Erdogan’s five+1 Strategic Blunders - All Bad for Turkey’s Future
The rise of Erdogan’s party the AKP is no coincidence. He has been a recipient of major money from Gulf Arab backers, and thus leveraged an Islamic brand, and the financial support that comes with it, to gain power and enrich himself and his cohorts.
More:Erdogan’s five+1 Strategic Blunders - All Bad for Turkey’s Future ▪ Iranian.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Erdogan and Turkey move toward once-unthinkable grand coalition | Reuters
Erdogan and Turkey move toward once-unthinkable grand coalition
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has built a career on attacking the elite, secularist tradition reviled by many of his pious supporters. In the heat of political battle, he has even accused secular opponents of allying with terrorists.
More:Erdogan and Turkey move toward once-unthinkable grand coalition | Reuters
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has built a career on attacking the elite, secularist tradition reviled by many of his pious supporters. In the heat of political battle, he has even accused secular opponents of allying with terrorists.
More:Erdogan and Turkey move toward once-unthinkable grand coalition | Reuters
Turkey says 'ready to help' Greece out of economic crisis - Yahoo News UK
Turkey says 'ready to help' Greece out of economic crisis
AFPAFP – 9 hours ago
Turkey on Tuesday said it was "ready to help" Greece out of its escalating financial crisis as its embattled neighbour edged closer to default.
More:Turkey says 'ready to help' Greece out of economic crisis - Yahoo News UK
AFPAFP – 9 hours ago
Turkey on Tuesday said it was "ready to help" Greece out of its escalating financial crisis as its embattled neighbour edged closer to default.
More:Turkey says 'ready to help' Greece out of economic crisis - Yahoo News UK
Turkey wants army to enter Syria, but army isn't so keen - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Turkey wants army to enter Syria, but army isn't so keen
A debate in Ankara that was overshadowed by coalition negotiations suddenly surfaced after the bloody Islamic State [IS] attack against Kobani. The origin of this newly emerging debate goes back to the days when the civil war in Syria began to seriously affect Turkey’s border. Ankara, which has been constantly criticized for its ineffective border security, has been responding with calls for a no-fly zone over northern Syria and security zones along the border, but such calls did not get international support. That is why Ankara has been busy developing alternative plans such as reinforcing border security, enlarging its own military zones and setting up logistics bases close to the border that can be mobilized quickly. Some of these plans are already implemented.
More:Turkey wants army to enter Syria, but army isn't so keen - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
A debate in Ankara that was overshadowed by coalition negotiations suddenly surfaced after the bloody Islamic State [IS] attack against Kobani. The origin of this newly emerging debate goes back to the days when the civil war in Syria began to seriously affect Turkey’s border. Ankara, which has been constantly criticized for its ineffective border security, has been responding with calls for a no-fly zone over northern Syria and security zones along the border, but such calls did not get international support. That is why Ankara has been busy developing alternative plans such as reinforcing border security, enlarging its own military zones and setting up logistics bases close to the border that can be mobilized quickly. Some of these plans are already implemented.
More:Turkey wants army to enter Syria, but army isn't so keen - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Turkey: Court reverses Governor’s ban on concert in Istanbul | Freemuse
Turkey: Court reverses Governor’s ban on concert in Istanbul
In: News/By: Freemuse/
The famous Turkish folk music band Grup Yorum celebrated its 30th anniversary with a concert in Istanbul on 28 June 2015, even though the first two attempts to organise this concert earlier in the year were banned by the Istanbul Governor’s Office.
More:Turkey: Court reverses Governor’s ban on concert in Istanbul | Freemuse
In: News/By: Freemuse/
The famous Turkish folk music band Grup Yorum celebrated its 30th anniversary with a concert in Istanbul on 28 June 2015, even though the first two attempts to organise this concert earlier in the year were banned by the Istanbul Governor’s Office.
More:Turkey: Court reverses Governor’s ban on concert in Istanbul | Freemuse
The EU’s Turkish opening | Arab News
The EU’s Turkish opening
Javier Solana
The recently held Turkish election sent a powerful message: Turkey’s democracy remains intact. Indeed, while there were some grievances about transparency during the campaign process, democracy prevailed, with a stunning 86 percent of eligible voters turning out — a rate rarely seen in Europe. The rest of the world — and especially the European Union — should take note.
More:The EU’s Turkish opening | Arab News
Javier Solana
The recently held Turkish election sent a powerful message: Turkey’s democracy remains intact. Indeed, while there were some grievances about transparency during the campaign process, democracy prevailed, with a stunning 86 percent of eligible voters turning out — a rate rarely seen in Europe. The rest of the world — and especially the European Union — should take note.
More:The EU’s Turkish opening | Arab News
As Kurds gain in Syria, Turkish govt ponders military action - US News
Turkish govt holds security meeting amid speculation of stronger military action in Syria
The Associated Press
Associated Press
June 29, 2015 | 6:31 p.m. EDT
+ More
By SUZAN FRASER and RAPHAEL SATTER, Associated Press
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — As Kurdish rebels in northern Syria rack up wins against the Islamic State group, Turkish media is abuzz with talk of a long-debated military intervention to push the Islamic militants back from the Turkish border — a move that will also outflank any Kurdish attempts to create a state along Turkey's southern frontier.
More:As Kurds gain in Syria, Turkish govt ponders military action - US News
The Associated Press
Associated Press
June 29, 2015 | 6:31 p.m. EDT
+ More
By SUZAN FRASER and RAPHAEL SATTER, Associated Press
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — As Kurdish rebels in northern Syria rack up wins against the Islamic State group, Turkish media is abuzz with talk of a long-debated military intervention to push the Islamic militants back from the Turkish border — a move that will also outflank any Kurdish attempts to create a state along Turkey's southern frontier.
More:As Kurds gain in Syria, Turkish govt ponders military action - US News
Turkey 'planning to invade Syria' - Telegraph
Turkey 'planning to invade Syria'
National Security Council meets to discuss plan to send in troops to set up buffer zone and prevent formation of Kurdish state
More:Turkey 'planning to invade Syria' - Telegraph
National Security Council meets to discuss plan to send in troops to set up buffer zone and prevent formation of Kurdish state
More:Turkey 'planning to invade Syria' - Telegraph
The EU’s Turkish Opening by Javier Solana - Project Syndicate
The EU’s Turkish Opening
MADRID ‒ June’s Turkish general election sent a powerful message: Turkey’s democracy remains intact. Indeed, while there were some grievances about transparency during the campaign process, democracy prevailed, with a stunning 86% of eligible voters turning out – a rate rarely seen in Europe. The rest of the world – and especially the European Union – should take note.
More:The EU’s Turkish Opening by Javier Solana - Project Syndicate
MADRID ‒ June’s Turkish general election sent a powerful message: Turkey’s democracy remains intact. Indeed, while there were some grievances about transparency during the campaign process, democracy prevailed, with a stunning 86% of eligible voters turning out – a rate rarely seen in Europe. The rest of the world – and especially the European Union – should take note.
More:The EU’s Turkish Opening by Javier Solana - Project Syndicate
Comment: The new Muslim LGBT heroes of Istanbul · PinkNews
Comment: The new Muslim LGBT heroes of Istanbul
The video and pictures of the police assault on Istanbul Gay Pride are horrible. But the event went on. The police did not stop it, after the assault they stopped and the party carried on.
More:Comment: The new Muslim LGBT heroes of Istanbul · PinkNews
The video and pictures of the police assault on Istanbul Gay Pride are horrible. But the event went on. The police did not stop it, after the assault they stopped and the party carried on.
More:Comment: The new Muslim LGBT heroes of Istanbul · PinkNews
Recent YPG progress against IS militants has made Turkish government nervous
Turkey Planning to Attack Syrian Border Areas to Limit Kurdish Advances: Report
Recent YPG progress against IS militants has made Turkish government nervous
ANKARA – Turkey is planning to send troops in to Syria to protect the border areas where Syrian Kurds have made significant gains in the past month, several Turkish media outlets reported on Sunday.
More:BasNews
Recent YPG progress against IS militants has made Turkish government nervous
ANKARA – Turkey is planning to send troops in to Syria to protect the border areas where Syrian Kurds have made significant gains in the past month, several Turkish media outlets reported on Sunday.
More:BasNews
Monday, June 29, 2015
Turkey stumbles in the dark: Where next for its democracy? - Telegraph
Turkey stumbles in the dark: Where next for its democracy?
There were celebrations after the pro-Kurdish HDP’s success and the president’s push for more power was stopped, but what happens now the dust has settled, asks Raziye Akkoc
More:Turkey stumbles in the dark: Where next for its democracy? - Telegraph
There were celebrations after the pro-Kurdish HDP’s success and the president’s push for more power was stopped, but what happens now the dust has settled, asks Raziye Akkoc
More:Turkey stumbles in the dark: Where next for its democracy? - Telegraph
Syrian gangs dominate trafficking in Aegean - LOCAL
Syrian gangs dominate trafficking in Aegean
Banu Şen – İZMİR
Syrians have begun to dominate human smuggling activities in the Aegean Sea that originate in Turkey, police have said amid frequent attempts by refugees set-ting sail across the sea in an effort to reach EU-member Greece.
More:Syrian gangs dominate trafficking in Aegean - LOCAL
Banu Şen – İZMİR
Syrians have begun to dominate human smuggling activities in the Aegean Sea that originate in Turkey, police have said amid frequent attempts by refugees set-ting sail across the sea in an effort to reach EU-member Greece.
More:Syrian gangs dominate trafficking in Aegean - LOCAL
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Turkish business circles in-between debt calendar and snap election fears - BUSINESS
Turkish business circles in-between debt calendar and snap election fears
Mustafa Sönmez - mustafasnmz@hotmail.com
Turkish business circles want to see the end of post-election uncertainties and express their concerns to politicians. Many of them are under huge debt burdens. Their biggest concern is the possibility of the non-establishment of any coalition government and entering a snap election period, which will both increase political risks.
More:Turkish business circles in-between debt calendar and snap election fears - BUSINESS
Mustafa Sönmez - mustafasnmz@hotmail.com
Turkish business circles want to see the end of post-election uncertainties and express their concerns to politicians. Many of them are under huge debt burdens. Their biggest concern is the possibility of the non-establishment of any coalition government and entering a snap election period, which will both increase political risks.
More:Turkish business circles in-between debt calendar and snap election fears - BUSINESS
Coalition the best antidote to authoritarian rule in Turkey - POLITICS
Coalition the best antidote to authoritarian rule in Turkey
Barçın Yinanç - barcin.yinanc@hdn.com.tr
Turkey has an authoritarian political culture that lacks cultural mechanisms against authoritarian tendencies, according to a prominent scholar. ‘Therefore a coalition is the best political solution for Turkey,’ says Professor Yılmaz Esmer
More:Coalition the best antidote to authoritarian rule in Turkey - POLITICS
Barçın Yinanç - barcin.yinanc@hdn.com.tr
Turkey has an authoritarian political culture that lacks cultural mechanisms against authoritarian tendencies, according to a prominent scholar. ‘Therefore a coalition is the best political solution for Turkey,’ says Professor Yılmaz Esmer
More:Coalition the best antidote to authoritarian rule in Turkey - POLITICS
The Anti-Democratic Instincts of Turkey's Recep Erdoğan
Is Erdoğan Preparing a Coup?
Michael Rubin | @mrubin1971 06.28.2015 - 1:30 PM
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is no advocate of democracy, having once famously compared it to a street car: ‘You ride it as far as you need and then you step off.” But, he is a man on a mission. While he once parroted the rhetoric of economic reform and democracy, today it is apparent that self-enrichment trumps reform, and he has long since acknowledged that his goal is to “raise a religious generation.” That goal — and its fulfillment of a religious dream — trumps any sort of democratic legitimacy or accountability. Erdoğan will never allow voters to prioritize Kurdish identity or secularism to derail what his behavior suggests he sees as a divine mission.
More:The Anti-Democratic Instincts of Turkey's Recep Erdoğan
Michael Rubin | @mrubin1971 06.28.2015 - 1:30 PM
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is no advocate of democracy, having once famously compared it to a street car: ‘You ride it as far as you need and then you step off.” But, he is a man on a mission. While he once parroted the rhetoric of economic reform and democracy, today it is apparent that self-enrichment trumps reform, and he has long since acknowledged that his goal is to “raise a religious generation.” That goal — and its fulfillment of a religious dream — trumps any sort of democratic legitimacy or accountability. Erdoğan will never allow voters to prioritize Kurdish identity or secularism to derail what his behavior suggests he sees as a divine mission.
More:The Anti-Democratic Instincts of Turkey's Recep Erdoğan
Turkey Likely To Soften Foreign Policy
Turkey Likely To Soften Foreign Policy
By Burak Ege Bekdil 11:22 a.m. EDT June 28, 2015
ANKARA — Turkey's inconclusive June 7 parliamentary elections have not only deprived the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of its parliamentary majority for the first time since 2002, but have also forced the Islamist party to review its foreign policy and security calculus, officials and analysts agree.
More:Turkey Likely To Soften Foreign Policy
By Burak Ege Bekdil 11:22 a.m. EDT June 28, 2015
ANKARA — Turkey's inconclusive June 7 parliamentary elections have not only deprived the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of its parliamentary majority for the first time since 2002, but have also forced the Islamist party to review its foreign policy and security calculus, officials and analysts agree.
More:Turkey Likely To Soften Foreign Policy
Police use teargas and rubber bullets at Istanbul Pride · PinkNews
Police use teargas and rubber bullets at Istanbul Pride
It is being reported that riot police have violently dispersed Istanbul Pride, and arrested participants.
More:Police use teargas and rubber bullets at Istanbul Pride · PinkNews
It is being reported that riot police have violently dispersed Istanbul Pride, and arrested participants.
More:Police use teargas and rubber bullets at Istanbul Pride · PinkNews
Ankara rocked by rumors that Turkey’s top general to resign
Ankara rocked by rumors that Turkey’s top general to resign
As Turkey debates whether or not the armed forces might be deployed to Syria - a move allegedly pursued by the president and his inner circle though opposed by the public, military and the political opposition - new rumors that Chief of General Staff Necdet Özel might resign has many worried.
More:Ankara rocked by rumors that Turkey’s top general to resign
As Turkey debates whether or not the armed forces might be deployed to Syria - a move allegedly pursued by the president and his inner circle though opposed by the public, military and the political opposition - new rumors that Chief of General Staff Necdet Özel might resign has many worried.
More:Ankara rocked by rumors that Turkey’s top general to resign
Tanker crashes into fully packed cruise ship in Turkey’s Dardanelles strait
Tanker crashes into fully packed cruise ship in Turkey’s Dardanelles strait
853 cruise ship passengers were left in panic after a collision with an oil tanker shortly after midnight on Saturday morning.
More:Tanker crashes into fully packed cruise ship in Turkey’s Dardanelles strait
853 cruise ship passengers were left in panic after a collision with an oil tanker shortly after midnight on Saturday morning.
More:Tanker crashes into fully packed cruise ship in Turkey’s Dardanelles strait
Turkey condemns deadly attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait, France - DIPLOMACY
Turkey condemns deadly attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait, France
ANKARA - Anadolu Agency
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Foreign Ministry have condemned Friday's attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France.
More:Turkey condemns deadly attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait, France - DIPLOMACY
ANKARA - Anadolu Agency
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Foreign Ministry have condemned Friday's attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France.
More:Turkey condemns deadly attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait, France - DIPLOMACY
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Turkey will 'never allow' Kurdish state in Syria warns Erdogan | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR
Turkey will 'never allow' Kurdish state in Syria warns Erdogan
Agence France Presse
ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey will never allow the establishment of a Kurdish state in Syria after major gains by Kurdish fighters.
More:Turkey will 'never allow' Kurdish state in Syria warns Erdogan | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR
Agence France Presse
ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey will never allow the establishment of a Kurdish state in Syria after major gains by Kurdish fighters.
More:Turkey will 'never allow' Kurdish state in Syria warns Erdogan | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR
Turkey to build series of walls on Syrian border to curb illegal crossings
Turkey to build series of walls on Syrian border to curb illegal crossings
Ordered by Ankara to find a solution to the rise of illegal border crossings, the governors of the southeastern border provinces of Hatay, Gaziantep, Kilis and Şanlıurfa have decided on the construction of a chain of 3.5 meter-high concrete walls along Turkey’s 899 km border with Syria.
More:Turkey to build series of walls on Syrian border to curb illegal crossings
Ordered by Ankara to find a solution to the rise of illegal border crossings, the governors of the southeastern border provinces of Hatay, Gaziantep, Kilis and Şanlıurfa have decided on the construction of a chain of 3.5 meter-high concrete walls along Turkey’s 899 km border with Syria.
