery.

The two organizations started the “Violets of Hope” campaign in 2007 and treated 26 women suffering from fistulas following childbirth. Today they are sending the 11-strong 6th Nigerien Medical Team to the African nation from İstanbul’s Atatürk Airport."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

The Turks do science fiction comedy in A.R.O.G.

"The Turks do science fiction comedy in A.R.O.G.

Posted on Monday, January 28th 2008 by: quietearth
Posted under: movie news scifi comedy
Thanks to the boys at Twitch comes news of a sequel to a film I've never even heard of, called GORA. They described it as Mel Brooks inspired comedy, and with the high production values, I'm already looking for a copy. While no English synopsis is forthcoming, the first 3 minutes, which is embedded after the break, speaks for itself. Is it a collection of comedic meanderings or a set storyline?"

More:The Turks do science fiction comedy in A.R.O.G.

Turkish women’s forum to mark anniversary

"Turkish women’s forum to mark anniversary
Published: Monday, 28 January, 2008, 05:54 AM Doha Time

Staff Reporter
THE Turkish Women Association (TWA) in Qatar is to organise a party to celebrate its third anniversary on February 4 at the Champs Elysee Garden 1, Club House at 4pm.
The association has been holding Turkish Children’s Day at the embassy for the past three years."

More:Gulf Times – Qatar’s top-selling English daily newspaper - Qatar

Quiet Bridge-Building

"Quiet Bridge-Building
By Soner Cagaptay
Washington Times, January 26, 2008

In 1959, President Dwight Eisenhower reassured West Germany of its NATO security against any Soviet invasion, Fidel Castro seized control of Cuba's government, and the prime ministers of NATO allies Greece and Turkey held official meetings in Ankara for the last time -- until this week."

More:Article or Op-Ed

INTERVIEW-Turkey Sabanci to pick nuclear partner by mid-March | Markets | Reuters

"INTERVIEW-Turkey Sabanci to pick nuclear partner by mid-March

By Thomas Grove and Ercan Ersoy

ISTANBUL, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Turkey's Sabanci Holding SAHOL.IS will choose by mid-March from up to six European and Asian companies to partner its bid in a Turkish nuclear power plant tender, the head of Sabanci's energy group said on Monday."

More:INTERVIEW-Turkey Sabanci to pick nuclear partner by mid-March | Markets | Reuters

Scholars Encourage More Study of the Yemen-Turkey Historic Relationship - Yemen Times

"Scholars Encourage More Study of the Yemen-Turkey Historic Relationship
Yemen Times Staff

SANA’A, Jan 26 — Turkish professors from Al-Fatih, Istanbul and Marmara universities visited Yemen Wednesday and Thursday in order to participate in a conference held at University of Science and Technology in Sana'a. Both Turkish and Yemeni professors talked about Yemen- Turkey relations from a historic point of view."

More:Scholars Encourage More Study of the Yemen-Turkey Historic Relationship - Yemen Times

Turkish Delight At Singapore Orchestra | HULIQ

"Turkish Delight At Singapore Orchestra

AddThis Social Bookmarking Widget

Christoph Poppen, Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Saarbrücken Radio Symphony Orchestra, joins the Singapore Symphony Orchestra for an all-Mozart programme of popular showpieces on March 14 and 15, including the Haffner Symphony - commissioned for the ennoblement of Sigmund Haffner – and yet another of Mozart's most familiar symphonies, the Jupiter."

More:Turkish Delight At Singapore Orchestra | HULIQ

Greek businessmen seek further opportunities - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

"Greek businessmen seek further opportunities
Monday, January 28, 2008

DAMARIS KREMIDA
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

Nearly half of the representatives from the Greek delegation of businessmen attending the Greek-Turkish Business Forum on Friday, requested meetings with Turkish counterparts, reported the forum's organizers. "

More:Greek businessmen seek further opportunities - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

Heineken Partners With Efes Breweries In Uzbekistan, Serbia And Kazakhstan

"Heineken Partners With Efes Breweries In Uzbekistan, Serbia And Kazakhstan

Amsterdam, Netherlands, Jan 28, 2008 - (ABN Newswire) - Amsterdam, 28 January 2008 - Heineken N.V. announced today that it has established a joint venture with Efes Breweries International N.V. ('EBI') in order to invest in the Uzbek beer market through the acquisition of breweries."

More:Heineken Partners With Efes Breweries In Uzbekistan, Serbia And Kazakhstan

Turkey's leading healthcare provider partners with Abraaj Capital to expand services in MENASA | ABRAAJ Capital

"Turkey's leading healthcare provider partners with Abraaj Capital to expand services in MENASA
Abraaj Capital, the premier investment firm specialising in private equity investment in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region, announced today that it has partnered with Acibadem Healthcare Services."

More:Turkey's leading healthcare provider partners with Abraaj Capital to expand services in MENASA | ABRAAJ Capital

Turkey a secure East-West energy corridor - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

"Turkey a secure East-West energy corridor
Monday, January 28, 2008

Doğan Media Group Executive Hanzade Doğan Boyner and Akbank General Manager Suzan Sabancı Dinçer participated in a panel titled 'Turkey's challenges' that addressed business and political leaders attending the World Economic Forum on Saturday in Davos. Boyner emphasized Turkey's role as an energy corridor while Dinçer underlined the importance of education reform."

