Turkish Digest Advertising Rates

Annual Advertising options

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Turkey unveils prototype of 1st locally made ventilator, 5,000 units to be made in 2 months | Daily Sabah

Turkey unveils prototype of 1st locally made ventilator, 5,000 units to be made in 2 months
BY DAILY SABAH WITH AA
ISTANBUL BUSINESS MAR 31, 2020 12:31 PM GMT+3

A prototype of Turkey's first locally manufactured ventilator can be seen. (İHA Photo)
Turkey on Monday unveiled a prototype of its first locally made ventilator, an official with the country's leading drone manufacturer Baykar announced Monday.

More:Turkey unveils prototype of 1st locally made ventilator, 5,000 units to be made in 2 months | Daily Sabah

Explosion in Turkey Damages Natural Gas Pipeline From Iran - The New York Times

Explosion in Turkey Damages Natural Gas Pipeline From Iran
By The Associated Press
March 31, 2020
Updated 10:42 a.m. ET

ANKARA, Turkey — An explosion in eastern Turkey Tuesday damaged a natural gas pipeline and halted gas flows from Iran, Turkey's state-run news agency reported.

More:Explosion in Turkey Damages Natural Gas Pipeline From Iran - The New York Times

Monday, March 30, 2020

TURKEY Erdoğan announces new restrictions; Istanbul under quarantine

Erdoğan announces new restrictions; Istanbul under quarantine
by NAT da Polis
A travel ban has been imposed in the country. Schools, universities, mosques, restaurants, hammams and coffee shops were closed ten days ago. The death toll (130) is rising. Out of a population of 80 million, 10,000 people have tested positive so far. Many Turks have doubts about official figures.

More:TURKEY Erdoğan announces new restrictions; Istanbul under quarantine

Turkey puts 39 residential areas under quarantine against coronavirus - Reuters

Turkey puts 39 residential areas under quarantine against coronavirus
1 MIN READ

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey has placed 39 residential areas in 18 cities under quarantine as of Monday to contain the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed 131 people in the country.

More:Turkey puts 39 residential areas under quarantine against coronavirus - Reuters

Turkey to hand over 1,000 liras to 2.1 million families in COVID-19 support | Ahval

Turkey to hand over 1,000 liras to 2.1 million families in COVID-19 support
Mar 30 2020 02:14 Gmt+3
Last Updated On: Mar 30 2020 02:17 Gmt+3
Turkey will pay 2.1 million of the poorest families 1,000 liras ($153) each to help cope with the financial impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

More:Turkey to hand over 1,000 liras to 2.1 million families in COVID-19 support | Ahval

Confined to homes, Turks post comedic lockdown videos on social media | Ahval

Confined to homes, Turks post comedic lockdown videos on social media
Mar 29 2020 09:07 Gmt+3
Last Updated On: Mar 29 2020 09:12 Gmt+3
As Turkey’s deadly coronavirus figures continue to soar, the public is seeking to lighten the sombre atmosphere created by the nation-wide restrictions in effect during the pandemic.

People have been creating comical social media videos about the hurdles faced in complying with the precautionary measures.

More:Confined to homes, Turks post comedic lockdown videos on social media | Ahval

Coronavirus News: Turkey Central Bank Downplay Threat to Economy - Bloomberg

Turkey Central Bank Downplays Pandemic’s Threat to Economy
By Taylan Bilgic
March 29, 2020, 12:40 PM EDT

Turkey’s central bank painted an optimistic picture about the impact of the coronavirus, saying the Middle East’s biggest economy is resilient to such shocks. The number of fatalities from the outbreak reached 131 as of Sunday.

More:Coronavirus News: Turkey Central Bank Downplay Threat to Economy - Bloomberg

Countries reject China pandemic product batches | Financial Times

Countries reject China pandemic product batches

The Netherlands, Spain and Turkey question quality of face masks and tests

More:Countries reject China pandemic product batches | Financial Times

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Turkish Association Warns of Future Food, Medicine Shortages - The Media Line

Turkish Association Warns of Future Food, Medicine Shortages
KRISTINA JOVANOVSKI
03/29/2020

The International Transporters Association says cargo trucks waiting for days on borders

Turkey is at risk of a food and medicine shortage in as little as five months due to disruptions of international supply chains and a stop in production amid the COVID-19 pandemic, International Transporters Association of Turkey (UND) told The Media Line.