More:Turkey to build series of walls on Syrian border to curb illegal crossings
Kurdish forces expel ISIL fighters from Syrian border town - MIDEAST
Kurdish forces expel ISIL fighters from Syrian border town
SURUÇ - Reuters
Syrian Kurdish forces expelled Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) fighters from Syria's Kobane on June 27 and took back full control of the town on the Turkish border, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said.
More:Kurdish forces expel ISIL fighters from Syrian border town - MIDEAST
SURUÇ - Reuters
Syrian Kurdish forces expelled Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) fighters from Syria's Kobane on June 27 and took back full control of the town on the Turkish border, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said.
More:Kurdish forces expel ISIL fighters from Syrian border town - MIDEAST
US’, Turkey's top diplomats discuss Syrian refugee crisis Anadolu Agency
US’, Turkey's top diplomats discuss Syrian refugee crisis
27 June 2015 10:12
In telephone call to Cavusoglu, Kerry commends Turkey's generosity in supporting 2 million refugees
More:US’, Turkey's top diplomats discuss Syrian refugee crisis Anadolu Agency
27 June 2015 10:12
In telephone call to Cavusoglu, Kerry commends Turkey's generosity in supporting 2 million refugees
More:US’, Turkey's top diplomats discuss Syrian refugee crisis Anadolu Agency
Friday, June 26, 2015
Kurds fight Kurds in Syria - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Kurds fight Kurds in Syria
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey — First Kobani, then Tell Abyad. The two Syrian towns along the Turkish border came under the international spotlight amid monthslong clashes between Kurdish forces and the Islamic State (IS). The People’s Protection Units (YPG) triumphed in both battles, breaking the IS siege of Kobani in January and seizing Tell Abyad earlier this month. Though the two adversaries are poles apart ideologically, they have something in common — their Kurdish fighters. A considerable number of Kurds, most of them from Turkey, have joined the ranks of IS in Syria and Iraq.
More:Kurds fight Kurds in Syria - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey — First Kobani, then Tell Abyad. The two Syrian towns along the Turkish border came under the international spotlight amid monthslong clashes between Kurdish forces and the Islamic State (IS). The People’s Protection Units (YPG) triumphed in both battles, breaking the IS siege of Kobani in January and seizing Tell Abyad earlier this month. Though the two adversaries are poles apart ideologically, they have something in common — their Kurdish fighters. A considerable number of Kurds, most of them from Turkey, have joined the ranks of IS in Syria and Iraq.
More:Kurds fight Kurds in Syria - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Will new Turkish government pursue Armenian opening? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Will new Turkish government pursue Armenian opening?
GHARIBJANYAN, Armenia — Hagop Kevorkian has been waiting for the same train for 22 years. He used to work as a conductor on services crossing the Turkey-Armenia border, but now he is the sole watchman at the decaying Akhuryan Station, in northern Armenia, 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the border.
More:Will new Turkish government pursue Armenian opening? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
GHARIBJANYAN, Armenia — Hagop Kevorkian has been waiting for the same train for 22 years. He used to work as a conductor on services crossing the Turkey-Armenia border, but now he is the sole watchman at the decaying Akhuryan Station, in northern Armenia, 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the border.
More:Will new Turkish government pursue Armenian opening? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
US Report lambasts Ankara for poor Human rights records | Middle East Confidential
US Report lambasts Ankara for poor Human rights records
Turkey has been singled out by American authorities in their annual Human Rights report for impunity and weak administration of justice, interference with freedom of expression and not doing enough to protect minorities.
The report is very critical with Ankara which, it argued, has taken in hand the judiciary and law enforcement apparatus rendering the system biased and unreliable.
More:US Report lambasts Ankara for poor Human rights records | Middle East Confidential
Turkey has been singled out by American authorities in their annual Human Rights report for impunity and weak administration of justice, interference with freedom of expression and not doing enough to protect minorities.
The report is very critical with Ankara which, it argued, has taken in hand the judiciary and law enforcement apparatus rendering the system biased and unreliable.
More:US Report lambasts Ankara for poor Human rights records | Middle East Confidential
White Turks, black Turks and Kurds too - BLIND SPOT
White Turks, black Turks and Kurds too
BELGİN AKALTAN - belgin.akaltan@hdn.com.tr
There are no white Turks; there are no black Turks either. There are people who call themselves “black Turks” thinking they are making sense. They are only trying to make you feel sorry for them. They use that sentiment to oppress all of us
More:White Turks, black Turks and Kurds too - BLIND SPOT
BELGİN AKALTAN - belgin.akaltan@hdn.com.tr
There are no white Turks; there are no black Turks either. There are people who call themselves “black Turks” thinking they are making sense. They are only trying to make you feel sorry for them. They use that sentiment to oppress all of us
More:White Turks, black Turks and Kurds too - BLIND SPOT
Turkish regulator issues preliminary licence for Akkuyu project
Turkish regulator issues preliminary licence for Akkuyu project
26 June 2015
JSC Akkuyu NPP, the Russian-owned company responsible for Turkey's first nuclear power plant, has been awarded a preliminary licence, enabling the company to start investment and permitting procedures for the project.
More:Turkish regulator issues preliminary licence for Akkuyu project
26 June 2015
JSC Akkuyu NPP, the Russian-owned company responsible for Turkey's first nuclear power plant, has been awarded a preliminary licence, enabling the company to start investment and permitting procedures for the project.
More:Turkish regulator issues preliminary licence for Akkuyu project
Why The Turkish Lira Continues To Fall | Seeking Alpha
Why The Turkish Lira Continues To Fall
Jun. 26, 2015 3:21 AM ET | Includes: TKF, TUR
With policymakers clearly wanting to loosen policy further, its currency could weaken in coming months.
The Turkish lira is declining as lower inflation expectations and declining business sentiment may push the lending rate lower in coming months. The U.S. dollar has risen against the Turkish lira by 17% in 2015.
More:Why The Turkish Lira Continues To Fall | Seeking Alpha
Jun. 26, 2015 3:21 AM ET | Includes: TKF, TUR
With policymakers clearly wanting to loosen policy further, its currency could weaken in coming months.
The Turkish lira is declining as lower inflation expectations and declining business sentiment may push the lending rate lower in coming months. The U.S. dollar has risen against the Turkish lira by 17% in 2015.
More:Why The Turkish Lira Continues To Fall | Seeking Alpha
Finding Paradise in Turkey’s Munzur Valley - The New York Times
Finding Paradise in Turkey’s Munzur Valley
Deep in the rugged heart of eastern Anatolia, the resilient Alevi Kurds open their hearts and homes to a visitor.
By MICHAEL BENANAVJUNE 26, 2015
Deep in the rugged heart of eastern Anatolia, the Munzur River flows from the base of a skyscraping limestone massif, wending its way into the world across a grassy valley cradled between dog-toothed peaks and forested hills. The water is impossibly clear and numbingly cold and, to most of those who visit its source, sacred. “It’s easy to feel close to God here,” I was told by one follower of the mystical Alevi religion, who, like hundreds of other women, men and children, had come to the springs — called Munzur Gozeleri — on a scorching July afternoon.
More:Finding Paradise in Turkey’s Munzur Valley - The New York Times
Deep in the rugged heart of eastern Anatolia, the resilient Alevi Kurds open their hearts and homes to a visitor.
By MICHAEL BENANAVJUNE 26, 2015
Deep in the rugged heart of eastern Anatolia, the Munzur River flows from the base of a skyscraping limestone massif, wending its way into the world across a grassy valley cradled between dog-toothed peaks and forested hills. The water is impossibly clear and numbingly cold and, to most of those who visit its source, sacred. “It’s easy to feel close to God here,” I was told by one follower of the mystical Alevi religion, who, like hundreds of other women, men and children, had come to the springs — called Munzur Gozeleri — on a scorching July afternoon.
More:Finding Paradise in Turkey’s Munzur Valley - The New York Times
Daesh claims an attempt to stymie Turkey, experts claim | Fulton News
Daesh claims an attempt to stymie Turkey, experts claim
By Kristoff Saunders on June 26, 2015No Comment
– Turkish politicians and academics say accusations against Ankara are an attempt to halt Turkey’s ‘pro-active’ role
ANKARA – Claims that Turkey has explicitly or tacitly aided Daesh in northern Syria are being angrily rejected by Turkish academics and politicians.
More:Daesh claims an attempt to stymie Turkey, experts claim | Fulton News
By Kristoff Saunders on June 26, 2015No Comment
– Turkish politicians and academics say accusations against Ankara are an attempt to halt Turkey’s ‘pro-active’ role
ANKARA – Claims that Turkey has explicitly or tacitly aided Daesh in northern Syria are being angrily rejected by Turkish academics and politicians.
More:Daesh claims an attempt to stymie Turkey, experts claim | Fulton News
Visitors see great atmosphere in Istanbul during Ramadan | Fulton News
Visitors see great atmosphere in Istanbul during Ramadan
By Tanisha Rowland on June 26, 2015No Comment
By Humeyra Atilgan Buyukovali
ISTANBUL – Ramadan in Istanbul, which brings thousands of people together to pray and eat during the Muslim holy month, has created a “great atmosphere” in the city, foreign guests believe.
More:Visitors see great atmosphere in Istanbul during Ramadan | Fulton News
By Tanisha Rowland on June 26, 2015No Comment
By Humeyra Atilgan Buyukovali
ISTANBUL – Ramadan in Istanbul, which brings thousands of people together to pray and eat during the Muslim holy month, has created a “great atmosphere” in the city, foreign guests believe.
More:Visitors see great atmosphere in Istanbul during Ramadan | Fulton News
Why many Kurds in Turkey are willing to die in Syria’s border towns - The Washington Post
Why many Kurds in Turkey are willing to die in Syria’s border towns
By Ishaan Tharoor June 26 at 3:30 AM
The battle for Kobane raged once more this week after Islamic State fighters launched an assault on the Syrian border town, which had been firmly in the control of Kurdish militias ever since they chased out the jihadist organization in January. Initial reports suggested dozens died in the fighting, including numerous civilians, with Syrian Kurdish militias forces either killing, capturing, or cornering most of the Islamic State militants.
More:Why many Kurds in Turkey are willing to die in Syria’s border towns - The Washington Post
By Ishaan Tharoor June 26 at 3:30 AM
The battle for Kobane raged once more this week after Islamic State fighters launched an assault on the Syrian border town, which had been firmly in the control of Kurdish militias ever since they chased out the jihadist organization in January. Initial reports suggested dozens died in the fighting, including numerous civilians, with Syrian Kurdish militias forces either killing, capturing, or cornering most of the Islamic State militants.
More:Why many Kurds in Turkey are willing to die in Syria’s border towns - The Washington Post
Is a 'grand coalition' probable? - YUSUF KANLI
Is a 'grand coalition' probable?
How probable is it to establish a grand coalition of the two biggest parties, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Republican People’s Party (CHP), in Turkey? The business and industrial communities of the country as well as the international investors want it. Is such a coalition government attainable and sustainable? Was Deniz Baykal’s nomination by the CHP for the speakership of parliament a sign of the coming grand coalition?
More:Is a 'grand coalition' probable? - YUSUF KANLI
How probable is it to establish a grand coalition of the two biggest parties, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Republican People’s Party (CHP), in Turkey? The business and industrial communities of the country as well as the international investors want it. Is such a coalition government attainable and sustainable? Was Deniz Baykal’s nomination by the CHP for the speakership of parliament a sign of the coming grand coalition?
More:Is a 'grand coalition' probable? - YUSUF KANLI
Turkey’s Troubling War on Syria | Consortiumnews
Turkey’s Troubling War on Syria
June 25, 2015
In Syria, the war to overthrow the secular government in Damascus has attracted Islamic militants from around the world, but they have relied on funding and support from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and – perhaps most importantly – Turkey, where an election reflected growing popular resistance to this war policy, writes Rick Sterling.
More:Turkey’s Troubling War on Syria | Consortiumnews
June 25, 2015
In Syria, the war to overthrow the secular government in Damascus has attracted Islamic militants from around the world, but they have relied on funding and support from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and – perhaps most importantly – Turkey, where an election reflected growing popular resistance to this war policy, writes Rick Sterling.
More:Turkey’s Troubling War on Syria | Consortiumnews
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Erdogan's Fall From Grace | Alon Ben-Meir
Erdogan's Fall From Grace
Posted: 06/25/2015 2:52 pm EDT Updated: 2 hours ago
Turkish President Erdogan's May 2013 plan to raze Gezi Park in Central Istanbul and replace it with a replica 19th century Ottoman barrack prompted anti-government protests in Istanbul and other cities across Turkey, which led to violent confrontations where the police used disproportionate force. Thousands of demonstrators were injured, and thousands more faced legal proceedings and lost their jobs. Some defendants were charged with terrorism offenses (many are still on trial) and many others spent up to 10 months in detention before being bailed out. I believe that the Gezi Park incident was a historic turning point marking the beginning of the end for Erdogan's political fortunes.
More;Erdogan's Fall From Grace | Alon Ben-Meir
Posted: 06/25/2015 2:52 pm EDT Updated: 2 hours ago
Turkish President Erdogan's May 2013 plan to raze Gezi Park in Central Istanbul and replace it with a replica 19th century Ottoman barrack prompted anti-government protests in Istanbul and other cities across Turkey, which led to violent confrontations where the police used disproportionate force. Thousands of demonstrators were injured, and thousands more faced legal proceedings and lost their jobs. Some defendants were charged with terrorism offenses (many are still on trial) and many others spent up to 10 months in detention before being bailed out. I believe that the Gezi Park incident was a historic turning point marking the beginning of the end for Erdogan's political fortunes.
More;Erdogan's Fall From Grace | Alon Ben-Meir
Turkey on threshold of new wave of Armenian illegal immigrants
Turkey on threshold of new wave of Armenian illegal immigrants
25 June 2015, 22:00 (GMT+05:00)
By Rufiz Hafizoglu – Trend:
Turkey is one of the countries, which has today become a haven for refugees from neighboring Arabic countries, still covered by armed clashes.
More:Turkey on threshold of new wave of Armenian illegal immigrants
25 June 2015, 22:00 (GMT+05:00)
By Rufiz Hafizoglu – Trend:
Turkey is one of the countries, which has today become a haven for refugees from neighboring Arabic countries, still covered by armed clashes.
More:Turkey on threshold of new wave of Armenian illegal immigrants
ISIS executes women, children in Kobane - Al Arabiya News
ISIS executes women, children in Kobane
Wounded civilians wait with their relatives to cross into Turkey at the Syrian-Turkish border crossing of Tel Abyad, Syria June 25, 2015. (Reuters)
Thursday, 25 June 2015
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters executed at least 20 Syrian Kurds, among them women and children, in an attack on a village south of the Syrian town of Kobane, a group monitoring the war said on Thursday.
More:ISIS executes women, children in Kobane - Al Arabiya News
Wounded civilians wait with their relatives to cross into Turkey at the Syrian-Turkish border crossing of Tel Abyad, Syria June 25, 2015. (Reuters)
Thursday, 25 June 2015
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters executed at least 20 Syrian Kurds, among them women and children, in an attack on a village south of the Syrian town of Kobane, a group monitoring the war said on Thursday.
More:ISIS executes women, children in Kobane - Al Arabiya News
Ankara 'strongly denies' Islamic State attacked Kobani from Turkey - Channel NewsAsia
Ankara 'strongly denies' Islamic State attacked Kobani from Turkey
Turkey's foreign ministry spokesman said he strongly denied allegations that Islamic State militants who launched a deadly attack on the Syrian town of Kobani on Thursday had come from Turkey, describing the claims as "lies".
More:Ankara 'strongly denies' Islamic State attacked Kobani from Turkey - Channel NewsAsia
Turkey's foreign ministry spokesman said he strongly denied allegations that Islamic State militants who launched a deadly attack on the Syrian town of Kobani on Thursday had come from Turkey, describing the claims as "lies".
More:Ankara 'strongly denies' Islamic State attacked Kobani from Turkey - Channel NewsAsia
Turkey opposition nominates veteran ex-leader for speaker - Yahoo News
Turkey opposition nominates veteran ex-leader for speaker
AFP
June 24, 2015 12:25 PM
Ankara (AFP) - Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) on Wednesday nominated its veteran former leader Deniz Baykal for the post of parliament speaker after elections in which the ruling party failed to win an overall majority.
More:Turkey opposition nominates veteran ex-leader for speaker - Yahoo News
AFP
June 24, 2015 12:25 PM
Ankara (AFP) - Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) on Wednesday nominated its veteran former leader Deniz Baykal for the post of parliament speaker after elections in which the ruling party failed to win an overall majority.