More:Turkey a secure East-West energy corridor - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

Istanbuls new Greek faces | Hotels in Turkey

"Istanbuls new Greek faces

28 January, 2008 at 3:20 pm

1) So much to love in Istanbul 2) A country of opportunities and varieties 3) ‘Turks enjoy themselves like Greeks Mutual trust conquers taboos An accidental journey

1

Stella Papakonstantinou, 26, is the administrative assistant in the Credit Department at Finansbank and a master’s student in Bilgi University’s Turkish-Greek Studies program.

She has always loved Turkey, as her grandfather is from İzmir, and she made many Turkish friends during her studies in London. 'After completing my master’s degree I decided to come to Istanbul to improve my Turkish,' she said. She has been living in Cihangir since May 2007."

More:Istanbuls new Greek faces | Hotels in Turkey

Armenian imposition on Canadian education - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

"Armenian imposition on Canadian education
Monday, January 28, 2008

Özay MEHMET

Canada is an amazing democracy, but it is deficient in one major way. It lacks a national Ministry of Education. Its education system is Balkanized with some 11 provincial educational jurisdictions, each having its own standards and curricula. This is partly historical and partly religious, reflecting the power sharing that existed in 1867 when the Canadian Confederation was established. "

More:Armenian imposition on Canadian education - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

Turkey delays easing law on writers

"Turkey delays easing law on writers
Mon 28 Jan 2008, 14:36 GMT
[-] Text [+]

By Hidir Goktas

ANKARA (Reuters) - An EU-backed reform of a Turkish law used to prosecute writers has been held up while government moves to lift a ban on Islamic headscarves in university, a senior deputy from the ruling AK Party said on Monday."

More:World | Africa - Reuters.com

KFC, Pizza Hut expansion to boost employment - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

"KFC, Pizza Hut expansion to boost employment
Saturday, January 26, 2008

The expansion of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Pizza Hut outlets in Turkey from 72 to some 130 over the next three years will create approximately 1,200 new jobs, vice chairman of the executive board at Süzer Holding told the Turkish Daily News Wednesday."

More:KFC, Pizza Hut expansion to boost employment - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

US official urges Turkey to be vigilant over financial dealings with Iranian banks

"US official urges Turkey to be vigilant over financial dealings with Iranian banks

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - A U.S. Treasury Department official urged Turkey on Monday to be vigilant in its financial dealings with Iran, which Washington accuses of bankrolling terror and seeking nuclear missiles.
Stuart A. Levey, the Treasury's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, called on Turkey to scrutinize actions by three Turkish branches of Iran's
state-owned Bank Mellat.
U.S. officials say Bank Mellat serves Iran's state Atomic Energy Organization, which they allege is attempting to build nuclear weapons."

More:US official urges Turkey to be vigilant over financial dealings with Iranian banks

Turkey divided over headscarf ban decision - Europe, News - Independent.co.uk

"Turkey divided over headscarf ban decision

By Nicholas Birch in Istanbul
Monday, 28 January 2008

A small square of coloured material returns to the centre of Turkey's political stage this week as the government prepares to end the controversial headscarf ban."

More:Turkey divided over headscarf ban decision - Europe, News - Independent.co.uk

İstanbul’s taxpayers get little bang for their buck

"İstanbul’s taxpayers get little bang for their buck
İstanbul, home to about a sixth of Turkey's total population, accounts for almost two-fifths of the government's budget, yet receives just under a 10th of that back in government spending.


In 2007 İstanbul residents paid YTL 5,607 on average in taxes and other fees, but per capita government spending in the nations' most populous city was only YTL 633.7."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

CYPRUS’ HISTORY FROM 1960 TO 2008 (11)

"CYPRUS’ HISTORY FROM 1960 TO 2008 (11)
The influence of Archbishop Makarios on the Greek government started deteriorating after the 1967 incident, which immediately resulted in a crisis between Greece and Turkey.
Corruption in the demagogic government of Andreas Papandreou in Greece paved the way for a dramatic change in the democratically elected parliamentary system and the Greek military junta took over rule of the country."

More:Arca Haber Ajansı

Armenian, Greek and Hebrew departments for Turkish university

"Armenian, Greek and Hebrew departments for Turkish university

The New Anatolian / Ankara
28 January 2008

Nevsehir University is preparing to open new departments on Armenian, Greek and Hebrew languages.

The Dean of Faculty of Science and Letters at Nevsehir University Prof. Dr. Metin Hulagu says the university will be the first one in Turkey to open departments on the three languages."

More:The New Anatolian

70,000 Armenians Come to Turkey in Search of Jobs

"70,000 Armenians Come to Turkey in Search of Jobs
28.01.08 12:30

Turkey, Ankara / Trend corr. А.Аlaskarov / Ali Babajan, the Turkish Foreign Minister, stated that about 70,000 Armenians have come to Turkey recently in search of jobs. The Turkish Minister participated in the World Economic Forum in Davos."

More:Trend News : 70,000 Armenians Come to Turkey in Search of Jobs

Turkish military leader to U.S.

"Turkish military leader to U.S.

The New Anatolian / Ankara
28 January 2008

Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff Gen. Ergin Saygun will attend Turkish -U.S. High Level Security Group meetings and have talks on fight against terrorist organization PKK, in Washington, D.C. this week."

More:The New Anatolian

Hesse elections can determine Turkish immigrants - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

"Hesse elections can determine Turkish immigrants
Monday, January 28, 2008

Voters in the German state of Hesse went to the polls yesterday in a campaign that has become a de facto referendum on the presence of Turkish immigrants in Germany."