More:Turkish Association Warns of Future Food, Medicine Shortages - The Media Line

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Turkey’s borrowing masks ‘significant’ decline in forex reserves | Financial Times

Turkey’s borrowing masks ‘significant’ decline in forex reserves

Measure of foreign-currency reserves drops to $1.5bn when excluding swap operations

More:Turkey’s borrowing masks ‘significant’ decline in forex reserves | Financial Times

Turkey Quarantines 12 Areas, Suspends International Flights - Globe Post Turkey

Turkey Quarantines 12 Areas, Suspends International Flights
NATIONAL
By Staff Writer On Mar 27, 2020

A dozen areas have been placed under quarantine across Turkey to fight the novel coronavirus outbreak, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Friday.

“When the risk of contagion in some villages or towns is high, such a decision can be made,” Soylu told the private NTV television.

More:Turkey Quarantines 12 Areas, Suspends International Flights - Globe Post Turkey

Erdogan says Turkey will overcome coronavirus in two-three weeks; school closures extended - Reuters

Erdogan says Turkey will overcome coronavirus in two-three weeks; school closures extended
Tuvan Gumrukcu, Ezgi Erkoyun
3 MIN READ

ANKARA/ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey will overcome the coronavirus outbreak in two to three weeks through good measures, with as little damage as possible, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday, as Ankara extended the closure of all schools until April 30.

More:Erdogan says Turkey will overcome coronavirus in two-three weeks; school closures extended - Reuters

Friday, March 27, 2020

Turkey Adopts 'Voluntary' Stay-At-Home Quarantine - The New York Times

Turkey Adopts 'Voluntary' Stay-At-Home Quarantine
By Reuters
March 27, 2020
Updated 5:30 p.m. ET

ANKARA — President Tayyip Erdogan called on Friday for a "voluntary quarantine" in which Turks stay at home except for shopping or basic needs to stem a surge of coronavirus cases, which jumped by a third in a day to 5,698 with 92 dead.

More:Turkey Adopts 'Voluntary' Stay-At-Home Quarantine - The New York Times

Coronavirus, Covid-19: Turkey Businesses Urge Erdogan to Do More - Bloomberg

Turkey’s Top Businesses Urge Erdogan to Do More on Virus Fallout
By Kerim Karakaya and Ercan Ersoy
March 27, 2020, 2:15 AM EDT

Turkey’s top industrialists are calling on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to introduce stricter measures to fight coronavirus and boost stimulus to kick start the economy once the pandemic is over.

The board of the business group Tusiad penned a letter to the Turkish president after he announced a 100 billion liras ($15.4 billion) package of tax cuts and payment deferrals to support the economy, according to people familiar with the matter.

More:Coronavirus, Covid-19: Turkey Businesses Urge Erdogan to Do More - Bloomberg

Turkey imposes first curfew as coronavirus infections surge

Turkey imposes first curfew as coronavirus infections surge
Ezgi Akin March 27, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Ankara has announced its first lockdown covering 12 areas in the Black Sea coastal provinces of Rize and Trabzon as Turkey suffers its largest single-day jump in coronavirus cases.

More:Turkey imposes first curfew as coronavirus infections surge

Freedom of the press: Turkey's Pelican group – Erdoganʹs state within a state? - Qantara.de

Turkey's Pelican group – Erdoganʹs state within a state?

After Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government set its sights on critical news outlet OdaTV, several of its journalists now face harsh prison sentences. Is Turkey's president using a secret group to control judges? By Hulya Schenk & Daniel Derya Bellut

More:Freedom of the press: Turkey's Pelican group – Erdoganʹs state within a state? - Qantara.de

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Turkey and COVID-19: Is another Italy in the making?

Turkey and COVID-19: Is another Italy in the making?
Cengiz Candar March 26, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Experts warn that Turkey may soon face a calamity similar to what befell Italy and Spain if the government fails to take stronger measures to fight the coronavirus.

More:Turkey and COVID-19: Is another Italy in the making?

