Saturday, August 31, 2013

"Unknown Forces: Gestures Beyond Surfaces" opens at Tophane-i Amire Culture and Arts Center

"Unknown Forces: Gestures Beyond Surfaces" opens at Tophane-i Amire Culture and Arts Center
Yang Ah Ham, Bird's Eye View, 2008.

ISTANBUL.- Unknown Forces, a group exhibition of international artists examines how different interests and forces operate to inform our urban environments and life experiences. What questions can we raise regarding the socio-political effects of globalization in developing urban communities and in what way are these phenomenon brought to bear on how memory and identities are negotiated?

More:"Unknown Forces: Gestures Beyond Surfaces" opens at Tophane-i Amire Culture and Arts Center

Turkish lira, and stocks, steady - The West Australian

Turkish lira, and stocks, steady
AFP August 29, 2013, 4:52 pm


ISTANBUL (AFP) - The Turkish lira steadied against the dollar and shares firmed in early trading on Thursday, as analysts took the view that US monetary authorities would not tighten their policy immediately.

More:Turkish lira, and stocks, steady - The West Australian

Istanbul clings to bid hopes as blows rain down - chicagotribune.com

Istanbul clings to bid hopes as blows rain down

Daren Butler Reuters

8:12 p.m. CDT, August 30, 2013

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Along the picturesque Bosphorus Straits dividing Europe and Asia, Istanbul is undergoing a transformation which should fill Turkey with confidence in its bid to become the first Muslim country to stage the Olympics in 2020.

More:Istanbul clings to bid hopes as blows rain down - chicagotribune.com

Interdependence | Lindy McMullin

Interdependence
Posted: 08/30/2013 7:05 am

Morning breaks over Istanbul. The glare of the silver waters momentarily blinds me, as I step out onto my sixth floor 'balcony with a view.' I treasure the silence in my heart, reflected in the waters of the Bosphorus, and turn to my left. The skyline of the business sector, with its high rise buildings speaks to me of people arriving breathless, phones piercing the stillness and paperwork piling up on desks.

More:Interdependence | Lindy McMullin

Beşiktaş advances on pitch, knocked out by court decision

Beşiktaş advances on pitch, knocked out by court decision

ISTANBUL
Norway’s Tromso has been given a spot in the Europa League group stage despite being knocked out by Beşiktaş as the top sports court dismisses the Istanbul’s club’s appeal against a one-year ban. ‘No punishment can hurt the greatness of Beşiktaş,’ says club chairman Fikret Orman

More:EUROPE - Beşiktaş advances on pitch, knocked out by court decision

Kurds could help shift course of war in Syria | Business Recorder

Kurds could help shift course of war in Syria
August 31, 2013

The head of Turkey's main Kurdish party has welcomed contacts between the Ankara government and Syria's Kurds, saying it could step up pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and help change the course of the civil war, Turkish intelligence officers met in Istanbul last week with Saleh Muslim, head of Syria's Democratic Union Party (PYD), a Kurdish group whose militias have been fighting for control of parts of Syria's north near the Turkish border.

More:Kurds could help shift course of war in Syria | Business Recorder

Column: What Syria's fall means for Turkey's rise - News - AM 590 - WKZO Everything Kalamazoo

Column: What Syria's fall means for Turkey's rise
Friday, August 30, 2013 1:12 p.m. EDT

By Reihan Salam

ISTANBUL — It's rare that I enjoy being stuck in traffic, but the slow ride from Istanbul's main international airport to its central business district is a feast for the eyes. New shopping malls, apartment blocks, and office parks seem to stretch out in every direction, up and down the city's formidable hills. But this week has served as a reminder that Turkey's prosperity rests on a fragile foundation.

More:Column: What Syria's fall means for Turkey's rise - News - AM 590 - WKZO Everything Kalamazoo

Turkish PM says limited action against Syria won't be enough, calls for Kosovo-like intervention

Turkish PM says limited action against Syria won't be enough, calls for Kosovo-like intervention

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency / Hürriyet

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said the U.S. statement on a "limited" military action against Syria will not be enough to satisfy Ankara, pleading for an intervention similar to the one in Kosovo in 1999.

More:POLITICS - Turkish PM says limited action against Syria won't be enough, calls for Kosovo-like intervention

Rainbow steps return after Beyoğlu mayor vows 'colorful era' in Istanbul's bohemian neighborhood

Rainbow steps return after Beyoğlu mayor vows 'colorful era' in Istanbul's bohemian neighborhood

ISTANBUL

Istanbul's Beyoğlu municipality repainted the rainbow steps in the Fıkdıklı-Cihangir neighborhood in the early morning of Aug. 31, only a day after they had painted over them in grey, triggering an outcry from locals.

More:LOCAL - Rainbow steps return after Beyoğlu mayor vows 'colorful era' in Istanbul's bohemian neighborhood

Alcohol consumption in Turkey not diminishing despite obstacles

Alcohol consumption in Turkey not diminishing despite obstacles

MUSTAFA SÖNMEZ
Despite high taxes and area restrictions over the last decade of AKP rule, alcohol consumption doesn't appear to be falling

More:ECONOMICS - Alcohol consumption in Turkey not diminishing despite obstacles

Graying of ‘rainbow’ steps in Istanbul causes immediate backlash

Graying of ‘rainbow’ steps in Istanbul causes immediate backlash

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily news
Istanbul locals react strongly as unknown figures paint gray over the ‘rainbow’ Fındıklı- Cihangir steps that have recently turned into a phenomenon

More:LOCAL - Graying of ‘rainbow’ steps in Istanbul causes immediate backlash

Friday, August 30, 2013

U.S. finds itself with France as its only partner in Syria - Worcester Telegram & Gazette - telegram.com

U.S. finds itself with France as its only partner in Syria

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PARIS — The United States found itself Friday with France as its only major partner in a potential strike against Syria, after a stunning rejection of military force in Parliament forced Britain, America's staunchest ally, to pull out of any operation.

More:U.S. finds itself with France as its only partner in Syria - Worcester Telegram & Gazette - telegram.com

Turkish PM Erdoğan slams Gezi Park protesters again

Turkish PM Erdoğan slams Gezi Park protesters again

ANKARA

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was once again critical of protesters who have held various demonstrations during the Gezi Park unrest, this time by focusing on the sincerity of their environmentalism.

More:POLITICS - Turkish PM Erdoğan slams Gezi Park protesters again

Turkey Wants to Become 9th Largest Economy by 2050

Turkey Wants to Become 9th Largest Economy by 2050

Turkey is hoping to become the ninth largest economy worldwide by the year 2050. Growth rates will be around 5.2 percent in the years from 2012 to 2017.

More:FriedlNews - Turkey Wants to Become 9th Largest Economy by 2050

Turkey's Mixed Messages on Syria - Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Jonathan Schanzer - The Atlantic

Turkey's Mixed Messages on Syria
Ankara once encouraged intervention in the crisis. Why did it stop?
Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Jonathan Schanzer Aug 30 2013, 12:36 PM ET

ISTANBUL—In Istanbul’s religiously conservative Fatih neighborhood, the four-fingered yellow Rabia signs supporting Egypt’s pro-Morsi protest movement are ubiquitous, as residents unabashedly identify with the Muslim Brotherhood’s struggle against Egypt’s armed forces. But there is no sign of support for the impending Western military conflict with Syria. Given the devastating loss of life experienced by Syria’s Muslims, the silence punctuates increasingly mixed feelings in this country about an intervention that Ankara has long advocated.

More:Turkey's Mixed Messages on Syria - Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Jonathan Schanzer - The Atlantic

Turkey claims proof exists that Assad behind poison gas attack | EUROPE ONLINE

Turkey claims proof exists that Assad behind poison gas attack
Europe
30.08.2013
By our dpa-correspondent and Europe Online auf Facebook posten Auf Twitter posten
Istanbul (dpa) - The Turkish government on Friday said there was proof that the regime of Syria President Bashar al-Assad was behind an alleged poison gas attack in his country‘s civil war.

More:Turkey claims proof exists that Assad behind
poison gas attack | EUROPE ONLINE
More:

Gül: Turkey will follow Atatürk’s peace motto

Gül: Turkey will follow Atatürk’s peace motto

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

Marking a first at the presidential residence, President Abdullah Gül accepted greetings from senior civilian and military leaders as part of the Victory Day celebrations on Aug. 30, while vowing to continue on Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s path of pursuing “peace at home and abroad.”

More:POLITICS - Gül: Turkey will follow Atatürk’s peace motto

News Analysis: Turkey braces for possible reprisals from Syria - Xinhua | English.news.cn

News Analysis: Turkey braces for possible reprisals from Syria
English.news.cn 2013-08-30 21:02:48

ANKARA, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- If Ankara joins a Western military strike in Syria, then it should brace for possible reprisal attacks from Syria and Iran, analysts said.

More:News Analysis: Turkey braces for possible reprisals from Syria - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Istanbul’s 'rainbow stairs' painted grey

Istanbul’s 'rainbow stairs' painted grey

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily news

The rainbow stairs in Istanbul’s Fındıklı neighborhood that attracted city residents’ attention since Aug. 28 were all painted grey early this morning.

More:LOCAL - Istanbul’s 'rainbow stairs' painted grey

Photo Essay: Istanbul's Galata Tower (Includes first-hand account)

Photo Essay: Istanbul's Galata Tower

Istanbul - On one of the last days of summer, I relaxed by Istanbul's Galata Tower and enjoyed the surrounding building, streets, and visitors.

More:Photo Essay: Istanbul's Galata Tower (Includes first-hand account)

Netherlands to wait for a UN decision over Syria - Patriot missiles in Turkey not to be used for Syria Attack

The Members of the Netherlands Foreign Affairs Commission of the House of Representatives discussed Syria Thursday and they took a dim view of a possible military intervention in Syria without getting the support of a UN resolution.

Netherlands will wait for a UN decision over the matter, said Foreign Minister Franciscus Timmermans.

Members of the commission also voiced that the Dutch Patriot missiles in Turkey can not be used for attack purposes stating they were sent to Turkey for defense purposes.

