Monday, December 31, 2018

Informants fuel steep rise in Turkish 'insulting president' cases, lawyers say | Middle East Eye

Informants fuel steep rise in Turkish 'insulting president' cases, lawyers say

More than 60,000 cases of insulting the president have been investigated by prosecutors since Recep Tayyip Erdogan was elected in 2014

More:Informants fuel steep rise in Turkish 'insulting president' cases, lawyers say | Middle East Eye

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Turkey's ruling party names parliament speaker as Istanbul mayoral candidate - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Turkey's ruling party names parliament speaker as Istanbul mayoral candidate

ISTANBUL, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party on Saturday named Binali Yildirim, speaker of the Grand National Assembly and a former prime minister, as its mayoral candidate for Istanbul in the upcoming local elections.

More:Turkey's ruling party names parliament speaker as Istanbul mayoral candidate - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Friday, December 28, 2018

Turkish Journalists Association urges media watchdog to be ‘neutral’ - Turkey News

Turkish Journalists Association urges media watchdog to be ‘neutral’
ANKARA

Turkish Journalists Association (TGC) has slammed Radio and Television Supreme Council’s (RTÜK) decision to fine FOX TV, Halk TV, and Tele1, saying the ruling “is a direct intervention to the profession of journalism and is against the Constitution.”

More:Turkish Journalists Association urges media watchdog to be ‘neutral’ - Turkey News

Vail Symposium to give insight on Turkey | VailDaily.com

Vail Symposium to give insight on Turkey

December 28, 2018

In the continually changing tapestry of conflict and peace in the Middle East, Turkey is a chameleon-like country, shifting from the background to the forefront in what might seem like the blink of an eye. On Thursday at the Four Seasons Resort Vail, Vail Symposium's first program of 2019 will delve into Turkey with the latest offering in its geopolitical series, "Turbulent Times: Turkey's Tenuous Relationship with the West."

More:Vail Symposium to give insight on Turkey | VailDaily.com

Over 17,000 Turks seek asylum in Europe in 2018 after coup attempt - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Over 17,000 Turks seek asylum in Europe in 2018 after coup attempt

ANKARA, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The number of Turkish citizens seeking asylum in European Union countries have significantly increased in the past two years, exceeding 17,000 pending applicants so far this year, a Turkish official told Xinhua. Turks ranked the fifth largest group among asylum applications to the EU member states in 2018. Majority of these applicants are believed to be linked to Gulen Movement, supporting fugitive preacher Fethullah Gulen who is accused by the Turkish government of masterminding the coup, the official said on anonymity. The official added that in 2016, there were almost none asylum applications from Turkey to the EU member states.

More:Over 17,000 Turks seek asylum in Europe in 2018 after coup attempt - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Turkey’s youth unemployment reaches frightening level

Turkey’s youth unemployment reaches frightening level

Mustafa Sonmez December 27, 2018

Article Summary

Youth unemployment in Turkey has hit 21.6%, according to official figures, but beyond the formal definitions and methodologies, the actual situation on the ground is even more alarming.

More:Turkey’s youth unemployment reaches frightening level

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Trump and the Fed: Time to Talk Turkey

Trump and the Fed: Time to Talk Turkey
Robert Hockett

Since 2015 at latest, it has been common for opponents of Donald Trump’s politics to liken him to Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Some suggest both men are autocrats, others claim Trump is Vlad’s puppet, and still others say Putin’s the man whom Trump wishes to be.

More:Trump and the Fed: Time to Talk Turkey

Turkey raises minimum wage about 26 percent to 2,020 lira: labour minister | Reuters

Turkey raises minimum wage about 26 percent to 2,020 lira: labour minister

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey will increase the minimum wage by 26 percent in 2019, for a monthly minimum wage of 2,020 lira ($381), the labour minister said on Tuesday.

More:Turkey raises minimum wage about 26 percent to 2,020 lira: labour minister | Reuters

Monday, December 24, 2018

Trump’s New Embrace of Turkish President Erdogan Decried by Top US Jewish Leaders | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Trump’s New Embrace of Turkish President Erdogan Decried by Top US Jewish Leaders
avatar by Ben Cohen

Two prominent American Jewish leaders expressed strong concern on Monday over US President Donald Trump’s declaration of faith in Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as part of his sudden decision to withdraw the 2,000 US troops presently assisting Kurdish and Arab allies in Syria.

More:Trump’s New Embrace of Turkish President Erdogan Decried by Top US Jewish Leaders | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Famous Turkish actor quizzed over 'threats to Erdogan' - Saudi Gazette

Famous Turkish actor quizzed over 'threats to Erdogan'
2018-12-24 15:54:27

ISTANBUL — A famous Turkish actor testified to Istanbul prosecutors on Monday after authorities opened a probe into whether comments he made on television threatened President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with death, local media reported.

More:Famous Turkish actor quizzed over 'threats to Erdogan' - Saudi Gazette

Erdogan’s Anti-Semitism Will Sink Turkey’s Economy – Foreign Policy

Erdogan’s Anti-Semitism Will Sink Turkey’s Economy

The Turkish president’s racist conspiracy theories are a threat to economic stability.

More:Erdogan’s Anti-Semitism Will Sink Turkey’s Economy – Foreign Policy

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Turkey opens probe of actors' alleged TV insults of Erdogan - WPTA

Turkey opens probe of actors’ alleged TV insults of Erdogan

ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey’s official news agency says prosecutors are investigating two prominent actors for comments on a television program. Anadolu agency on Sunday quoted a statement from the Istanbul prosecutors’ that said actors Metin Akpinar and Mujdat Gezen were “invited” for questioning following media reports about their alleged insults of Turkey’s president and threats of “a coup and death.”

More:Turkey opens probe of actors' alleged TV insults of Erdogan - WPTA

The NATO Country Where Journalism Is a Crime | RealClearPolitics

The NATO Country Where Journalism Is a Crime

By Carl M. Cannon - RCP Staff
December 23, 2018

The assassins who ambushed Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul on Oct. 2 must have figured they were protected. Not only is the consulate where Khashoggi was lured to his death technically Saudi Arabian property under diplomatic law, but the killers were operating on Turkish soil -- some of the most dangerous terrain for a journalist on Earth.

More:The NATO Country Where Journalism Is a Crime | RealClearPolitics

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Thousands protest in Istanbul against higher living costs

Thousands protest in Istanbul against higher living costs

Istanbul (AFP)

Thousands of protesters on Saturday took to the streets in Istanbul to demonstrate against the rising cost of living and crippling inflation in Turkey.

Surrounded by a heavy police presence, the protesters held banners with references to the "yellow vest" movement in France, which began as a demonstration against fuel price hikes but snowballed into anti-government protests, an AFP correspondent reported.

More:Thousands protest in Istanbul against higher living costs

White House says Erdogan promised Trump he'd finish off ISIS in Syria

White House says Erdogan promised Trump he'd finish off ISIS in Syria

What took place during Trump’s phone call with the Turkish leader has been a central question in the debate over Trump’s decision to pull all U.S. troops out of Syria.

More:White House says Erdogan promised Trump he'd finish off ISIS in Syria

The Role of Turkey in the US Defense Secretary's Resignation

The Role of Turkey in the US Defense Secretary's Resignation
By Boris Djuric December 22, 2018

In the phone call with the Turkish president Erdoğan, Trump decided to upend previous US policy and withdraw troops from Syria.

More:The Role of Turkey in the US Defense Secretary's Resignation

Friday, December 21, 2018

Turkey’s Erdogan delays operation against Kurdish forces in Syria - The Washington Post

Turkey’s Erdogan delays operation against Kurdish forces in Syria

By Erin Cunningham and
Louisa Loveluck
December 21 at 11:04 AM

ISTANBUL — Turkey will delay a planned offensive against Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday, citing talks with the U.S. president and other officials after the administration’s decision this week to withdraw all U.S. troops from the country.

More:Turkey’s Erdogan delays operation against Kurdish forces in Syria - The Washington Post

Trump’s Gifts to Turkey Repeat Mistakes and Set Bad Precedents - Defense One

Trump’s Gifts to Turkey Repeat Mistakes and Set Bad Precedents

By Aykan Erdemir

The withdrawal from Syria and sale of missiles to Ankara will undermine U.S. efforts to work with partners and rebuff Russian influence.

More:Trump’s Gifts to Turkey Repeat Mistakes and Set Bad Precedents - Defense One

Win for Turkey, loss for Kurds, election rhetoric for Trump – experts on US pullout from Syria | Preston Business Review

Win for Turkey, loss for Kurds, election rhetoric for Trump – experts on US pullout from Syria
December 20, 2018

Win for Turkey, loss for Kurds, election rhetoric for Trump – experts on US pullout from Syria The announced US withdrawal from Syria is likely related to the 2020 US elections, as well as the complex power struggle between Turkey and Saudi Arabia for influence in Washington, Middle East experts tell RT.

More:Win for Turkey, loss for Kurds, election rhetoric for Trump – experts on US pullout from Syria | Preston Business Review

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Second-largest sock exporter, Turkey ships 1.4B pairs to Europe in first 10 months - Daily Sabah

Second-largest sock exporter, Turkey ships 1.4B pairs to Europe in first 10 months
DAILY SABAH WITH AA
ISTANBUL

An important player in the world's socks market, the Turkish socks industry has generated nearly $900 million in revenue from 1.4 billion pairs of socks it exported in the first 10 months of the year.

More:Second-largest sock exporter, Turkey ships 1.4B pairs to Europe in first 10 months - Daily Sabah

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Over 60 Turkish lawmakers facing lawsuit over Erdogan cartoon- Report - Al Arabiya English

Over 60 Turkish lawmakers facing lawsuit over Erdogan cartoon- Report

Al Arabiya English, Dubai Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Turkish prosecutors are preparing to file lawsuits against 68 lawmakers with Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) for insulting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan by sharing a cartoon on Twitter, independent news site T24 reported.