More:Hesse elections can determine Turkish immigrants - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

The Turkey-Armenia border, mental maps and incoherent policies - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

"The Turkey-Armenia border, mental maps and incoherent policies
Monday, January 28, 2008

Armenians’ pursuit of genocide resolutions from different legislative bodies across the world is contrary to Armenian interests. Only Turkish nationalists and a well-financed handful of individuals within the Armenian diaspora benefit from the resulting negative climate in relations between Turkey and Armenia. The PM's proposal to set up a commission of historians on the question of Turkey's Armenian losses meets an Armenian counterproposal that seeks to include a wider range of bilateral issues, including the matter of the problematically closed border between the two neighbours"

More:The Turkey-Armenia border, mental maps and incoherent policies - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

Istanbul for teenagers - Times Online

"Istanbul for teenagers
The Sunday Times opens its travel clinic on a daily basis to answer your holiday queries. Today: a family short break in Turkey

My family love Turkey, and hence my daughter wants to celebrate her 18th birthday in Istanbul. We have booked flights and accommodation for a four-day stay, but can you recommend places to see with an 18 and a 14 year old, apart from the usual tourist sights? Julia Trace, Isle of Man"

More:Istanbul for teenagers - Times Online

Istanbul nominated for global Monopoly - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

"Istanbul nominated for global Monopoly
Monday, January 28, 2008

Monopoly fans around the world will be given the chance to vote for the 20 cities that will be included in the first global edition of the popular board game, 'Monopoly Here & Now.' "

More:Istanbul nominated for global Monopoly - Turkish Daily News Jan 28, 2008

Turkey may delay free-market energy pricing to July | Markets | Reuters

"Turkey may delay free-market energy pricing to July

ANKARA, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Turkey may liberalise energy sector prices on July 1 rather than end-March as had been earlier planned, energy officials said on Monday."

More:Turkey may delay free-market energy pricing to July | Markets | Reuters

Turkish Prosecutors Interrogate 25 Suspected Al-Qaida Militants

"Turkish Prosecutors Interrogate 25 Suspected Al-Qaida Militants []

1/28/2008 6:14:19 AM Monday, Turkish prosecutors began interrogating 25 suspected al-Qaida militants following their arrest last week during and after a clash with police that killed five people, including a policeman."

More:RTTNews - Market Sensitive Global News, Broker Ratings, News&Analysis, Global Markets News....

Trend News : The USA Won’t Allow ‘Armenian Genocide’ to be Recognized: Assistant to Former British Prime Minister

"The USA Won’t Allow ‘Armenian Genocide’ to be Recognized: Assistant to Former British Prime Minister
28.01.08 16:01

Azerbaijan, Baku, 28 January /corr. Trend F.Rzayev, K.Ramazanova / The USA will not allow the recognition of the ‘Armenian genocide’ by Turks at the beginning of the last century, said Norman Stone, Assistant to former Prime Minister of Great Britain."

More:Trend News : The USA Won’t Allow ‘Armenian Genocide’ to be Recognized: Assistant to Former British Prime Minister

Turkey may delay free-market energy pricing to July | Markets | Reuters

"Turkey may delay free-market energy pricing to July

ANKARA, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Turkey may liberalise energy sector prices on July 1 rather than end-March as had been earlier planned, energy officials said on Monday."

More:Turkey may delay free-market energy pricing to July | Markets | Reuters

Turkish professor found guilty of insulting Ataturk : Europe World

"Turkish professor found guilty of insulting Ataturk
Posted : Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:54:02 GMT

Ankara - A Turkish professor was on Monday handed a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of insulting the memory of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish republic, the Dogan news agency reported. A court in Izmir found that Professor Atilla Yayla had insulted Ataturk's memory in comments he made at a panel last year that Turkey was not as politically progressive during the early years of the Turkish republic as is generally thought."

More:Turkish professor found guilty of insulting Ataturk : Europe World

Iraq halts oil exports to Turkey temporarily

"Iraq halts oil exports to Turkey temporarily

(Updates with oil ministry spokesman comments)
BAGHDAD/DUBAI, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Iraq has temporarily halted crude exports through a pipeline from its northern fields to Turkey's port of Ceyhan and plans to pump oil intermittently to discourage saboteurs, the oil ministry said on Monday.
'We have stopped pumping,' Oil Ministry spokesman Asim Jihad said. 'We are halting pumping when we reach certain levels of crude in Ceyhan. Iraq is pumping crude oil intermittently to Ceyhan in order to avoid sabotage against the pipelines.'
Jihad did not say how intermittent pumping would help to prevent sabotage, nor give details on what storage level would trigger future stoppages."

More:Feed Article | Business |

New pipeline planned to transport Iraqi gas via Turkey

"New pipeline planned to transport Iraqi gas via Turkey
Malaysia Sun
Monday 28th January, 2008
(IANS)

Ankara, Jan 28 (Xinhua) A new Iraq-Turkey natural gas pipeline would be built to supply Iraqi gas via Turkey to the world market, local media reported Monday."