Last night the British parliament voted against British troops getting involved in Syria and in fact handed Mr. Cameron, who was in favor of the intervention, a resounding defeat.

Almere-Digest

Turkey spends over $700 million for Syrian refugees

Turkey spends over $700 million for Syrian refugees
IANS | Posted on Aug 30, 2013 at 03:15am IST

Turkey has spent about $736 million to shelter Syrian refugees, whose number has exceeded 200,000, the government statistics have revealed.

According to the data released by the Prime Ministry 's Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate, Turkey has spent the money on medical services, food and other types of humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees, Xinhua reported on Thursday.

More:Turkey spends over $700 million for Syrian refugees

Istanbul on a platter - Magazine Israel News Broadcast | Haaretz

Istanbul on a platter
Ground meat baked on dough is a common dish in Middle Eastern cuisines. The secret of the delicate Turkish version is yogurt.
By Hedai Offaim | 15:22 29.08.13 | 0

Istanbul is set in a dreamy time. Our friend Jack, who lived there at the time we visited, led us among the stalls and restaurants and bars, and we followed obediently. In the mornings we marched down Istiklal Boulevard following the scent of baking bourekas and the drops of kaimak ‏(Turkish whipped cream‏) which are served at breakfast with...

More:Istanbul on a platter - Magazine Israel News Broadcast | Haaretz

Turkish Airlines investigated by competition regulator - eTurboNews.com

Turkish Airlines investigated by competition regulator

Aug 29, 2013

ISTANBUL, Turkey - Turkey’s competition board has decided to launch an investigation into Turkish Airlines, following a previous complaint filed by rival Pegasus.

More:Turkish Airlines investigated by competition regulator - eTurboNews.com

Three-way conversation in Istanbul | openDemocracy

Three-way conversation in Istanbul
Annalena di Giovanni, Sameh Naguib, Foti Benlisoy, and Souheil Idoudi 29 August 2013

Members of resistance movements from Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia come together on Gezi Radyo to compare experiences, discuss ways to cooperate and debate how to build a better future.

Gezi Radyo organized a mid-August meeting between members of the three resistance movements for change from Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey:

More:Three-way conversation in Istanbul | openDemocracy

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Real Madrid, Juve tests await Galatasaray in Champions League

Real Madrid, Juve tests await Galatasaray in Champions League

Turkish champion Galatasaray has been paired off with Real Madrid, Juventus and Copenhagen in Champions League group B, following the draw in Monaco on Aug. 29.

More:EUROPE - Real Madrid, Juve tests await Galatasaray in Champions League

Erdogan’s Top Economic Adviser Takes Heat from Business - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Erdogan’s Top Economic Adviser
Takes Heat from Business

By: Erdal Sağlam for Al-Monitor Turkey Pulse Posted on July 31.

The Turkish economy was long expected to enter a difficult period, like all developing economies, due to global factors. The troubles, however, are growing as Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan keeps hardening his attitude against the private sector over the Gezi Park protests.

More:Erdogan’s Top Economic Adviser Takes Heat from Business - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Massive Protest Set Against 'World's Most Dangerous Islamist,' Who Lives in Pennsylvania

Massive Protest Set Against 'World's Most Dangerous Islamist,' Who Lives in Pennsylvania
by PAUL L. WILLIAMS, PHD August 28, 2013

Fethullah Gulen has been called "the most dangerous Islamist on planet earth."

He resides not in Islamabad or Istanbul but within a mountain fortress in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania.

On Saturday, August 31, hundreds of Turkish Americans are expected to descend upon the fortress to protest the "Gulen movement" and the havoc it has wrought throughout Turkey and Central Asia.

More:Family Security Matters

My recipe for marriage: a husband who lives 1,500 miles away, says writer Elif Shafak - London Life - Life & Style - London Evening Standard

My recipe for marriage: a husband who lives 1,500 miles away, says writer Elif Shafak

The London-based Turkish novelist talks about how her long-distance marriage works — and why professional mothers have to let go of the guilt

More:My recipe for marriage: a husband who lives 1,500 miles away, says writer Elif Shafak - London Life - Life & Style - London Evening Standard

Turkey’s trade gap expands on surging car imports

Turkey’s trade gap expands on surging car imports

ANKARA

Turkey’s foreign trade gap has widened in July, as the imports’ rise has dwarfed the slight increase in exports by a factor of four, with the spur of an unexpected surge in car and energy imports.

More:ECONOMICS - Turkey’s trade gap expands on surging car imports

Erdogan ... Egypt is not a morsel of food

Erdogan ... Egypt is not a morsel of food

THE Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has shown a tremendous amount of zeal to defend members of the ousted Muslim Brotherhood Group in Egypt — ousted by the popular will of the people.

More:Erdogan ... Egypt is not a morsel of food

Turkish tourism chiefs ready global campaign | News | Marketing Week

Turkish tourism chiefs ready global campaign

Thu, 29 Aug 2013

Turkish tourism chiefs are preparing to launch a global campaign that highlights the country’s rapid economic growth as well as its heritage and tourist attractions.

More:Turkish tourism chiefs ready global campaign | News | Marketing Week

Turkey hopes US strikes against Syria will bring down Assad regime - The National

Turkey hopes US strikes against Syria will bring down Assad regime

Thomas Seibert
Aug 29, 2013

ISTANBUL // Turkey's government hopes the expected punitive strikes by the United States against Syria will help to bring down Bashar Al Assad's regime.

More:Turkey hopes US strikes against Syria will bring down Assad regime - The National

Court releases 'man with machete' who attacked Gezi protesters

Court releases 'man with machete' who attacked Gezi protesters

ISTANBUL

An Istanbul court today released S.Ç., dubbed the “machete man” after video surfaced showing him allegedly attacking Gezi protesters with a machete at the beginning of July, pending trial.

More:LOCAL - Court releases 'man with machete' who attacked Gezi protesters

Turkey 'on alert' against possible chemical attack | The Times of Israel

Turkey ‘on alert’ against possible chemical attack

As Israelis scramble for gas masks, Turks prepare bunkers, protective gear, on-the-ground experts in case of chemical attack

More:Turkey 'on alert' against possible chemical attack | The Times of Israel

Tofas CEO sees Turkish auto market broadly flat in 2013 | Reuters

Tofas CEO sees Turkish auto market broadly flat in 2013

ISTANBUL | Thu Aug 29, 2013 8:08pm IST

Aug 29 (Reuters) - Turkish automotive sales will come in at around 820,000 units in 2013, almost unchanged from last year, the chief executive of automaker Tofas said on Thursday, while the European market will see a more marked improvement from 2015.

More:Tofas CEO sees Turkish auto market broadly flat in 2013 | Reuters

UFOs Spotted in Skies over Turkey and Sydney [VIDEOS] - IBTimes UK

FOs Spotted in Skies over Turkey and Sydney [VIDEOS]

Turkish media aired television reports this week of a possible Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) in skies over the country's largest Information Technology (IT) services park, Teknopark. It is believed the sightings themselves occurred in July.

More:UFOs Spotted in Skies over Turkey and Sydney [VIDEOS] - IBTimes UK

Turkey’s trade gap expands on surging car imports

Turkey’s trade gap expands on surging car imports

ANKARA

Turkey’s foreign trade gap has widened in July, as the imports’ rise has dwarfed the slight increase in exports by a factor of four, with the spur of an unexpected surge in car and energy imports.

More:ECONOMICS - Turkey’s trade gap expands on surging car imports

Erdogan-and-democracy - Al-Ahram Weekly

Erdogan and democracy

Turkey’s prime minister has turned Egypt into his cause celebre, even while — and perhaps because — he faces grave problems at home, writes Sayed Abdel-Maguid

More:Erdogan-and-democracy - Al-Ahram Weekly

Abducted Turks Urge Ankara to Release Them in Video Message — Naharnet

Abducted Turks Urge Ankara to Release Them in Video Message

The kidnapped Turkish pilots urged their country on Thursday to "hurry up in releasing them," amid media reports that said they were being held near the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Moe:Abducted Turks Urge Ankara to Release Them in Video Message — Naharnet

A Troubling Call From Syria

A Troubling Call From Syria
3:00PM EDT 8/29/2013 Nuri Kino

Nuri Kino is a Sweden-based independent investigative reporter, filmmaker, author, Middle East and human-rights analyst. His report, titled ”The Camp,” which examined the construction of a massive refugee camp for Syrian Christians inside Turkey, appeared May 5 at World Watch Monitor.

Early this morning I received a phone call from Mary, a friend in Sweden who was born in Syria. She wanted me to check my Facebook account. A young Syrian woman, Nour, wanted to become friends with me. I accepted the request. A minute later, Nour wrote me her first message. She had pictures from Tabqa, a town that was totally emptied of Christian Assyrians. Nour also had the contact information of victims of fundamentalist Islam. They, the victims, want the world to know what has happened to them. A group of non-Syrian Mujahedeen drove them out of their homes.The message from the perpetrators was ”convert to Islam or leave”. I called one of the victims, and heard horrifying stories about religious and ethnic cleansing.

More:A Troubling Call From Syria

The Significance of Sino-Turkish Relations | David Gosset

The Significance of Sino-Turkish Relations
Posted: 08/28/2013 3:42 pm

Among the dynamics reshaping Eurasia, the "world continent" spanning from Europe to the Far East, the transformation of the Sino-Turkish relations does not get the attention it deserves.

More:The Significance of Sino-Turkish Relations | David Gosset

Halifax chef to pit skills against other young chefs in contest in Istanbul - Life - Nanaimo Daily News

Halifax chef to pit skills against other young chefs in contest in Istanbul

Lois Abraham / The Canadian Press
August 28, 2013

TORONTO - Halifax chef Brenan Madill admits to a few jitters as he prepares to represent Canada at a contest pitting his skills against those of his international peers.

"I've got to say more than anything it's the butterflies that are going crazy right now," said the Seasons by Atlantica executive sous chef.