More:Over 60 Turkish lawmakers facing lawsuit over Erdogan cartoon- Report - Al Arabiya English

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Turkey Hosts World's More Refugees Than Any Other Country

Turkey Hosts World's More Refugees Than Any Other Country

Ankara, Dec 18 (Prensa Latina)

On International Migrants Day, anually held on December 18, Turkey published data on the refugees established in its territory, and ranks first host country in the world. Turkey has been hosting 3,611,834 registered Syrians, according to figures provided by the Interior Ministry on December 6, some 47.5 percent of them are 18 years old. The number of Syrians sheltering in camps was registered as 144,036.

More:Turkey Hosts World's More Refugees Than Any Other Country

Turkish retail sales volume drops 7.5 percent in October | Reuters

Turkish retail sales volume drops 7.5 percent in October

ISTANBUL, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Turkish retail sales volume tumbled 7.5 percent year-on-year in October, a second consecutive month of decline, official data showed on Tuesday in a fresh illustration of an economic slowdown.

More:Turkish retail sales volume drops 7.5 percent in October | Reuters

Trump Didn’t Commit to Extraditing Gulen, Official Says - Bloomberg

Trump Didn’t Commit to Extraditing Turkish Cleric, Official Says
By Justin Sink
and Margaret Talev
December 17, 2018, 4:47 PM EST

President Donald Trump didn’t commit to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he would extradite a U.S.-based religious leader Turkey has accused of instigating an attempted coup, a senior White House official said.

More:Trump Didn’t Commit to Extraditing Gulen, Official Says - Bloomberg

Monday, December 17, 2018

What brings the end of tulip era in Turkey's tourism campaign?

What brings the end of tulip era in Turkey's tourism campaign?

Pinar Tremblay December 17, 2018

Article Summary

Turkey has used a tulip logo in its national branding for nearly two decades, but it signaled that a new symbol may be needed next year.

More:What brings the end of tulip era in Turkey's tourism campaign?

Turkey recession fears grow as industrial output slumps | Financial Times

Turkey recession fears grow as industrial output slumps

Weakening economy becomes political problem for Erdogan ahead of local elections in 2019

More:Turkey recession fears grow as industrial output slumps | Financial Times

Flynn’s Work for Turkey Laid Out in Charges Against 2 Others - Bloomberg

Flynn’s Work for Turkey Laid Out in Charges Against Two Others

By David Kocieniewski and David Voreacos
December 17, 2018, 10:49 AM EST Updated on December 17, 2018, 12:53 PM EST Kian,

Private Company Michael Flynn’s cooperation with Special Counsel Robert Mueller led prosecutors to charge two Flynn associates over their work on behalf of Turkey, in an indictment unsealed the day before Donald Trump’s former national security adviser is to be sentenced.

More:Flynn’s Work for Turkey Laid Out in Charges Against 2 Others - Bloomberg

Sunday, December 16, 2018

The Rise and Fall of Turkish Soft Power | Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies

The Rise and Fall of Turkish Soft Power
Author Senem B. Çevik

Turkey was recognized as an emerging regional actor over a decade ago. Its economy was recuperating, along with other emerging nations of the ‘Global South.’ Judicial and political reforms that were introduced at that time positioned Turkey as a spearheading model for democracy in the Middle East. During this time, Turkey took advantage of the international demand for a moderate voice in the Middle East. Western nations praised the Turkish model which gave way to Turkey’s aspirations in the Middle East. This era is marked by Turkey’s more assertive foreign policy in the Middle East situating itself as a neutral arbiter enjoying relatively good relations with its Arab neighbors while at the same time maintaining trade and political ties with Israel.

More:The Rise and Fall of Turkish Soft Power | Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies

Turkey cuts trees again to build more | Ahval

Turkey cuts trees again to build more

More than 5,000 trees will be cut down for villa construction in Istanbul's Beykoz district, according to a report published on the Environment and Urban Planning Ministry’s official website.

A total of 553 villas will be built in around 2,5 million metre-squared forestland, the construction plan released by the ministry said.

More:Turkey cuts trees again to build more | Ahval

Turkish FM: EU countries turning blind eye to Khashoggi murder | News | Al Jazeera

Turkish FM: EU countries turning blind eye to Khashoggi murder

Mevlut Cavusoglu says it is clear that Saudi hit team planned killing in advance, as UN chief calls for accountability.

More:Turkish FM: EU countries turning blind eye to Khashoggi murder | News | Al Jazeera

Trump working on extraditing Erdogan foe Gulen, Turkish foreign minister claims

Trump working on extraditing Erdogan foe Gulen, Turkish foreign minister claims

NBC News reported last month that the White House was looking for ways to remove Gulen from the U.S. in order to placate Turkey over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

More:Trump working on extraditing Erdogan foe Gulen, Turkish foreign minister claims

Saturday, December 15, 2018

EU urges Turkey to refrain from 'unilateral' Syria move | Daily Mail Online

EU urges Turkey to refrain from 'unilateral' Syria move

By Afp

The US warned this week that any unilateral military action in northern Syria would be "unacceptable"

The European Union's foreign policy chief on Saturday asked Turkey to forgo any unilateral military action in Syria, where Ankara has threatened a fresh offensive against a US-backed Kurdish militia.

More:EU urges Turkey to refrain from 'unilateral' Syria move | Daily Mail Online

Fitch holds Turkey rating at BB with negative outlook - Latest News

Fitch holds Turkey rating at BB with negative outlook
WASHINGTON - Anadolu Agency
Fitch holds Turkey rating at BB with negative outlook

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Turkey's credit rating at "BB" with a negative outlook.

Turkish economy is navigating out of a "sharp depreciation" of the lira, which "stemmed from the materialisation of external financing vulnerabilities, aggravated by political and geopolitical developments, all areas of weakness for the sovereign credit profile" the rating agency said in a statement on Dec. 14.

More:Fitch holds Turkey rating at BB with negative outlook - Latest News

High-speed train crash stirs debate in Turkey - Global Times

High-speed train crash stirs debate in Turkey
Source:Xinhua Published: 2018/12/15 9:37:09
0
A high-speed train from Turkey's capital Ankara to central Anatolian province Konya collided with a guide train on the same route that was carrying out a track inspection on Thursday.

A total of nine people died and 86 others were injured in the train which was carrying 206. Three engine drivers are among the dead.

More:High-speed train crash stirs debate in Turkey - Global Times

Friday, December 14, 2018

Turkey conducts airstrikes against PKK targets in Iraq

Turkey conducts airstrikes against PKK targets in Iraq
Associated Press |
Dec 13, 2018 | 7:30 PM
| ANKARA, Turkey

Turkey's Defense Ministry says the military has conducted airstrikes against Kurdish rebel targets in Iraq's Sinjar and Mount Karajak regions.

More:Turkey conducts airstrikes against PKK targets in Iraq

Commentary: When it comes to defending the press, President Erdogan is the world’s biggest hypocrite;

Commentary: When it comes to defending the press, President Erdogan is the world’s biggest hypocrite

T urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has played up the despicable killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi to his considerable advantage. From his relentless pursuit of Khashoggi’s murderers, you’d almost think he has genuine concern for freedom of the press. Don’t believe a word of it.

More:Commentary: When it comes to defending the press, President Erdogan is the world’s biggest hypocrite;

Turkey will enter Syria’s Manbij if US fails to remove YPG: Erdoğan - Turkey News

Turkey will enter Syria’s Manbij if US fails to remove YPG: Erdoğan
ANKARA

Turkish forces will enter the Syrian town of Manbij if the United States does not remove YPG members, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Dec. 14.

More:Turkey will enter Syria’s Manbij if US fails to remove YPG: Erdoğan - Turkey News

Turkey Orders Arrest of Over 200 Military Personnel Over Alleged Gulen Links

Turkey Orders Arrest of Over 200 Military Personnel Over Alleged Gulen Links

Turkish prosecutors have ordered the arrest of over 200 military personnel for suspected links to a failed coup attempt in 2016, state media reported on December 14.

More:Turkey Orders Arrest of Over 200 Military Personnel Over Alleged Gulen Links

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Erdogan unveils second 100-day action plan since re-election as Turkish president - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Erdogan unveils second 100-day action plan since re-election as Turkish president

ANKARA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday unveiled the second 100-day action plan, four months after the first one was announced.

More:Erdogan unveils second 100-day action plan since re-election as Turkish president - Xinhua | English.news.cn

High-speed train crash kills 9, injures dozens in Ankara, Turkey

High-speed train crash kills 9, injures dozens in Ankara, Turkey
Television footage showed emergency services working to rescue passengers from wrangled cars and debris.

By Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey — A high-speed train hit a railway engine and crashed into a pedestrian overpass at a station in Turkey's capital on Thursday, killing nine people and injuring 46 others, officials said.

More:High-speed train crash kills 9, injures dozens in Ankara, Turkey

For 3rd straight year, Turkey jailed more journalists than any other country: Report - ABC News

For 3rd straight year, Turkey jailed more journalists than any other country: Report

By EMILY RUCHALSKI

Dec 13, 2018, 5:01 AM ET

Even as Turkish leaders call for an international inquiry into Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khassogi's murder, the Committee to Project Journalists found the Turkish government to be the world's biggest jailer of journalists for the third consecutive year, according to a newly released report.

More:For 3rd straight year, Turkey jailed more journalists than any other country: Report - ABC News

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Turkey’s Erdogan promises to clear U.S.-backed Kurds from eastern Syria, prompting warning from Pentagon - Los Angeles Times

Turkey’s Erdogan promises to clear U.S.-backed Kurds from eastern Syria, prompting warning from Pentagon

By Umar Farooq and Nabih Bulos Dec 12, 2018

Turkey will launch a military operation against U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in northern Syria “within a matter of days,” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday, prompting warnings from the Pentagon and State Department.