More:Turkey opposition nominates veteran ex-leader for speaker - Yahoo News
Twitter ‘closely watches’ suppression in Turkey: Executive - RIGHTS
Twitter ‘closely watches’ suppression in Turkey: Executive
ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency
A top Twitter executive has said the company “knows and is closely watching” pressure on Twitter from Turkey, speaking during a visit to Turkey’s Press Council on June 24.
More:Twitter ‘closely watches’ suppression in Turkey: Executive - RIGHTS
ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency
A top Twitter executive has said the company “knows and is closely watching” pressure on Twitter from Turkey, speaking during a visit to Turkey’s Press Council on June 24.
More:Twitter ‘closely watches’ suppression in Turkey: Executive - RIGHTS
Pro-Kurdish party says Kobani 'massacre' reflects Turkey support for Islamic State | Reuters
Pro-Kurdish party says Kobani 'massacre' reflects Turkey support for Islamic State
ANKARA
Turkey's pro-Kurdish party described an Islamic State attack on the Syrian border town of Kobani as a massacre and blamed it on Turkish state support for the militants, comments that will fuel tension in Ankara amid attempts to form a government.
More:Pro-Kurdish party says Kobani 'massacre' reflects Turkey support for Islamic State | Reuters
ANKARA
Turkey's pro-Kurdish party described an Islamic State attack on the Syrian border town of Kobani as a massacre and blamed it on Turkish state support for the militants, comments that will fuel tension in Ankara amid attempts to form a government.
More:Pro-Kurdish party says Kobani 'massacre' reflects Turkey support for Islamic State | Reuters
Turkey's lira recovers to pre-election level against dollar - Yahoo Maktoob News
Turkey's lira recovers to pre-election level against dollar
ISTANBUL, June 25 (Reuters) - Turkey's lira strengthened to below 2.66 against the dollar on Thursday, recovering to the level which it last hit on June 5 ahead of a parliamentary election as investors anticipated the formation of a coalition government.
More:Turkey's lira recovers to pre-election level against dollar - Yahoo Maktoob News
ISTANBUL, June 25 (Reuters) - Turkey's lira strengthened to below 2.66 against the dollar on Thursday, recovering to the level which it last hit on June 5 ahead of a parliamentary election as investors anticipated the formation of a coalition government.
More:Turkey's lira recovers to pre-election level against dollar - Yahoo Maktoob News
Islamic State attacks Syrian government and Kurds in twin assault | Reuters
Islamic State attacks Syrian government and Kurds in twin assault
BEIRUT | By Tom Perry and Sylvia Westall
Islamic State fighters launched simultaneous attacks against the Syrian government and Kurdish militia overnight, moving back onto the offensive after losing ground in recent days to Kurdish-led forces near the capital of their "caliphate".
More:Islamic State attacks Syrian government and Kurds in twin assault | Reuters
BEIRUT | By Tom Perry and Sylvia Westall
Islamic State fighters launched simultaneous attacks against the Syrian government and Kurdish militia overnight, moving back onto the offensive after losing ground in recent days to Kurdish-led forces near the capital of their "caliphate".
More:Islamic State attacks Syrian government and Kurds in twin assault | Reuters
ISIS battles Kurds to renter Syria’s Kobane - Al Arabiya News
ISIS battles Kurds to renter Syria’s Kobane
Turkish soldiers watch fighting between Kurdish fighters and Islamic State militants, from atop a hill overlooking the Syrian town of Kobani, near the Mursitpinar border crossing on the Turkish-Syrian border in Sanliurfa province November 15, 2014.
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria fighters reentered the Syrian Kurdish battleground town of Kobane on Thursday, a group monitoring the Syrian war has said.
More:ISIS battles Kurds to renter Syria’s Kobane - Al Arabiya News
Turkish soldiers watch fighting between Kurdish fighters and Islamic State militants, from atop a hill overlooking the Syrian town of Kobani, near the Mursitpinar border crossing on the Turkish-Syrian border in Sanliurfa province November 15, 2014.
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria fighters reentered the Syrian Kurdish battleground town of Kobane on Thursday, a group monitoring the Syrian war has said.
More:ISIS battles Kurds to renter Syria’s Kobane - Al Arabiya News
Center for International Media Assistance
Turkey Election Presents Political Opportunity to Turkish Media Sector
By Paul Rothman MENA, Sustainability
An election official reviews a ballot for the 2015 parliamentary elections in Turkey.
The election June 7 in Turkey dealt a significant blow to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plans to transform Turkey’s government into a presidential system—which would have significantly strengthened his political dominance over Turkish politics. Turkish voters may have provided an opening for independent media to regain its footing in an environment that was crumbling under the weight of Erdogan’s political ambitions.
More:Center for International Media Assistance
By Paul Rothman MENA, Sustainability
An election official reviews a ballot for the 2015 parliamentary elections in Turkey.
The election June 7 in Turkey dealt a significant blow to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plans to transform Turkey’s government into a presidential system—which would have significantly strengthened his political dominance over Turkish politics. Turkish voters may have provided an opening for independent media to regain its footing in an environment that was crumbling under the weight of Erdogan’s political ambitions.
More:Center for International Media Assistance
The Biggest Obstacle To A Kurdish Victory Over ISIS Might Not Be ISIS
The Biggest Obstacle To A Kurdish Victory Over ISIS Might Not Be ISIS
AKCAKALE, Turkey -- Standing at the Turkey-Syria border last week waiting for his relatives to cross from a warzone to protected NATO territory, Khalid Abu Suliman threw up his hands in frustration.
More:The Biggest Obstacle To A Kurdish Victory Over ISIS Might Not Be ISIS
AKCAKALE, Turkey -- Standing at the Turkey-Syria border last week waiting for his relatives to cross from a warzone to protected NATO territory, Khalid Abu Suliman threw up his hands in frustration.
More:The Biggest Obstacle To A Kurdish Victory Over ISIS Might Not Be ISIS
Kurdish forces close on Islamic State capital Raqqa after string of victories
Kurdish forces close on Islamic State capital Raqqa after string of victories
KURDISH fighters, boosted by close air support from the United States and its allies, have overrun key Islamic State positions and are poised to attack its self-styled capital, Raqqa.
More:Kurdish forces close on Islamic State capital Raqqa after string of victories
KURDISH fighters, boosted by close air support from the United States and its allies, have overrun key Islamic State positions and are poised to attack its self-styled capital, Raqqa.
More:Kurdish forces close on Islamic State capital Raqqa after string of victories
Turkish PP, PE buyers expect further drops in slow market
Turkish PP, PE buyers expect further drops in slow market
24 June 2015 10:36 Source:ICIS News
TurkeyLONDON (ICIS)--Polypropylene (PP) buyers in Turkey are expecting to see further downward movement in prices this week and into July because of a slowdown in demand caused by economic and political uncertainty, and Ramadan, sources said this week.
More:Turkish PP, PE buyers expect further drops in slow market
24 June 2015 10:36 Source:ICIS News
TurkeyLONDON (ICIS)--Polypropylene (PP) buyers in Turkey are expecting to see further downward movement in prices this week and into July because of a slowdown in demand caused by economic and political uncertainty, and Ramadan, sources said this week.
More:Turkish PP, PE buyers expect further drops in slow market
Painful Refugee Day, Feverish Year for Ankara
Painful Refugee Day, Feverish Year for Ankara
By Abdennour Toumi
Ankara, Turkey — The Syrian conflict has produced the most compelling humanitarian challenge of the last fifty years. According to the UNHCR (U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees) office, there re 12.2 million people in need of humanitarian assistance including 3.9 million who fled Syria and 7.6 million internally displaced persons within the country itself. Turkey has become host to the largest influx of refuges of any country in the world according to a statement by High Commissioner António Guterres in a meeting of NGO and INGOs held in Istanbul on June 17th.
More:Painful Refugee Day, Feverish Year for Ankara
By Abdennour Toumi
Ankara, Turkey — The Syrian conflict has produced the most compelling humanitarian challenge of the last fifty years. According to the UNHCR (U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees) office, there re 12.2 million people in need of humanitarian assistance including 3.9 million who fled Syria and 7.6 million internally displaced persons within the country itself. Turkey has become host to the largest influx of refuges of any country in the world according to a statement by High Commissioner António Guterres in a meeting of NGO and INGOs held in Istanbul on June 17th.
More:Painful Refugee Day, Feverish Year for Ankara
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Turkey, EU seek to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism
Turkey, EU seek to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism
June 24, 2015, Wednesday/ 15:59:37/ TODAY'S ZAMAN / ISTANBUL
Turkey and the EUropean Union held a meeting in Ankara on Tuesday to look for ways to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism, at a time when EU countries are struggling to prevent their citizens from joining the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
More:Turkey, EU seek to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism
June 24, 2015, Wednesday/ 15:59:37/ TODAY'S ZAMAN / ISTANBUL
Turkey and the EUropean Union held a meeting in Ankara on Tuesday to look for ways to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism, at a time when EU countries are struggling to prevent their citizens from joining the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
More:Turkey, EU seek to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism
Turkish women to take on host Azerbaijan in volleyball semis - VOLLEYBALL
Turkish women to take on host Azerbaijan in volleyball semis
BAKU
Turkish women’s volleyball team continues its good run at the European Games in Baku, ready for a semifinal clash on June 25 against host Azerbaijan.
More:Turkish women to take on host Azerbaijan in volleyball semis - VOLLEYBALL
BAKU
Turkish women’s volleyball team continues its good run at the European Games in Baku, ready for a semifinal clash on June 25 against host Azerbaijan.
More:Turkish women to take on host Azerbaijan in volleyball semis - VOLLEYBALL
BERİL DEDEOĞLU - Turkey and two corridors
Turkey and two corridors
Public opinion in Turkey is currently busy with a heated debate about two corridors: one that doesn't seem to be opening, which is a serious problem for many, and another that seems to be opening -- a development that disturbs many in the country.
More:BERİL DEDEOĞLU - Turkey and two corridors
Public opinion in Turkey is currently busy with a heated debate about two corridors: one that doesn't seem to be opening, which is a serious problem for many, and another that seems to be opening -- a development that disturbs many in the country.
More:BERİL DEDEOĞLU - Turkey and two corridors
Erdogan’s Turkey?
Erdogan’s Turkey?
As the economy shows signs of slowing and the President becomes even more autocratic, the people have shown their dissatisfaction
With a string of election victories over the last decade for his Justice and Development Party (AKP) up till now, with the loss of a parliamentary majority, Turkey’s President and founder of AKP, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had come to believe that he personified Turkey. Therefore, those who opposed him were a bunch of terrorists, traitors or infidels.
More:Erdogan’s Turkey?
As the economy shows signs of slowing and the President becomes even more autocratic, the people have shown their dissatisfaction
With a string of election victories over the last decade for his Justice and Development Party (AKP) up till now, with the loss of a parliamentary majority, Turkey’s President and founder of AKP, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had come to believe that he personified Turkey. Therefore, those who opposed him were a bunch of terrorists, traitors or infidels.
More:Erdogan’s Turkey?
Why Turkey’s Erdogan Stumbled | Consortiumnews
Why Turkey’s Erdogan Stumbled
June 23, 2015
In his rise to power, Turkish President Erdogan won popular support by showing independence in foreign affairs but then got caught up in his own grand ambitions, including support for violent “regime change” in Syria, setting the stage for an electoral rebuke, as ex-CIA officer Graham E. Fuller explains.
More:Why Turkey’s Erdogan Stumbled | Consortiumnews
June 23, 2015
In his rise to power, Turkish President Erdogan won popular support by showing independence in foreign affairs but then got caught up in his own grand ambitions, including support for violent “regime change” in Syria, setting the stage for an electoral rebuke, as ex-CIA officer Graham E. Fuller explains.
More:Why Turkey’s Erdogan Stumbled | Consortiumnews
Turkey's new parliament opens as coalition nears | Middle East Eye
Turkey's new parliament opens as coalition nears
#TurkeyChooses
Turkey's recently elected assembly will begin oath-taking ceremony as deadline for forming government draws closer
More:Turkey's new parliament opens as coalition nears | Middle East Eye
#TurkeyChooses
Turkey's recently elected assembly will begin oath-taking ceremony as deadline for forming government draws closer
More:Turkey's new parliament opens as coalition nears | Middle East Eye
With new parliament in place, Turkey explores new gov't to tackle pressing issues | Shanghai Daily
With new parliament in place, Turkey explores new gov't to tackle pressing issues
Jun 24,2015
ANKARA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Parliament held its first post-election session on Tuesday, starting the process for a challenging task of forming a coalition government after 13 years of single party rule.
More:With new parliament in place, Turkey explores new gov't to tackle pressing issues | Shanghai Daily
Jun 24,2015
ANKARA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Parliament held its first post-election session on Tuesday, starting the process for a challenging task of forming a coalition government after 13 years of single party rule.
More:With new parliament in place, Turkey explores new gov't to tackle pressing issues | Shanghai Daily
Turkey’s Post-Election Scene: The AKP-CHP Option - The Globalist
Turkey’s Post-Election Scene: The AKP-CHP Option
A coalition government of the two largest parties could end an era of polarization.
By Soner Cagaptay, June 24, 2015
In the aftermath of the June 7 elections, many coalition options are now being discussed in Ankara. The AKP–CHP option deserves special attention, as it would bring the country’s two largest parties together.
More:Turkey’s Post-Election Scene: The AKP-CHP Option - The Globalist
A coalition government of the two largest parties could end an era of polarization.
By Soner Cagaptay, June 24, 2015
In the aftermath of the June 7 elections, many coalition options are now being discussed in Ankara. The AKP–CHP option deserves special attention, as it would bring the country’s two largest parties together.
More:Turkey’s Post-Election Scene: The AKP-CHP Option - The Globalist
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
'Bogus Muslims' exposed for 'fake it 'til you make it' attitude - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
'Bogus Muslims' exposed for 'fake it 'til you make it' attitude
On June 10, two photos of former Justice and Development Party (AKP) parliamentarian Rifat Sait and his wife appeared in Turkish newspapers. In one image, the politician has a healthy, pious beard, and his wife wears a headscarf. In the other, more recent photo, Sait is clean shaven and wears a tie, while his wife is no longer covered. Publication of the photos has raised the issue of “bogus Muslims” and loss of faith in the AKP.
More:'Bogus Muslims' exposed for 'fake it 'til you make it' attitude - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
On June 10, two photos of former Justice and Development Party (AKP) parliamentarian Rifat Sait and his wife appeared in Turkish newspapers. In one image, the politician has a healthy, pious beard, and his wife wears a headscarf. In the other, more recent photo, Sait is clean shaven and wears a tie, while his wife is no longer covered. Publication of the photos has raised the issue of “bogus Muslims” and loss of faith in the AKP.
More:'Bogus Muslims' exposed for 'fake it 'til you make it' attitude - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
After elections, Erdogan’s shadow still looms - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
After elections, Erdogan’s shadow still looms
With the general elections over, Turkey's political agenda is dominated by speculation about the coalition government that has to be formed after the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) lost the parliamentary majority it held for 12 years.
More:After elections, Erdogan’s shadow still looms - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
With the general elections over, Turkey's political agenda is dominated by speculation about the coalition government that has to be formed after the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) lost the parliamentary majority it held for 12 years.
More:After elections, Erdogan’s shadow still looms - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Connecting Turkey to the world
Connecting Turkey to the world
Following its part-privatization in 2004-2006, Turkish Airlines has rapidly evolved into one the world’s leading and most profitable airlines. As Turkey hosts the G20 Presidency for the first time, Turkish Airlines CEO Temel Kotil explains why the still expanding airline is now a crucial component of trade and the tourism industry, not just for Turkey but the whole world.
More:Connecting Turkey to the world
Following its part-privatization in 2004-2006, Turkish Airlines has rapidly evolved into one the world’s leading and most profitable airlines. As Turkey hosts the G20 Presidency for the first time, Turkish Airlines CEO Temel Kotil explains why the still expanding airline is now a crucial component of trade and the tourism industry, not just for Turkey but the whole world.
More:Connecting Turkey to the world
Niece of jailed Kurdish leader enters Turkish parliament - Yahoo News UK
Niece of jailed Kurdish leader enters Turkish parliament
ReutersBy By Ece Toksabay and Gulsen Solaker | Reuters – 6 hours ago
By Ece Toksabay and Gulsen Solaker
ANKARA (Reuters) - For many Turks, the name Ocalan is indelibly linked to the man they revile as leader of a Kurdish insurgency in which 40,000 people died. But on Tuesday, an Ocalan became one of the country's youngest parliamentarians.