More:Halifax chef to pit skills against other young chefs in contest in Istanbul - Life - Nanaimo Daily News

Turkish bank to provide $300 million credit facility | Business Recorder

Turkish bank to provide $300 million credit facility
August 29, 2013
MUSHTAQ GHUMMAN

Export Credit Bank of Turkey (Exim Bank) is to give $300 million credit facility to Pakistan for 2013-14 for which a formal pact will be signed during the 3-day (September 16-18) official visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Turkey, well-informed sources told Business Recorder. Prime ministers of both countries will co-chair the third meeting of the High Level Co-operation Council (HLCC) to be held in Ankara on September 17, 2013.

More:Turkish bank to provide $300 million credit facility | Business Recorder

Istanbul heat to hit 40 degrees on the hottest day

Istanbul heat to hit 40 degrees on the hottest day

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

Turkey’s meteorological service has warned Istanbul residents and visitors that the heat wave currently hitting the country is expected to continue today, noting that the mercury is expected to push 41 degrees Celsius in the city.

More:LOCAL - Istanbul heat to hit 40 degrees on the hottest day

WATCH: Life For Syrian Children In The Refugee Camps In TurkeyTalk Radio News Service

WATCH: Life For Syrian Children In The Refugee Camps In Turkey

"I think all of them they want to go back home,” says Dr. Ayman A. Abulaban, who heads UNICEF in Turkey.

More:WATCH: Life For Syrian Children In The Refugee Camps In TurkeyTalk Radio News Service

‘Halal hotels’ lure Turks, not Arabs

‘Halal hotels’ lure Turks, not Arabs

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Turkey’s ‘Muslim-friendly’ or ‘halal’ hotels that offer visitors an alcohol-free environment along with separate swimming pools for women and men are drawing Turkish tourists, not Arabs, say sector players

More:TOURISM - ‘Halal hotels’ lure Turks, not Arabs

.:Middle East Online::Why has Turkey failed to stop lira’s fall?:.

Why has Turkey failed to stop lira’s fall?

Turkish lira falls further against dollar, despite assurances by central bank and amid tension over Syria.

By Fulya Ozerkan – ANKARA

Lira has fallen more than 13% since beginning of 2013

The Turkish lira fell further against the dollar on Wednesday, despite assurances by the central bank and amid tension over Syria.

More:.:Middle East Online::Why has Turkey failed to stop lira’s fall?:.

Soccer-Fenerbahce out of Europe after CAS upholds ban - Yahoo! Sports

Soccer-Fenerbahce out of Europe after CAS upholds ban
Reuters

By Daren Butler

ISTANBUL, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Turkish side Fenerbahce will be unable to compete in the Europa League this season after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld a UEFA-imposed two-year ban from European competition over a match-fixing scandal on Wednesday.

More:Soccer-Fenerbahce out of Europe after CAS upholds ban - Yahoo! Sports

Turkish President Gül to host first time Victory Day reception


Turkish President Gül to host first time Victory Day reception

ANKARA

President Abdullah Gül is set to host the official Victory Day reception in the company of his spouse Hayrünnisa Gül in the presidential residence, marking a first since he was elected to the post on Aug. 28, 2007.

More:POLITICS - Turkish President Gül to host first time Victory Day reception

Turkey says all options open on Syria, military on alert | Reuters

Turkey says "all options" open on Syria, military on alert

ANKARA | Wed Aug 28, 2013 8:40pm IST

Aug 28 (Reuters) - Turkey has put its armed forces on alert to guard against threats from Syria as Western allies weigh possible military action against President Bashar al-Assad, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Wednesday.

More:Turkey says all options open on Syria, military on alert | Reuters

Reptile tourism in Turkey's Antalya

Reptile tourism in Turkey's Antalya

ANTALYA - Anadolu Agency
The Ecological National Park in Antalya is home to thousands of reptiles that are at risk of becoming extinct. The park hosts tourists visiting from many countries, especially Russians

More:TRAVEL - Reptile tourism in Turkey's Antalya

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

The Significance of Sino-Turkish Relations | David Gosset

The Significance of Sino-Turkish Relations
Posted: 08/28/2013 3:42 pm

Among the dynamics reshaping Eurasia, the "world continent" spanning from Europe to the Far East, the transformation of the Sino-Turkish relations does not get the attention it deserves.

More:The Significance of Sino-Turkish Relations | David Gosset

Turkey rotates missiles toward Syria - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Turkey rotates missiles toward Syria
English.news.cn 2013-08-28 21:34:07

ISTANBUL, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Turkey has rotated its ground-to- ground missiles toward Syria in the southern province of Hatay as it is ready for a possible military operation against the war-torn neighbor.

More:Turkey rotates missiles toward Syria - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Turkey and the Coup in Egypt- Isolation or "Precious Loneliness"?

Turkey and the Coup in Egypt
Isolation or "Precious Loneliness"?

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's criticism of the recent military coup and the brutal crackdown on protesters in Egypt has sparked an angry diplomatic row between Ankara and Cairo. Some feel Turkey risks isolating itself in the region. Erdogan aide Ibrahim Kalin, on the other hand, prefers to speak of "precious loneliness". Ayhan Simsek has the details

More:Isolation or "Precious Loneliness"?

Playing for Peace

The Piano Man of Taksim Square
Playing for Peace
Davide Martello was on a world tour with his custom-built electric piano when he made a spontaneous decision to play Istanbul's Taksim Square. His music became the soundtrack of the Turkish protests. He has since continued his tour with a new message: peace

More:Playing for Peace

State Dept. Issues Turkey Travel Warning

State Dept. Issues Turkey Travel Warning
Wednesday, 28 August 2013 12:28 By Joey Prato

In recognition of the heightened risk of violence and terrorist attacks, as well as souring relations with the West, the State Department has added Turkey to its “Do Not Travel“ list. The State Department website proclaims in bold letters that “There have been violent attacks throughout Turkey, and there is a continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout Turkey”.

More:State Dept. Issues Turkey Travel Warning

Turkey's New Petroleum Law - Energy and Natural Resources - Turkey

Turkey: Turkey's New Petroleum Law
Last Updated: 28 August 2013
Article by Nina Howell

Turkey enacted a new Petroleum Law in June to help attract international investment in its offshore oil and gas resources in the manner currently being experienced in neighbouring Cyprus, Israel and Lebanon. Nina Howell, counsel in King & Spalding's London office, discusses the new law amid growing interest in the east Mediterranean.

More:Turkey's New Petroleum Law - Energy and Natural Resources - Turkey

Troubled Egyptian- Turkish trade relations: FEDCOC - Daily News Egypt

Troubled Egyptian- Turkish trade relations: FEDCOC

Sara Aggour / August 28, 2013

The economic ties between the two countries are under threat after the Turkish Prime Minister’s comments regarding Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb

More:Troubled Egyptian- Turkish trade relations: FEDCOC - Daily News Egypt

MIDEAST - Turkey awaiting moves to clarify picture on Syria after strike

Turkey awaiting moves to clarify picture on Syria after strike

ANKARA

Turkey expects a method of action against Syria that will help clarify the picture in the Arab republic rather than measures that will further lead to uncertainty amid the county’s two-year-old civil war, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said on Aug. 28.

More:MIDEAST - Turkey awaiting moves to clarify picture on Syria after strike

Turkey's Defense Exports Up 9 Percent for Year to Date | Defense News | defensenews.com

Turkey's Defense Exports Up 9 Percent for Year to Date
Aug. 28, 2013 - 12:57PM |
By BURAK EGE BEKDIL 

ANKARA — Turkey’s defense industry exports in the seven months ending in July reached $781 million, an all-time high for the period, and may be on course to set a record for the year, according to industry officials.

More:Turkey's Defense Exports Up 9 Percent for Year to Date | Defense News | defensenews.com

Turkey's Military On Alert Over Possible Syria Strike

Turkey's Military On Alert Over Possible Syria Strike

Reuters | Posted: 08/28/2013 11:53 am EDT | Updated: 08/28/2013 12:44 pm EDT

ANKARA, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Turkey has put its armed forces on alert to guard against threats from Syria as Western allies weigh military action against President Bashar al-Assad, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Wednesday.

More:Turkey's Military On Alert Over Possible Syria Strike

Turkey: 5,000 cab drivers lose licenses in Istanbul - Economy - ANSAMed.it

Turkey: 5,000 cab drivers lose licenses in Istanbul

(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, AUGUST 28 - Since last year, some 5,000 taxi drivers in istanbul have been discharged from the profession as part of an initiative launched by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Istanbul Chamber of Taxi Drivers, Turkish media reported on Tuesday. As of last year, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality began to ask taxi drivers for a copy of their criminal record, as World Bulletin reports. Roughly 5,000 drivers who either did not present evidence of a lack of a criminal record to the municipality or who had been convicted of a crime in the past have lost their authorization to work as a city taxi driver.

More:Turkey: 5,000 cab drivers lose licenses in Istanbul - Economy - ANSAMed.it

German MPs Worry About Neo-Nazis, But Turkish Drug Gangs May Pose Greater Threat

German MPs Worry About Neo-Nazis, But Turkish Drug Gangs May Pose Greater Threat
By Palash Ghosh
on August 28 2013 6:00 AM

German MPs have called on the government to impose tighter scrutiny and surveillance on neo-Nazis in the wake of the sensational trial of a far-right cell that murdered 10 ethnic Turks and Greeks over a period of seven years.

More:German MPs Worry About Neo-Nazis, But Turkish Drug Gangs May Pose Greater Threat

Turkish hurdler Yanit handed doping suspension | Reuters

Turkish hurdler Yanit handed doping suspension

ISTANBUL | Wed Aug 28, 2013 2:59pm IST

(Reuters) - Double European 100m hurdles champion Nevin Yanit has been handed a two-year suspension for drugs violations by the Turkish Athletics Federation (TAF), the authority announced on Wednesday.

More:Turkish hurdler Yanit handed doping suspension | Reuters

Turkey weighs military options in Syria | Middle East | DW.DE | 28.08.2013

Turkey weighs military options in Syria

Ankara has warned that, should UN approval for action against Syria fail, Turkey will join forces with any international coalition against the Syrian regime. Opposition parties have strongly opposed these plans.