More:Turkey’s Erdogan promises to clear U.S.-backed Kurds from eastern Syria, prompting warning from Pentagon - Los Angeles Times

Yellow Vest protests cause satisfaction and resentment in Turkey

Yellow Vest protests cause satisfaction and resentment in Turkey

Semih Idiz December 12, 2018
Article Summary

Protests in Paris have ignited fears of copycat demonstrations against President Erdogan in Turkey.

More:Yellow Vest protests cause satisfaction and resentment in Turkey

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

More military expulsions appear imminent in Turkey

More military expulsions appear imminent in Turkey

Metin Gurcan December 11, 2018

Article Summary

The Turkish government is investigating some 15,000 more military members suspected of being connected with the Gulenist movement, and 4,000 may be ousted soon.

More:More military expulsions appear imminent in Turkey

Monday, December 10, 2018

Istanbul expands smart recycling container project - Recycling Today Global

Istanbul expands smart recycling container project

Istanbul, Turkey, is expanding its smart recycling container project, which was introduced to the public “in order to recycle the packaging waste polluting the environment.”

Since the launch of the recycling initiative in September, the city has installed automated "smart containers" at six locations across Istanbul, from busy underground metro stations to elementary schools. Containers will soon be established in 22 schools across the city, determined by demand.

More:Istanbul expands smart recycling container project - Recycling Today Global

Erdogan’s Growth Pledge on the Line as Turkish Economy Stumbles - WSJ

Erdogan’s Growth Pledge on the Line as Turkish Economy Stumbles

Economic figures also present a conundrum for Turkey’s central bank

More:Erdogan’s Growth Pledge on the Line as Turkish Economy Stumbles - WSJ

ANKARA, Turkey | Turkey seeks 15-year prison terms for prominent journalists | STL.News

ANKARA, Turkey | Turkey seeks 15-year prison terms for prominent journalists

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s state-run news agency says prosecutors are seeking maximum 15-year prison terms for five journalists of an opposition newspaper, intensifying concerns over authorities’ crackdown on news coverage critical of the government.

More:ANKARA, Turkey | Turkey seeks 15-year prison terms for prominent journalists | STL.News

Erdogan ratifies agreement to create UN bank in Turkey

Erdogan ratifies agreement to create UN bank in Turkey
10 December 2018 14:49 (UTC+04:00)
303

By Trend

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ratified an agreement to create a bank under the auspices of the UN (International Technology Bank), Trend reports citing the Turkish newspaper Resmi Gazete.

More:Erdogan ratifies agreement to create UN bank in Turkey

Hard Landing for Turkish Economy Upsets Erdogan's Electoral Play - Bloomberg

Hard Landing for Turkish Economy Upsets Erdogan's Electoral Play
By Cagan Koc
and Baris Balci
December 10, 2018, 2:20 AM EST Updated on December 10, 2018, 6:40 AM EST

Now that the hard landing is here for Turkey, the question is how long the economic slowdown will last and what policy makers will do about it with only months left before local elections.

More:Hard Landing for Turkish Economy Upsets Erdogan's Electoral Play - Bloomberg

Sunday, December 09, 2018

Slow recycler Turkey seeks better uses for its trash, Europe News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Slow recycler Turkey seeks better uses for its trash

ISTANBUL (AFP) - Turkish woman Tulay Gercek stands in front of a vending machine at a busy Istanbul metro station but instead of putting coins into a slot, she crams plastic bottles into a hole.

More:Slow recycler Turkey seeks better uses for its trash, Europe News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Saturday, December 08, 2018

Will China buy Turkey on the cheap?

Will China buy Turkey on the cheap?
READ IN: Türkçe
Kadri Gursel December 8, 2018

Article Summary
Some argue China may “swallow” Turkey through acquisitions, given China’s growing interest in the region and Turkey’s economic crisis, which has cheapened its assets and left it in dire need of external funds. But the realities on the ground speak otherwise.

More:Will China buy Turkey on the cheap?

Emerging-Market Dud Turkey Wins Favor as a Top Trade for 2019 - Bloomberg

Emerging-Market Dud Turkey Wins Favor as a Top Trade for 2019
By Ben Bartenstein
December 7, 2018, 3:43 PM EST

A currency crisis, credit-rating downgrades and U.S. sanctions wreaked havoc on Turkish markets this year. Yet that turmoil has set the stage for one of next year’s most attractive trades in the developing world, according to AllianceBernstein and NWI Management.

More:Emerging-Market Dud Turkey Wins Favor as a Top Trade for 2019 - Bloomberg

Turkey data largest fall in terrorism throughout Europe | Infosurhoy

Turkey data largest fall in terrorism throughout Europe

by Denis Bedoya | Dec 8, 2018 | News

Death toll from terrorism in Turkey fell from 659 to 123 in 2017, Global Terrorism Index 2018 says

More:Turkey data largest fall in terrorism throughout Europe | Infosurhoy

Friday, December 07, 2018

Turkey's top spy traveled to Washington to meet with US lawmakers - Business Insider

Turkey's top spy traveled to Washington to meet with US lawmakers and intelligence officials
Mark Hosenball and Humeyra Pamuk, Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) — Turkey's head of intelligence has traveled to Washington to meet with US lawmakers and intelligence officials, sources said, in an apparent bid to improve ties with the Americans after a breakdown in the NATO allies' relationship last summer.

More:Turkey's top spy traveled to Washington to meet with US lawmakers - Business Insider

UPDATE 1-US prosecutor drops appeal to extend Turkish banker's sentence - Anadolu | Reuters

UPDATE 1-US prosecutor drops appeal to extend Turkish banker's sentence - Anadolu

ANKARA, Dec 7 (Reuters) - The New York prosecutor’s office has withdrawn an appeal to extend the sentence of a former executive at Turkey’s state-owned lender Halkbank, the Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency said on Friday.

More:UPDATE 1-US prosecutor drops appeal to extend Turkish banker's sentence - Anadolu | Reuters

Interview with the French-Turkish sociologist Nilufer Gole: Europe's homegrown Turkish ethno-nationalists - Qantara.de

Europe's homegrown Turkish ethno-nationalists

According to prominent Turkish sociologist Nilufer Gole, many European countries have failed to integrate their Muslim and Turkish citizens. In interview with Luca Steinmann, Gole argues that this has served to deepen social polarisation in Europe

More:Interview with the French-Turkish sociologist Nilufer Gole: Europe's homegrown Turkish ethno-nationalists - Qantara.de

Thursday, December 06, 2018

As Flynn Case Winds Down, Investigation of Turkish Lobbying Persists - The New York Times

As Flynn Case Winds Down, Investigation of Turkish Lobbying Persists

Dec. 5, 2018 WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors in Virginia are investigating a secret Turkish lobbying effort that once involved Michael T. Flynn, the former national security adviser, even as Mr. Flynn’s role in the special counsel’s investigation winds down, according to people familiar with the inquiry.

More:As Flynn Case Winds Down, Investigation of Turkish Lobbying Persists - The New York Times

COMMENTARY — The Turkish model: How Turkey has coped with 3.6 million Syrian refugees | Vocal Europe

COMMENTARY — The Turkish model: How Turkey has coped with 3.6 million Syrian refugees
Robert Ellis
06/12/2018

There is one issue that has preoccupied Europe since the outbreak of civil war in Syria in 2011: immigration. More than six million Syrians are internally displaced and five million have fled to neighbouring countries, mainly Turkey but also Lebanon and Jordan.

More:COMMENTARY — The Turkish model: How Turkey has coped with 3.6 million Syrian refugees | Vocal Europe

The dilemma of Turkish opposition voters: To punish or not to punish CHP?

The dilemma of Turkish opposition voters: To punish or not to punish CHP?

I am not sure to what degree the traditional voters of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) are following the developments to select candidates for the municipal elections.

More:The dilemma of Turkish opposition voters: To punish or not to punish CHP?

Wednesday, December 05, 2018

Turkish doctors say hospital violence out of control

Turkish doctors say hospital violence out of control

Pinar Tremblay December 5, 2018

Article Summary
Turkey's health care workers have long asked for government action to curb the verbal and physical assaults they too often face at work, but the government’s latest bill does little to help them.

More:Turkish doctors say hospital violence out of control

Mueller gives new details on Flynn's secretive work for Turkey

Mueller gives new details on Flynn's secretive work for Turkey

Prosecutors for special counsel Robert Mueller say that Flynn’s lies "impeded the ability of the public" to know the extent of Turkey's efforts to influence public opinion.

More:Mueller gives new details on Flynn's secretive work for Turkey

Japan cancels $22 billion Turkish nuclear power project | Ahval

Japan cancels $22 billion Turkish nuclear power project

A Japan-led consortium has cancelled plans to build a nuclear power plant in Turkey citing rising costs and failure to agree revised financing terms with the government.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and its partners have pulled out of the project after construction costs rose to 5 trillion yen ($44 billion), about double original projections, Nikkei Asia Review reported on Tuesday, citing sources it didn’t identify.

More:Japan cancels $22 billion Turkish nuclear power project | Ahval

UPDATE 3-Turkish lira weakens on concerns of looser monetary policy | Reuters

Turkish lira weakens on concerns of looser monetary policy

ISTANBUL, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Turkey’s lira weakened some three percent on Tuesday amid increased expectations of an early loosening in monetary policy after data showed the country’s annual inflation rate eased in November from a 15-year peak.

More:UPDATE 3-Turkish lira weakens on concerns of looser monetary policy | Reuters

Tuesday, December 04, 2018

Parasailing Santa Claus attracts tourists in SW Turkey

Parasailing Santa Claus attracts tourists in SW Turkey

By Sabri Kesen

MUGLA, Turkey

Known for riding his sleigh through the air to deliver toys to children at this time of year, Santa Claus surprised people while parasailing above a beach in sunny Aegean Turkey on Monday.

As part of the Marmaris New Year Fest in southwestern Mugla province, Santa Claus glided through the air with an open parachute while being towed by a motorboat for 30 minutes in the Marmaris district.