Turkey mulls full lockdown to check coronavirus

Turkey mulls full lockdown to check coronavirus
Ayla Jean Yackley March 26, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Turkey's interior minister says “full isolation” is possible if current measures do not slow the outbreak and Istanbul’s mayor says the country’s biggest city needs a stay-at-home order now.

More:Turkey mulls full lockdown to check coronavirus

Erdogan, Desperado and Constant Provocateur - The Globalist

Erdogan, Desperado and Constant Provocateur

Nothing seemed to stop Erdogan’s provocations on Europe’s eastern flank — until he met his match. The big losers are the Turkish people.

More:Erdogan, Desperado and Constant Provocateur - The Globalist

Turkish prosecutors file indictment over Khashoggi killing | WBMA

Turkish prosecutors file indictment over Jamal Khashoggi killing
by SUZAN FRASER Associated PressWednesday, March 25th 2020

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish prosecutors have formally charged two former aides of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and 18 other Saudi nationals over the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, officials said Wednesday.

More:Turkish prosecutors file indictment over Khashoggi killing | WBMA

Turkey arrests 410 citizens for “provocative” coronavirus posts / Boing Boing

Turkey arrests 410 citizens for “provocative” coronavirus posts

Turkey's interior minister said today the government has arrested 410 people for making “provocative” posts on social media about the coronavirus outbreak, which continues to worsen in the country and around the world.

More:Turkey arrests 410 citizens for “provocative” coronavirus posts / Boing Boing

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Turkish lira hits one week high, airline shares rebound | Financial Post

Turkish lira hits one week high, airline shares rebound

Reuters
March 25, 2020

ISTANBUL — The Turkish lira firmed to its strongest level in a week on Wednesday, and local shares also rode a bounce in global markets after the U.S. Congress agreed an economic stimulus bill to alleviate the coronavirus impact.

More:Turkish lira hits one week high, airline shares rebound | Financial Post

Turkey starts using drug from China for coronavirus - Turkey News

Turkey starts using drug from China for coronavirus
ANKARA

Alamy Photo

Turkey's health minister said on March 23 that the country is using a drug sent from China on patients suffering from the novel coronavirus.

More:Turkey starts using drug from China for coronavirus - Turkey News

Trans-Atlantic official slams US for forcing Turkish broadcaster to register as foreign agent

Trans-Atlantic official slams US for forcing Turkish broadcaster to register as foreign agent
Julian Pecquet March 24, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's media freedom representative said TRT's registration under a Nazi-era anti-propaganda law had a “restrictive & negative impact on media freedom.”

More:Trans-Atlantic official slams US for forcing Turkish broadcaster to register as foreign agent

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Turkey tightens restrictions to curb coronavirus outbreak

Turkey tightens restrictions to curb coronavirus outbreak
Ayla Jean Yackley March 24, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
As the death toll from COVID-19 reached 37 and cases spread across the country, Turkey pledged to accelerate diagnostic and treatment methods, while introducing new measures to keep people at home, though it has stopped short of a full lockdown.

More:Turkey tightens restrictions to curb coronavirus outbreak

Monday, March 23, 2020

UPDATE 4-Turkish lira down 10% since start of year as slump fears grow - Reuters

Turkish lira down 10% since start of year as slump fears grow
Can Sezer, Nevzat Devranoglu

(Adds postponement of VAT payments, Grand Bazaar closure)

By Can Sezer and Nevzat Devranoglu

ISTANBUL, March 23 (Reuters) - The Turkish lira slipped 0.8% on Monday to its lowest level since September 2018, as a surge in domestic coronavirus cases set the stage for a potentially sharp economic slowdown spanning tourism, manufacturing and the vast services sector.

More:UPDATE 4-Turkish lira down 10% since start of year as slump fears grow - Reuters

How Turkey Plans to Get Its Hands on Its Own Stealth Fighter | The National Interest

How Turkey Plans to Get Its Hands on Its Own Stealth Fighter
Buy from abroad or make a new one at home?

by David Axe
Key point: Ankara is looking at Moscow or Beijing as potential sellers. Alternatively, Turkey could try to build its own stealth fighter although that would be much harder.