More:New pipeline planned to transport Iraqi gas via Turkey

Cyprus: Reversing the Drift to Partition

"Cyprus: Reversing the Drift to Partition

Europe Report N°190
10 January 2008

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

One more major effort, strongly encouraged by the UN and European Union (EU), should be made in 2008 to resolve the long-running dispute between ethnic Greeks and Turks on Cyprus and achieve a comprehensive settlement to reunify the island. All sides have much to gain from such a settlement. For the Greek Cypriots, it would end lingering insecurity, give them access to the Turkish economy, the most dynamic in the region, and increase their service industry’s value as an eastern Mediterranean hub. For Turkish Cypriots, it will mean being able to enjoy the benefits of EU citizenship of which they are presently largely deprived. For the EU, the unresolved Cyprus problem now hampers its functioning on issues as diverse as cooperation with NATO in Afghanistan and Chinese shoe imports. And for Turkey a settlement would overcome a major obstacle to its convergence with the EU. "

More:International Crisis Group - Cyprus: Reversing the Drift to Partition

13 Arrested in Push to Stifle Turkish Ultranationalists Suspected in Political Killings - New York Times

"13 Arrested in Push to Stifle Turkish Ultranationalists Suspected in Political Killings

By SABRINA TAVERNISE
Published: January 28, 2008

ISTANBUL — In one of the biggest operations against Turkish ultranationalists in decades, the authorities announced on Saturday night that they had arrested 13 people who were part of a criminal group that was suspected of carrying out political killings and having shadowy ties to the Turkish state."

More:13 Arrested in Push to Stifle Turkish Ultranationalists Suspected in Political Killings - New York Times

Sunday, January 27, 2008

GALATASARAY GO TOP

"GALATASARAY GO TOP

Galatasaray moved one point clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig thanks to a 4-0 rout of Ankaragucu.

Hakan Sukur got the ball rolling for the visitors after 36 minutes with Arda Turan and Umit Karan then scoring in the space of two minutes to give the Istanbul club a 3-0 lead at the interval."

More:Sporting Life - Football News | Football Transfer News, Live Football Scores, Arsenal v Newcastle,

Turkey Requests Used Helicopter Gunships From U.S. - 01/28/08 14:15

"Turkey Requests Used Helicopter Gunships From U.S.
By UMIT ENGINSOY and BURAK EGE BEKDIL

WASHINGTON and ANKARA — Turkey, which urgently wants attack helicopters to help fight separatist Kurdish militants near its border with Iraq, recently asked Washington to sell about a dozen of the U.S. military’s own gunships, officials from both sides said."

More:DefenseNews.com - Turkey Requests Used Helicopter Gunships From U.S. - 01/28/08 14:15

Iran Resumes Gas Exports to Turkey

"Iran Resumes Gas Exports to Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey, Jan 27--Iran began pumping natural gas to Turkey Sunday after cutting supplies for three weeks, the Anatolia news agency reported.

'Iran's gas exports to Turkey resumed an hour ago (around 4:00 pm) at a rate of three million cubic meters (105 cubic feet) a day,' the head of the National Iranian Gas Company, Seyed Reza Kasaizadeh, told the state broadcaster."

More:Alalam News

RWE embarks in Turkish partnership

"* RWE embarks in Turkish partnership

RWE AG has signalled its entry into the Turkish market by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with a Turkish energy producer.The Group, Germanys largest energy producer, has partnered with a local company and intends to build power plants together in Turkey in the near future."

More:Europétrole, le portail de l'industrie du pétrole, du gaz et de l'énergie

History of the Arabs in the Ottoman Archives (Asharq Alawsat Newspaper)

"History of the Arabs in the Ottoman Archives

27/01/2008

By Manal Lutfi

Istanbul, Asharq Al-Awsat- From food prices to widespread epidemics, from the education system to oppositional political movements, from the relationship of the governors (valis) with the Sublime Porte and the Ottoman sultan to daily life within the palaces and the famous artists; information on all of this can be found in the Ottoman Archives that have preserved the memories of the Ottoman state for the four past decades."

More:History of the Arabs in the Ottoman Archives (Asharq Alawsat Newspaper)

Soccer-Fenerbahce hand Sivasspor first home defeat of season | Reuters

"Soccer-Fenerbahce hand Sivasspor first home defeat of season

ANKARA, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Little-known Sivasspor were overtaken at the top of the Turkish league after their winning streak at home this season was ended with a 4-1 defeat by champions Fenerbahce on Sunday."

More:Socccer-Fenerbahce hand Sivasspor first home defeat of season | Reuters

Turkey to become world’s top 10 economies in 15 years: Turkish Foreign Minister

"Turkey to become world’s top 10 economies in 15 years: Turkish Foreign Minister
Between 2002-2006, Turkey’s economic growth averaged 7.5%, while in 2007, it is estimated to have been around 4-5% because of drought and higher energy prices
AP
Davos: Turkey expects to move into the world’s top 10 economies in 15 years as it steps up major reforms and becomes a more European country, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said on Saturday, 26 January.
He said Turkey is preparing for European Union membership despite opposition led by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who has tried to shift the goal of talks to a lesser partnership."

More: livemint

Non-visa regime agreement is inked with Turkey - NEW EUROPE

"Non-visa regime agreement is inked with Turkey
26 January 2008 - Issue : 766
At a joint press conference, Turkish and Montenegrin Foreign Ministers, Ali Babajan and Milan Rocen, recently signed in Ankara an agreement that enables their citizens to travel from one country to other without a visa requirement, Mnnews reported. The visit by Rocen is the first official visit from Montenegro to Turkey after the Balkan country declared independence in June 2006."

More:Non-visa regime agreement is inked with Turkey - NEW EUROPE

KEPCO Eyes 1st Atomic Power Plant in Turkey(The Korea Times)

"KEPCO Eyes 1st Atomic Power Plant in Turkey

By Ryu Jin
Staff Reporter

Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ENKA, the largest construction firm in Turkey, in a move to win an order to build a nuclear power plant there, according to the South Korean state-run firm.