More:Parasailing Santa Claus attracts tourists in SW Turkey

Monday, December 03, 2018

Turkish president praises Venezuela's leader in 1st visit - ABC News

Turkish president praises Venezuela's leader in 1st visit

By The Associated Press
CARACAS, Venezuela — Dec 3, 2018

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan heaped praise on Venezuela's embattled socialist leader Monday as political and economic ties between the two countries blossom.

More:Turkish president praises Venezuela's leader in 1st visit - ABC News

Turkish Onion Prices Surge 51%, Defying Crackdown on Inflation - Bloomberg

Turkish Onion Prices Surge by an Eye-Watering 51%
By Cagan Koc
December 3, 2018, 5:24 AM EST

Onion prices have surged in Turkey, defying a government crackdown on inflation.

Prices surged 51 percent in November, the most of any component in a basket of prices whose gains decelerated in November to 21.2 percent from a 15-year high the month before. The government has been raiding storehouses where producers and dealers store onions, accusing them of hoarding crops to hike up prices.

More:Turkish Onion Prices Surge 51%, Defying Crackdown on Inflation - Bloomberg

Many Turks outraged by state religious authority's bloated budget

Many Turks outraged by state religious authority's bloated budget

Pinar Tremblay
November 20, 2018

Article Summary Turkey's 2019 budget includes a sharp increase for its Religious Affairs Directorate, drawing criticism of what some see as a vast overreach in influence.

More:Many Turks outraged by state religious authority's bloated budget

Turkish inflation rate dips from peak of over 25% | Financial Times

Turkish inflation rate dips from peak of over 25%

Turkish inflation fell in November after hitting a peak of more than 25 per cent the previous month, in a sign that the worst of the country’s economic crisis may be behind it.

More:Turkish inflation rate dips from peak of over 25% | Financial Times

Economists unmoved by pause in Turkish lira's plummet

Economists unmoved by pause in Turkish lira's plummet
Jasper Mortimer December 3, 2018

Article Summary
Though the latest news about Turkey's currency is good, economists still believe Turkey could well be sailing into recession, while at the G20 summit, the Turkish president is frustrated by how little is being made of the Jamal Khashoggi murder case.

More:Economists unmoved by pause in Turkish lira's plummet

Turkey will no longer use ‘tulip’ in promotion logos - Latest News

Turkey will no longer use ‘tulip’ in promotion logos
Umut Erdem – ANKARA

Turkey is planning to introduce a new theme and a logo for its tourism and cultural promotion, abandoning the symbolic tulip in advertisements and “Turkey Home” campaign.

The Culture and Tourism Ministry announced an advertising tender, to be held on Jan. 8, 2019 in Berlin, to create a new branding identity, a new slogan and a new logo for Turkey, aiming to shift the country’s traditional image with a modern one.

More:Turkey will no longer use ‘tulip’ in promotion logos - Latest News

Sunday, December 02, 2018

President Erdogan: The sultan of no scruples        | National Herald

President Erdogan: The sultan of no scruples

Saurabh Kumar Shahi

With some smart diplomacy, wily trade-off and plain skulduggery, President Erdogan has brought himself and his nation back from the brink even after gaining absolutely nothing from the Syrian blunder

More:President Erdogan: The sultan of no scruples        | National Herald

Saturday, December 01, 2018

Facebook to open entrepreneurship center in Turkey - Daily Sabah

Facebook to open entrepreneurship center in Turkey
DAILY SABAH

Social media giant Facebook announced on Wednesday a series of investment ventures that will contribute to the Turkish economy through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), communities and business partnerships.

More:Facebook to open entrepreneurship center in Turkey - Daily Sabah

Xi calls on China, Turkey to share development opportunities - CGTN

Xi calls on China, Turkey to share development opportunities
Politics

President Xi Jinping called on China and Turkey to strengthen cooperation and share development opportunities in a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday.

More:Xi calls on China, Turkey to share development opportunities - CGTN

Turkey: Elections, crisis and repression - International Viewpoint - online socialist magazine

Turkey: Elections, crisis and repression

Saturday 1 December 2018, by Uraz Aydin

With four elections, a constitutional referendum and a coup attempt in the space of three years, the least we can say is that instability reigns in Turkey, even though President Erdogan has consolidated his power through all these turns. However, the municipal elections that will take place in March 2019 are already perceived by both the governing parties and the opposition as a new plebiscite, all this against the background of a deep economic crisis that promises to worsen.

More:Turkey: Elections, crisis and repression - International Viewpoint - online socialist magazine

Friday, November 30, 2018

Turkish President Erdogan meets Chinese, Dutch leaders at G20 summit

Turkish President Erdogan meets Chinese, Dutch leaders at G20 summit

The meeting with between President Erdogan and Dutch PM Mark Rutte lasted almost one hour.

More:Turkish President Erdogan meets Chinese, Dutch leaders at G20 summit

Can Turkey mediate Russian-Ukrainian conflict on the Black Sea?

Can Turkey mediate Russian-Ukrainian conflict on the Black Sea?

Yekaterina Chulkovskaya November 29, 2018

Article Summary President Erodogan has been on the phone with the Ukrainian, Russian and US presidents and has called for Ukraine and Russia to peacefully resolve their conflict.

More:Can Turkey mediate Russian-Ukrainian conflict on the Black Sea?

Turkey media, between European solidarity and tolerance / Turkey / Areas / Homepage - Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso

Turkey media, between European solidarity and tolerance

Turkey's press is under siege. More than 90% of national media is controlled by pro-government companies. Over 160 journalists are in jail, including 129 as a result of the coup attempt in July 2016. After that date, 54 newspapers were closed – plus 6 news agencies, 24 radio stations, 17 television networks, and 20 magazines. Unfortunately, it seems that public opinion in Europe has become accustomed to such news and has alm

More:Turkey media, between European solidarity and tolerance / Turkey / Areas / Homepage - Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso

Turkey and the Gulen movement: Erdogan seizes the school initiative - Qantara.de

Erdogan seizes the school initiative

Since the attempted coup in Turkey, President Erdogan has been pressing foreign nations to hand over schools run by the Gulen movement. Although many countries have entrusted control of the schools to the Turkish Maarif Foundation, the controversial movement continues to enjoy protection. By Ulrich von Schwerin

More:Turkey and the Gulen movement: Erdogan seizes the school initiative - Qantara.de

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Why Ukraine cannot become gas hub like Turkey - Turkey earns billions of dollars on gas transit, while Ukraine loses its chance - 112.international

Turkey earns billions of dollars on gas transit, while Ukraine loses its chance

Author : Oleksiy Kushch
Some twenty years ago no one would believe that Turkey would become a gas hub and the largest transit country for Russian gas to Europe

More:Why Ukraine cannot become gas hub like Turkey - Turkey earns billions of dollars on gas transit, while Ukraine loses its chance - 112.international

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Turkish national epic Dede Korkut added to UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list - Daily Sabah

Turkish national epic Dede Korkut added to UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list

The epic tales of Dede Korkut, passed on for centuries by the Oguz Turks, have been added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The announcement was made during the 13th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius.

More:Turkish national epic Dede Korkut added to UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list - Daily Sabah

Turkey and the Gulen movement: Erdogan seizes the school initiative - Qantara.de

Erdogan seizes the school initiative

Since the attempted coup in Turkey, President Erdogan has been pressing foreign nations to hand over schools run by the Gulen movement. As a result, many countries have entrusted control of the schools to the Turkish Maarif Foundation, yet elsewhere the controversial movement continues to enjoy protection. By Ulrich von Schwerin

More:Turkey and the Gulen movement: Erdogan seizes the school initiative - Qantara.de

Turkish Airlines brings Gypsy Girl Mosaic back home ǀ Air Cargo News

Turkish Airlines brings Gypsy Girl Mosaic back home
28 / 11 / 2018

Mosaics dating from the second century BC are so precious that Turkish Airlines banned all other cargo on the aircraft when it transported them from Chicago to Istanbul on 27 November.

The missing pieces of the Gypsy Girl Mosaic were retrieved from a museum in Ohio in the US after six years of intensive pressure by Turkey’s Mınistry of Culture and Tourism and will now be displayed in the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the second largest mosaic museum in the world, in Gaziantep.

More:Turkish Airlines brings Gypsy Girl Mosaic back home ǀ Air Cargo News

Turks cannot pay back lavish consumer debts

Turks cannot pay back lavish consumer debts

Mustafa Sonmez November 28, 2018

Article Summary

While interest rates increase in Turkey, the country's laborers, white collar workers and retirees struggle to pay back debts or obtain new loans.

More:Turks cannot pay back lavish consumer debts

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Turkey’s former defense minister running for post of municipality head

Turkey’s former defense minister running for post of municipality head

27 November 2018 15:46 (UTC+04:00) Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 27 By Rufiz Hafizoglu – Trend: The candidacy of Turkey’s former defense minister Nihat Zeybekci has been nominated for the post of the head of municipality in Izmir province, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, Turkish media reported Nov. 27.

More:Turkey’s former defense minister running for post of municipality head

bne IntelliNews - Pre-election stimulus fest under way in Turkey

Pre-election stimulus fest under way in Turkey.

Markets want fiscal discipline amid the country's economic turmoil but campaign pressures amid a recession could cause significant backsliding.

More:bne IntelliNews - Pre-election stimulus fest under way in Turkey

Monday, November 26, 2018

Turkish military helicopter crashes on suburban street in Istanbul, killing 4 soldiers onboard | Business Insider India

Turkish military helicopter crashes on suburban street in Istanbul, killing 4 soldiers onboard

Bill Bostock,Bill BostockNov 26, 2018, 07.23 PM

A Turkish military helicopter crashed into a quiet Istanbul suburb on Monday morning, smashing into an apartment block on the way down. Four soldiers inside the UH-1 craft were killed, and one was severely injured after the crash in the Sancaktepe district. The helicopter was heading for Samandira air force base, and crashed while attempting an emergency landing. Why the aircraft was trying an emergency landing is not clear. Turkish officials are investigating. A Turkish military helicopter crashed into a residential street in Istanbul on Monday morning, killing four military personnel onboard and leaving one severely injured.