More:How Turkey Plans to Get Its Hands on Its Own Stealth Fighter | The National Interest

Russia and Turkey cut short joint patrol in Syria's Idlib: Russian Defence Ministry - Reuters

Russia and Turkey cut short joint patrol in Syria's Idlib: Russian Defence Ministry

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia and Turkey were forced to cut short their second joint patrol in Syria’s Idlib region on Monday due to security concerns, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement.

More:Russia and Turkey cut short joint patrol in Syria's Idlib: Russian Defence Ministry - Reuters

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Good news for 2 million families! Additional payment will be made - Cryptodictation

Good news for 2 million families! Additional payment will be made
By admin -March 21, 202053 0
Details of the 100 billion lira “Economic Stability Shield” package announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday started to become clear. Information on the details of the announced supports to reduce the impact of the coronavirus epidemic that covers the whole world came from relevant ministers. Making a statement on the agenda at the Anadolu Agency (AA) Editor's Desk, Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, Minister of Family, Labor and Social Services, provided important information when answering questions about the measures they have taken as ministries in the fight against coronavirus.

More:Good news for 2 million families! Additional payment will be made - Cryptodictation

Vinegar gargles and sheep's head soup – Turkey's strange coronavirus remedies - The National

Vinegar gargles and sheep's head soup – Turkey's strange coronavirus remedies
Turks have come up with a variety of hoax measures to protect against global pandemic

The eruption of home remedies for coronavirus has alarmed health officials across the world, particularly in Turkey where do-it-yourself prevention has killed more people than the virus.

At least 20 people died in Istanbul last week after drinking rubbing alcohol in a bid to protect themselves against Covid-19, according to local media reports. Another 34 victims were admitted to intensive care.

More:Vinegar gargles and sheep's head soup – Turkey's strange coronavirus remedies - The National

Turkey issues curfew for elderly, chronically ill | Daily Sabah

Turkey issues curfew for elderly, chronically ill
BY DAILY SABAH WITH WIRES
ISTANBUL TURKEY MAR 21, 2020 7:20 PM GMT+3

Turkey’s Interior Ministry announced Saturday a curfew for elderly people aged 65 and up and people with chronic diseases starting at midnight. In a tweet published on the official account, the Ministry calls on the elderly and chronically ill to stay indoors.

More:Turkey issues curfew for elderly, chronically ill | Daily Sabah

Friday, March 20, 2020

Turkey isn’t buying Erdogan’s cure for the coronavirus crisis - Turkey - Haaretz.com

Analysis Turkey Isn’t Buying Erdogan’s Cure for the Coronavirus Crisis

Erdogan is under the impression that this will all blow over, but with a crumbling economy and a refugee population at risk, the public is losing faith

More:Turkey isn’t buying Erdogan’s cure for the coronavirus crisis - Turkey - Haaretz.com

Former Allies Challenge Turkey’s Erdogan   | Voice of America - English

Former Allies Challenge Turkey’s Erdogan  
By Dorian Jones
March 20, 2020 05:33 PM

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan talks during a news conference following a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) meeting in Ankara, March 18, 2020.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing twin challenges from former key allies as discontent grows over a sluggish economy and deteriorating human rights. 

Earlier this month, Ali Babacan launched the Deva Party, which means remedy. The party's message is of greater rights, democracy and gender equality.

More:Former Allies Challenge Turkey’s Erdogan   | Voice of America - English

Turkish startup develops money-disinfecting ATM

Turkish startup develops money-disinfecting ATM

Company develops money disinfection module on bank ATMs, removing 99% of bacteria, viruses, including novel coronavirus

More:Turkish startup develops money-disinfecting ATM

Turks grow disillusioned with military campaign in Syria | Ahval

Turks grow disillusioned with military campaign in Syria
Mar 20 2020 12:58 Gmt+3
Last Updated On: Mar 20 2020 01:03 Gmt+3
Some Turkish people have grown disillusioned with Turkey’s military campaign in Syria, reported CBC News on Thursday

“I don’t think it’s going well. Every day, we are watching or reading on the news that we are losing a soldier,” Rojin Yılmaz, 18, told CBC.

More:Turks grow disillusioned with military campaign in Syria | Ahval

COVID-19 pandemic: How is Turkey dealing with the corona crisis? - Qantara.de

How is Turkey dealing with the corona crisis?