More:Niece of jailed Kurdish leader enters Turkish parliament - Yahoo News UK
ReutersBy By Ece Toksabay and Gulsen Solaker | Reuters – 6 hours ago
By Ece Toksabay and Gulsen Solaker
ANKARA (Reuters) - For many Turks, the name Ocalan is indelibly linked to the man they revile as leader of a Kurdish insurgency in which 40,000 people died. But on Tuesday, an Ocalan became one of the country's youngest parliamentarians.
More:Niece of jailed Kurdish leader enters Turkish parliament - Yahoo News UK
Turkish election board purchasing ballot paper for potential early election
Turkish election board purchasing ballot paper for potential early election
Turkey’s Supreme Election Board (YSK) is preparing to purchase watermarked ballot paper and envelopes in anticipation of a coalition government not being formed and Turkey having to head to a snap election.
More:Turkish election board purchasing ballot paper for potential early election
Turkey’s Supreme Election Board (YSK) is preparing to purchase watermarked ballot paper and envelopes in anticipation of a coalition government not being formed and Turkey having to head to a snap election.
More:Turkish election board purchasing ballot paper for potential early election
Chances getting high for a grand coalition in Turkey - MURAT YETKİN
Chances getting high for a grand coalition in Turkey
As the new Turkish parliament convenes on June 23, the chances are getting high for the formation of a grand coalition in Turkey, since no party gained the necessary majority to form a single party government in the June 7 election.
More:Chances getting high for a grand coalition in Turkey - MURAT YETKİN
As the new Turkish parliament convenes on June 23, the chances are getting high for the formation of a grand coalition in Turkey, since no party gained the necessary majority to form a single party government in the June 7 election.
More:Chances getting high for a grand coalition in Turkey - MURAT YETKİN
Turkey’s challenge with high technology growth - ERDAL SAĞLAM
Turkey’s challenge with high technology growth
Turkey reaped the benefits of the reforms it undertook in 2000 for ten years and with the help of the global climate, reached high growth rates. Yet, for the past three or four years, there has been a stagnant economy; it has fallen in the middle income trap and serious changes are required to reach high growth rates again.
More:Turkey’s challenge with high technology growth - ERDAL SAĞLAM
Turkey reaped the benefits of the reforms it undertook in 2000 for ten years and with the help of the global climate, reached high growth rates. Yet, for the past three or four years, there has been a stagnant economy; it has fallen in the middle income trap and serious changes are required to reach high growth rates again.
More:Turkey’s challenge with high technology growth - ERDAL SAĞLAM
Turkey ranks bottom in migrant integration report with flow of refugees - RIGHTS
Turkey ranks bottom in migrant integration report with flow of refugees
Turkey’s legal framework hinders the integration of migrants, and the country ranks bottom of a list of 38 developed nations, according to the latest world ranking by a Brussels-based think tank.
More:Turkey ranks bottom in migrant integration report with flow of refugees - RIGHTS
Turkey’s legal framework hinders the integration of migrants, and the country ranks bottom of a list of 38 developed nations, according to the latest world ranking by a Brussels-based think tank.
More:Turkey ranks bottom in migrant integration report with flow of refugees - RIGHTS
Turkey: Hope and Fear | Stephen Schwartz
Turkey: Hope and Fear
Posted: 06/23/2015 9:04 am EDT Updated: 06/23/2015 9:59 am EDT
(Co-authored by Veli Sirin, European director of the Center for Islamic Pluralism.)
Two weeks have passed since the legislative elections of June 7 marked a major shift in the recent history of Turkey. The Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP in Turkish), headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, lost its parliamentary majority, declining to 258 out of 550 seats. Opposition parties of the left and right profited from AKP's setback. The secularist Republican People's Party (CHP), in the first category, rose to 132 members. The ultra-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), with an ugly history of political and ethnic violence under the name of the "Grey Wolves," nonetheless elected 80 deputies, an increase of 29. But the wonder of the polls was the emergence of the People's Democratic Party (HDP), a coalition of Kurds, secularists, leftists, heterodox Alevi Muslims, and former supporters of the AKP, with 80 lawmakers.
More:Turkey: Hope and Fear | Stephen Schwartz
Posted: 06/23/2015 9:04 am EDT Updated: 06/23/2015 9:59 am EDT
(Co-authored by Veli Sirin, European director of the Center for Islamic Pluralism.)
Two weeks have passed since the legislative elections of June 7 marked a major shift in the recent history of Turkey. The Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP in Turkish), headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, lost its parliamentary majority, declining to 258 out of 550 seats. Opposition parties of the left and right profited from AKP's setback. The secularist Republican People's Party (CHP), in the first category, rose to 132 members. The ultra-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), with an ugly history of political and ethnic violence under the name of the "Grey Wolves," nonetheless elected 80 deputies, an increase of 29. But the wonder of the polls was the emergence of the People's Democratic Party (HDP), a coalition of Kurds, secularists, leftists, heterodox Alevi Muslims, and former supporters of the AKP, with 80 lawmakers.
More:Turkey: Hope and Fear | Stephen Schwartz
American investor suggests Turkey as target market for mobile communications - Daily Sabah
American investor suggests Turkey as target market for mobile communications
DAILY SABAH
ISTANBUL
Famous American investor Fred Wilson, known for his investments on internet websites, such as Kickstarter, Foursquare, Etsy, and Hailo, has mentioned that mobile communications investors planning to open to the global markets should make Turkey their target market after his observations during his trip to Istanbul on his personal blog, which he updates on daily basis.
More:American investor suggests Turkey as target market for mobile communications - Daily Sabah
DAILY SABAH
ISTANBUL
Famous American investor Fred Wilson, known for his investments on internet websites, such as Kickstarter, Foursquare, Etsy, and Hailo, has mentioned that mobile communications investors planning to open to the global markets should make Turkey their target market after his observations during his trip to Istanbul on his personal blog, which he updates on daily basis.
More:American investor suggests Turkey as target market for mobile communications - Daily Sabah
Turkey: first hung parliament since 2002 sworn in | euronews, world news
Turkey: first hung parliament since 2002 sworn in
By Catherine Hardy | With TRTRT, AFP, EFE
Turkey’s first hung parliament since 2002 has been sworn in in Ankara.
The pressure is on to get the majority to sing from the same sheet. Failure by the largest party, the AK, to form a government will stoke uncertainty in the country at a critical time.
More:Turkey: first hung parliament since 2002 sworn in | euronews, world news
By Catherine Hardy | With TRTRT, AFP, EFE
Turkey’s first hung parliament since 2002 has been sworn in in Ankara.
The pressure is on to get the majority to sing from the same sheet. Failure by the largest party, the AK, to form a government will stoke uncertainty in the country at a critical time.
More:Turkey: first hung parliament since 2002 sworn in | euronews, world news
Turkish lawmakers being sworn in; speaker's election may hint at Turkey's political future | Fox News
Turkish lawmakers being sworn in; speaker's election may hint at Turkey's political future
ISTANBUL – Turkey's lawmakers are
being sworn in to office during a ceremony in Ankara, an early step in
what could be a drawn-out coalition-building process.
The country's 550 newly elected parliamentarians are ascending to the
podium one-by-one to take the oath of office in the white assembly room
of Turkey's monumental parliament building.
More:Turkish lawmakers being sworn in; speaker's election may hint at Turkey's political future | Fox News
ISTANBUL – Turkey's lawmakers are
being sworn in to office during a ceremony in Ankara, an early step in
what could be a drawn-out coalition-building process.
The country's 550 newly elected parliamentarians are ascending to the
podium one-by-one to take the oath of office in the white assembly room
of Turkey's monumental parliament building.
More:Turkish lawmakers being sworn in; speaker's election may hint at Turkey's political future | Fox News
Israel and Turkey Launch Secret Push To Mend Ties - Breaking News – Forward.com
Israel and Turkey Launch Secret Push To Mend Ties
ReutersJune 23, 2015
srael held unannounced diplomatic level talks with Turkey on Monday to explore prospects, after Turkish polls, of restoring an alliance that was once central to U.S. Middle East policy but has soured dramatically under Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan.
More:Israel and Turkey Launch Secret Push To Mend Ties - Breaking News – Forward.com
ReutersJune 23, 2015
srael held unannounced diplomatic level talks with Turkey on Monday to explore prospects, after Turkish polls, of restoring an alliance that was once central to U.S. Middle East policy but has soured dramatically under Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan.
More:Israel and Turkey Launch Secret Push To Mend Ties - Breaking News – Forward.com
World’s biggest courthouse hit by flooding in İstanbul
World’s biggest courthouse hit by flooding in İstanbul
The Istanbul Anatolian Courthouse in Kartal was flooded on Tuesday morning after heavy rains hit İstanbul's Asian side, leading to the closure of a main highway in that area of the city and the flooding of many businesses and homes.
More:World’s biggest courthouse hit by flooding in İstanbul
The Istanbul Anatolian Courthouse in Kartal was flooded on Tuesday morning after heavy rains hit İstanbul's Asian side, leading to the closure of a main highway in that area of the city and the flooding of many businesses and homes.
More:World’s biggest courthouse hit by flooding in İstanbul
London, Istanbul 'hotline may prevent Syria bound Brits' | Fulton News
London, Istanbul 'hotline may prevent Syria bound Brits'
By Selim ALTIN on June 23, 2015No Comment
– U.K. Parliament’s chair of Home Affairs Select Committee Keith Vaz has called for a clear line of communication between London and Ankara
More:London, Istanbul 'hotline may prevent Syria bound Brits' | Fulton News
By Selim ALTIN on June 23, 2015No Comment
– U.K. Parliament’s chair of Home Affairs Select Committee Keith Vaz has called for a clear line of communication between London and Ankara
More:London, Istanbul 'hotline may prevent Syria bound Brits' | Fulton News
VIDEO: Istanbul’s E-5 highway temporarily closes due to heavy rain - LOCAL
VIDEO: Istanbul’s E-5 highway temporarily closes due to heavy rain
ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency
Heavy rain brought life to a temporary halt on the Anatolian side of Istanbul early June 23 as flooding on the E-5 highway left cars stranded and traffic stopped.
More:VIDEO: Istanbul’s E-5 highway temporarily closes due to heavy rain - LOCAL
ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency
Heavy rain brought life to a temporary halt on the Anatolian side of Istanbul early June 23 as flooding on the E-5 highway left cars stranded and traffic stopped.
More:VIDEO: Istanbul’s E-5 highway temporarily closes due to heavy rain - LOCAL
Turkey`s new-look parliament opens as coalition nears | Zee News
Turkey`s new-look parliament opens as coalition nears
Last Updated: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 - 09:55
Ankara: Turkey`s new parliament on Tuesday holds its first session after elections in which the ruling party lost its overall majority, with the contours of a coalition government becoming clearer but far from agreed.
More:Turkey`s new-look parliament opens as coalition nears | Zee News
Last Updated: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 - 09:55
Ankara: Turkey`s new parliament on Tuesday holds its first session after elections in which the ruling party lost its overall majority, with the contours of a coalition government becoming clearer but far from agreed.
More:Turkey`s new-look parliament opens as coalition nears | Zee News
Kurds eye new corridor to Mediterranean - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Kurds eye new corridor to Mediterranean
When the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) expelled the Islamic State from Tell Abyad, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, other Justice and Development Party (AKP) leaders and the pro-government media reacted hysterically. Among their frenzied scenarios: “Kurdish state in the making in northern Syria with US assistance,” “Kurdish ethnic cleansing of Arabs and Turkmens,” “Corridor opening to move Northern Iraq oil to Mediterranean.” One about the Democratic Union Party went further: “PYD more dangerous than [IS].”
More:Kurds eye new corridor to Mediterranean - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
When the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) expelled the Islamic State from Tell Abyad, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, other Justice and Development Party (AKP) leaders and the pro-government media reacted hysterically. Among their frenzied scenarios: “Kurdish state in the making in northern Syria with US assistance,” “Kurdish ethnic cleansing of Arabs and Turkmens,” “Corridor opening to move Northern Iraq oil to Mediterranean.” One about the Democratic Union Party went further: “PYD more dangerous than [IS].”
More:Kurds eye new corridor to Mediterranean - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Exhibition on late 19th and early 20th century travelers to Istanbul opens
Exhibition on late 19th and early 20th century travelers to Istanbul opens
The Istanbul Research Institute is currently exhibiting, “Journey to the Center of the East, 1850-1950: 100 Years of Travelers in Istanbul from the Pierre de Gigord Collection” until Oct. 17.
More:Exhibition on late 19th and early 20th century travelers to Istanbul opens
The Istanbul Research Institute is currently exhibiting, “Journey to the Center of the East, 1850-1950: 100 Years of Travelers in Istanbul from the Pierre de Gigord Collection” until Oct. 17.
More:Exhibition on late 19th and early 20th century travelers to Istanbul opens
Change necessary for Turkey’s agriculture sector
Istanbul Commodity Exchange director Ali Kopuz:
Change necessary for Turkey’s agriculture sector
The Turkish Statistical Institute announced data for the first six month period of 2015; in the first quarter of the year Turkey’s economy grew 2.3%. The agricultural sector contributed 2.7% to this economic growth. According to this data, investments and efforts in agricultural production are evaluated as a concrete success. However, the Istanbul Commodity Exchange director Ali Kopuz also pointed out that there is a questionable situation; food prices have increased too.
More:Change necessary for Turkey’s agriculture sector
Change necessary for Turkey’s agriculture sector
The Turkish Statistical Institute announced data for the first six month period of 2015; in the first quarter of the year Turkey’s economy grew 2.3%. The agricultural sector contributed 2.7% to this economic growth. According to this data, investments and efforts in agricultural production are evaluated as a concrete success. However, the Istanbul Commodity Exchange director Ali Kopuz also pointed out that there is a questionable situation; food prices have increased too.
More:Change necessary for Turkey’s agriculture sector
Turkey faces new reality in Syria - SEMİH İDİZ
Turkey faces new reality in Syria
Developments in Tal Abyad, a strategic border town in Syria just south of the Turkish town of Akçakale, are proving again that developments in Syria are not determined by Ankara’s desires and needs. What we have today is more than just a victory against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
More:Turkey faces new reality in Syria - SEMİH İDİZ
Developments in Tal Abyad, a strategic border town in Syria just south of the Turkish town of Akçakale, are proving again that developments in Syria are not determined by Ankara’s desires and needs. What we have today is more than just a victory against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
More:Turkey faces new reality in Syria - SEMİH İDİZ
East and West differ on Turkish election results - SEMİH İDİZ
East and West differ on Turkish election results
Analysis about what the June 7 election represented, and expectations as to what should happen now, vary depending on whether you are looking from the west or the east. The view from the west is easy to figure out.
More:East and West differ on Turkish election results - SEMİH İDİZ
Analysis about what the June 7 election represented, and expectations as to what should happen now, vary depending on whether you are looking from the west or the east. The view from the west is easy to figure out.
More:East and West differ on Turkish election results - SEMİH İDİZ
Islamic State Retreat Gives Turkey an Unwanted Kurdish Neighbor - Bloomberg Business
Islamic State Retreat Gives Turkey an Unwanted Kurdish Neighbor
by Selcan Hacaoglu
June 22, 2015 — 11:00 PM CEST
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is getting the buffer zone he’s campaigned for along the Syrian border. But instead of the rebels he favors, it’s controlled by Kurdish fighters Turkey brands as terrorists.
More:Islamic State Retreat Gives Turkey an Unwanted Kurdish Neighbor - Bloomberg Business
by Selcan Hacaoglu
June 22, 2015 — 11:00 PM CEST
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is getting the buffer zone he’s campaigned for along the Syrian border. But instead of the rebels he favors, it’s controlled by Kurdish fighters Turkey brands as terrorists.
More:Islamic State Retreat Gives Turkey an Unwanted Kurdish Neighbor - Bloomberg Business
Turkey tourism industry worried as tourist arrivals drop
Turkey tourism industry worried as tourist arrivals drop
Monday, 22 June 2015 22:42
Published by Ozgur Tore
Turkey’s tourism industry faces declines in tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy rates this year. According to sector representatives, the holy month of Ramadan and continuing cold weather conditions are also the reasons for the slowdown.
More:Turkey tourism industry worried as tourist arrivals drop
Monday, 22 June 2015 22:42
Published by Ozgur Tore
Turkey’s tourism industry faces declines in tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy rates this year. According to sector representatives, the holy month of Ramadan and continuing cold weather conditions are also the reasons for the slowdown.