More:Turkish military helicopter crashes on suburban street in Istanbul, killing 4 soldiers onboard | Business Insider India

Turkey losing billions from youth brain drain - CHP report | Ahval

Turkey losing billions from youth brain drain - CHP report

The rapidly mounting loss of young emigrant Turks highlighted in a report compiled by Turkey’s main opposition party could be losing the country’s economy over 220 billion lira, ($41.87 billion), Turkish secularist newspaper Cumhuriyet reported on Monday. The report on Turkey’s “brain drain” prepared by the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) found that the number of Turks leaving the country rose by 63 percent in one year to reach 113,326 in 2017.

More:Turkey losing billions from youth brain drain - CHP report | Ahval

Soros-founded Group Ends Operations in Turkey | Newsmax.com

Soros-founded Group Ends Operations in Turkey

Monday, 26 November 2018 11:38 AM

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — The Open Society Foundations, which is funded by George Soros, is pulling out of Turkey days after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the billionaire philanthropist of attempting to destabilize his country.

More:Soros-founded Group Ends Operations in Turkey | Newsmax.com

Call to prayer is a daily reminder of Turkey's religious and political shift - Los Angeles Times

Call to prayer is a daily reminder of Turkey's religious and political shift
By Umar Farooq
Nov 25, 2018 | 3:00 AM

Five times a day, the loudspeakers affixed to the spires of some 90,000 state-run mosques crackle to life, and the Islamic call to prayer bathes the streets of Istanbul and other Turkish cities.

For the faithful, the undulating Arabic hymn, called the adhan, is a reminder of Turkey’s historic place in the Muslim world. For others, it’s an unavoidable reminder of Turkey’s turn from the secular under its current leadership.

More:Call to prayer is a daily reminder of Turkey's religious and political shift - Los Angeles Times

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Turkish police tear-gas women marching against violence | Asia Times

Turkish police tear-gas women marching against violence

Shield-wielding officers dispersed about a thousand demonstrators who had assembled without a permit in central Istanbul

More:Turkish police tear-gas women marching against violence | Asia Times

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Nationalists support Erdogan in vote for Turkey’s big cities

Nationalists support Erdogan in vote for Turkey’s big cities

11/24/18 8:08 AM
ISTANBUL — Turkey’s main nationalist party has announced it will support President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s party in three major cities in the upcoming local elections.

More:Nationalists support Erdogan in vote for Turkey’s big cities

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Erdogan didn’t get all he hoped in Khashoggi case but he got a lot

Erdogan didn’t get all he hoped in Khashoggi case but he got a lot
By Carlotta Gall
22 November 2018 — 1:09pm

For weeks, the leader of Turkey has been trying to undermine his regional rival, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, with a skillful drip of intelligence leaks linking the prince to a gruesome crime: the killing of a dissident, Jamal Khashoggi.

More:Erdogan didn’t get all he hoped in Khashoggi case but he got a lot

Turkey hands list of Gulen suspects to US, requests extradition | News | Al Jazeera

Turkey hands list of Gulen suspects to US, requests extradition

List of suspects includes Fethullah Gulen himself, who Ankara blames for the 2016 failed coup against President Erdogan.

More:Turkey hands list of Gulen suspects to US, requests extradition | News | Al Jazeera

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Welcome to the ‘New Turkey’: Five years after Gezi park, protesters face new threats of arrest · Global Voices

Welcome to the ‘New Turkey': Five years after Gezi park, protesters face new threats of arrest
Posted 20 November 2018 20:15 GMT

Scenes from the Gezi protests in Istanbul, 2013. Photo by Arzu Geybullayeva.

On the morning of November 16, police in Turkey arrested 13 people at their homes and places of work. Their supposed crime? Helping to organise protests that took place in Istanbul's Gezi Park in May 2013.

More:Welcome to the ‘New Turkey’: Five years after Gezi park, protesters face new threats of arrest · Global Voices

Gezi protests return to Turkish headlines after latest arrests

Gezi protests return to Turkish headlines after latest arrests

Jasper Mortimer November 21, 2018
Article Summary

Erdogan lashes out at opposition for questioning his take on who was behind the 2013 Gezi protests; various political parties discuss deals for March 2019 local elections.

More:Gezi protests return to Turkish headlines after latest arrests

Turkey: a post-media society | openDemocracy

Turkey: a post-media society
Barney Cullum 20 November 2018

Subversive street art and a metaphor-laden museum are filling the void left by the death of the free press in Turkey. A report from Istanbul.

More:Turkey: a post-media society | openDemocracy

Trump Says Extraditing Turkish Cleric Fethullah Gulen Is 'Not Under Consideration' : NPR

Trump Says Extraditing Turkish Cleric Fethullah Gulen Is 'Not Under Consideration'

November 17, 20185:02 PM ET
Sasha Ingber 2018 square

President Trump shot down reports on Saturday that his administration was considering extraditing a Pennsylvania-based foe of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in order to diffuse tensions between Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

More:Trump Says Extraditing Turkish Cleric Fethullah Gulen Is 'Not Under Consideration' : NPR

Turkey's Erdogan says optimistic on economy as interest rates fall, lira firms | Kitco News

Turkey's Erdogan says optimistic on economy as interest rates fall, lira firms

Reuters Reuters Wednesday November 21, 2018 06:15 Kitco News Share this article: ANKARA, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Turkey's interest rates are falling and the lira is firming, giving concrete reason to be optimistic about the economy, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

More:Turkey's Erdogan says optimistic on economy as interest rates fall, lira firms | Kitco News

Why Turkey ranks first in the world in exposure to fake news

Why Turkey ranks first in the world in exposure to fake news

20 November 2018 MENEKSE TOKYAY November 20, 2018 02:09 832

ANKARA: Good and responsible journalism has become a highly depated issue in Turkey. When it comes to fake news, a significant number of Turkish people say they have already encountered it. This year’s Reuters Digital News Report ranked Turkey first out of 37 countries in terms of exposure to fake news. Almost half of Turkish respondents — 49 percent — said they had read made-up stories in the week before the survey was conducted.

More:Why Turkey ranks first in the world in exposure to fake news

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

European Countries Leading Investors in Turkey's Economy

European Countries Leading Investors in Turkey's Economy

Ankara, Nov 19 (Prensa Latina) Turkey has received 201.3 billion dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI) between 2002 and August 2018, most of which was from European countries, the Ministry of Industry and Technology announced on Monday.

More:European Countries Leading Investors in Turkey's Economy

Russia Tightens Natural-Gas Grip on Turkey and Southern Europe - Bloomberg

Russia Tightens Energy Grip on Turkey and Southern Europe
By Olga Tanas
and Dina Khrennikova

Russia is one step closer to tightening its natural-gas grip on Turkey and southern Europe just as the U.S. aims to curb the expansion of Kremlin-backed energy projects.

More:Russia Tightens Natural-Gas Grip on Turkey and Southern Europe - Bloomberg

Sunday, November 18, 2018

When Turkey was open, modern and women wore bikinis: filmmaker recalls the 1960s | Post Magazine | South China Morning Post

When Turkey was open, modern and women wore bikinis: filmmaker recalls the 1960s

Turkish-Italian director Ferzan Özpetek talks about fairies, the Istanbul he grew up in, and getting to know some of Italy’s most famous filmmakers, from Bernardo Bertolucci to Elio Petri

More:When Turkey was open, modern and women wore bikinis: filmmaker recalls the 1960s | Post Magazine | South China Morning Post

Turkey releases eight detained in probe of prominent rights activist - lawyers | Euronews

Turkey releases eight detained in probe of prominent rights activist - lawyers
By Reuters

By Can Sezer ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish authorities released eight people who were detained on Friday under an investigation into jailed rights activist Osman Kavala and accused of following him in a bid to unseat the government through mass protests in 2013, their lawyers said.

More:Turkey releases eight detained in probe of prominent rights activist - lawyers | Euronews

Saturday, November 17, 2018

Turkish police detain 13 academics, activists in raids - The Washington Post

Turkish police detain 13 academics, activists in raids
By Suzan Fraser | AP
November 16

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish police have detained 13 academics, activists and journalists over links to a jailed businessman and human rights defender, and allegations that they sought to topple the government by supporting mass protests during 2013, Turkey’s state-run news agency reported Friday.

More:Turkish police detain 13 academics, activists in raids - The Washington Post

Turkey govt rolls back some restrictions on foreign currency use

Turkey govt rolls back some restrictions on foreign currency use
November 16 2018 11:01 PM

Reuters/Istanbul

Turkey has rolled back some restrictions on the use of foreign currencies that were brought in at the height of an economic crisis this year, according to a decree published yesterday, loosening the rules after lobbying from the hotel industry.

More:Turkey govt rolls back some restrictions on foreign currency use

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Turkish doctors face far-reaching new police and intelligence checks | Middle East Eye

Turkish doctors face far-reaching new police and intelligence checks

Background checks that include political views and moral character are preventing medical graduates from working

More:Turkish doctors face far-reaching new police and intelligence checks | Middle East Eye

To ease Turkish pressure on Saudis over killing, White House weighs expelling Erdogan foe

To ease Turkish pressure on Saudis over killing, White House weighs expelling Erdogan foe

"Once they realized it was a serious request, the career guys were furious," a U.S. official said of request tied to Khashoggi killing.

More:To ease Turkish pressure on Saudis over killing, White House weighs expelling Erdogan foe

Istanbul Driverless Metro Line Ranked Top in Europe | Al Bawaba

Istanbul Driverless Metro Line Ranked Top in Europe

Published November 14th, 2018 - 12:12 GMT via SyndiGate.info

Turkey's first driverless metro line in Istanbul was ranked as Europe’s biggest automated line, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality said on Wednesday citing a Brussel-based transport association.