KPECO President and CEO Lee Won-gul signed the MOU with ENKA Chairman Sinan Tara and met other government officials and business leaders in Ankara on Friday, the company said Sunday."

More:KEPCO Eyes 1st Atomic Power Plant in Turkey(The Korea Times)

The return of the repressed Byzantium

"The return of the repressed Byzantium

excavated port

Deciding to dig a hole in an ancient city full of archeological mysteries is a doomed venture.

In the centre of Mexico City, for instance, is the Zócalo, the square fronting the cathedral, which tends to sink at one end. It was built by the Aztecs, surrounded by pyramidical structures bright with colour and Jaguar emblems. Horrified by this pagan island city on its artificial lake, the Spanish drained it, and destroyed the ritual centre."

More:Barista » Blog Archive » the return of the repressed Byzantium

American Chronicle | False Historical Dogmas to Destroy Peace in Europe

"False Historical Dogmas to Destroy Peace in Europe

By Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
January 26, 2008
Due to an article published 2 weeks ago under the title "Turkey as Birthplace of the European Identity, and Mr. Markus Soeder's Historical Ignorance" (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/turkey-as-birthplace-of-the-european-identity-and-mr-markus-soeder-historical-ignorance.html), I had the opportunity to receive extensive feedback from various readers; one comment was published online (http://www.buzzle.com/comments/171892-1.html) and is truly enlightening; not in the sense that it supports my analysis but due to the fanatic defense of a false version of pseudo-History, which – discriminatory and absolutely inaccurate – is totally detrimental for those who believe it. "

More:American Chronicle | False Historical Dogmas to Destroy Peace in
Europe

Irish investors' €30m Turkish project at risk - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie

"Irish investors' €30m Turkish project at risk

Cash problems bring construction to a halt

By Eamon Keane
Sunday January 27 2008

'I PAID 100 per cent in 2005, paid the rent guarantee but so far I have nothing to show for it -- no apartment, no rent."

So says one disgruntled investor in the foreign property market, just one of hundreds of Irish investors in a luxury apartment and hotel complex in Turkey with "guaranteed" yearly rental income of 10 per cent of their investment."

More:Irish investors' €30m Turkish project at risk - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie

From kebabs to property: how Ali Ozmen Safa made it big

"A tycoon with a difference

From kebabs to property: how Ali Ozmen Safa made it big
By Simon Bahceli

WHILE Cyprus is the home of numerous of rags-to-riches stories, tales of the kebabs-to-riches variety are considerably less common. But it was from the humble take-away doner and the pre-packed sandwich that Turkish Cypriot Ali Ozmen Safa began building a fortune that has made him arguably one of the biggest names in north Cyprus.

So influential has he become that last April, Abdullah Gul – now President of Turkey, but then Foreign Minister – turned up at the launch of Safa’s Star Kibris newspaper in Kyrenia and revealed to all that the first time he had ever traveled in a Rolls Royce it had been in London, and it had been in one of Safa’s."

More:www.cyprus-mail.com

Turkey's democracy under microscope - Politics & Economics - ArabianBusiness.com

"Turkey's democracy under microscope
by Gareth Jones on Thursday, 24 January 2008

A police inquiry resulting in the arrest of dozens of people, including ex-army officers and lawyers, could test Turkey's democracy and its ability to fight ultra-nationalism as well as help its campaign to join the EU."

More:Turkey's democracy under microscope - Politics & Economics - ArabianBusiness.com

Turks more optimistic than Greece on bilateral ties - Turkish Daily News Jan 24, 2008

"Turks more optimistic than Greece on bilateral ties
Thursday, January 24, 2008

Turks are more optimistic than Greeks about the troubled ties between their countries and have warmer feelings for their neighbors, according to an opinion poll published yesterday."

More:Turks more optimistic than Greece on bilateral ties - Turkish Daily News Jan 24, 2008

VOA News - Nine Dead in Turkish Train Derailment

"Nine Dead in Turkish Train Derailment
By VOA News
27 January 2008

Nine people were killed in western Turkey and at least 14 hurt when a passenger train jumped the tracks.

Authorities say at least two cars overturned Sunday near the town of Kutahya."

More:VOA News - Nine Dead in Turkish Train Derailment

Lifting of Headscarf Ban Angers Turkey’s Secular Opposition

"Lifting of Headscarf Ban Angers Turkey’s Secular Opposition
Written by Adam Gonn
Published Sunday, January 27, 2008

[Analysis] News that Turkish President 'Abdallah Gül supports the pro-Islamic government’s plans to abolish the ban on wearing headscarves at universities has angered the country’s secular opposition. The announcement by Gül, who previously served as foreign minister for the ruling Justice and Development Party, know by its Turkish acronym AK, has angered the opposition for two reasons."

More:The Media Line

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Important revelation by Babacan on Turkish-Armenian relations - Hürriyet

"Important revelation by Babacan on Turkish-Armenian relations

Ertuğrul Özkök reports from Davos, Switzerland

Foreign Minister Ali Babacan has made an important announcement to Hürriyet writer Ertuğrul Özkök on Turkish-Armenian relations. Babacan stated that 70 thousand Armenians had immigrated to Turkey with the aim of seeking employment.

President Abdullah Gül had asserted during his term as foreign minister that the number of Armenian immigrants who had sought employment in Turkey was 40 thousand."