More:Turkey tourism industry worried as tourist arrivals drop
Monday, June 22, 2015
Prospects for a visa-free Turkey for EU citizens - CONTRIBUTOR
Prospects for a visa-free Turkey for EU citizens
Deniz Servantie*
The visa policy of EU member states towards Turkish citizens has been a major issue in the context of Turkey-EU relations. In that respect, Turkey has subjected Brussels and the member states to heavy criticism and there have been numerous complaints in important legal arenas such as the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). In contrast, Turkey’s visa policy towards EU member state citizens can be described as much more liberal in comparison to the Schengen visa requirements and has thus not been subjected to the same level of criticism as the latter. In that respect, the following question ought to be asked: Is the Turkish visa requirement imposed upon citizens of certain member states showing an integrated picture? There is only one simple response and it is no.
More:Prospects for a visa-free Turkey for EU citizens - CONTRIBUTOR
Deniz Servantie*
The visa policy of EU member states towards Turkish citizens has been a major issue in the context of Turkey-EU relations. In that respect, Turkey has subjected Brussels and the member states to heavy criticism and there have been numerous complaints in important legal arenas such as the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). In contrast, Turkey’s visa policy towards EU member state citizens can be described as much more liberal in comparison to the Schengen visa requirements and has thus not been subjected to the same level of criticism as the latter. In that respect, the following question ought to be asked: Is the Turkish visa requirement imposed upon citizens of certain member states showing an integrated picture? There is only one simple response and it is no.
More:Prospects for a visa-free Turkey for EU citizens - CONTRIBUTOR
Kurds find Islamic State group tunnel near Turkish border - US News
Kurdish forces discover 400-meter-long tunnel dug by Islamic State group near Turkish border
Associated Press
June 22, 2015 | 10:39 a.m. EDT
+ More
ISTANBUL (AP) — Kurdish forces have discovered a 400-meter (440-yard) long tunnel dug by Islamic State group militants near the Turkish border with Syria, a spokesman for the militia said Monday.
More:Kurds find Islamic State group tunnel near Turkish border - US News
Associated Press
June 22, 2015 | 10:39 a.m. EDT
+ More
ISTANBUL (AP) — Kurdish forces have discovered a 400-meter (440-yard) long tunnel dug by Islamic State group militants near the Turkish border with Syria, a spokesman for the militia said Monday.
More:Kurds find Islamic State group tunnel near Turkish border - US News
Thousands of refugees cross back into Syria from Turkey: security sources | Reuters
Thousands of refugees cross back into Syria from Turkey: security sources
AKCAKALE, Turkey
More than 2,000 Syrian refugees who had fled into Turkey crossed back on Monday, security sources and witnesses said, as a gate reopened a few days after Islamic State militants were ousted from the frontier town of Tel Abyad by Syrian Kurds.
More:Thousands of refugees cross back into Syria from Turkey: security sources | Reuters
AKCAKALE, Turkey
More than 2,000 Syrian refugees who had fled into Turkey crossed back on Monday, security sources and witnesses said, as a gate reopened a few days after Islamic State militants were ousted from the frontier town of Tel Abyad by Syrian Kurds.
More:Thousands of refugees cross back into Syria from Turkey: security sources | Reuters
Turkey Political Crisis Deepens
Turkey Political Crisis Deepens
By Jamie Dettmer
Posted 2015-06-21 17:11 GMT
GAZIANTEP, TURKEY (VOA) -- Turkey's nationalists closed the door this weekend on forming a coalition with the country's main opposition party, seemingly setting the stage either for new parliamentary elections or for President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to remain in power with nationalist support. The price for that, however, could be the end of peace talks between Ankara and the Kurds.
More:Turkey Political Crisis Deepens
By Jamie Dettmer
Posted 2015-06-21 17:11 GMT
GAZIANTEP, TURKEY (VOA) -- Turkey's nationalists closed the door this weekend on forming a coalition with the country's main opposition party, seemingly setting the stage either for new parliamentary elections or for President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to remain in power with nationalist support. The price for that, however, could be the end of peace talks between Ankara and the Kurds.
More:Turkey Political Crisis Deepens
Ankara’s new palace allocated to presidency amid lawsuit - POLITICS
Ankara’s new palace allocated to presidency amid lawsuit
Oğuz Demir / Erdinç Çelikkan - ANKARA
Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Council has decided to allocate the area of the controversial palace to the presidency, just two months after allocating the area to the prime ministry, while the Ankara Chamber of Architect said it will appeal the decision.
More:Ankara’s new palace allocated to presidency amid lawsuit - POLITICS
Oğuz Demir / Erdinç Çelikkan - ANKARA
Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Council has decided to allocate the area of the controversial palace to the presidency, just two months after allocating the area to the prime ministry, while the Ankara Chamber of Architect said it will appeal the decision.
More:Ankara’s new palace allocated to presidency amid lawsuit - POLITICS
Snap election is most remote possibility for Turkey: deputy PM | Reuters
Snap election is most remote possibility for Turkey: deputy PM
ANKARA
Holding an early election is the least likely option for Turkey, a deputy prime minister said on Monday, a week before President Tayyip Erdogan is expected to give a mandate to the ruling AK Party to form a government.
More:Snap election is most remote possibility for Turkey: deputy PM | Reuters
ANKARA
Holding an early election is the least likely option for Turkey, a deputy prime minister said on Monday, a week before President Tayyip Erdogan is expected to give a mandate to the ruling AK Party to form a government.
More:Snap election is most remote possibility for Turkey: deputy PM | Reuters
Column (Bookends): Istanbul Intrigues - The Times of India
Column (Bookends): Istanbul IntriguesIANS | Jun 22, 2015, 12.45 PM IST
Across the realm of fiction, there have been some singularly unique crime-solvers - bored ex-soldiers, journalists seeking the perfect scoop, enterprising pre-teenaged children, retired teachers, curious housewives, early psychoanalysts, insightful clergymen and other unconventional types - but trumping them for novelty is a savvy, resourceful eunuch working for the Ottoman sultan in mid-19th century Istanbul.
More:Column (Bookends): Istanbul Intrigues - The Times of India
Across the realm of fiction, there have been some singularly unique crime-solvers - bored ex-soldiers, journalists seeking the perfect scoop, enterprising pre-teenaged children, retired teachers, curious housewives, early psychoanalysts, insightful clergymen and other unconventional types - but trumping them for novelty is a savvy, resourceful eunuch working for the Ottoman sultan in mid-19th century Istanbul.
More:Column (Bookends): Istanbul Intrigues - The Times of India
Turkish Cypriot economic committee formed
Turkish Cypriot economic committee formed
CYPRUS - FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE•
Monday, 22 June, 2015
THE Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTSO) his pushing on with the establishment of a committee called the “Turkish Cypriot economy’s committee” which aims to contribute to the efforts exerted for the solution of the Cyprus problem.
More:Turkish Cypriot economic committee formed
CYPRUS - FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE•
Monday, 22 June, 2015
THE Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTSO) his pushing on with the establishment of a committee called the “Turkish Cypriot economy’s committee” which aims to contribute to the efforts exerted for the solution of the Cyprus problem.
More:Turkish Cypriot economic committee formed
Turkish bass, bream exports to Russia soar on fresh fish shortage after ban | Undercurrent News
Turkish bass, bream exports to Russia soar on fresh fish shortage after ban
June 22, 2015, 9:48 am
Alicia Villegas
Turkish seabass and seabream producers have seen exports to Russia soar as a consequence of the shortage of fresh fish following the ongoing Russian import ban.
More:Turkish bass, bream exports to Russia soar on fresh fish shortage after ban | Undercurrent News
June 22, 2015, 9:48 am
Alicia Villegas
Turkish seabass and seabream producers have seen exports to Russia soar as a consequence of the shortage of fresh fish following the ongoing Russian import ban.
More:Turkish bass, bream exports to Russia soar on fresh fish shortage after ban | Undercurrent News
‘Turkish peace process’ needed - NURAY MERT
‘Turkish peace process’ needed
The joy of the general election is over. It was democracy which won the elections, not the governing party or the opposition, and now a “peace process” is needed. This is because it was not an ordinary election, as the president and the governing party turned the election campaign into a referendum about the future of Turkey and a battle between “the nation and its enemies.” The president publicly declared that “to side with the governing party is to side with the nation, since all parties and segments of the opposition were working against national interests.” That is why the issue currently is not only to form a coalition government after the governing party lost its majority, but also to start a “peace process.”
More:‘Turkish peace process’ needed - NURAY MERT
The joy of the general election is over. It was democracy which won the elections, not the governing party or the opposition, and now a “peace process” is needed. This is because it was not an ordinary election, as the president and the governing party turned the election campaign into a referendum about the future of Turkey and a battle between “the nation and its enemies.” The president publicly declared that “to side with the governing party is to side with the nation, since all parties and segments of the opposition were working against national interests.” That is why the issue currently is not only to form a coalition government after the governing party lost its majority, but also to start a “peace process.”
More:‘Turkish peace process’ needed - NURAY MERT
Turkey's Double Game with ISIS Dateline - Breaking Israel News
Turkey’s Double Game with ISIS Dateline
By Burak Bekdil June 22, 2015 , 8:00 am
Turkey’s Islamist government has had rational reasons to support discreetly its own Frankenstein monster: the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The jihadists who have conquered large swathes of Syria and Iraq since the summer of 2014 may have the habit of beheading every infidel they catch, Muslim or non-Muslim. But they are merely the excessively savage next of kin to Turkish Islamists, who pursue similar political goals in Western-style suits and neckties instead of Arab gowns imitating the Prophet Muhammad’s attire.
More:Turkey's Double Game with ISIS Dateline - Breaking Israel News
By Burak Bekdil June 22, 2015 , 8:00 am
Turkey’s Islamist government has had rational reasons to support discreetly its own Frankenstein monster: the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The jihadists who have conquered large swathes of Syria and Iraq since the summer of 2014 may have the habit of beheading every infidel they catch, Muslim or non-Muslim. But they are merely the excessively savage next of kin to Turkish Islamists, who pursue similar political goals in Western-style suits and neckties instead of Arab gowns imitating the Prophet Muhammad’s attire.
More:Turkey's Double Game with ISIS Dateline - Breaking Israel News
Turkey moves past tribal politics | Europe | BDlive
Turkey moves past tribal politics
by Daniel Dombey, June 22 2015, 06:03
IN THE weeks before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s bid for greater powers was upset at the ballot box, his followers declared their support for him in ever more effusive terms. "I say to Erdogan: ‘May my mother, father, wife and children be sacrificed for you’," Ethem Sancak, a billionaire pharmaceutical and media company owner, declared last month.
More:Turkey moves past tribal politics | Europe | BDlive
by Daniel Dombey, June 22 2015, 06:03
IN THE weeks before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s bid for greater powers was upset at the ballot box, his followers declared their support for him in ever more effusive terms. "I say to Erdogan: ‘May my mother, father, wife and children be sacrificed for you’," Ethem Sancak, a billionaire pharmaceutical and media company owner, declared last month.
More:Turkey moves past tribal politics | Europe | BDlive
New battlelines for Turkey’s Kurds as they become political force
New battlelines for Turkey’s Kurds as they become political force
While the HDP’s success marks a historic shift, it also creates a new set of obstacles
More:New battlelines for Turkey’s Kurds as they become political force
While the HDP’s success marks a historic shift, it also creates a new set of obstacles
More:New battlelines for Turkey’s Kurds as they become political force
Large industry losing blood - ECONOMICS
Large industry losing blood
Mustafa Sönmez - mustafasnmz@hotmail.com
It has been proven by data from “Turkey’s Top 500 Industrial Enterprises - 2014” that the construction-focused, domestic market-oriented growth path which has been pursued for the past 10 years does not generate any foreign currency and has caused a significant loss of blood in Turkey’s manufacturing industry while eroding its competitive power. It has been determined that industry firms are under a heavy debt and interest rate burden.
More:Large industry losing blood - ECONOMICS
Mustafa Sönmez - mustafasnmz@hotmail.com
It has been proven by data from “Turkey’s Top 500 Industrial Enterprises - 2014” that the construction-focused, domestic market-oriented growth path which has been pursued for the past 10 years does not generate any foreign currency and has caused a significant loss of blood in Turkey’s manufacturing industry while eroding its competitive power. It has been determined that industry firms are under a heavy debt and interest rate burden.
More:Large industry losing blood - ECONOMICS
Central Bank of Turkey to leave interest rates unchanged - EconoTimes
Central Bank of Turkey to leave interest rates unchanged
Sun Jun 21, 2015 10:41pm GMT
The Central Bank of Turkey's (CBRT's) monetary policy committee (MPC) meets on Tuesday, 23 June. No change is expected across the interest-rate complex. Since the last meeting, the surprise result of Turkey's election has seen President Erdogan's ambition to increase his power cut short.
More:Central Bank of Turkey to leave interest rates unchanged - EconoTimes
Sun Jun 21, 2015 10:41pm GMT
The Central Bank of Turkey's (CBRT's) monetary policy committee (MPC) meets on Tuesday, 23 June. No change is expected across the interest-rate complex. Since the last meeting, the surprise result of Turkey's election has seen President Erdogan's ambition to increase his power cut short.
More:Central Bank of Turkey to leave interest rates unchanged - EconoTimes
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Turks need to confidence once more: WB director - ECONOMICS
Turks need to confidence once more: WB director
Barçın Yinanç - barcin.yinanc@hdn.com.tr
A degree of nervousness has emerged in Turkey in recent years in terms of engaging with the outside world, says the World Bank’s country director for Turkey, Martin Raiser, noting that the nation needs to discover its confidence once more as part of its quest to become a high-income nation
More:Turks need to confidence once more: WB director - ECONOMICS
Barçın Yinanç - barcin.yinanc@hdn.com.tr
A degree of nervousness has emerged in Turkey in recent years in terms of engaging with the outside world, says the World Bank’s country director for Turkey, Martin Raiser, noting that the nation needs to discover its confidence once more as part of its quest to become a high-income nation
More:Turks need to confidence once more: WB director - ECONOMICS
Turkey: Opposition turns up heat on Erdoğan
Turkey: Opposition turns up heat on Erdoğan
Istanbul, Asharq Al-Awsat—The head of Turkey’s second-largest opposition party will agree to form a coalition with the Justice and Development Party (AKP) if President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan agrees to reopen a graft probe in which his son is implicated.
More:Turkey: Opposition turns up heat on Erdoğan
Istanbul, Asharq Al-Awsat—The head of Turkey’s second-largest opposition party will agree to form a coalition with the Justice and Development Party (AKP) if President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan agrees to reopen a graft probe in which his son is implicated.
More:Turkey: Opposition turns up heat on Erdoğan
Erdogan warns of risks, new poll if Turkey govt coalition delayed | Reuters
Erdogan warns of risks, new poll if Turkey govt coalition delayed
ISTANBUL
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday cited instability among neighboring states to urge political parties to form a coalition government quickly, or face the prospect of holding another election.
More:Erdogan warns of risks, new poll if Turkey govt coalition delayed | Reuters
ISTANBUL
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday cited instability among neighboring states to urge political parties to form a coalition government quickly, or face the prospect of holding another election.
More:Erdogan warns of risks, new poll if Turkey govt coalition delayed | Reuters
Turkey’s tourism sector faces declining numbers - TOURISM
Turkey’s tourism sector faces declining numbers
Burak Coşan - ISTANBUL
Turkey’s tourism sector is going through a difficult season due to declining Russian and European tourist numbers as well as continuing cold weather conditions, tourism representatives have said, while complaining about weak support from government officials.
More:Turkey’s tourism sector faces declining numbers - TOURISM
Burak Coşan - ISTANBUL
Turkey’s tourism sector is going through a difficult season due to declining Russian and European tourist numbers as well as continuing cold weather conditions, tourism representatives have said, while complaining about weak support from government officials.
More:Turkey’s tourism sector faces declining numbers - TOURISM
Angelina Jolie and daughter Shiloh visit refugees in Turkey | Al Bawaba
Angelina Jolie and daughter Shiloh visit refugees in Turkey
Published June 21st, 2015 - 06:40 GMT via SyndiGate.info
Hollywood star and UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie has arrived in Turkey's southeastern province of Mardin to visit Syrian refugees.
More:Angelina Jolie and daughter Shiloh visit refugees in Turkey | Al Bawaba
Published June 21st, 2015 - 06:40 GMT via SyndiGate.info
Hollywood star and UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie has arrived in Turkey's southeastern province of Mardin to visit Syrian refugees.