More:Istanbul Driverless Metro Line Ranked Top in Europe | Al Bawaba

Turkey making efforts to get U.S. Congress to remove bills against Ankara | Reuters

Turkey making efforts to get U.S. Congress to remove bills against Ankara

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey is making efforts to get the U.S. Congress to drop bills targeting Ankara, according to the text of a speech from Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday.

More:Turkey making efforts to get U.S. Congress to remove bills against Ankara | Reuters

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Turkish court quashes journalist’s prison sentence

Turkish court quashes journalist’s prison sentence

Ayla Jean Yackley
November 14, 2018

Article Summary

Ayla Albayrak won an appeal against a 2017 terror conviction for reporting on the Kurdish insurgency for the Wall Street Journal, but she doubts the court was motivated by concern for press freedom.

More:Turkish court quashes journalist’s prison sentence

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Turkey’s first 'communist' grocery chain goes global

Turkey’s first 'communist' grocery chain goes global

Mehmet Cetingulec November 12, 2018

Article Summary
Led by Turkey’s first and only communist mayor, the small town of Ovacik boasts a flourishing farming cooperative whose organic products have taken customers across the country by storm.

More:Turkey’s first 'communist' grocery chain goes global

Trump could be outfoxed by Erdoğan on Iran, just like Obama | Ahval

Trump could be outfoxed by Erdoğan on Iran, just like Obama

President Donald Trump could end up being the second U.S. leader to be outsmarted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan when it comes to sanctions on Iran, former Turkish opposition politician Aykan Erdemir said in an analysis for Foreign Policy.

More:Trump could be outfoxed by Erdoğan on Iran, just like Obama | Ahval

Monday, November 12, 2018

Turkey turns up heat on Saudis, shares recording of Khashoggi murder

Turkey turns up heat on Saudis, shares recording of Khashoggi murder
Ayla Jean Yackley November 12, 2018

Article Summary
The Turkish president discussed the Saudi journalist’s case with world leaders in Paris while Jamal Khashoggi’s friends gathered in Istanbul to honor his memory and demand justice.

More:Turkey turns up heat on Saudis, shares recording of Khashoggi murder

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Turkey: 25 Soldiers Hurt by Exploding Ordnance, 7 Missing | Newsmax.com

Turkey: 25 Soldiers Hurt by Exploding Ordnance, 7 Missing

Friday, 09 November 2018 02:38 PM

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — At least 25 soldiers were injured while seven others were unaccounted following an accident during the firing of heavy weapon ordnance, Turkey's Defense Ministry said Friday.

More:Turkey: 25 Soldiers Hurt by Exploding Ordnance, 7 Missing | Newsmax.com

Friday, November 09, 2018

What's behind Europe’s outreach to Erdogan?

What's behind Europe’s outreach to Erdogan?
Semih Idiz November 9, 2018

Article Summary
Europe’s acceptance of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as an interlocutor is driven by Turkey’s continuing strategic importance rather than any reflection on its president.

More:What's behind Europe’s outreach to Erdogan?

Thursday, November 08, 2018

Turkey's finance ministry, Moody's have opposite views on economy's direction

Turkey's finance ministry, Moody's have opposite views on economy's direction
Jasper Mortimer November 8, 2018

Article Summary
Moody's sees the Turkish economy as likely in recession, while Erdogan's son-in-law says positive results are on their way.

More:Turkey's finance ministry, Moody's have opposite views on economy's direction

Turkey: The one place Trump's bullying is actually working - Middle East News - Haaretz.com

Opinion Turkey: The One Place Trump's Bullying Is Actually Working

After crises over Syria, Kurdish fighters, Russian missiles, beating up protestors, Iran sanctions-busting and jailing clerics, Trump ratcheted up the pressure on Erdogan, forcing Turkey to compromise. In dealing with belligerent authoritarian strongmen, it takes one to know one

More:Turkey: The one place Trump's bullying is actually working - Middle East News - Haaretz.com

Wednesday, November 07, 2018

Turkey's election board finds Erdoğan top recipient of deceased people's donations | Ahval

Turkey's election board finds Erdoğan top recipient of deceased people's donations

Turkey’s Supreme Election Board found that 866 deceased people donated to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s campaign for Jun. 24 elections, opposition newspaper Birgün said on Wednesday.

The Board found irregularities in donations made to all presidential candidates, but the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) broke a record in the number of donations from people that had passed away.

More:Turkey's election board finds Erdoğan top recipient of deceased people's donations | Ahval

Turkey’s troubled economy needs another Kemal Derviş - analyst | Ahval

Turkey’s troubled economy needs another Kemal Derviş - analyst

Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have reaped the rewards of the work of former Economy Minister Kemal Derviş and his team following the country’s 2001 crisis, Simon Waldman of the Istanbul Policy Center wrote on his personal site.

More:Turkey’s troubled economy needs another Kemal Derviş - analyst | Ahval

Can Turkey's central bank avoid another rate hike? | FT Alphaville

Can Turkey's central bank avoid another rate hike?

By: Colby Smith

At first glance, the latest print of Turkish inflation is alarming. At 25.2 per cent, consumer prices are now growing at their fastest pace in 15 years, with 80 per cent of items in the consumer price basket posting increases.

More:Can Turkey's central bank avoid another rate hike? | FT Alphaville

Tuesday, November 06, 2018

Turkish Tourism Buoyed by Ancient History and Modern Visitors, Even During Testy Times

Turkish Tourism Buoyed by Ancient History and Modern Visitors, Even During Testy Times
by Maria Lisella / November 06, 2018
Turkish Tourism Buoyed by Ancient History and Modern Visitors, Even During Testy Times

Headlines of economic woes and political unrest no longer throw the fear of God into travelers, especially if the destinations are compelling and timeless. Americans, in particular, have shown themselves to be resilient travelers.

More:Turkish Tourism Buoyed by Ancient History and Modern Visitors, Even During Testy Times

President Erdogan and the Khashoggi killing - Opinion - Jerusalem Post

President Erdogan and the Khashoggi killing

President Erdogan’s display of piety is commendable when he states that a month after Khashoggi’s killing, we still do not know where his body is.

More:President Erdogan and the Khashoggi killing - Opinion - Jerusalem Post

Monday, November 05, 2018

Turks spooked as government's inflation efforts fall flat

Turks spooked as government's inflation efforts fall flat
Jasper Mortimer November 5, 2018

Article Summary
Inflation has hit a new recent high of 25% in Turkey and the president's son-in-law and finance minister is struggling to convince the public his anti-inflation plan is getting anywhere.

More:Turks spooked as government's inflation efforts fall flat

Goldman Sachs to buy second stake in Turkish tourism agency, says statement: Reuters - PE Hub

Goldman Sachs to buy second stake in Turkish tourism agency, says statement: Reuters

November 5, 2018 By Reuters News

Investment bank Goldman Sachs (GS.N) reached an agreement with Turkey’s Jolly Tur to buy a second stake in the company, the Turkish travel agency said on Monday.

More:Goldman Sachs to buy second stake in Turkish tourism agency, says statement: Reuters - PE Hub

Turkish Inflation Climbs as Lira Slump Feeds Into Prices - Bloomberg

Turkish Inflation Climbs as Lira Slump Feeds Into Prices
By Cagan Koc
November 5, 2018, 2:06 AM EST Updated on November 5, 2018, 2:39 AM EST

Turkey’s consumer inflation accelerated more than expected last month as the weak lira continued to fuel price gains.

More:Turkish Inflation Climbs as Lira Slump Feeds Into Prices - Bloomberg

Sunday, November 04, 2018

Turkey’s purge of academia | University Observer

Turkey’s purge of academia

With scholars in Turkey being imprisoned in their thousands, Gavin Tracey examines the political forces driving these increasingly totalitarian policies.
By
Gavin Tracey -
November 3, 2018

On the 25th September, 2018, Sedat Laçiner, a world renowned political scientist, once described as a “rising star of Turkish academia”, and the youngest man ever appointed as a rector to a Turkish university, was jailed for 9 years and 4 months. In a letter sent to the Times Higher Education, his attorney wrote that the judge handed down the sentence before they had even read his defence. He was charged with alleged ties to the Gülen movement (followers of the exiled cleric Fethullah Gülen), despite no evidence corroborating this, as well as his denial of any wrongdoing. The only evidence brought against him was two columns he wrote for a Turkish newspaper, criticising the government’s “efforts to deviate Turkey from its western direction.”

More:Turkey’s purge of academia | University Observer

Erdogan Says Turkey Discussing Halkbank With U.S. After Trump Call | World News | US News

Erdogan Says Turkey Discussing Halkbank With U.S. After Trump Call
Nov. 3, 2018, at 1:59 p.m.

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday he and President Donald Trump had discussed Turkey's Halkbank, which faces potential U.S. fines after an executive was convicted of taking part in a scheme to help Iran evade U.S. sanctions.

More:Erdogan Says Turkey Discussing Halkbank With U.S. After Trump Call | World News | US News

Saturday, November 03, 2018

Turkey recalls ambassador to Uganda for wearing Greek mythology-inspired dress at Republic Day event | Euronews

Turkey recalls ambassador to Uganda for wearing Greek mythology-inspired dress at Republic Day event

By Servet Yanatma
Turkey announced on Saturday that it has recalled its ambassador to Uganda after she wore a Greek mythology-inspired outfit to an event marking the 95th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.

More:Turkey recalls ambassador to Uganda for wearing Greek mythology-inspired dress at Republic Day event | Euronews

Turkey In The List of 8 Nations That Can Buy Iranian Oil: Reports | EurAsian Times: Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News

Turkey In The List of 8 Nations That Can Buy Iranian Oil: Reports
By
EurAsian Times -
November 2, 2018

Turkey has information that is one of eight countries that the United States has temporarily excluded from the list of nations that can buy oil from Iran. This was stated on Friday by the Minister of Energy of Turkey Fatih Donmez, reports AFP.