More:Turkey weighs military options in Syria | Middle East | DW.DE | 28.08.2013

Israel-Turkey Relations Sink to Low | TIME.com

Israel-Turkey Relations Sink to Low
By AP / Josef Federman And Desmond Butler Aug. 28, 20133 Comments

Associated Press

(JERUSALEM) — After a brief courtship last spring, relations between Israel and Turkey have fallen to a new low, officials in both countries say, just as the two former allies are bracing for possible U.S. military action in neighboring Syria.

More:Israel-Turkey Relations Sink to Low | TIME.com

Turkey’s legal Kurdish party not to back military operations in Syria - FOCUS Information Agency

Turkey’s legal Kurdish party not to back military operations in Syria
28 August 2013 | 09:13 | FOCUS News Agency

Ankara. Turkey’s legal and parliamentary represented Kurdish party – the Peace and Democracy Party, is explicit that it will not back possible request of the Turkish government for country’s participation in possible international military interference in Syria, CNN Turk reported.

More:Turkey’s legal Kurdish party not to back military operations in Syria - FOCUS Information Agency

US Media: Air Strikes on Syria Possible from Thursday

US Media: Air Strikes on Syria Possible from Thursday
Local Editor

Syria on mapU.S. Air Force strikes on the Syrian territories may start from this Thursday, according to the American NBC News channel quoting a U.S. government source on Tuesday.

More:US Media: Air Strikes on Syria Possible from Thursday

Olympics Features: UNESCO places Istanbul peninsula in World Heritage Committee list

UNESCO places Istanbul peninsula in World Heritage Committee list

(SFC) Home to the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the peninsula of Istanbul was chosen to be a part of UNESCO’s best-practice World Heritage Committee list, recognising the site’s value to humanity and the level of protection they are afforded.

More:Olympics Features: UNESCO places Istanbul peninsula in World Heritage Committee list

Press Freedom in the New Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Press Freedom in the New Turkey

By: Rasim Ozan Kutahyali for Al-Monitor Turkey Pulse Posted on August 27.

Press freedom is a key issue for Turkey. After successfully eliminating the former militarist-Kemalist regime, Turkey is still starting down the road to a liberal democratic regime of which press freedom is an indispensable element. But as I emphasized in my first article for Al-Monitor, Turkey is now undergoing a post-Kemalist transition characterized by bizarre political alignments and in which everything is tangled with everything else.

More:Press Freedom in the New Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkey: Istanbul Redevelopment Plan Threatens Historic Orthodox Church

Turkey: Istanbul Redevelopment Plan Threatens Historic Russian Orthodox Church
August 27, 2013
By EurasiaNet

In June, Turkey experienced the worst anti-government protests in decades over plans to redevelop Gezi Park in central Istanbul. Now, a historic church once used by Russian refugees fleeing the 1917 Bolshevik Coup is at the center of a fresh controversy over the city’s development ambitions.

More:Turkey: Istanbul Redevelopment Plan Threatens Historic Orthodox Church

2020 Olympics host to be announced – but does anyone want them? - The Internaut - The Listener

2020 Olympics host to be announced – but does anyone want them?

Groups in Tokyo, Istanbul and Madrid would rather they didn't get the nod in a few days.

By Toby Manhire In The Internaut

28th August, 2013

The host of the 2020 Olympics will be named in just a few days, but none of the three cities still in the running seems that keen to win, writes Alpbugra Bahadir Gultekin in the Turkish newspaper Radikal (translated at WorldCrunch).

More:2020 Olympics host to be announced – but does anyone want them? - The Internaut - The Listener

Egypt's Alexandria Film Festival Withdraws Turkish Movie on 'Political' Grounds - The Hollywood Reporter

Egypt's Alexandria Film Festival Withdraws Turkish Movie on 'Political' Grounds
1:03 PM PDT 8/27/2013 by Nick Holdsworth

Reis Celik's feature about a child bride was pulled over opposition to the recent military coup in Cairo.

LONDON -- Egypt's Alexandria International Film Festival has pulled a Turkish film from its program, citing political reasons related to a breakdown in relations between the two countries over last month's military coup.

More:Egypt's Alexandria Film Festival Withdraws Turkish Movie on 'Political' Grounds - The Hollywood Reporter

Turkish Envoy: Ankara’s Urgent Problems Internal, Not External - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkish Envoy: Ankara’s Urgent Problems Internal, Not External

The hard-line, sharply worded policies of the ruling party are reflected in its foreign policy as well. How to extract ourselves from these policies has become an important issue of debate. Some questions that need answers are: What are the consequences of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan acting almost as an activist for [ousted Egyptian President] Mohammed Morsi? Is Turkey becoming isolated? And is Erdogan likely to be a hero of the Middle East in the long term? We discussed all these issues with Ilter Turkmen, a former minister of foreign affairs and retired ambassador, one of the most experienced names in Turkish foreign affairs. Turkmen said that the most urgent and vital issues in Turkey's foreign affairs are relations with Israel and the Kurdish issue.

More:Turkish Envoy: Ankara’s Urgent Problems Internal, Not External - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Is Turkish ruling party waving the 'False flag?'

Is Turkish ruling party waving the 'False flag?'
Article from SOL in Turkey
August 26, 2013

Originally published by SOL in Turkey. Translated by Taylor Goel for Liberation News.

Claims by the opposition in Syria about the recent “chemical massacre” that took place on August 21 brings to mind suspicions about a false flag operation that is aimed to set the stage for a foreign military intervention while diverting the attention of the UN chemical weapons inspectors away from the opposition forces.

More:Is Turkish ruling party waving the 'False flag?'

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

MURAT YETKİN - Turkey may open İncirlik base upon NATO decision

Turkey may open İncirlik base upon NATO decision

Turkey may open its strategic İncirlik air base for possible military operations into neighboring Syria, if the Western defense alliance NATO decides for an intervention in the ongoing civil war, a ranking Turkish official told the Hürriyet Daily News on Aug. 26.

More:MURAT YETKİN - Turkey may open İncirlik base upon NATO decision

Europe to come to Istanbul for a concert

Europe to come to Istanbul for a concert

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Swedish rock band Europe is coming to Turkey for a concert in Istanbul next month. The band will perform on Sept. 28 at Life Park.

More:MUSIC - Europe to come to Istanbul for a concert

Syria’s Kurdish-Islamist conflict destabilises Turkey - World Socialist Web Site

Syria’s Kurdish-Islamist conflict destabilises Turkey
By Jean Shaoul
24 August 2013

Hundreds of Syria’s Kurdish population have died in clashes in north-eastern Syria with Islamic factions armed and financed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with US support.

More:Syria’s Kurdish-Islamist conflict destabilises Turkey - World Socialist Web Site

Turkey, Staging Area for Syria Attack, Floats Travel RFP - Tue., Aug. 27, 2013

Turkey, Staging Area for Syria Attack, Floats Travel RFP
By Kevin McCauley

In a case of unfortunate timing, Turkey, a likely staging area for a NATO-led attack on Syria, is floating a $50M advertising RFP to promote tourism.

More:Turkey, Staging Area for Syria Attack, Floats Travel RFP - Tue., Aug. 27, 2013

PKK’s New Commander Issues Ultimatum to Ankara

PKK’s New Commander Issues Ultimatum to Ankara
By RUDAW 5 hours ago

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – A historic peace process between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) may be on the rocks, with the separatist group’s new commander threatening to stop reconciliation unless it sees concrete results, such as the freeing of Kurdish prisoners.

More:PKK’s New Commander Issues Ultimatum to Ankara

Financials feel the force of EM sell-off - FT.com

Financials feel the force of EM sell-off

By Neil Dennis

Financial stocks in Europe most exposed to emerging market assets found themselves nursing heavy losses as the EM sell-off gathered pace.

More:Financials feel the force of EM sell-off - FT.com

Turkish minister says lira intervention unnecessary | Reuters

Turkish minister says lira intervention unnecessary

ISTANBUL | Tue Aug 27, 2013 2:59pm IST

Aug 27 (Reuters) - Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan said the central bank did not need to intervene to support the lira, saying the 2 lira to the dollar level which it breached on Tuesday was only a psychological barrier.

More:Turkish minister says lira intervention unnecessary | Reuters

Syria uncertainty feeds into emerging market currency rout | Reuters

Syria uncertainty feeds into emerging market currency rout

By Sujata Rao

LONDON | Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:37am EDT

Aug 27 (Reuters) - Emerging currency losses deepened on Tuesday, pushing Turkey's lira to a fresh record low against the dollar as fears of Western military action against Syria added to the flight from riskier assets.

More:Syria uncertainty feeds into emerging market currency rout | Reuters

Stagflation Fears Stalk Turkey - Wall Street Journal - WSJ.com

Stagflation Fears Stalk Turkey

Turkey, one of the economies hit hardest by the global rout of emerging markets this summer, saw its borrowing costs surge on Monday while its currency continued to weaken, feeding fears that the one-time market star could be developing a new ailment: stagflation.

More:Stagflation Fears Stalk Turkey - Wall Street Journal - WSJ.com

Turkish Women Point Out Pitfalls of Fertility Push

Turkish Women Point Out Pitfalls of Fertility Push
Source: Womens eNews - Mon, 26 Aug 2013 06:49 AM

Subhead: The prime minister's statements against abortion and in favor of large families have something like the power of unwritten law. That's why some women have joined the anti-government protests and others follow his pronouncements with worry. Byline: Erin Browner

More:Turkish Women Point Out Pitfalls of Fertility Push

Erdogan, the Anti-Ataturk | The National Interest

Erdogan, the Anti-Ataturk
From the

September-October 2013

Aram Bakshian Jr.
|
September 1, 2013

THIS NOVEMBER 10, at precisely 9:05 a.m., for the seventy-fifth time in the history of the Turkish Republic, the nation will grind to a halt. In Istanbul, for sixty seconds sirens will drone, ferryboat horns will blare in the Golden Horn and traffic will freeze. Throughout the country, millions of ordinary Turks will stand still and mute to mark the death anniversary of their nation’s founding father. It is an impressive moment, and deservedly so. Mustafa Kemal, known to history as Kemal Ataturk (“Father of the Turks”), was an indomitable blend of soldier, diplomat, politician, intellectual and nation builder. One of the twentieth century’s most remarkable leaders, he was a man of iron will and incredible vision.