More:Angelina Jolie and daughter Shiloh visit refugees in Turkey | Al Bawaba
Turkey leads the way to an inclusive global economy
Turkey leads the way to an inclusive global economy
Having set out some noble priorities for its G20 Presidency, Turkey is relishing the opportunity to lead a progressive and inclusive agenda for the world’s most powerful economies, says Cavit Dağdaş, Undersecretary of Treasury
Turkey leads the way to an inclusive global economyMore:
Having set out some noble priorities for its G20 Presidency, Turkey is relishing the opportunity to lead a progressive and inclusive agenda for the world’s most powerful economies, says Cavit Dağdaş, Undersecretary of Treasury
Turkey leads the way to an inclusive global economyMore:
Will Erdogan stay in control? Many possibilities open as Turkey's 4 parties jockey for power | Fox News
Will Erdogan stay in control? Many possibilities open as Turkey's 4 parties jockey for power
Published June 21, 2015Associated Press
ISTANBUL – Two weeks after Turkey's parliamentary elections, experts agree on one thing: No one really knows what's going to happen next.
Turkey's June 7 election left Turkey's long-ruling Justice and Development Party, known by Turkish acronym AKP, short of the majority it needs to govern alone, meaning it will have to turn to at least one of the three opposition parties to secure its hold on government.
More:Will Erdogan stay in control? Many possibilities open as Turkey's 4 parties jockey for power | Fox News
Published June 21, 2015Associated Press
ISTANBUL – Two weeks after Turkey's parliamentary elections, experts agree on one thing: No one really knows what's going to happen next.
Turkey's June 7 election left Turkey's long-ruling Justice and Development Party, known by Turkish acronym AKP, short of the majority it needs to govern alone, meaning it will have to turn to at least one of the three opposition parties to secure its hold on government.
More:Will Erdogan stay in control? Many possibilities open as Turkey's 4 parties jockey for power | Fox News
Surname Law – a profound change in Turkish history | Fulton News
Surname Law – a profound change in Turkish history
By Tanisha Rowland on June 21, 2015No Comment
By Humeyra Atilgan Buyukovali
ISTANBUL – Just 81 years ago today, Turkish people were confronted with a new law, which would make them choose a formal, legal family surname – a profound change in the ordinary life of Turks who had been dealing with a series of radical reforms in their newly established country.
More:Surname Law – a profound change in Turkish history | Fulton News
By Tanisha Rowland on June 21, 2015No Comment
By Humeyra Atilgan Buyukovali
ISTANBUL – Just 81 years ago today, Turkish people were confronted with a new law, which would make them choose a formal, legal family surname – a profound change in the ordinary life of Turks who had been dealing with a series of radical reforms in their newly established country.
More:Surname Law – a profound change in Turkish history | Fulton News
Istanbul Intrigues: An Ottoman detective and his adventures (Column: Bookends) | Business Standard News
Istanbul Intrigues: An Ottoman detective and his adventures (Column: Bookends)
IANS June 21, 2015 Last Updated at 08:38 IST
Across the realm of fiction, there have been some singularly unique crime-solvers - bored ex-soldiers, journalists seeking the perfect scoop, enterprising pre-teenaged children, retired teachers, curious housewives, early psychoanalysts, insightful clergymen and other unconventional types - but trumping them for novelty is a savvy, resourceful eunuch working for the Ottoman sultan in mid-19th century Istanbul.
More:Istanbul Intrigues: An Ottoman detective and his adventures (Column: Bookends) | Business Standard News
IANS June 21, 2015 Last Updated at 08:38 IST
Across the realm of fiction, there have been some singularly unique crime-solvers - bored ex-soldiers, journalists seeking the perfect scoop, enterprising pre-teenaged children, retired teachers, curious housewives, early psychoanalysts, insightful clergymen and other unconventional types - but trumping them for novelty is a savvy, resourceful eunuch working for the Ottoman sultan in mid-19th century Istanbul.
More:Istanbul Intrigues: An Ottoman detective and his adventures (Column: Bookends) | Business Standard News
Istanbul Intrigues: An Ottoman detective and his adventures (Column: Bookends) | Business Standard News
Istanbul Intrigues: An Ottoman detective and his adventures (Column: Bookends)
IANS June 21, 2015 Last Updated at 08:38 IST
Across the realm of fiction, there have been some singularly unique crime-solvers - bored ex-soldiers, journalists seeking the perfect scoop, enterprising pre-teenaged children, retired teachers, curious housewives, early psychoanalysts, insightful clergymen and other unconventional types - but trumping them for novelty is a savvy, resourceful eunuch working for the Ottoman sultan in mid-19th century Istanbul.
More:Istanbul Intrigues: An Ottoman detective and his adventures (Column: Bookends) | Business Standard News
IANS June 21, 2015 Last Updated at 08:38 IST
Across the realm of fiction, there have been some singularly unique crime-solvers - bored ex-soldiers, journalists seeking the perfect scoop, enterprising pre-teenaged children, retired teachers, curious housewives, early psychoanalysts, insightful clergymen and other unconventional types - but trumping them for novelty is a savvy, resourceful eunuch working for the Ottoman sultan in mid-19th century Istanbul.
More:Istanbul Intrigues: An Ottoman detective and his adventures (Column: Bookends) | Business Standard News
Gulf Daily News » News Details » Letters
He may survive
Posted on » Sunday, June 21, 2015
For Turks, the burning question after the recent election is whether they will now get the fully democratic, pluralist country that so many of them want. The defeat of President Tayyip Recep Erdogan's AK Party does open that prospect, although translating it into reality will be very difficult. But for everybody else, the question is whether Turkey will stop backing the Islamist insurgents who are on the brink of winning in Syria.
More:Gulf Daily News » News Details » Letters
Posted on » Sunday, June 21, 2015
For Turks, the burning question after the recent election is whether they will now get the fully democratic, pluralist country that so many of them want. The defeat of President Tayyip Recep Erdogan's AK Party does open that prospect, although translating it into reality will be very difficult. But for everybody else, the question is whether Turkey will stop backing the Islamist insurgents who are on the brink of winning in Syria.
More:Gulf Daily News » News Details » Letters
AK Party left with just Erdoğan and his ‘yes men,’ says ex-minister
AK Party left with just Erdoğan and his ‘yes men,’ says ex-minister
The aftermath of the June 7 general election has left many questions for the AK Party, which lost its 13-year single-party rule in the polls, including reasons behind the major loss in votes and the status of President Erdoğan’s influence.
More:AK Party left with just Erdoğan and his ‘yes men,’ says ex-minister
The aftermath of the June 7 general election has left many questions for the AK Party, which lost its 13-year single-party rule in the polls, including reasons behind the major loss in votes and the status of President Erdoğan’s influence.
More:AK Party left with just Erdoğan and his ‘yes men,’ says ex-minister
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Turkish president dismisses 'parliament speaker' speculation Anadolu Agency
Turkish president dismisses 'parliament speaker' speculation
20 June 2015 21:25 (Last updated 21 June 2015 00:04)
Erdogan refutes media claims that he would task PM Davutoglu to form gov't before parliament elects speaker
More:Turkish president dismisses 'parliament speaker' speculation Anadolu Agency
20 June 2015 21:25 (Last updated 21 June 2015 00:04)
Erdogan refutes media claims that he would task PM Davutoglu to form gov't before parliament elects speaker
More:Turkish president dismisses 'parliament speaker' speculation Anadolu Agency
Turkey detains four foreign journalists at Syrian border - Yahoo Maktoob News
Turkey detains four foreign journalists at Syrian border
AFP/Ilyas Akengin - Soldiers take position on the way to Mursitpinar crossing gate near the Syria border on February 22, 2015, at Suruc, in Sanliurfa, Turkey
Turkish security forces detained four foreign journalists -- three from Italy, one from France -- as they tried to cross into Turkey from war-torn Syria, the official Anatolia news agency said Saturday.
More:Turkey detains four foreign journalists at Syrian border - Yahoo Maktoob News
AFP/Ilyas Akengin - Soldiers take position on the way to Mursitpinar crossing gate near the Syria border on February 22, 2015, at Suruc, in Sanliurfa, Turkey
Turkish security forces detained four foreign journalists -- three from Italy, one from France -- as they tried to cross into Turkey from war-torn Syria, the official Anatolia news agency said Saturday.
More:Turkey detains four foreign journalists at Syrian border - Yahoo Maktoob News
Turkey should develop nuke safety in line with EU
Turkey should develop nuke safety in line with EU
By Harun Varlı -
Jun 20, 2015
EC recommends Turkey complies with Euratom Treaty and EU leglislation in the building of country’s 1st nuke plant
More:Turkey should develop nuke safety in line with EU
By Harun Varlı -
Jun 20, 2015
EC recommends Turkey complies with Euratom Treaty and EU leglislation in the building of country’s 1st nuke plant
More:Turkey should develop nuke safety in line with EU
Osman Hamdi Bey Museum closed to tourism - ARTS
Osman Hamdi Bey Museum closed to tourism
MUĞLA - Doğan News Agency
The mansion where archaeologist, painter and Turkey’s first museum pioneer Osman Hamdi Bey lived for some time in the Aegean province of Muğla’s Yatağan district is closed, drawing reaction from locals.
More:Osman Hamdi Bey Museum closed to tourism - ARTS
MUĞLA - Doğan News Agency
The mansion where archaeologist, painter and Turkey’s first museum pioneer Osman Hamdi Bey lived for some time in the Aegean province of Muğla’s Yatağan district is closed, drawing reaction from locals.
More:Osman Hamdi Bey Museum closed to tourism - ARTS
Head of Turkey’s largest conglomerate Koç calls for coalition
Head of Turkey’s largest conglomerate Koç calls for coalition
Mustafa Koç, chairman of Turkey’s largest conglomerate Koç Holding, voiced his support for a coalition government to be established, adding that Turkey simply could not handle a snap election just two months after the general election.
More:Head of Turkey’s largest conglomerate Koç calls for coalition
Mustafa Koç, chairman of Turkey’s largest conglomerate Koç Holding, voiced his support for a coalition government to be established, adding that Turkey simply could not handle a snap election just two months after the general election.
More:Head of Turkey’s largest conglomerate Koç calls for coalition
Nationalist forces in Greece and Turkey could thrive if Greek deal fails
Nationalist forces in Greece and Turkey could thrive if Greek deal fails
‘If Greece were to face economic collapse, and exit from the euro zone or even from the EU after the failure of these talks, the impact on Turkey would be large’
More:Nationalist forces in Greece and Turkey could thrive if Greek deal fails
‘If Greece were to face economic collapse, and exit from the euro zone or even from the EU after the failure of these talks, the impact on Turkey would be large’
More:Nationalist forces in Greece and Turkey could thrive if Greek deal fails
Future of European Games receives boost as Turkey emerges as serious candidate to host 2019 edition
Future of European Games receives boost as Turkey emerges as serious candidate to host 2019 edition
By Liam Morgan at the Baku 2015 Media Village Friday, 19 June 2015
Turkish Olympic Committee vice-president Hasan Arat has suggested Turkey may bid for the 2019 European Games ©Getty Images
Three Turkish cities are reportedly considering a bid for the 2019 European Games after Turkish Olympic Committee (TOC) vice-president Hasan Arat suggested the country may put itself forard to host the event after The Netherlands pulled out two days before the inaugural competition here.
More:Future of European Games receives boost as Turkey emerges as serious candidate to host 2019 edition
By Liam Morgan at the Baku 2015 Media Village Friday, 19 June 2015
Turkish Olympic Committee vice-president Hasan Arat has suggested Turkey may bid for the 2019 European Games ©Getty Images
Three Turkish cities are reportedly considering a bid for the 2019 European Games after Turkish Olympic Committee (TOC) vice-president Hasan Arat suggested the country may put itself forard to host the event after The Netherlands pulled out two days before the inaugural competition here.
More:Future of European Games receives boost as Turkey emerges as serious candidate to host 2019 edition
Reading specialist Istanbul-bound - The Star: Sun Prairie Star
Reading specialist Istanbul-bound
Posted: Friday, June 19, 2015 5:00 pm
by Tamar Myers
Come fall, in addition to asking her students what they did on their summer vacations, Sandra Kowalczyk, Reading Specialist and Go Global Club Advisor at Patrick Marsh Middle School, will be sharing what she learned while a summer scholar in Istanbul, Turkey.
More:Reading specialist Istanbul-bound - The Star: Sun Prairie Star
Posted: Friday, June 19, 2015 5:00 pm
by Tamar Myers
Come fall, in addition to asking her students what they did on their summer vacations, Sandra Kowalczyk, Reading Specialist and Go Global Club Advisor at Patrick Marsh Middle School, will be sharing what she learned while a summer scholar in Istanbul, Turkey.
More:Reading specialist Istanbul-bound - The Star: Sun Prairie Star
DYER: Turkey’s burning question, post election - Kamloops This Week
DYER: Turkey’s burning question, post election
By: Kamloops This Week in Columnists, Opinion June 19, 2015 0 54 Views
For Turks, the burning question after the recent election is whether they will now get the fully democratic, pluralist country so many of them want.
The defeat of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party does open that prospect, although translating it into reality will be very difficult.
More:DYER: Turkey’s burning question, post election - Kamloops This Week
By: Kamloops This Week in Columnists, Opinion June 19, 2015 0 54 Views
For Turks, the burning question after the recent election is whether they will now get the fully democratic, pluralist country so many of them want.
The defeat of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party does open that prospect, although translating it into reality will be very difficult.
More:DYER: Turkey’s burning question, post election - Kamloops This Week
Friday, June 19, 2015
The Caliphate Next Door: Turkey's Tricky ISIS Crisis
The Caliphate Next Door: Turkey’s Tricky ISIS Crisis
ISIS' defeat in a key border town was celebrated in the West but brought new headaches for Ankara
Share this on Facebook
More:The Caliphate Next Door: Turkey's Tricky ISIS Crisis
ISIS' defeat in a key border town was celebrated in the West but brought new headaches for Ankara
Share this on Facebook
More:The Caliphate Next Door: Turkey's Tricky ISIS Crisis
The dilemmas of Turkey’s nationalist party - BARÇIN YİNANÇ
The dilemmas of Turkey’s nationalist party
The German Free Democratic Party, which usually gets around 10 percent of the vote, has been in the federal government longer than any other party in Germany, as a junior partner in successive coalitions.
More:The dilemmas of Turkey’s nationalist party - BARÇIN YİNANÇ
The German Free Democratic Party, which usually gets around 10 percent of the vote, has been in the federal government longer than any other party in Germany, as a junior partner in successive coalitions.
More:The dilemmas of Turkey’s nationalist party - BARÇIN YİNANÇ
Turkey at a crossroads - Ozer Khalid
Turkey at a crossroads
Ozer Khalid
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
On June 7, 2015 Turkey migrated to an uncertain political epoque, as the electorate unshackled President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development (AK) party’s reins of power. Such a thirst for regime change echoes a broader reform zeitgeist amidst these tumultuous post-Arab Spring times.
More:Turkey at a crossroads - Ozer Khalid
Ozer Khalid
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
On June 7, 2015 Turkey migrated to an uncertain political epoque, as the electorate unshackled President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development (AK) party’s reins of power. Such a thirst for regime change echoes a broader reform zeitgeist amidst these tumultuous post-Arab Spring times.
More:Turkey at a crossroads - Ozer Khalid
Erdogan & Co.: Bad News for Jihadists
Erdogan & Co.: Bad News for Jihadists
by Burak Bekdil
June 18, 2015 at 4:00 am
Turkey's recent elections mean, among other things, that Erdogan, Davutoglu & Co.'s dreams of a new Middle East, built on a strictly pan-Islamist ummah [Muslim community] population and subservient to a supremacist Turkish empire, are, for some unknown time, over.
More:Erdogan & Co.: Bad News for Jihadists
by Burak Bekdil
June 18, 2015 at 4:00 am
Turkey's recent elections mean, among other things, that Erdogan, Davutoglu & Co.'s dreams of a new Middle East, built on a strictly pan-Islamist ummah [Muslim community] population and subservient to a supremacist Turkish empire, are, for some unknown time, over.
More:Erdogan & Co.: Bad News for Jihadists
Turkey's rule of law on slippery slope - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Turkey's rule of law on slippery slope
The World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index for 2015 reported on June 3 that Turkey has fallen 21 places. In its 2014 report, Turkey had ranked 59th among 99 countries. In 2015, it was ranked 80th among 102 countries. The study came out just a few days before the June 7 elections, and when only a handful of opposition media outlets published the news in Turkish, it caused no uproar.
More:Turkey's rule of law on slippery slope - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
The World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index for 2015 reported on June 3 that Turkey has fallen 21 places. In its 2014 report, Turkey had ranked 59th among 99 countries. In 2015, it was ranked 80th among 102 countries. The study came out just a few days before the June 7 elections, and when only a handful of opposition media outlets published the news in Turkish, it caused no uproar.