More:Turkey In The List of 8 Nations That Can Buy Iranian Oil: Reports | EurAsian Times: Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News

Turkey, US lift sanctions on officials after pastor's release | USA News | Al Jazeera

Turkey, US lift sanctions on officials after pastor's release

US pastor Andrew Brunson was freed in October, easing tensions between NATO allies Washington and Ankara.

More:Turkey, US lift sanctions on officials after pastor's release | USA News | Al Jazeera

William Gumede: Turkey should be SA's wake-up call | Fin24

William Gumede: Turkey should be SA's wake-up call
Nov 02 2018 14:18 William Gumede

William Gumede

The democratic and economic meltdowns of Turkey should serve as a wake-up call to South Africa.

Turkey was the world’s 18th largest economy, initially hailed as a Muslim "democracy", and experienced high economic growth rates for years.

More:William Gumede: Turkey should be SA's wake-up call | Fin24

US, Turkey lift sanctions in sign of easing tensions - Cyprus Mail

US, Turkey lift sanctions in sign of easing tensions

The United States and Turkey on Friday mutually lifted sanctions on top government officials, a sign of a thaw in relations that had been chilled by Ankara’s detention of an American Christian pastor.

The United States had imposed sanctions on Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul and Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu in August to protest the case of Andrew Brunson, an American Christian pastor who had been detained by Turkey for two years.

More:US, Turkey lift sanctions in sign of easing tensions - Cyprus Mail

Thursday, November 01, 2018

Micro-earthquakes preceding a 4.2 earthquake near Istanbul as early warning signs? -- ScienceDaily

Micro-earthquakes preceding a 4.2 earthquake near Istanbul as early warning signs?

Date: November 1, 2018

Researchers have observed foreshocks that, if analyzed accordingly and in real-time, may possibly increase the early-warning time before a large earthquake from just a few seconds up to several hours.

More:Micro-earthquakes preceding a 4.2 earthquake near Istanbul as early warning signs? -- ScienceDaily

Turkish lira sinks after Albayrak tax cut announcement | Financial Times

Turkish lira sinks after Albayrak tax cut announcement

News sharpened doubt over government’s pledge for fiscal discipline

More:Turkish lira sinks after Albayrak tax cut announcement | Financial Times

Economic morale in Turkey drops to lowest in decade - Latest News

Economic morale in Turkey drops to lowest in decade

ANKARA Economic morale in Turkey drops to lowest in decade Turkey’s economic morale index dropped 4.8 percent in October, according to a statement by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) on Oct. 31. The economic confidence index, which was 71 in September, decreased to 67.5, according to the statement.

More:Economic morale in Turkey drops to lowest in decade - Latest News

Erdoğan’s Flights of Fancy | by Kaya Genç | NYR Daily | The New York Review of Books

Erdoğan’s Flights of Fancy

From the outset, Erdoğan’s big infrastructure programs have been interesting for their interaction with democracy: at their best, as with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal and Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Interstate program, such projects can be Keynesian expressions of national will. But under an undemocratic form of Keynesianism, as in Erdoğan’s Turkey, they instead became symbols of a slide into illiberalism. Young Turks were the first to notice. In Gezi Square, they pitched tents and sprayed environmentalist graffiti on walls against the “crazy projects.”

More:Erdoğan’s Flights of Fancy | by Kaya Genç | NYR Daily | The New York Review of Books

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Erdogan Is In A Glasshouse: Is He Safe Throwing Stones? – OpEd – Eurasia Review

Erdogan Is In A Glasshouse: Is He Safe Throwing Stones?

October 30, 2018

Neville Teller

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s autocratic president, is a past-master at seizing the moment and turning it to his political advantage. The latest example is the Jamal Khashoggi affair, which he has managed masterfully, gaining a steadily increasing advantage over his prime rivals in the Muslim world – Saudi Arabia. But how secure is he against repercussions?

More:Erdogan Is In A Glasshouse: Is He Safe Throwing Stones? – OpEd – Eurasia Review

Erdogan scores points in his foreign policy gamble

Erdogan scores points in his foreign policy gamble

Cengiz Candar October 29, 2018

Article Summary
Turkish President Erdogan scores major diplomatic points from the Khashoggi case to the quadrilateral summit in Istanbul.

More:Erdogan scores points in his foreign policy gamble

Monday, October 29, 2018

A Bad Influence: Erdogan’s Problematic European Friendships - Brown Political Review

A Bad Influence: Erdogan’s Problematic European Friendships
By Christopher KobelOctober 28, 2018

Throughout his prominence in Turkish politics, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, now the nation’s president, has raised eyebrows more than a few times. From his remarks on childrearing, “One or two children mean bankruptcy,” to his war on Wikipedia, which he once claimed posed a “national security threat”, Erdoğan has provided occasional entertainment to the international community. But it’s certainly not all fun and games. Joining these rather ridiculous remarks and regulations have been very real moves towards categorical authoritarianism.

More:A Bad Influence: Erdogan’s Problematic European Friendships - Brown Political Review

Sunday, October 28, 2018

French Philosopher Dedicates Book to Turkey's 'Academics for Peace'

French Philosopher Dedicates Book to Turkey’s ‘Academics for Peace’

By Staff Writer On Oct 28, 2018

French philosopher Étienne Balibar dedicated his latest book Libre Parole (Free Speech) to ‘Academics for Peace‘, a group of Turkish academics prosecuted for signing a pro-Kurdish anti-war petition, the Turkish media reported on Sunday.

More:French Philosopher Dedicates Book to Turkey's 'Academics for Peace'

Istanbul to unveil new airport, seeks to be world’s biggest

Istanbul to unveil new airport, seeks to be world’s biggest
By ZEYNEP BILGINSOY and NEYRAN ELDEN -

10/28/18 6:08 AM

ISTANBUL — Recep Tayyip Erdogan has held plenty of grand opening ceremonies in his 15 years at Turkey’s helm. On Monday he will unveil one of his prized jewels — Istanbul New Airport — a megaproject that has been dogged by concerns about labor rights, environmental issues and Turkey’s weakening economy.

More:Istanbul to unveil new airport, seeks to be world’s biggest

Saturday, October 27, 2018

At Istanbul Summit, Russia Seeks Role as Mediator of Syria War - WSJ

At Istanbul Summit, Russia Seeks Role as Mediator of Syria War
Four heads of state meet to discuss a settlement in the protracted war
By Sune Engel Rasmussen
Updated Oct. 27, 2018 4:10 p.m. ET

ISTANBUL—Russia used a four-nation summit here on Saturday to cement its new role as a Middle East power broker and attract European funding for rebuilding Syria after its war ends.

More:At Istanbul Summit, Russia Seeks Role as Mediator of Syria War - WSJ

Friday, October 26, 2018

Interview with Eylem Tuncaelli: The case for a united opposition in Turkey

Interview with Eylem Tuncaelli: The case for a united opposition in Turkey
By Theodoros Benakis

"They have created a monopoly in all the media, to abolish the possibility of different voices being heard. We are now in a period where only one voice is heard in Turkey," says Eylem Tuncaelli.

More:Interview with Eylem Tuncaelli: The case for a united opposition in Turkey

Istanbul to get new international airport; will be world's biggest once complete - The Financial Express

Istanbul to get new international airport; will be world’s biggest once complete

By: AFP | Updated: October 26, 2018 12:45 AM
Final preparations were underway Thursday at the new international airport in Istanbul, four days ahead of its inauguration by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Istanbul to get new international airport; will be world's biggest once complete - The Financial Express

Obituary: Turkish photographer Ara Guler: Chronicler of a bygone age - Qantara.de

Chronicler of a bygone age

Turkey's most famous photographer, Ara Guler, has died in Istanbul at the age of 90. With his images of both the people and places of the Turkish capital, Guler has done more than any other to keep the memory of the city as it used to look alive. By Marian Brehmer

More:Obituary: Turkish photographer Ara Guler: Chronicler of a bygone age - Qantara.de

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Geopolitical game changer for Turkey sets stage for rate pause | CPI Financial | CPI Financial News | Banking and Financial News,Islamic Business and Finance, Commercial Banking

Geopolitical game changer for Turkey sets stage for rate pause

The lira has stabilized and pressure to continue with interest-rate increases has eased since this month’s release of an American pastor facing charges of espionage defused a diplomatic standoff with the US. The Monetary Policy Committee will keep its benchmark unchanged at 24 per cent on Thursday, according to all but four of 29 economists in a Bloomberg survey.

More:Geopolitical game changer for Turkey sets stage for rate pause | CPI Financial | CPI Financial News | Banking and Financial News,Islamic Business and Finance, Commercial Banking

Jamal Khashoggi murder: What is Turkey's game with Saudi Arabia? - BBC News

Jamal Khashoggi murder: What is Turkey's game with Saudi Arabia?

By Mark Lowen BBC Turkey correspondent, Istanbul

Jamal Khashoggi and how Saudi critics keep going missing Type "Erdogan slams…" into Google and the list is endless - the UN, the EU, Israel, French intellectuals, the Netherlands, Germany. The last two were labelled "Nazis" and "fascists" by Turkey's president a year ago.

More:Jamal Khashoggi murder: What is Turkey's game with Saudi Arabia? - BBC News

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

87 percent of Turkish women want active role in economy- UN agency director   | Ahval

87 percent of Turkish women want active role in economy- UN agency director

Some 87 percent of women in Turkey want paid employment, exceeding the world average by 17 percent, United Nations International Labor Organization’s (ILO ) Turkey director Numan Özcan told pro-government Hürriyet Daily News.