More:Erdogan, the Anti-Ataturk | The National Interest

Turkish UAV market may boom after development , 27 August 2013

Turkish UAV market may boom after development

27 August 2013

When Turkey’s military planners grasped more than a decade ago the virtues of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) mostly in their asymmetric warfare against Kurdish separatists, the country was solely dependent on imported drones. Later, the dependency on drones grew exponentially and the Turks decided to build their own. They are still thriving.

More:Turkish UAV market may boom after development , 27 August 2013

September Event Highlights Turkish Sourcing Opportunities | News | Apparel Magazine(AM)

September Event Highlights Turkish Sourcing Opportunities

To further develop the industry and forge new connections, the Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporters Association is convening a Trade Mission on Sept. 24-25, 2013, at New York City's Gotham Hall. The event aims to bring together Turkish apparel and textile manufacturers with U.S. sourcing executives.

More:September Event Highlights Turkish Sourcing Opportunities | News | Apparel Magazine(AM)

Uncertain times for Istanbul’s Christians during Turkey’s ‘modernisation’ drive - European News | Latest News from Across Europe | The Irish Times - Tue, Aug 27, 2013

Uncertain times for Istanbul’s Christians during Turkey’s ‘modernisation’ drive
Tue, Aug 27, 2013, 06:32

In the Karakoy quarter of bustling Istanbul, Christian crosses abruptly appear on window frames along an aged red brick wall. At first glance there are few signs of a Christian presence in the area; instead the narrow streets are replete with electrical shops.

More:Uncertain times for Istanbul’s Christians during Turkey’s ‘modernisation’ drive - European News | Latest News from Across Europe | The Irish Times - Tue, Aug 27, 2013

FINANCE - Turkish Lira continues sinking amid Central Bank’s auction moves

Turkish Lira continues sinking amid Central Bank’s auction moves

ISTANBUL- Hürriyet Daily News

The Turkish Lira hovered just off record lows near 2 liras to the dollar, while the 2-year benchmark bond yield inched above 10 percent in quiet trade on Aug. 26. The poor performance indicates that the Central Bank’s efforts to prevent the currency’s slide failed to soothe investor concerns.

More:FINANCE - Turkish Lira continues sinking amid Central Bank’s auction moves

Restaurants:Europe's best hidden eats - Anne Banas

From local holes-in-the-wall to trendy clandestine establishments, travelers to Europe have plenty of ways to veer off the tired tourist track when they dine. At these hidden spots, whether a secret late-night bakery in Lisbon or a dynamic pop-up in London, diners can immerse themselves in the local culture and be in the know despite being far from home.

On a recent stopover in Lisbon, I met up with Frederico Duarte, Lisboeta and co-author of Fabrico Proprio, a book (and ongoing project) on the design of Portuguese pastry. He led me on a late-night trek in search of the city's underground bakeries, an adventure that became the inspiration for this story on hidden eats in Europe.
Read on to discover these pastry havens, plus lesser-known dining spots in other great European cities.

Read: Europe's best hidden eats

Ankara’s loose cannon fires another salvo - Middle East Israel News Broadcast | Haaretz

Ankara’s loose cannon fires another salvo

Blaming Israel for Egyptian coup was in character for Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose reckless rhetoric doesn’t always go over well with his countrymen.

More:Ankara’s loose cannon fires another salvo - Middle East Israel News Broadcast | Haaretz

Official: Turkey would join coalition against Syria | Blouin News

Official: Turkey would join coalition against Syria
Aug 26, 2013, 7:38 AM EDT

REUTERS/Umit Bektas

ISTANBUL, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Turkey would join any international coalition against Syria even if a wider consensus on action cannot be reached at the U.N. Security Council, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was quoted as saying on Monday.

More:Official: Turkey would join coalition against Syria | Blouin News

Daewoo in Istanbul to import SS pipes from home country - 3236

Daewoo in Istanbul to import SS pipes from home country

The Istanbul branch of South Korea's largest trading company Daewoo International Corporation has said that, following the antidumping duty order imposed by Turkey on stainless steel pipe imports from China and Taiwan, the company has decided to focus on importing stainless steel pipes to Turkey at the best possible prices in cooperation with South Korean producers.

More:Daewoo in Istanbul to import SS pipes from home country - 3236

Turkish lira weakens beyond 2 per dollar for first time | Reuters

Turkish lira weakens beyond 2 per dollar for first time

ISTANBUL | Tue Aug 27, 2013 12:59am EDT

Aug 27 (Reuters) - The Turkish lira weakened to record lows on Tuesday, falling beyond 2 to the dollar for the first time.

More:Turkish lira weakens beyond 2 per dollar for first time | Reuters

Couple stranded by cruise in Turkey receives outpouring of support | Tampa Bay Times

Couple stranded by cruise in Turkey receives outpouring of support

CLEARWATER — A Clearwater couple is finally getting help in an American hospital in Turkey after Royal Caribbean cruise lines abandoned them at a rural hospital, leaving them with only hand gestures and guidebook Turkish to try to arrange surgery for a broken hip

More:Couple stranded by cruise in Turkey receives outpouring of support | Tampa Bay Times

Turkey’s Secret Egyptian Channel - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkey’s Secret Egyptian Channel

By: Tulin Daloglu for Al-Monitor Turkey Pulse Posted on August 26.

Events in Egypt and Syria continue to take horrific turns, with no end in sight. So far, Turkish leaders have taken a bold stand in speaking openly about the unbearable atrocities in the region by blaming the West, the Russians, the Iranians and the Arabs for failing to find a solution in the beginning. The issue is not whether Turkey is wrong to call out these events for what they are and invite the international community to action, but what Turkey is doing to prevent the situation from worsening.

More:Turkey’s Secret Egyptian Channel - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Monday, August 26, 2013

Egyptian Foreign Ministry slams Turkish PM's criticism of Grand Mufti - Politics - Egypt - Ahram Online

Egyptian Foreign Ministry slams Turkish PM's criticism of Grand Mufti

Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan criticises Al-Azhar's Grand Imam for supporting what he describes as a 'coup' in Egypt

More:Egyptian Foreign Ministry slams Turkish PM's criticism of Grand Mufti - Politics - Egypt - Ahram Online

Review: ‘Concrete Park’ confronts macho stereotypes in Turkey (Includes first-hand account)

Review: ‘Concrete Park’ confronts macho stereotypes in Turkey Special

By Sarah Gopaul
Aug 26, 2013 - 6 hours ago in Entertainment

‘Concrete Park’ is a perceptive documentary exploring what it means to be a young man in contemporary Turkey with limited prospects and outdated views of masculinity.

More:Review: ‘Concrete Park’ confronts macho stereotypes in Turkey (Includes first-hand account)

Turkey has high rate of higher education students over 30

Turkey has high rate of higher education students over 30

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

Around 825,000 of higher education students that studied during the 2012-2013 academic year in Turkey are over the age of 30, according to recent studies.

More:LOCAL - Turkey has high rate of higher education students over 30

Turkey's 'Standing Man' wins German rights award | Bangkok Post: news

Turkey's 'Standing Man' wins German rights award

Published: 27 Aug 2013 at 00.49

Turkey's "Standing Man", a performance artist who became an icon of anti-government protests this year, will receive a major German human rights award next week, the jury said Monday.

More:Turkey's 'Standing Man' wins German rights award | Bangkok Post: news

Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish liberals: Turkey has a diverse, irreverent, and progressive generation rising. - Slate Magazine

Turkey’s Hidden Revolution
How Prime Minister Erdoğan accidentally fostered a generation of Turkish liberals.

By Christopher de Bellaigue|Posted Monday, Aug. 26, 2013, at 1:03 PM

Photo by Adem Altan/AFP/Getty Images

On Aug. 5 a court in western Turkey handed down life sentences to a score of retired military officers, including the former chief of the general staff, as well as politicians and media figures, for plotting attacks that would have hurled the country into chaos in preparation for a military coup. The trial was widely regarded as flawed, but the verdicts did not provoke big protests in a nation that until a few years ago held the Army in higher esteem than any other institution. A few days later, at the end of Ramadan, the cities emptied as usual and the resorts were packed. Amid the festivities, the decapitation of the country’s former ruling establishment was largely forgotten.

More:Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish liberals: Turkey has a diverse, irreverent, and progressive generation rising. - Slate Magazine

Arsenal out to finish job against Fenerbahce - The Times of India

Arsenal out to finish job against Fenerbahce
AFP | Aug 26, 2013, 06.33 AM IST

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has promised to pick a strong team as his side look to rubber-stamp qualification for the Champions League group phase against Fenerbahce on Tuesday.

More:Arsenal out to finish job against Fenerbahce - The Times of India

Istanbul's next 'Window Shoppers' will be 50 Cent and Akon! | Al Bawaba

Istanbul's next 'Window Shoppers' will be 50 Cent and Akon!

Published August 26th, 2013 - 07:50 GMT via SyndiGate.info

U.S. rapper 50 Cent as well as Akon and the Far East Movement are just a few of the names set to perform at Istanbul’s Küçükçiftlik Park as part of the first Velvet Villains “Vestival” on Aug 30, reported Turkey-based Hurriyet Daily News.

More:Istanbul's next 'Window Shoppers' will be 50 Cent and Akon! | Al Bawaba

Man arrested at Trudeau airport for making threats, police say

Man arrested at Trudeau airport for making threats, police say

The Gazette August 25, 2013

MONTREAL — A 25-year-old man is in police custody after making threats during a flight to Istanbul on Sunday night.

More:Man arrested at Trudeau airport for making threats, police say

RIGHTS - Halki Seminary to undergo status change to allow for reopening

Halki Seminary to undergo status change to allow for reopening

ISTANBUL

The Halki Greek Orthodox seminary on Istanbul’s Heyebeliada island will revert to its pre-1971 status as part of an indirect method of allowing the long-closed clerical school to reopen while avoiding constitutional regulations on private institutions, according to daily Radikal.