More:Important revelation by Babacan on Turkish-Armenian relations - Hürriyet

Turkish nationalists charged with plotting: report | International | Reuters

"Turkish nationalists charged with plotting: report

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish authorities charged on Saturday 13 ultra-nationalists, including retired army officers, with involvement in plans for a violent uprising against the government, Turkish media said."

More:Turkish nationalists charged with plotting: report | International | Reuters

Reconciliation via trade

"Reconciliation via trade
Business seen helping two countries overcome longstanding differences

KERIM OKTEN/EPA

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis greets students of a local Greek school during his visit to Istanbul yesterday. After meeting with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish officials indicated Ankara may be ready to change its position regarding its refusal to recognize the patriarch as having ecumenical or universal status. ‘We will need to see the issue differently and rethink it,’ said Foreign Minister Ali Babacan. Many Turks fear a Christian church with universal status could carve out a Vatican-like state in Istanbul."

More:ekathimerini.com | Reconciliation via trade

Turkey warns against EU 'club of Christians' — EUbusiness.com - business, legal and financial news and information from the European Union

"Turkey warns against EU 'club of Christians'
26 January 2008, 14:17 CET

(DAVOS) - Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan warned the European Union against becoming a 'club of Christians' as he pushed Saturday for Ankara's membership in the bloc.

'If the EU finds itself as a club of Christians.... it is against the very soul of the EU,' Babacan told reporters on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos."

More:Turkey warns against EU 'club of Christians' — EUbusiness.com - business, legal and financial news and information from the European Union

Sudanese official violates Turkish Protocol at Ataturk mausoleum

"Sudanese official violates Turkish Protocol at Ataturk mausoleum

January 23, 2008 (ANKARA) — A Sudanese official who visited Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s mausoleum wearing a rain hood during a visit by President Omar al-Bashir yesterday said he meant no disrespect for the founder of the Turkish Republic, explaining that he was not aware of the relevant protocol."

More:SudanTribune article : Sudanese official violates Turkish Protocol at Ataturk mausoleum

Babacan signals new policy over ‘ecumenical' row

"Babacan signals new policy over ‘ecumenical' row

Recognition of the ecumenical status of the İstanbul-based Greek Orthodox Patriarchate should no longer be a "taboo" subject, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said yesterday, triggering curiosity over whether the Turkish government has plans to amend the country's long-established policy on the controversial issue."

TODAY'S ZAMAN

Forget Sundance: Indie Films Come to Istanbul

"Forget Sundance: Indie Films Come to Istanbul

John Wayne, it ain’t.
When the weather in Istanbul turns chill, the film festivals come out to play. One of the earliest this season is the Independent Film Festival taking place Jan. 26-31 at the Istanbul Modern, in conjunction with the American
Film Institute and with help (aka money) from the U.S. Consulate."

More:Globespotters » Travel Blog » International Herald Tribune » Blog Archive » Forget Sundance: Indie Films Come to Istanbul

Turkish president backs lifting of headscarf ban - washingtonpost.com

"Turkish president backs lifting of headscarf ban

By Paul de Bendern
Reuters
Friday, January 25, 2008; 9:40 AM

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Friday he backed the Islamist-rooted government's proposal to lift a ban on the wearing of the Islamic headscarf in universities, a move opposed by the secular establishment. "

More:Turkish president backs lifting of headscarf ban - washingtonpost.com

A musician who fights and survives - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

"A musician who fights and survives
Saturday, January 26, 2008

Born in İzmir, Muammer Ketencoğlu was interested in Rum music when he was very young. His passion helped him meet legendary Greek musician Mikis Teodorakis in 1996. Now he broadcasts world music on 94.9 Açık Radyo every Wednesday"

More:A musician who fights and survives - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

Turks interested in education and youth programs - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

"Turks interested in education and youth programs
Saturday, January 26, 2008

As Turkey's accession process to the European Union continues, Turks are quite interested in learning the European way, revealed figures presented in a media briefing at the EU Information Center in Istanbul Friday."

More:Turks interested in education and youth programs - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

A Seaside View - MARMARİS - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

"A Seaside View - MARMARİS
Saturday, January 26, 2008

Sedat Kirt

'Fall' of Aegean hoteliers

It is marketing season for Aegean hoteliers, as 95 percent of them close down their facilities during the winter and look forward to the new tourist season. In groups or individually, they participate in tourist fairs for their target countries and try to promote their hotels but they cannot stay calm; many problems are waiting to be answered at home. "

More:A Seaside View - MARMARİS - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

World - Hillary is also after Armenian votes

"Promise to recognize Armenian genocide

The US Democrat chairman nominees started to use Armenian genocide claims in their campaigns. After Obama, Hillary Clinton promised to recognize the genocide if she is elected."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - World - Hillary is also after Armenian votes

Still losing momentum: Turkey and the EU - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

"Still losing momentum: Turkey and the EU
Saturday, January 26, 2008

Sinan ÜLGEN

It has now been three years since European Union leaders at a summit in Brussels decided to start membership negotiations with Turkey. The start of the negotiations was welcomed on both sides as an ambitious step of historic significance. The jubilant mood of those days was, however, not to last. Today, support for the EU cause in Turkey has been damaged. "

More:Still losing momentum: Turkey and the EU - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

Where is Turkey headed? - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

"Where is Turkey headed?
Saturday, January 26, 2008

The turban ban is an anomaly in a democracy... But, is there any reason to endanger the secularism principle by getting rid of it through constitutional amendment when the problem is indeed a judicial one?"