More:87 percent of Turkish women want active role in economy- UN agency director   | Ahval

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Turkey’s fantasy war on inflation

Turkey’s fantasy war on inflation

Mustafa Sonmez October 23, 2018

Article Summary
Ankara has declared an “all-out fight against inflation,” cajoling sellers into 10% discounts and sending municipal police to hunt hoarders, and while this bizarre strategy is unlikely to bear fruit, it might be a sign of other plans that are being cooked up in Ankara.

More:Turkey’s fantasy war on inflation

Turkey's lira weakens as nationalists say no local election alliance | Reuters

Turkey's lira weakens as nationalists say no local election alliance

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey’s lira was nearly 2 percent weaker against the dollar on Tuesday after the nationalist MHP party said it would not seek an alliance with President Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party in 2019 local elections, raising fears of political instability.

More:Turkey's lira weakens as nationalists say no local election alliance | Reuters

CHP dissident Ince confirms intent to run for Istanbul mayor - Daily Sabah

CHP dissident Ince confirms intent to run for Istanbul mayor

The former presidential candidate of the main opposition the Republican People's Party (CHP), Muharrem Ince, confirmed media reports on his mayoral candidacy for Istanbul metropolitan municipality in the March 2019 local elections.

More:CHP dissident Ince confirms intent to run for Istanbul mayor - Daily Sabah

Turkish TV series lead to boom in high-income South American tourists - Daily Sabah

Turkish TV series lead to boom in high-income South American tourists

Turkish TV series have had an impact on the high-income earners and high spenders from South America, as Turkey has seen a double-digit increase in the number of tourists coming from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia

More:Turkish TV series lead to boom in high-income South American tourists - Daily Sabah

Turkey demands to know who ordered ‘savage’ Khashoggi killing (Update 2) - Cyprus Mail

Turkey demands to know who ordered ‘savage’ Khashoggi killing (Update 2)

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday dismissed attempts by Riyadh to blame Jamal Khashoggi‘s “savage” killing on rogue operatives, saying the person who ordered the death of the prominent Saudi journalist must “be brought to account”.

More:Turkey demands to know who ordered ‘savage’ Khashoggi killing (Update 2) - Cyprus Mail

Monday, October 22, 2018

Jamal Khashoggi: Turks may squeeze billions of dollars from Saudi over embassy killing

Jamal Khashoggi: Turks may squeeze billions of dollars from Saudi over embassy killing

The killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi will likely trigger secret negotiations for billions of dollars in cheap loans to flow from oil-rich Saudi Arabia to Turkey.

All eyes in Saudi's powerful royal family are now nervously fixed on Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who appears to hold all the aces in a high-stakes game of political poker.

More:Jamal Khashoggi: Turks may squeeze billions of dollars from Saudi over embassy killing

Turkey is set for direct conflict with the US over Iran’s advance in Syria | Financial Times

Turkey is set for direct conflict with the US over Iran’s advance in Syria
From Robert Ellis, Birkerod, Denmark

The optimism of your editorial “ A chance for Turkey and America to rebuild ties” (October 15) is based on a false assumption: a mutuality of ties between the US and Turkey. But this is far from being the case.

The driving force behind US pressure on Turkey to secure the release of pastor Andrew Brunson was the looming midterm elections and President Donald Trump’s dependence on the evangelical vote, which helped him secure the presidency. As far as Turkey is concerned, it is the current economic crisis and tumbling lira that threaten to overwhelm Turkey.

More:Turkey is set for direct conflict with the US over Iran’s advance in Syria | Financial Times

Turkey, where Saudi writer died, has culture of surveillance | Tulsa's 24-Hour News, Weather and Traffic

Turkey, where Saudi writer died, has culture of surveillance
October 22, 2018 11:57 AM

ISTANBUL - One mystery surrounding the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul is the existence of purported audio recordings of his death. The recordings, reported to include voices of Saudi officials who were present as well as confirmation of a grisly scheme to dispose of the dismembered body, were reported in pro-government newspapers in Turkey but have not been officially confirmed.

More:Turkey, where Saudi writer died, has culture of surveillance | Tulsa's 24-Hour News, Weather and Traffic

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Turkey puts fiancee of slain journalist Khashoggi under 24-hour protection

Turkey puts fiancee of slain journalist Khashoggi under 24-hour protection

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish authorities have put the fiancee of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi under 24-hour police protection, the state-run Anadolu news agency said on Sunday.

More:Turkey puts fiancee of slain journalist Khashoggi under 24-hour protection

Turkey issues Interpol 'red notice' for prominent journalists in exile - The National

Turkey issues Interpol 'red notice' for prominent journalists in exile

The move comes as part of Ankara's broader crackdown on the press and free speech

More:Turkey issues Interpol 'red notice' for prominent journalists in exile - The National

Saturday, October 20, 2018

News.Az - Turkey declares Star oil refinery as special industrial zone

Turkey declares Star oil refinery as special industrial zone

Sat 20 October 2018 10:27 GMT | 6:27 Local Time

Turkey's biggest oil refinery STAR opened on Friday in western Izmir province

A presidential decree has declared a newly-opened oil refinery in western Izmir province as the first special industrial zone in Turkey, Anadolu Agency cited the Industry and Technology Ministry as saying Saturday.

More:News.Az - Turkey declares Star oil refinery as special industrial zone

How Turkey's President Erdogan pressured Saudis to account for Khashoggi's death, Middle East News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

How Turkey's President Erdogan pressured Saudis to account for Khashoggi's death

ISTANBUL (WASHINGTON POST) - Saudi Arabia's decision to acknowledge the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi followed calls for justice from around the world. But no individual had put more pressure on the oil-rich monarchy than Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:How Turkey's President Erdogan pressured Saudis to account for Khashoggi's death, Middle East News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Friday, October 19, 2018

Istanbul summit on Syria aimed at avoiding new humanitarian disaster: France | Reuters

Istanbul summit on Syria aimed at avoiding new humanitarian disaster: France

PARIS (Reuters) - The leaders of France, Germany, Turkey and Russia will meet on Oct 27 in Istanbul to discuss the war in Syria and identify ways of avoiding a humanitarian catastrophe in the country’s Idlib region, the French presidency said on Friday.

More:Istanbul summit on Syria aimed at avoiding new humanitarian disaster: France | Reuters

Thursday, October 18, 2018

In pictures: 'Eye of Istanbul' photographer Ara Guler dies at 90 - BBC News

In pictures: 'Eye of Istanbul' photographer Ara Guler dies at 90

One of Turkey's best known photojournalists, Ara Guler, has died at the age of 90. Nicknamed The Eye of Istanbul, Ara Guler chronicled the city with melancholic black-and-white pictures taken mostly with a Leica camera. He died in hospital in Istanbul on Wednesday after suffering heart failure, Anadolu news agency said.

More:In pictures: 'Eye of Istanbul' photographer Ara Guler dies at 90 - BBC News

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Pompeo heads to Turkey as Saudis change Khashoggi tune

Pompeo heads to Turkey as Saudis change Khashoggi tune
Amberin Zaman October 16, 2018

Article Summary
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is headed for Ankara, where he will likely brief Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his talks with Saudi leaders on the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

More:Pompeo heads to Turkey as Saudis change Khashoggi tune

Erdogan May Have Freed Pastor Brunson, But Turkey’s Economy Is Still Trapped – Foreign Policy

Erdogan May Have Freed Pastor Brunson, But Turkey’s Economy Is Still Trapped
Even if Trump lifts sanctions now, the lira won’t recover for a long time.
By Julie Honoré | October 16, 2018, 4:46 PM

“He was the most expensive prisoner in Turkey!” called out one journalist in a crowd standing on the steps of the court in Izmir, Turkey, earlier this month. Inside, the American pastor Andrew Brunson had just been sentenced to just over three years in prison. The verdict, though, meant freedom: Brunson, whose two-year detention in Izmir had prompted the Trump administration to hit Turkey with economic sanctions, could now go home to the United States on time served. And go home he did. A few hours later, he was meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House.

More:Erdogan May Have Freed Pastor Brunson, But Turkey’s Economy Is Still Trapped – Foreign Policy

EU calls on Saudi Arabia to cooperate with Turkey in Khashoggi cause – Middle East Monitor

EU calls on Saudi Arabia to cooperate with Turkey in Khashoggi cause
October 16, 2018 -

The European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini yesterday called on the Saudi authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and cooperate fully with the Turkish authorities in the case of missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

More:EU calls on Saudi Arabia to cooperate with Turkey in Khashoggi cause – Middle East Monitor

Monday, October 15, 2018

Trump denies relaxation of sanctions against Turkey - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Trump denies relaxation of sanctions against Turkey

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday denied the possibility of relaxing sanctions against Turkey over the release of U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson.

More:Trump denies relaxation of sanctions against Turkey - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Creeping authoritarianism: Turkeyʹs one man band - Qantara.de

Turkeyʹs one man band

In June, Recep Tayyip Erdogan became head of state in Turkeyʹs new presidential system, which grants him enormous powers. But the country is in the midst of a veritable economic crisis. Erdogan has his back against the wall. An analysis by Timur Tinc

More:Creeping authoritarianism: Turkeyʹs one man band - Qantara.de

One step forward, several steps back in Turkey | FT Alphaville

One step forward, several steps back in Turkey

By: Colby Smith

On Friday, a Turkish judge released Andrew Brunson, the US pastor at the centre of President Trump's stand-off with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Brunson had spent two years in detention on charges of espionage and aiding the failed 2016 coup. News of his release did inject some optimism into Turkish assets: prices on Turkey's 10-year government bond gained nearly 12 per cent. And at first, the currency gained nearly 3 per cent against the dollar.

More:One step forward, several steps back in Turkey | FT Alphaville

Turkish and Saudi Leaders Discuss Khashoggi Disappearance

Turkish and Saudi Leaders Discuss Khashoggi Disappearance
October 15, 2018 3:27 AM

The leaders of Turkey and Saudi Arabia have discussed forming a joint working group to look into the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who went missing October 2 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

More:Turkish and Saudi Leaders Discuss Khashoggi Disappearance