More:RIGHTS - Halki Seminary to undergo status change to allow for reopening

Turkey's tourism industry still on the up and up - Hindustan Times

Turkey's tourism industry still on the up and up
AFP
August 26, 2013

In spite of a difficult summer, the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture remains optimistic, doubling down in its efforts to attract and host over 50 million visitors by 2018.

More:Turkey's tourism industry still on the up and up - Hindustan Times

AFP: Turkey would join anti-Syria coalition without UN consensus

Turkey would join anti-Syria coalition without UN consensus

(AFP) – 3 hours ago

ANKARA — Turkey will join an international coalition against neighbouring Syria even if the UN Security Council fails to reach consensus on the issue, its foreign minister said in an interview published on Monday.

More:AFP: Turkey would join anti-Syria coalition without UN consensus

BBC News - Gezi Park: Turkey's new opposition movement

Gezi Park: Turkey's new opposition movement
By Emre Azizlerli BBC News, Istanbul

It is a sunny afternoon in August. Sitting under the dappled shade of the plane trees, I watch a group of council workers tend the flowers by the central fountain of the park.

More:BBC News - Gezi Park: Turkey's new opposition movement

Turkey's Dogan Holding Q2 loss 12.07 mln lira | Reuters

Turkey's Dogan Holding Q2 loss 12.07 mln lira

ISTANBUL | Mon Aug 26, 2013 10:18am IST

Aug 26 (Reuters) - Turkish media-to-energy conglomerate Dogan Holding reported a loss of 12.07 million lira in the second quarter, compared with a net profit of 66.6 million lira in the same period a year earlier.

More:Turkey's Dogan Holding Q2 loss 12.07 mln lira | Reuters

Foreign minister says Turkey would join international coalition against Syria's Assad

Foreign minister says Turkey would join international coalition against Syria's Assad

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
August 26, 2013 - 4:18 am EDT

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu says Turkey would take part in an international coalition to move against President Bashar Assad's government if the U.N. failed to come up with sanctions to punish Syria for the alleged use of chemical weapons.

More:Foreign minister says Turkey would join international coalition against Syria's Assad

Sunday, August 25, 2013

The Archaeology News Network: Ancient shipwrecks found off Turkish coast

Ancient shipwrecks found off Turkish coast
Posted by TANN Ancient, ArchaeoHeritage, Archaeology, Breakingnews, Greater Middle East, Near East, Turkey, Underwater Archaeology 12:00 PM

Work has begun to unearth and exhibit ship remains from different eras that were discovered during an underwater excavation in the ancient town of Limantepe (Greek Klazomenai) on Turkey’s western coast.

More:The Archaeology News Network: Ancient shipwrecks found off Turkish coast

Seaside manners of Turks

Seaside manners of Turks

BELGİN AKALTAN - belgin.akaltan@hdn.com.tr

Turks don’t have any seaside manners. Some of us have acquired certain manners but we generally have bad manners. Not only on the beach, but almost everywhere.

More:BLIND SPOT - Seaside manners of Turks

ODTÜ students in tent protest against Ankara Municipality for campus-crossing road

ODTÜ students in tent protest against Ankara Municipality for campus-crossing road

ANKARA - Hürriyet

A group of students at Ankara’s prestigious Middle East Technical University’s (ODTÜ) politically-aware campus has taken a stand on Aug. 25 against a new road that is set to be built inside its perimeter.

More:LOCAL - ODTÜ students in tent protest against Ankara Municipality for campus-crossing road

The real Erdogan emerges

The real Erdogan emerges

By Harry Sterling, Ottawa Citizen August 25, 2013 12:01 PM

He once was the darling of western leaders.

Many cited him as proof that being a devout Muslim was not incompatible with western concepts of democracy and respect for the fundamental human rights of all members of society regardless of religion, ethnic background, gender or political views.

More:The real Erdogan emerges

Turkish diplomats deny reports; Syria to let U.N. see sites - UPI.com

Turkey denies arms sent to Syrian rebels

Published: Aug. 25, 2013 at 11:18 AM

ANKARA, Turkey, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Two unnamed Turkish diplomats denied reports Sunday that a consignment of 400 tons of arms had been sent to Syrian opposition forces from Turkey.

More:Turkish diplomats deny reports; Syria to let U.N. see sites - UPI.com

Huge rally for Turkish secularism

Huge rally for Turkish secularism

Protesters with flags at demonstration - 29/04/07
The rally is being described as a huge show of force
Hundreds of thousands of people have rallied in Istanbul in support of secularism in Turkey, amid a row over a vote for the country's next president.

More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Huge rally for Turkish secularism

After attacks, distrust lingers in Turkish border town Reyhanli | World | DW.DE | 25.08.2013

After attacks, distrust lingers in Turkish border town Reyhanli

Three months ago, the war in Syria reached the Turkish town of Reyhanli: Two car bombs killed more than 50 people, creating distrust toward the Syrian refugees. Visit to the doorstep of a war.

More:After attacks, distrust lingers in Turkish border town Reyhanli | World | DW.DE | 25.08.2013

Turkish Politician: PKK Seeking to Disintegrate Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran

Turkish Politician: PKK Seeking to Disintegrate Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran

TEHRAN (FNA)- A prominent Turkish politician warned of the plots hatched by leaders of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) to disintegrate Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran, and said the decision was taken after the terrorist group received Ankara's permission for free operation.

More:Farsnews

Olympics, No Thanks! Local Opposition Grows On Eve Of 2020 Host Announcement - All News Is Global |

Olympics, No Thanks! Local Opposition Grows On Eve Of 2020 Host Announcement

Two weeks ahead of the naming of the 2020 Olympics location, as officials in Istanbul, Madrid and Tokyo do last-minute bidding, protests rise in each city against the effects of hosting the Games.

More:Olympics, No Thanks! Local Opposition Grows On Eve Of 2020 Host Announcement - All News Is Global |

BBC News - Change in the air in Turkey ?

Change in the air in Turkey ?
25 August 2013 Last updated at 08:26 GMT Help

Change is in the air in Turkey following anti-government protests centred on a park in Istanbul - but where will it end?

This year has seen the biggest demonstrations since the Islamist-leaning Justice and Development Party took power more than a decade ago.

More:BBC News - Change in the air in Turkey ?

A Bosphorus Ferry Ride Is, Hands-Down, the Best Way to See Istanbul. Here's Why. : Condé Nast Traveler

A Bosphorus Ferry Ride Is, Hands-Down, the Best Way to See Istanbul. Here's Why.

Many locals believe that the most romantic place in Istanbul is the upper deck of a public ferry. Glass of tea in hand on a warm spring day, it’s hard to disagree. A ferry ride across or along the Bosphorus is a traffic-free, relaxing way of immersing yourself in the city. Click through to check it out—and if you're concerned about recent protests in Turkey, read Wendy Perrin's advice on whether you should adjust travel plans.

More:A Bosphorus Ferry Ride Is, Hands-Down, the Best Way to See Istanbul. Here's Why. : Condé Nast Traveler

Turkey remains defiant with support of Morsi, Muslim Brotherhood - The National

Turkey remains defiant with support of Morsi, Muslim Brotherhood

Thomas Seibert
Aug 25, 2013

ISTANBUL // The Turkish government said it faced a "meritorious isolation" in the Middle East, as the crisis in Egypt has sharpened differences between Turkey and other countries in the region.

More:Turkey remains defiant with support of Morsi, Muslim Brotherhood - The National

13th Istanbul Biennial exhibitions to take place at interior venues

13th Istanbul Biennial exhibitions to take place at interior venues
The 13th Istanbul Biennial exhibitions can be visited free of charge between 14 September and 20 October.

ISTANBUL.- The 13th Istanbul Biennial exhibitions, titled “Mom, am I Barbarian?”, curated by Fulya Erdemci will take place at Antrepo 3, Galata Greek Primary School, ARTER, SALT Beyoğlu and 5533 between 14 September and 20 October 2013.

More:13th Istanbul Biennial exhibitions to take place at interior venues

Turkish central bank struggles to prop up lira

Turkish central bank struggles to prop up lira
Sunday, 25 August 2013 11:17
Posted by Shoaib-ur-Rehman Siddiqui
E-mailPrintPDFViews:16

ANKARA: Turkey faces another week under pressure in its fight to shore up the lira as well as growth.

The country is in the front line of emerging economies hit by an outflow of investment because the US Federal Reserve central bank is signalling that it will soon curtail the injection of stimulus funds which have supported the US economy, and growth abroad, and have helped to keep interest rates low.

More:Turkish central bank struggles to prop up lira

Turkey PM hits back at US over his claims on Israel, Egypt | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

Turkey PM hits back at US over his claims on Israel, Egypt

Agence France Presse

Published — Sunday 25 August 2013

ANKARA: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday criticized Washington for its response to his claims of Israel’s involvement in the Egypt crisis.

More:Turkey PM hits back at US over his claims on Israel, Egypt | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

Catch Of The Day, Grilled The Turkish Way | WNCW

Catch Of The Day, Grilled The Turkish Way

Originally published on Tue July 30, 2013 10:17 pm

Each morning as dawn breaks over the Bosphorus Strait in Turkey, a small drama repeats itself: Massive oil tankers and cargo ships slide past tiny fishing boats bobbing on the surface like bathtub toys.

More:Catch Of The Day, Grilled The Turkish Way | WNCW

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Erdogan cries at poem about death of young woman | Al Bawaba

Erdogan cries at poem about death of young woman

Published August 24th, 2013 - 05:12 GMT via SyndiGate.info

A poem written by senior Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood politician Mohammed el-Beltagi regarding the death of his 17-year-old daughter during the protests in Cairo, provoked a tearful response from Turkey’s prime minister on television on Thursday.

More:Erdogan cries at poem about death of young woman | Al Bawaba

Park life: Istanbul protesters take anti-government message to city's green spaces | GlobalPost

Park life: Istanbul protesters take anti-government message to city's green spaces

Pushed out of Gezi Park, Turkey's demonstrators are fanning out to parks across Istanbul to keep their cause alive.