More:Where is Turkey headed? - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

The Turkish Leviathan under arrest? - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

"The Turkish Leviathan under arrest?
Saturday, January 26, 2008

The hottest news in Turkey these days is the arrest and questioning of the members of a covert ultra-nationalist cell called 'Ergenekon.' Among the 33 members of this cell, there are notorious celebrities such as the retired general Veli Küçük, the shadowy name believed to be one of the masterminds of Turkey's 'deep state,' and lawyer Kemal Kerinçsiz, who has sued many liberal intellectuals for 'insulting Turkishness.' According to their confessions leaked to the press, the group's aim was to stop the EU accession and liberalization process, and force a military coup to overthrow the AKP (Justice and Development Party) government, which they saw as non-nationalist and treacherous."

More:The Turkish Leviathan under arrest? - Turkish Daily News Jan 26, 2008

Friday, January 25, 2008

Famous ski center Uludağ to become ‘Turkish Davos’

"Famous ski center Uludağ to become ‘Turkish Davos’
Officials from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) have formed a plan to redevelop the Uludağ holiday resort, increasing the number of hotels and adding a state-of-the-art convention center.


According to the plan Uludağ will soon become a ski and tourism center more akin to Switzerland’s Davos, known for both its excellent winter sports and its hosting of global conferences."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

TURKEY In Tarsus, where for Christians "unity in diversity" is a daily reality - Asia News

"In Tarsus, where for Christians 'unity in diversity' is a daily reality
by Mavi Zambak
An ecumenical ceremony in the city where the Apostle to the Gentiles was born, but where officially there are neither Christians nor churches. The only church is a museum where religious celebrations are permitted. Turkey's bishops have published their pastoral letter for the bimillennial of Saint Paul, 'teacher and foundation of unity'."

More:TURKEY In Tarsus, where for Christians "unity in diversity" is a daily reality - Asia News

Turkish runner Sureyya Ayhan gets lifetime ban for doping - USATODAY.com

"Turkish runner Sureyya Ayhan gets lifetime ban for doping

(AP) ISTANBUL, Turkey AP) - Former European 1,500-meter champion Sureyya Ayhan of Turkey received a lifetime ban Friday for a second doping violation.

The Turkish Athletic Federation also gave a two-year ban to Yucel Kop, Ayhan's coach and husband. Ayhan and Kop have denied wrongdoing and said they would appeal."

More:Turkish runner Sureyya Ayhan gets lifetime ban for doping - USATODAY.com

Oktay Eksi: Maybe we should have waited another 49 years? - Hürriyet

"Oktay Eksi: Maybe we should have waited another 49 years?

The Turkish press has been putting ample focus on the fact that the last Greek Prime Minister to have visited Turkey (49 years ago) before the current Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis was in fact Prime Minister Konstantin Karamanlis, the current PM's uncle.

As I said, 49 years passed between these two visits.

The great shame that emerges here, when we really look at it, is around 90% Greece's, and 10% Turkey's."

More:Oktay Eksi: Maybe we should have waited another 49 years? - Hürriyet

Researchers visualise high tech Istanbul - 25-01-2008

"Researchers visualise high tech Istanbul

Researchers at Purdue University in the US have published bold new plans for Turkey's most vibrant city - Istanbul.

The state-of-the-art virtual metropolis was presented in a five minute animation sequence."

More:Researchers visualise high tech Istanbul - 25-01-2008

Sivasspor upset the balance of power in Turkey | Breaking News | Guardian Unlimited Football

"Sivasspor upset the balance of power in Turkey
By Daren Butler
ISTANBUL, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Sivasspor supporters are starting to dream that the club from Turkey's freezing Anatolian heartland could break Istanbul's 24-year stranglehold on the league title.
In a country where Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas have almost monopolised the title since the league was established in the 1950s, the sudden success of the 'Brave Ones' is a major upset to the status quo."

More:Sivasspor upset the balance of power in Turkey | Breaking News | Guardian Unlimited Football

Turkish university planning courses in Armenian, Greek and Hebrew

"Turkish university planning courses in Armenian, Greek and Hebrew
Nevsehir University is one of Turkey’s newest centres of higher education, having only been opened in May last year."

More:Turkish university planning courses in Armenian, Greek and Hebrew

Australian agents wanted by Turkish kitchen appliance maker, Silverline

"Australian agents wanted by Turkish kitchen appliance maker, Silverline


By Martin Vedris

ISTANBUL, TURKEY: Silverline, a Turkish manufacturer of major kitchen appliances, and already an OEM supplier to the Australian market, is seeking agents to distribute products under its brand name in the Oceania region.

“Silverline produces OEM products for famous worldwide brands in our domestic market,” Silverline international trade specialist, Celalettin Yildiz, told Current.com.au today."

More:Current - Australian agents wanted by Turkish kitchen appliance maker, Silverline

Greek PM meets Orthodox Patriarch in Turkey

"Greek PM meets Orthodox Patriarch in Turkey

25/01/2008

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Greece's prime minister pledged support on Thursday for the rights of Turkey's tiny Greek Orthodox community during an audience with Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual head of the world's Orthodox Christians.

Costas Karamanlis is on the second day of an official visit to Turkey that caps a steady thaw in bilateral relations as the two ancient rivals try to set aside disputes over Cyprus and the Aegean and focus on booming trade and business links."

More:Financial Mirror

Turkish property market recommended to investors

"Turkish property market recommended to investors

Overseas property buyers have been advised to consider investing in the Turkish housing market."