More:Turkey's rule of law on slippery slope - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
IN PHOTOS: A trip to Turkey's Hamptons on the Bosphorus - Jewish World Travel - - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
IN PHOTOS: A trip to Turkey's Hamptons on the Bosphorus
With its graceful Ottoman mansions (kosks) and villas (konaks) behind walls of bougainvillea and ivy, it’s easy to understand what once brought Leon Trotsky to reside on Buyukada.
More:IN PHOTOS: A trip to Turkey's Hamptons on the Bosphorus - Jewish World Travel - - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
With its graceful Ottoman mansions (kosks) and villas (konaks) behind walls of bougainvillea and ivy, it’s easy to understand what once brought Leon Trotsky to reside on Buyukada.
More:IN PHOTOS: A trip to Turkey's Hamptons on the Bosphorus - Jewish World Travel - - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News
Turkey election board confirms ruling party's loss of majority, focus turns to coalition talks | Fox News
Turkey election board confirms ruling party's loss of majority, focus turns to coalition talks
Published June 18, 2015Associated Press
ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey's election body has confirmed the ruling party's loss of its parliamentary majority after 13 years of single-party rule, setting the ball rolling for tortuous coalition-building talks.
More:Turkey election board confirms ruling party's loss of majority, focus turns to coalition talks | Fox News
Published June 18, 2015Associated Press
ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey's election body has confirmed the ruling party's loss of its parliamentary majority after 13 years of single-party rule, setting the ball rolling for tortuous coalition-building talks.
More:Turkey election board confirms ruling party's loss of majority, focus turns to coalition talks | Fox News
S&P says uncertainty in Turkey likely to persist for few months
S&P says uncertainty in Turkey likely to persist for few months
Ratings agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) said on Thursday it expected uncertainty to persist in Turkey over the next few months after an inconclusive election and, in the event of snap polls, to intensify by year-end and potentially hinder growth.
More:S&P says uncertainty in Turkey likely to persist for few months
Ratings agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) said on Thursday it expected uncertainty to persist in Turkey over the next few months after an inconclusive election and, in the event of snap polls, to intensify by year-end and potentially hinder growth.
More:S&P says uncertainty in Turkey likely to persist for few months
Turkey's Erdogan Undeterred by Parliamentary Loss
Turkey's Erdogan Undeterred by Parliamentary Loss
Dorian Jones
June 18, 2015 3:24 PM
ISTANBUL—
The bid by Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to extend his powers by turning the government into an executive presidency received a major blow in this month's elections. But he insists he retains a powerful mandate, a claim rejected by opposition parties.
More:Turkey's Erdogan Undeterred by Parliamentary Loss
Dorian Jones
June 18, 2015 3:24 PM
ISTANBUL—
The bid by Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to extend his powers by turning the government into an executive presidency received a major blow in this month's elections. But he insists he retains a powerful mandate, a claim rejected by opposition parties.
More:Turkey's Erdogan Undeterred by Parliamentary Loss
Caliphate Supporters Rally in Istanbul
Caliphate Supporters Rally in Istanbul
Salih Turan
June 19, 2015 4:19 PM
ISTANBUL—
Members of the Turkish branch of the outlawed Hizb ut-Tahrir rallied in Istanbul Friday, calling for the creation of an Islamic caliphate and denouncing the West.
More:Caliphate Supporters Rally in Istanbul
Salih Turan
June 19, 2015 4:19 PM
ISTANBUL—
Members of the Turkish branch of the outlawed Hizb ut-Tahrir rallied in Istanbul Friday, calling for the creation of an Islamic caliphate and denouncing the West.
More:Caliphate Supporters Rally in Istanbul
Opposition battles collection of medical records in Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Opposition battles collection of medical records in Turkey
In May, the Turkish Ministry of Health asked family doctors to provide it with the medical records of patients with chronic psychotic disorders registered at communityl mental health centers. “The medical record files of patients with schizophrenia, paranoid disorders, psychotic disorders and bipolar disorders should be filled in and dispatched,” the official letter said. The Health Ministry’s latest move comes as a fresh indication that despite criticism and controversy over efforts to collect personal data, the government continues to try to compile detailed profiles of citizens.
More:Opposition battles collection of medical records in Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
In May, the Turkish Ministry of Health asked family doctors to provide it with the medical records of patients with chronic psychotic disorders registered at communityl mental health centers. “The medical record files of patients with schizophrenia, paranoid disorders, psychotic disorders and bipolar disorders should be filled in and dispatched,” the official letter said. The Health Ministry’s latest move comes as a fresh indication that despite criticism and controversy over efforts to collect personal data, the government continues to try to compile detailed profiles of citizens.
More:Opposition battles collection of medical records in Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Demirel showed best and worst of Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Demirel showed best and worst of Turkey
Former Turkish President Suleyman Demirel, who died June 16 of heart failure at 90, reflected many of his country’s sublime and wicked sides. He served seven terms as prime minister — with two of those terms interrupted by military coups — as well as a presidential stint (1993-2000). Under his prime ministry, many milestone investment projects were achieved, including the first Bosporus bridge connecting Istanbul's Asian and European sides.
More:Demirel showed best and worst of Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Former Turkish President Suleyman Demirel, who died June 16 of heart failure at 90, reflected many of his country’s sublime and wicked sides. He served seven terms as prime minister — with two of those terms interrupted by military coups — as well as a presidential stint (1993-2000). Under his prime ministry, many milestone investment projects were achieved, including the first Bosporus bridge connecting Istanbul's Asian and European sides.
More:Demirel showed best and worst of Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Gazprom Signs Preliminary Deal to Expand Gas Pipeline to Germany - WSJ
Gazprom Signs Preliminary Deal to Expand Gas Pipeline to Germany
Says project with Shell, E.ON and OMV would double capacity of Nord Stream pipeline
By James Marson
June 18, 2015 1:35 p.m. ET
MOSCOW—Russia’s state gas firm OAO Gazprom signed a preliminary deal with three European companies to expand a pipeline to Germany, aiming to cement the company as the European Union’s main gas supplier even as it faces antimonopoly charges there.
More:Gazprom Signs Preliminary Deal to Expand Gas Pipeline to Germany - WSJ
Says project with Shell, E.ON and OMV would double capacity of Nord Stream pipeline
By James Marson
June 18, 2015 1:35 p.m. ET
MOSCOW—Russia’s state gas firm OAO Gazprom signed a preliminary deal with three European companies to expand a pipeline to Germany, aiming to cement the company as the European Union’s main gas supplier even as it faces antimonopoly charges there.
More:Gazprom Signs Preliminary Deal to Expand Gas Pipeline to Germany - WSJ
INTERVIEW: Critical period for Hizbullah in Turkey’s tense southeast - POLITICS
INTERVIEW: Critical period for Hizbullah in Turkey’s tense southeast
William Armstrong - william.armstrong@hdn.com.tr
Violence that erupted in Turkey’s southeast before and after the recent election has raised fears of a return to widespread clashes between affiliates of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Hizbullah, an outlawed Kurdish Islamist militant group.
More:INTERVIEW: Critical period for Hizbullah in Turkey’s tense southeast - POLITICS
William Armstrong - william.armstrong@hdn.com.tr
Violence that erupted in Turkey’s southeast before and after the recent election has raised fears of a return to widespread clashes between affiliates of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Hizbullah, an outlawed Kurdish Islamist militant group.
More:INTERVIEW: Critical period for Hizbullah in Turkey’s tense southeast - POLITICS
Will PKK let Kurdish politics move away from violence? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Will PKK let Kurdish politics move away from violence?
After the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) won 6 million votes June 7, surpassing the required 10% election threshold, the question of the day was: Where did these votes come from? According to Erik Meyersson, an assistant professor at the Stockholm School of Economics, about 1.5 million conservative Kurds had decided not to vote for the Justice and Development Party (AKP).
More:Will PKK let Kurdish politics move away from violence? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
After the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) won 6 million votes June 7, surpassing the required 10% election threshold, the question of the day was: Where did these votes come from? According to Erik Meyersson, an assistant professor at the Stockholm School of Economics, about 1.5 million conservative Kurds had decided not to vote for the Justice and Development Party (AKP).
More:Will PKK let Kurdish politics move away from violence? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
Lessons on the Turkish economy from its largest firms - EMRE DELİVELİ
Lessons on the Turkish economy from its largest firms
The Istanbul Chamber of Industry (İSO) released the latest (2014) of its annual rankings of Turkey’s top 500 industrial firms on June 16.
More:Lessons on the Turkish economy from its largest firms - EMRE DELİVELİ
The Istanbul Chamber of Industry (İSO) released the latest (2014) of its annual rankings of Turkey’s top 500 industrial firms on June 16.
More:Lessons on the Turkish economy from its largest firms - EMRE DELİVELİ
Why the “Putinization” of Turkey Has Failed - Institute of Modern Russia
Why the “Putinization” of Turkey Has Failed
18 June 2015
Marina Sevalneva
The results of Turkey’s recent parliamentary elections came as a surprise to many. For the first time in the last twelve years, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party received only 41 percent of the vote, thus losing its simple majority in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Political analysts characterize both Turkey and Russia as hybrid regimes; however, a comparative analysis of the two countries shows that despite him being an admirer of Putin’s policies, Erdogan is not destined to follow in the Russian leader’s footsteps.
More:Why the “Putinization” of Turkey Has Failed - Institute of Modern Russia
18 June 2015
Marina Sevalneva
The results of Turkey’s recent parliamentary elections came as a surprise to many. For the first time in the last twelve years, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party received only 41 percent of the vote, thus losing its simple majority in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Political analysts characterize both Turkey and Russia as hybrid regimes; however, a comparative analysis of the two countries shows that despite him being an admirer of Putin’s policies, Erdogan is not destined to follow in the Russian leader’s footsteps.
More:Why the “Putinization” of Turkey Has Failed - Institute of Modern Russia
PAL, Turkish Airlines enter codeshare deal | ABS-CBN News
PAL, Turkish Airlines enter codeshare deal
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 06/18/2015 11:16 PM
MANILA - Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) has entered a code share agreement with Turkish Airlines, further expanding its global reach.
More:PAL, Turkish Airlines enter codeshare deal | ABS-CBN News
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 06/18/2015 11:16 PM
MANILA - Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) has entered a code share agreement with Turkish Airlines, further expanding its global reach.
More:PAL, Turkish Airlines enter codeshare deal | ABS-CBN News
Voters abroad and issue of representation - Cihan News
Voters abroad and issue of representation
CIHAN | ISTANBUL- 18.06.2015 12:30:23
Turkish people living abroad have cast their votes in a Turkish election for the second time.
The voter turnout for the presidential election was low at 8 percent, which raised some discussions.
More:Voters abroad and issue of representation - Cihan News
CIHAN | ISTANBUL- 18.06.2015 12:30:23
Turkish people living abroad have cast their votes in a Turkish election for the second time.
The voter turnout for the presidential election was low at 8 percent, which raised some discussions.
More:Voters abroad and issue of representation - Cihan News
Istanbul’s introverted megaspaces | News | Archinect
Istanbul’s introverted megaspaces
A new typology of XL-architecture is emerging in Istanbul, negating the urban context. These ‘Citadels-on-Steroids’ rapidly encroach on the city’s urban fabric.
More:Istanbul’s introverted megaspaces | News | Archinect
A new typology of XL-architecture is emerging in Istanbul, negating the urban context. These ‘Citadels-on-Steroids’ rapidly encroach on the city’s urban fabric.
More:Istanbul’s introverted megaspaces | News | Archinect
Op-Ed: Now is the time for the EU to engage with Turkey
Op-Ed: Now is the time for the EU to engage with Turkey
By Matthew Turner 6 hours ago in Politics
Ankara - Turkey decided to vote Erdogan out of his presidential ambitions. However, this is the European Union's best moment in a decade to engage with Ankara.
More:Op-Ed: Now is the time for the EU to engage with Turkey
By Matthew Turner 6 hours ago in Politics
Ankara - Turkey decided to vote Erdogan out of his presidential ambitions. However, this is the European Union's best moment in a decade to engage with Ankara.
More:Op-Ed: Now is the time for the EU to engage with Turkey
Coalition In Turkey Could Alter Country’s Foreign Policy Direction - Analysis - Eurasia Review
Coalition In Turkey Could Alter Country’s Foreign Policy Direction – Analysis
Turkey’s coalition politics could swing right toward nationalism or left toward deals with Kurds and the EU.
More:Coalition In Turkey Could Alter Country’s Foreign Policy Direction - Analysis - Eurasia Review
Turkey’s coalition politics could swing right toward nationalism or left toward deals with Kurds and the EU.
More:Coalition In Turkey Could Alter Country’s Foreign Policy Direction - Analysis - Eurasia Review
Turkey: HDP may externally back an AKP-CHP coalition - Politics - ANSAMed.it
Turkey: HDP may externally back an AKP-CHP coalition
'If our principles are included', says Demirtas
18 June, 18:14
(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, MAY 18 - The head of the pro-Kurdish party HDP, Selahattin Demirtas, told Turkish media on Thursday that his party would support the AKP and the CHP if they were to form a coalition that includes their principles. ''So far we have had neither official nor informal meetings, but our doors are open to all parties,'' he added, discussing the possibility of a broad coalition made up of the two main parties, which together would have 390 of 550 seats in parliament. Demirtas had until now excluded a coalition with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP. ''From now on Davutoglu (the outgoing prime minister, Ed.) must get rid of the rhetoric and the style used prior to the elections, which led to the AKP's defeat,'' Demirtas added. In a television interview, Ahmet Davutoglu said that he was nor ruling out any possibility, including a coalition with the pro-Kurdish party, but called on them to ''cut their ties with terrorism and violence''.
More:Turkey: HDP may externally back an AKP-CHP coalition - Politics - ANSAMed.it
'If our principles are included', says Demirtas
18 June, 18:14
(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, MAY 18 - The head of the pro-Kurdish party HDP, Selahattin Demirtas, told Turkish media on Thursday that his party would support the AKP and the CHP if they were to form a coalition that includes their principles. ''So far we have had neither official nor informal meetings, but our doors are open to all parties,'' he added, discussing the possibility of a broad coalition made up of the two main parties, which together would have 390 of 550 seats in parliament. Demirtas had until now excluded a coalition with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP. ''From now on Davutoglu (the outgoing prime minister, Ed.) must get rid of the rhetoric and the style used prior to the elections, which led to the AKP's defeat,'' Demirtas added. In a television interview, Ahmet Davutoglu said that he was nor ruling out any possibility, including a coalition with the pro-Kurdish party, but called on them to ''cut their ties with terrorism and violence''.
More:Turkey: HDP may externally back an AKP-CHP coalition - Politics - ANSAMed.it
The Turkish elections have produced a good result – but may still give us a bad outcome
The Turkish elections have produced a good result – but may still give us a bad outcome
The likeliest alliance, of the conservative Justice and Development Party and the ultra-nationalist Turkish Nationalist Action Party, may have security implications for the whole region.
More:The Turkish elections have produced a good result – but may still give us a bad outcome
The likeliest alliance, of the conservative Justice and Development Party and the ultra-nationalist Turkish Nationalist Action Party, may have security implications for the whole region.
More:The Turkish elections have produced a good result – but may still give us a bad outcome
The TTIP: What’s at Stake for U.S.-Turkey Relations?
The TTIP: What’s at Stake for U.S.-Turkey Relations?
Jun 19, 2015 Written by Eli K. Lovely, Guest Contributor
As the U.S. and EU advance towards adoption of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the West’s relationship with NATO ally Turkey has seemingly fallen by the wayside. The TTIP, a proposed free trade agreement that would integrate the world’s largest economies, risks excluding Turkey unless its current European Customs Union Agreement with the EU is modified accordingly. Turkey’s exclusion from the TTIP would prevent it from imposing a customs duty on U.S. imports, while allowing the U.S. to continue imposing such duties on Turkish imports, further imbalancing the bilateral economic relationship. An agreement without Turkey’s participation would negatively impact the U.S.-Turkey overall relationship at a time when common challenges between the two countries demand their close cooperation. While the TTIP will bolster U.S.-EU trade ties, with estimated gains amounting to USD 134 billion a year for the EU and USD 107 billion a year for the U.S., Turkey’s absence from the agreement would be a devastating economic and diplomatic loss for the U.S.
More:The TTIP: What’s at Stake for U.S.-Turkey Relations?