ISTANBUL, Turkey — Gezi Park today is a serene place, where books are read and couples romance. In nearby Taksim Square, the heart of virulent anti-government protests earlier this summer, wandering foreign tourists have returned with cameras in hand.

More:Park life: Istanbul protesters take anti-government message to city's green spaces | GlobalPost

150 years of a school in photos

150 years of a school in photos

The Istanbul Research Institute, in collaboration with Robert College, is presenting an exhibition titled ‘The Anatomy of a Tradition: 150 Years of Robert College 1863-2013’ at the Istanbul Research Institute gallery.

More:OPEN BUFFET - 150 years of a school in photos

'Turkey Will Never Rule Arab World' -- Egypt's FM

'Turkey Will Never Rule Arab World' -- Egypt's FM
Posted GMT 8-23-2013 15:35:34

A non-Arab state, like Turkey, can't rule the Arab World, Egypt's interim foreign minister, Nabil Fahmy, told RT Arabic in an exclusive interview, calling Ankara's ambitions to restore the Ottoman Empire groundless due to failed relations with neighbors.

Egypt's interim government has only nine months ahead of it, but during that time Egypt will review its relations with all the countries on the world map, Fahmy said.

More:'Turkey Will Never Rule Arab World' -- Egypt's FM

Turkey calls for action after Syria attack | Reuters

Turkey calls for action after Syria attack

By Jonathon Burch

ANKARA | Fri Aug 23, 2013 8:43pm IST

(Reuters) - Turkey urged the U.N. Security Council on Friday to take "concrete action" after a deadly attack in Syria in which it said chemical weapons had clearly been used.

More:Turkey calls for action after Syria attack | Reuters

Why Did Maliki Invite Turkish Opposition Leader to Iraq? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Why Did Maliki Invite Turkish Opposition Leader to Iraq?

Journalists were not invited to the meeting that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Turkish main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu held yesterday morning [Aug. 21] in Baghdad. There was only a photo opportunity for colleagues from news agencies. We asked several times to meet with Maliki, but our requests were turned down on grounds he was to travel abroad. Yet, CHP Deputy Chairman Faruk Logoglu briefed us in detail about the meeting. Here are the main points highlighted in the meeting:

More:Why Did Maliki Invite Turkish Opposition Leader to Iraq? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Istanbul among best for historical venues

Istanbul among best for historical venues

ISTANBUL

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has inscribed the historical areas of the Turkish city of Istanbul on its World Heritage Committee list of “best practice.”

More:TRAVEL - Istanbul among best for historical venues

Friday, August 23, 2013

Five Troubling Statements By Erdogan, Turkish Officials That Call Into Question Turkey's Status As An Ally Of The West, Despite Its NATO Membership

Five Troubling Statements By Erdogan, Turkish Officials That Call Into Question Turkey's Status As An Ally Of The West, Despite Its NATO Membership
By David Kashi
on August 23 2013 6:10 AM

As a NATO member, Turkey is seen by the U.S. as a strategic ally to the West and a crucial liaison to the Arab and Muslim world. In fact, on President Barak Obama’s first major foreign policy tour, he stopped in Ankara, in part to affirm the closeness of the bond.

More:Five Troubling Statements By Erdogan, Turkish Officials That Call Into Question Turkey's Status As An Ally Of The West, Despite Its NATO Membership

Mosque construction sparks controversy in Istanbul | Europe | DW.DE | 23.08.2013

Mosque construction sparks controversy in Istanbul

A mosque with the world's highest minaret is under construction in Istanbul. Critics of the project say it was badly planned and fear it represents a step towards a stronger Islamic influence in Turkey.

More:Mosque construction sparks controversy in Istanbul | Europe | DW.DE | 23.08.2013

Turkish authorities investigate hotel sickness outbreak

Turkish authorities investigate hotel sickness outbreak

Tourism and health authorities in Turkey have launched an investigation into a sickness outbreak at a five-star resort in Side.

Thomas Cook has suspended the all-inclusive Sentido Perissia Hotel from its programme after a spate of illness among guests.

More:Turkish authorities investigate hotel sickness outbreak

Antep Baklava registered by the EU | General | World Bulletin

Antep Baklava registered by the EU

Antep Baklava, a sweet pastry with nuts identified with the southeastern Turkish province of Gaziantep, is now registered by the EU under the name Antep Baklava. There are certain products to which Turkey and Greece claim ownership, and Baklava was one of them.

More:Antep Baklava registered by the EU | General | World Bulletin

Antep Baklava registered by the EU | General | World Bulletin

Antep Baklava registered by the EU

Antep Baklava, a sweet pastry with nuts identified with the southeastern Turkish province of Gaziantep, is now registered by the EU under the name Antep Baklava. There are certain products to which Turkey and Greece claim ownership, and Baklava was one of them.

More:Antep Baklava registered by the EU | General | World Bulletin

Istanbul botanic garden is Turkey’s answer to spaghetti junction - FT.com

Istanbul botanic garden is Turkey’s answer to spaghetti junction

By Matthew Wilson
Nezahat Gokyigit Botanik Bahcesi is a 32-hectare botanic garden in the middle of the country’s new financial district

More:Istanbul botanic garden is Turkey’s answer to spaghetti junction - FT.com

Erdogan’s Anti-Israel Remarks Reflect Broader Anti-Semitism in Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Erdogan’s Anti-Israel Remarks Reflect Broader Anti-Semitism in Turkey

By: Barın Kayaoğlu for Al-Monitor Turkey Pulse Posted on August 22.

A famous Turkic figure blasts Jews and Israel for their pernicious influence around the world. Americans respond in shock. Those who know the story are — somewhat nervously — giggling because they have seen it before. Our hero is not Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat, but Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who just blamed Israel for orchestrating the July 3 coup in Egypt.

More:Erdogan’s Anti-Israel Remarks Reflect Broader Anti-Semitism in Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkish Central Bank Launches Policy to Shore Up Lira - Wall Street Journal - WSJ.com

Turkish Central Bank Launches Policy to Shore Up Lira
Economists Warn That the Move Has Confused Investors

Turkey's central bank unveiled fresh policies as part of a campaign to halt the lira's freefall, but economists said the move only added to widespread confusion about Gov. Erdem Basci's policy stance and threatened to derail the economy.

More:Turkish Central Bank Launches Policy to Shore Up Lira - Wall Street Journal - WSJ.com

Five Troubling Statements By Erdogan, Turkish Officials That Call Into Question Turkey's Status As An Ally Of The West, Despite Its NATO Membership

Five Troubling Statements By Erdogan, Turkish Officials That Call Into Question Turkey's Status As An Ally Of The West, Despite Its NATO Membership
By David Kashi
on August 23 2013 6:10 AM

As a NATO member, Turkey is seen by the U.S. as a strategic ally to the West, and one that is a crucial liaison to the Arab and Muslim world. In fact, on President Barak Obama’s first major foreign policy tour, he stopped in Ankara, in part to affirm the closeness of the bond.

More:Five Troubling Statements By Erdogan, Turkish Officials That Call Into Question Turkey's Status As An Ally Of The West, Despite Its NATO Membership

Gay in the Turkish Army - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Gay in the Turkish Army

By: Orhan Kemal Cengiz for Al-Monitor Turkey Pulse Posted on August 22.

Anyone visiting Istanbul’s Taksim Square on June 30 might have been misled into thinking that homosexuals enjoy great freedoms in Turkey. On that day, tens of thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals poured into the area from all corners of Turkey, forming a human sea for a pride march. Waving colorful banners, beating drums and chanting slogans, the exuberant crowd was, in fact, painting a pretty deceptive picture of the status of homosexuals in the country.

More:Gay in the Turkish Army - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Cuban Happiness on the Other Side of Turkey | Maura Sweeney

Cuban Happiness on the Other Side of Turkey
Posted: 08/22/2013 12:49 pm

It was my last day in Istanbul, the city spanning two continents, and I was determined to view its other side. Already acquainted with Turkey's European coast, I boarded a ferry to gain perspective from Asia. An intention to "see things from the other side" was surprisingly answered by a woman from my own state of Florida, but by way of communist Cuba.

More:Cuban Happiness on the Other Side of Turkey | Maura Sweeney

Is the Kurdish Peace Process Still a Priority for Turkey? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Is the Kurdish Peace Process Still a Priority for Turkey?

Turkey's wanting a respected top official of a major international organization to pay the price for the country’s deepening Middle East morass only illustrates how disquieting Turkey’s Middle East policy has become. Wasn’t the secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation [OIC] Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu a top gun only yesterday?

More:Is the Kurdish Peace Process Still a Priority for Turkey? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

The Kurdish awakening in Syria: Could it lead to regional war? | JPost | Israel News

The Kurdish awakening in Syria: Could it lead to regional war?
By JACQUES NERIAH
08/22/2013 20:43

Kurdistan is on the verge of becoming the new regional flashpoint in the Middle East.

More:The Kurdish awakening in Syria: Could it lead to regional war? | JPost | Israel News

Who Poisoned Former Turkish President Ozal? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Who Poisoned Former

By: Rasim Ozan Kutahyali for Al-Monitor Turkey Pulse Posted on August 22.

In my previous article, I wrote about the most significant political dispute in New Turkey, the spat between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government and the Gulen movement. Quarters close to the government argue that the Gulenists are seeking to establish themselves in the military, civilian bureaucracy and the judiciary to install a “new Gulenist tutelage regime” in place of the “old Kemalist tutelage regime.” The Gulenists deny the allegations. Turkey’s democratically elected governments have always complained of tutelage. The debate in the Erdogan versus Gulen context is only a recent development, but the problem of tutelage has a long history in Turkish politics.

More:Who Poisoned Former Turkish President Ozal? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turning-against-Turkey - Al-Ahram Weekly

Turning against Turkey

The Turkish government is continuing its interference in Egypt’s internal affairs, writes Sayed Abdel-Maguid in Ankara

More:Turning-against-Turkey - Al-Ahram Weekly

Turkey’s Pariah Sultan? | National Review Online

Turkey’s Pariah Sultan?
By Benjamin Weinthal
August 22, 2013 3:10 PM

Jerusalem —Yesterday, Katherine Connell covered in this space the Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s crackpot statements blaming Israel and the French Jewish philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy for the military coup in Egypt.