More:News Article - Turkish property market recommended to investors

UK : Texbridge London offers sneak preview of Turkish fabrics - Textile News UK

"This seasons Texbridge London - Turkish Fashion Fabric Exhibition will be the first textile exhibition in the European calendar offering buyers an early preview of fabrics from some of Turkey’s leading mills."

More:UK : Texbridge London offers sneak preview of Turkish fabrics - Textile News UK

Turkish president backs lifting of headscarf ban | International | Reuters

"Turkish president backs lifting of headscarf ban

By Paul de Bendern

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Friday he backed the Islamist-rooted government's proposal to lift a ban on the wearing of the Islamic headscarf in universities, a move opposed by the secular establishment."

More:Turkish president backs lifting of headscarf ban | International | Reuters

Tesco's Turkish Unit to Open First Istanbul Store

"Tesco's Turkish Unit to Open First Istanbul Store (Update1)

By Firat Kayakiran

Jan. 25 (Bloomberg) -- Tesco Plc's Turkish unit will open its first Istanbul store in May to expand in the country's biggest city.

Tesco Kipa Kitle Pazarlama Ticaret & Gida Sanayi AS will open the 13,000 square-meter (140,000 square feet) store in Kurtkoy on Istanbul's Asian side, Gurcan Onol, an executive at the company, told a press conference in Istanbul today. Tesco Kipa will open a second Istanbul store in the Silivri district later this year, spending a total of 54 million liras ($46 million) on the two outlets, he said."

More:Bloomberg.com: U.K. & Ireland

Coca Cola to open factory in Elazig

"Coca Cola to open factory in Elazig

The New Anatolian / Ankara
25 January 2008

Coca Cola Company will open its fifth factory in Turkey in eastern province of Elazig. Elazig Chamber of Commerce & Industry Chairman Suat Ozturk said that the size of the investment is very large, adding that the factory will ship to 27 provinces, including Eastern Black Sea and southeastern Anatolia. Ozturk said that the factory will be established in Organized Industrial Zone. Ozturk said that the construction of the factory will start in spring and the facilities will be completed within 3-5 years. He added that at first hand 150-300 people will be employed at the factory."

More:The New Anatolian

'Turkish women start life lagging behind men' - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2008

"'Turkish women start life lagging behind men'
Friday, January 25, 2008

Shooting a short film and being a woman in Turkey is like being defeated 10-0 in the game of life, says short-film director Didem Erayda. Currently she is shooting her first full-length film 'Lodos’"

More:'Turkish women start life lagging behind men' - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2008

IPI criticises legal proceedings against two Turkish cartoonists

"IPI criticises legal proceedings against two Turkish cartoonists
24 January 2008

The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, strongly criticises the preliminary proceedings brought against Turkish cartoonists Musa Kart and Zafer Temocin. Both cartoonists are being investigated for caricatures considered insulting to the President."

More:IPI (International Press Institute) :: IPI criticises legal proceedings against two Turkish cartoonists

Istanbul's new Greek faces - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2008

"Istanbul's new Greek faces
Friday, January 25, 2008

1) So much to love in Istanbul 2) A country of opportunities and varieties 3) ‘Turks enjoy themselves like Greeks Mutual trust conquers taboos An accidental journey
"

More:Istanbul's new Greek faces - Turkish Daily News Jan 25, 2008

Turks commemorate Cem, Okkan and Mumcu

"Turks commemorate Cem, Okkan and Mumcu

The New Anatolian / Ankara
25 January 2008

Turkey commemorated former foreign minister Ismail Cem, Diyarbakir police chief Gaffar Okkan and journalist Ugur Mumcu on their death anniversaries."

More:The New Anatolian

Peace in Turkey, peace in the world

"Peace in Turkey, peace in the world

The visit of Karamanlis shows we are doing well on the 'peace in the world' bit. But at home we face two main problems. One is to bridge the gap between the secularist elite and the masses with religious sensitivites and the other is to build up Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood against the tide of Turkish nationalism."

More:The New Anatolian

Orthodox Patriarchate a bridge between Turkey and Greece, says Bartholomeow

"Orthodox Patriarchate a bridge between Turkey and Greece, says Bartholomeow

- The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul serves as a bridge between Turkey and Greece, bringing the people of the two countries closer together, according to Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeow"

More:Orthodox Patriarchate a bridge between Turkey and Greece, says Bartholomeow

Island dispute highlights unease of Turkey's religious minorities

"Island dispute highlights unease of Turkey's religious minorities

ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) - The Orthodox church says it's a historic monastery, and the Turkish government describes it as old pig farm. A dispute over a dilapidated structure highlights tension over Turkey's religious minorities, a key concern as the European Union considers membership for the Muslim-majority nation"

More:Island dispute highlights unease of Turkey's religious minorities

Turkish government, opposition party, put off talks on headscarf ban

"Turkish government, opposition party, put off talks on headscarf ban
The AKP and the MHP are discussing changing three articles of the constitution, covering equal rights and freedoms, equality before the law and the right to education."

More:Turkish government, opposition party, put off talks on headscarf ban

PM: Bilateral relations based on European values

"PM: Bilateral relations based on European values

Istanbul (ANA-MPA/A. Panagopoulos) -- The development of economic and trade relations and promotion of investments formed the groundwork for broader, mutually beneficial, cooperation's between Greece and Turkey and their two peoples, Greek prime minister Costas Karamanlis said on Friday, addressing the Turkish-Greek Business Forum in Istanbul, on the final day of his groundbreaking three-day official visit to Turkey. The Forum was also attended by Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan."

More:PM: Bilateral relations based on European values