Jun 19, 2015 Written by Eli K. Lovely, Guest Contributor
As the U.S. and EU advance towards adoption of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the West’s relationship with NATO ally Turkey has seemingly fallen by the wayside. The TTIP, a proposed free trade agreement that would integrate the world’s largest economies, risks excluding Turkey unless its current European Customs Union Agreement with the EU is modified accordingly. Turkey’s exclusion from the TTIP would prevent it from imposing a customs duty on U.S. imports, while allowing the U.S. to continue imposing such duties on Turkish imports, further imbalancing the bilateral economic relationship. An agreement without Turkey’s participation would negatively impact the U.S.-Turkey overall relationship at a time when common challenges between the two countries demand their close cooperation. While the TTIP will bolster U.S.-EU trade ties, with estimated gains amounting to USD 134 billion a year for the EU and USD 107 billion a year for the U.S., Turkey’s absence from the agreement would be a devastating economic and diplomatic loss for the U.S.
More:The TTIP: What’s at Stake for U.S.-Turkey Relations?
Turkey's HDP Attempts to Bridge Interests of Kurds and Non-Kurds
Turkey's HDP Attempts to Bridge Interests of Kurds and Non-Kurds
Dorian Jones
June 19, 2015 3:25 PM
ISTANBUL—
Turkey’s HDP party achieved an electoral breakthrough in the June 7th election, becoming the first pro-Kurdish party to win representation in parliament. This breakthrough was made possible in part by the fact that large numbers of non-Kurdish Turks embraced the party's message of pluralism and democratic rights. The HDP’s success gives hope that ethnic divisions between Turks and Kurds can be bridged.
More:Turkey's HDP Attempts to Bridge Interests of Kurds and Non-Kurds
Dorian Jones
June 19, 2015 3:25 PM
ISTANBUL—
Turkey’s HDP party achieved an electoral breakthrough in the June 7th election, becoming the first pro-Kurdish party to win representation in parliament. This breakthrough was made possible in part by the fact that large numbers of non-Kurdish Turks embraced the party's message of pluralism and democratic rights. The HDP’s success gives hope that ethnic divisions between Turks and Kurds can be bridged.
More:Turkey's HDP Attempts to Bridge Interests of Kurds and Non-Kurds
Turkish-Russian ties: Cooperation despite discord - Al Arabiya News
Turkish-Russian ties: Cooperation despite discord
Friday, 19 June 2015
Text size A A A
Maria Dubovikova
The failure of Turkey’s governing AK Party (AKP) to win the majority of votes in recent elections complicates things for President Recep Tayyep Erdogan. Nevertheless, Russian President Vladimir Putin called to congratulate him on AKP’s electoral victory right after the results became official. The two leaders also met behind closed doors on the sidelines of the European Games that are taking place in Azerbaijan.
More:Turkish-Russian ties: Cooperation despite discord - Al Arabiya News
Friday, 19 June 2015
Text size A A A
Maria Dubovikova
The failure of Turkey’s governing AK Party (AKP) to win the majority of votes in recent elections complicates things for President Recep Tayyep Erdogan. Nevertheless, Russian President Vladimir Putin called to congratulate him on AKP’s electoral victory right after the results became official. The two leaders also met behind closed doors on the sidelines of the European Games that are taking place in Azerbaijan.
More:Turkish-Russian ties: Cooperation despite discord - Al Arabiya News
Captured terrorist 'confirms' Turkey-IS ties - Yahoo Maktoob News
Captured terrorist 'confirms' Turkey-IS ties
IANSBy Indo Asian News Service
Baghdad, June 19 (IANS) A Turkish Islamic State militant, captured recently by the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, has confirmed the close connections between Ankara and the Sunni radical group.
More:Captured terrorist 'confirms' Turkey-IS ties - Yahoo Maktoob News
IANSBy Indo Asian News Service
Baghdad, June 19 (IANS) A Turkish Islamic State militant, captured recently by the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, has confirmed the close connections between Ankara and the Sunni radical group.
More:Captured terrorist 'confirms' Turkey-IS ties - Yahoo Maktoob News
Turkey elections mark the start of a revolution for women | Semanur Karaman | Global development | The Guardian
Turkey elections mark the start of a revolution for women
“This victory is the common victory of all women of Turkey, ” Selahattin Demirtaş, co-president of the Peoples’ Democratic party (HDP), said in a television address to millions of citizens awaiting the outcome of the national elections on 7 June.
More:Turkey elections mark the start of a revolution for women | Semanur Karaman | Global development | The Guardian
“This victory is the common victory of all women of Turkey, ” Selahattin Demirtaş, co-president of the Peoples’ Democratic party (HDP), said in a television address to millions of citizens awaiting the outcome of the national elections on 7 June.
More:Turkey elections mark the start of a revolution for women | Semanur Karaman | Global development | The Guardian
Youth in Turkey’s 2015 Elections | Middle East Research and Information Project
Youth in Turkey’s 2015 Elections
by Aydin Özipek | published June 19, 2015 - 12:48pm
On June 7, Turkish citizens went to the polls to elect the 550 members of the Grand National Assembly. Although the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) won 41 percent of the vote, it lost its majority in the parliament for the first time since 2002. It was a major blow for the party’s founder, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, whose plan to become a more powerful executive with fewer checks and balances seems to have been vetoed by the electorate. On the other hand, the deciding factor in the elections was the impressive success of the leftist, Kurdish-majority Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), which won 13 percent of the votes (up from 6.5 percent in 2011). The HDP received this additional support mostly from conservative Kurds who had previously voted for Erdoğan’s AKP, as well as from many progressive Turks.
More:Youth in Turkey’s 2015 Elections | Middle East Research and Information Project
by Aydin Özipek | published June 19, 2015 - 12:48pm
On June 7, Turkish citizens went to the polls to elect the 550 members of the Grand National Assembly. Although the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) won 41 percent of the vote, it lost its majority in the parliament for the first time since 2002. It was a major blow for the party’s founder, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, whose plan to become a more powerful executive with fewer checks and balances seems to have been vetoed by the electorate. On the other hand, the deciding factor in the elections was the impressive success of the leftist, Kurdish-majority Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), which won 13 percent of the votes (up from 6.5 percent in 2011). The HDP received this additional support mostly from conservative Kurds who had previously voted for Erdoğan’s AKP, as well as from many progressive Turks.
More:Youth in Turkey’s 2015 Elections | Middle East Research and Information Project
Angelina Jolie set to visit Syrian refugees in Turkey - Daily Sabah
Angelina Jolie set to visit Syrian refugees in Turkey
Angelina Jolie talking to Syrian refugees during a 2011 visit to the refugee camp in Hatay provinces Altınözü district. Angelina Jolie talking to Syrian refugees during a 2011 visit to the refugee camp in Hatay province's Altınözü district.
World-renowned actress Angelina Jolie is scheduled on Saturday to pay a visit to Syrian refugees taking shelter in Turkey, which hosts most Syrian refugees in the world and faces a new possible influx
More:Angelina Jolie set to visit Syrian refugees in Turkey - Daily Sabah
Angelina Jolie talking to Syrian refugees during a 2011 visit to the refugee camp in Hatay provinces Altınözü district. Angelina Jolie talking to Syrian refugees during a 2011 visit to the refugee camp in Hatay province's Altınözü district.
World-renowned actress Angelina Jolie is scheduled on Saturday to pay a visit to Syrian refugees taking shelter in Turkey, which hosts most Syrian refugees in the world and faces a new possible influx
More:Angelina Jolie set to visit Syrian refugees in Turkey - Daily Sabah
Syria’s Kurds close border gate with Turkey to clear ‘traps’
Syria’s Kurds close border gate with Turkey to clear ‘traps’
The Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) has reportedly closed the border gate in the Syrian town of Tel Abyad so that it can clear traps and bombs in the area following heavy clashes between Kurdish forces and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
More:Syria’s Kurds close border gate with Turkey to clear ‘traps’
The Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) has reportedly closed the border gate in the Syrian town of Tel Abyad so that it can clear traps and bombs in the area following heavy clashes between Kurdish forces and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
More:Syria’s Kurds close border gate with Turkey to clear ‘traps’
New Turkey Refugee Laws Keep Syrian Refugees in Limbo - Breitbart
New Turkey Refugee Laws Keep Syrian Refugees in Limbo
by Mary Chastain19 Jun 20151
New refugee laws in Turkey appear to give Syrians more rights, but they stop short of granting them full refugee status. Despite approval from the UN, Syrian refugees fleeing Bashar al-Assad and the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) still cannot find work or receive full residency in the NATO country.
More:New Turkey Refugee Laws Keep Syrian Refugees in Limbo - Breitbart
by Mary Chastain19 Jun 20151
New refugee laws in Turkey appear to give Syrians more rights, but they stop short of granting them full refugee status. Despite approval from the UN, Syrian refugees fleeing Bashar al-Assad and the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) still cannot find work or receive full residency in the NATO country.
More:New Turkey Refugee Laws Keep Syrian Refugees in Limbo - Breitbart
JOOST LAGENDIJK - Making the same mistake again
Making the same mistake again
Kobani has already gone down in history as the place where the Justice and Development Party (AKP) lost most of its Kurdish voters -- and therefore the June 7 parliamentary elections -- and Turkey lost its credibility in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
More:JOOST LAGENDIJK - Making the same mistake again
Kobani has already gone down in history as the place where the Justice and Development Party (AKP) lost most of its Kurdish voters -- and therefore the June 7 parliamentary elections -- and Turkey lost its credibility in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
More:JOOST LAGENDIJK - Making the same mistake again
Turkey's main opposition floats idea of 'rotating' premiership - Channel NewsAsia
Turkey's main opposition floats idea of 'rotating' premiership
Turkey's main secularist opposition suggested rotating the post of prime minister with a nationalist party on Friday, in an effort to win support for a coalition government excluding the ruling AK Party.
More:Turkey's main opposition floats idea of 'rotating' premiership - Channel NewsAsia
Turkey's main secularist opposition suggested rotating the post of prime minister with a nationalist party on Friday, in an effort to win support for a coalition government excluding the ruling AK Party.
More:Turkey's main opposition floats idea of 'rotating' premiership - Channel NewsAsia
Turkish Professor Under Fire for Twitter Photo of Turkey's Founder in Hell - Breitbart
Turkish Professor Under Fire for Twitter Photo of Turkey’s Founder in Hell
by Mary Chastain19 Jun 20150
Mustafa Karaaslan, an education official in Bursa, Turkey, has triggered national outrage after his Twitter account posted a picture of Turkey’s founding father Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in hell, presumably for being a secular leader, rather than an Islamist one.
More:Turkish Professor Under Fire for Twitter Photo of Turkey's Founder in Hell - Breitbart
by Mary Chastain19 Jun 20150
Mustafa Karaaslan, an education official in Bursa, Turkey, has triggered national outrage after his Twitter account posted a picture of Turkey’s founding father Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in hell, presumably for being a secular leader, rather than an Islamist one.
More:Turkish Professor Under Fire for Twitter Photo of Turkey's Founder in Hell - Breitbart
New solidarity in struggle to protect Turkey's 'life spaces'
New solidarity in struggle to protect Turkey's 'life spaces'
Jennifer Hattam
June 19, 2015
Emerging regional and national networks seek to build connections between local communities and provide support to their fights against dams, mines, and other environmental threats.
More:New solidarity in struggle to protect Turkey's 'life spaces'
Jennifer Hattam
June 19, 2015
Emerging regional and national networks seek to build connections between local communities and provide support to their fights against dams, mines, and other environmental threats.
More:New solidarity in struggle to protect Turkey's 'life spaces'
Turkey detains Georgian men smuggling radioactive cesium across border - CBS News
Turkey: Men arrested carrying nuclear material at border
ISTANBUL -- Turkish news agencies say that authorities have arrested two Georgian citizens who tried to enter the Turkey with radioactive material, including cesium.
State-run Anadolu Agency says a woman identified only as N.K., aged 43, and a man, I.A., 40, were arrested Friday at a border gate in northeastern Turkey. The agency said they entered by foot from Georgia and were acting suspiciously. A search found 1.2 kilos of the cesium.
More:Turkey detains Georgian men smuggling radioactive cesium across border - CBS News
ISTANBUL -- Turkish news agencies say that authorities have arrested two Georgian citizens who tried to enter the Turkey with radioactive material, including cesium.
State-run Anadolu Agency says a woman identified only as N.K., aged 43, and a man, I.A., 40, were arrested Friday at a border gate in northeastern Turkey. The agency said they entered by foot from Georgia and were acting suspiciously. A search found 1.2 kilos of the cesium.
More:Turkey detains Georgian men smuggling radioactive cesium across border - CBS News
Election board confirms Turkish party's loss of majority - Yahoo News
Election board confirms Turkish party's loss of majority
Associated Press
June 18, 2015 10:18 AM
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey's election body has confirmed the ruling party's loss of its parliamentary majority after 13 years of single-party rule, setting the ball rolling for tortuous coalition-building talks.
More:Election board confirms Turkish party's loss of majority - Yahoo News
Associated Press
June 18, 2015 10:18 AM
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey's election body has confirmed the ruling party's loss of its parliamentary majority after 13 years of single-party rule, setting the ball rolling for tortuous coalition-building talks.
More:Election board confirms Turkish party's loss of majority - Yahoo News
Ankara bids farewell to former President Demirel in official ceremony - POLITICS
Ankara bids farewell to former President Demirel in official ceremony
ANKARA
A state funeral was held in Ankara for former Turkish President and seven-time Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel, who died aged 90 on June 17.
More:Ankara bids farewell to former President Demirel in official ceremony - POLITICS
ANKARA
A state funeral was held in Ankara for former Turkish President and seven-time Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel, who died aged 90 on June 17.
More:Ankara bids farewell to former President Demirel in official ceremony - POLITICS
Turkish main opposition leader offers prime ministry to MHP chair in coalition government - POLITICS
Turkish main opposition leader offers prime ministry to MHP chair in coalition government
Deniz Zeyrek - ANKARA
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has offered the seat of prime minister to Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) counterpart Devlet Bahçeli in a bid to convince the nationalist leader to form a coalition government with the CHP.
More:Turkish main opposition leader offers prime ministry to MHP chair in coalition government - POLITICS
Deniz Zeyrek - ANKARA
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has offered the seat of prime minister to Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) counterpart Devlet Bahçeli in a bid to convince the nationalist leader to form a coalition government with the CHP.
More:Turkish main opposition leader offers prime ministry to MHP chair in coalition government - POLITICS
Delta boosts connectivity from Istanbul to JFK
Delta boosts connectivity from Istanbul to JFK
Delta will be offering customers flying from Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport smoother transfers to a number of U.S. destinations this summer via its hub at the newly extended Terminal 4 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The daily service, which operates during the summer season beginning this month, will use a Wi-Fi equipped Airbus A330-300 aircraft, meaning passengers can stay connected at 30,000 feet.
More:Delta boosts connectivity from Istanbul to JFK
Delta will be offering customers flying from Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport smoother transfers to a number of U.S. destinations this summer via its hub at the newly extended Terminal 4 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The daily service, which operates during the summer season beginning this month, will use a Wi-Fi equipped Airbus A330-300 aircraft, meaning passengers can stay connected at 30,000 feet.
More:Delta boosts connectivity from Istanbul to JFK
Erdogan succumbs to the fog of politics - FT.com
Erdogan succumbs to the fog of politics
David Gardner David Gardner
A striking collapse of judgement in a leader who once mesmerised his electorate
More:Erdogan succumbs to the fog of politics - FT.com
David Gardner David Gardner
A striking collapse of judgement in a leader who once mesmerised his electorate
More:Erdogan succumbs to the fog of politics - FT.com
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Turkey and the EU: the pros and cons of membership | News | The Week UK
Turkey and the EU: the pros and cons of membership
Turkish Flag Waver Istanbul
With such differences in culture, politics and economics, should Turkey be allowed to join the EU?
More:Turkey and the EU: the pros and cons of membership | News | The Week UK
Turkish Flag Waver Istanbul
With such differences in culture, politics and economics, should Turkey be allowed to join the EU?
More:Turkey and the EU: the pros and cons of membership | News | The Week UK
UN: Turkey hosts largest number of refugees in the world
UN: Turkey hosts largest number of refugees in the world
By Erol Ersoy -
Jun 18, 2015
New refugee agency report says developing world is shouldering the demands of refugee crises
ISTANBUL – Turkey shelters the largest number of refugees in the world but gets very little support from other countries, the UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees has told an Istanbul audience.
More:UN: Turkey hosts largest number of refugees in the world
By Erol Ersoy -
Jun 18, 2015
New refugee agency report says developing world is shouldering the demands of refugee crises
ISTANBUL – Turkey shelters the largest number of refugees in the world but gets very little support from other countries, the UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees has told an Istanbul audience.
More:UN: Turkey hosts largest number of refugees in the world