More:Turkey’s Pariah Sultan? | National Review Online

Turkey's Migros posts Q2 loss as weak lira hits | Reuters

Turkey's Migros posts Q2 loss as weak lira hits

ISTANBUL | Thu Aug 22, 2013 11:07am EDT

Aug 22 (Reuters) - Turkish supermarket chain Migros posted a net loss of 160.8 million lira ($81 million) in the second quarter despite a rise in sales due to a significantly weaker lira.

More:Turkey's Migros posts Q2 loss as weak lira hits | Reuters

Facebook politics: Istanbul 'Likes' Indian politicians, Ajay Maken more popular in Turkey than India - Economic Times

Facebook politics: Istanbul 'Likes' Indian politicians, Ajay Maken more popular in Turkey than India

NEW DELHI: Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Ajay Maken are different in many ways. One belongs to the old guard while the other is part of the party's youth brigade. While one is rooted in Rajasthan politics, the other is being groomed to take on a bigger role in national politics. But the two appear to have one thing in common - a thriving following in Turkey.

More:Facebook politics: Istanbul 'Likes' Indian politicians, Ajay Maken more popular in Turkey than India - Economic Times

Turkey’s criticism of OIC over Egypt seen as split with Arab allies | The Sofia Globe

Turkey’s criticism of OIC over Egypt seen as split with Arab allies
Written by Dorian Jones of VOANews on August 22, 2013 in Perspectives - No comments

Turkey’s call for the resignation of the head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, or OIC, for not speaking out against the bloodshed in Egypt is being seen by analysts as another sign of Ankara’s growing isolation from other Islamic countries. Turkey’s stance toward Egypt is in stark contrast to the position of some of its allies in the Middle East.

More:Turkey’s criticism of OIC over Egypt seen as split with Arab allies | The Sofia Globe

TLC: Superonline aims to make Istanbul internet capital - Economy - ANSAMed.it

TLC: Superonline aims to make Istanbul internet capital

22 August, 10:08

(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, AUGUST 22 - Turkcell Superonline, one of Turkey's Internet service providers, aims to lead in making Istanbul ''the capital of the Internet,'' and is busy developing a fiber network across the country, as daily Hurriyet reports.

More:TLC: Superonline aims to make Istanbul internet capital - Economy - ANSAMed.it

Turkey's Is Investment plans to issue bonds worth up to 500 mln lira | Reuters

Turkey's Is Investment plans to issue bonds worth up to 500 mln lira

ISTANBUL | Thu Aug 22, 2013 10:25am EDT

Aug 22 (Reuters) - Turkey's largest broker Is Investment said on Thursday it plans to issue bonds worth up to 500 million lira ($253 million).

More:Turkey's Is Investment plans to issue bonds worth up to 500 mln lira | Reuters

Istanbul Drops, Madrid Climbs, Tokyo Leads in 2020 Index

Istanbul Drops, Madrid Climbs, Tokyo Leads in 2020 Index

8/22/2013
(ATR) Madrid edges closer to Tokyo in the race for the 2020 Olympics in the final edition of the Around the Rings Olympic Bid Power Index -- while Istanbul sags as the Sep. 7 IOC vote looms.

More:Istanbul Drops, Madrid Climbs, Tokyo Leads in 2020 Index

Turkish lira, stocks fall, borrowing rate rises - FRANCE 24

Turkish lira, stocks fall, borrowing rate rises

AFP - The Turkish currency fell further against the dollar and the borrowing rate on 10-year bonds jumped to 10.0 percent in morning trading on Thursday.

More:Turkish lira, stocks fall, borrowing rate rises - FRANCE 24

TOURISM - Istanbul’s luxury hotel awarded

Istanbul’s luxury hotel awarded

ISTANBUL

The luxurious Grand Tarabya Hotel in Istanbul has received the Five-Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS), one of the most prestigious awards in luxury travel.

More:TOURISM - Istanbul’s luxury hotel awarded

ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey says US criticism of leader unacceptable | Presidential Election | Columbus Ledger Enquirer

Turkey says US criticism of leader unacceptable

Published: August 22, 2013 Updated 21 hours ago

The Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has criticized the United States for rebuking the Turkish prime minister over his comments linking Israel to the Egyptian president's ouster.

More:ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey says US criticism of leader unacceptable | Presidential Election | Columbus Ledger Enquirer

Support for Muslim Brotherhood isolates Turkey | World | DW.DE | 21.08.2013

Support for Muslim Brotherhood isolates Turkey

Turkey risks endangering ties with the international community because of its support for the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. But an Erdogan aide says Ankara faces not isolation but a "precious loneliness."

More:Support for Muslim Brotherhood isolates Turkey | World | DW.DE | 21.08.2013

Roots of Kurdish conflict - FT.com

Roots of Kurdish conflict

The Kurdish conflict began in August 1984, as members of the Kurdistan Workers party, or PKK, mounted attacks in Turkey’s southeast.

The 1980s and 1990s were the bloodiest years, but more than 500 people died last year, the highest total since PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan was captured in 1999.

More:Roots of Kurdish conflict - FT.com

Ergenekon convict deputy transferred to Ankara

Ergenekon convict deputy transferred to Ankara

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deputy Mustafa Balbay, who was sentenced to 34 years and eight months in prison over charges related to the Ergenekon coup trial, was transferred to Ankara’s Sincan Prison on Aug. 22.

More:POLITICS - Ergenekon convict deputy transferred to Ankara

Terim accepts Turkey post for last four qualifiers - media | Reuters

Terim accepts Turkey post for last four qualifiers - media

ISTANBUL | Thu Aug 22, 2013 5:00pm BST

(Reuters) - Fatih Terim has agreed to take charge of the Turkey team for the rest of the season in conjunction with his Galatasaray job, Turkish media reported on Thursday.

More:Terim accepts Turkey post for last four qualifiers - media | Reuters

Armenian culture in Turkey: From the ashes | The Economist

From the ashes-Turkish Armenians are beginning to celebrate—and commemorate—their past
Aug 24th 2013 | DIYARBAKIR

A DAINTY silver slipper, a hand-engraved copper bowl. Silva Ozyerli, an ethnic Armenian, runs a loving finger over these and other family treasures strewn across her dinner table in Istanbul. They are due to go on display at a new museum of Armenian culture in Ms Ozyerli’s native city of Diyarbakir at the end of 2013.

More:Armenian culture in Turkey: From the ashes | The Economist

Erdogan’s historic gamble on PKK peace begins to falter - FT.com

Erdogan’s historic gamble on PKK peace begins to falter

By Daniel Dombey

Before his premiership was blown off course by mass protests in June, Recep Tayyip Erdogan was preparing to go down in history by ending Turkey’s biggest problem: the country’s Kurdish conflict.

More:Erdogan’s historic gamble on PKK peace begins to falter - FT.com

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Turkey's Erdogan: A Smart Man With Jews on the Brain - Bloomberg

Turkey's Erdogan: A Smart Man With Jews on the Brain
By Jeffrey Goldberg Aug 22, 2013 12:15 AM GMT+0200

It's time to call Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan what he is: a semi-unhinged bigot.

Optimists have argued, these past few years, that Erdogan's anger at Israel was motivated by a genuine sense of grievance over the notorious 2010 flotilla incident. The flotilla, you'll recall, was a project of pro-Hamas Turkish activists that was meant to break what they termed an Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. Israel's attempt to stop the flotilla ended in the deaths of eight Turks and one Turkish-American.

More:Turkey's Erdogan: A Smart Man With Jews on the Brain - Bloomberg

In the middle of all the Turkish delights that Istanbul has to offer

In the middle of all the Turkish delights that Istanbul has to offer

Michelle Chenery stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Istanbul - Old Town
One of the most fascinating of places to visit is the Old Town of Istanbul. No matter how long a group has available in Turkey for an incentive or a leisure programme, it can all be very enjoyably spent there and everyone will carry back their own special memories.
It is therefore pleasing to find a modestly priced good quality hotel called The DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul-Old Town. Only 15km from the Atatürk International Airport and conveniently served by a taxi rank and a tram stop, the property is also just a stone’s throw at most from many of the must-see attractions of the Turkish capital.

More:In the middle of all the Turkish delights that Istanbul has to offer

ATÜ Duty Free upgrades and expands at Istanbul Atatürk International Airport | TheMoodieReport.com

ATÜ Duty Free upgrades and expands at Istanbul Atatürk International Airport

Published: 21/08/13

By Dermot Davitt

ATÜ Duty Free opens a third major store airside as demand surges
TURKEY. Leading Turkish travel retailer ATÜ Duty Free is making some major investments in retail space at its biggest operation, Istanbul Atatürk International Airport. This includes the creation of 700sq m of new duty free space and the refurbishment of its second biggest airside store, both projects that were recently completed.

More:ATÜ Duty Free upgrades and expands at Istanbul Atatürk International Airport | TheMoodieReport.com

The spicy heaven of Istanbul - Your Middle East

The spicy heaven of Istanbul

Banner Icon Middle Eastern Food When you arrive to the Eminonu Square the first thing you see is the famous mosque with its white minarets reaching for the sky like delicate fingers. To your left, you can see the famous Galata Tower and to your right you have one of the oldest bazaars in Istanbul.

More:The spicy heaven of Istanbul - Your Middle East

Showbiz Arabia: Egypt bans Turkish TV hits | GulfNews.com

Showbiz Arabia: Egypt bans Turkish TV hits

Top TV series dropped after Turkey condemns Egyptian government

By Rachel McArthur, Special to tabloid!
Published: 07:13 August 22, 2013

Is this the beginning of the end of Turkish dramas in the region?

A number of politicians have had plenty to say on the current political unrest in Egypt, which is not only having an impact on foreign policy and aid but bizarrely on the entertainment industry as well.

More:Showbiz Arabia: Egypt bans Turkish TV hits | GulfNews.com