Going by the official numbers, Turkey is doing well, especially in comparison to other countries. But does this impression correspond to the reality? There are significant reasons to doubt that it does. By Tayfun Guttstadt

More:COVID-19 pandemic: How is Turkey dealing with the corona crisis? - Qantara.de

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Coronavirus death toll in Turkey rises to four, 359 confirmed cases - health minister - Reuters

Coronavirus death toll in Turkey rises to four, 359 confirmed cases - health minister

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - The death toll in Turkey due to the coronavirus rose to four, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said late on Thursday, adding there was a total of 359 confirmed cases in the country.

More:Coronavirus death toll in Turkey rises to four, 359 confirmed cases - health minister - Reuters

Turkish shopping centres' body recommends malls shut due to coronavirus - Reuters

Turkish shopping centres' body recommends malls shut due to coronavirus

ISTANBUL, March 19 (Reuters) - The Turkish association of shopping centres said on Thursday it was recommending that malls close due to the spread of the coronavirus after President Tayyip Erdogan advised Turks not to leave home for three weeks unless necessary.

More:Turkish shopping centres' body recommends malls shut due to coronavirus - Reuters

Turkey says it sent 500,000 coronavirus test kits to United States | Financial Post

Turkey says it sent 500,000 coronavirus test kits to United States

ANKARA — Turkey has sent 500,000 coronavirus test kits to the United States upon their request, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Thursday.

More:Turkey says it sent 500,000 coronavirus test kits to United States | Financial Post

Despite stimulus, Turkish economy faces grave coronavirus prognosis

Despite stimulus, Turkish economy faces grave coronavirus prognosis
Diego Cupolo March 19, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Economic analysts shared mixed reactions to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s stimulus package, with some saying it doesn’t go far enough.

More:Despite stimulus, Turkish economy faces grave coronavirus prognosis

Shops close across Turkey, dimming hopes of a boom year - Reuters

Shops close across Turkey, dimming hopes of a boom year
Ceyda Caglayan, Orhan Coskun

ISTANBUL/ANKARA (Reuters) - Shops closed across Turkey on Thursday to help halt the coronavirus spread, dimming the economy’s prospects and raising questions for hundreds of thousands of workers after Ankara pledged $15 billion in support and advised Turks to stay home.

More:Shops close across Turkey, dimming hopes of a boom year - Reuters

Shops close across Turkey, dimming hopes of a boom year | National Post

Shops close across Turkey, dimming hopes of a boom year
Reuters
Ceyda Caglayan and Orhan Coskun

ISTANBUL/ANKARA — Shops closed across Turkey on Thursday to help halt the coronavirus spread, dimming the economy’s prospects and raising questions for hundreds of thousands of workers after Ankara pledged $15 billion in support and advised Turks to stay home.

More:Shops close across Turkey, dimming hopes of a boom year | National Post

US believes Russia was behind killing of dozens of Turkish soldiers in Syria

US believes Russia was behind killing of dozens of Turkish soldiers in Syria
By News Desk -2020-03-189

BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:30 P.M.) – U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday that he believed that the Russian military was behind the killing of dozens of Turkish soldiers during an attack in Idlib earlier this month.

More:US believes Russia was behind killing of dozens of Turkish soldiers in Syria

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Turkey reports second coronavirus death

Turkey reports second coronavirus death

Ankara, Mar 19 (AFP) Turkey on Wednesday reported its second coronavirus fatality, the Turkish health minister said, as the number of confirmed cases rose to 191.
"A 61-year-old male patient has died," Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Twitter, but giving no further details.

The confirmation of a second death comes after Koca said on Tuesday that an 89-year-old man was the first fatality in Turkey.

"The tests concluded today show the importance of following the measures which have been taken so far," he said.

More:Turkey reports second coronavirus death

Coronavirus: Turkey unveils $15.5 billion stimulus package | Middle East Eye

Coronavirus: Turkey unveils $15.5 billion stimulus package
Erdogan's 21-point plan aims to avert an economic crisis compounded by the coronavirus pandemic

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a $15.5bn stimulus package on Wednesday that seeks to revive the country's economy and ease financial burdens on businesses and individuals impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

More:Coronavirus: Turkey unveils $15.5 billion stimulus package | Middle East Eye

Erdogan advises Turks to stay home, acts to boost economy against coronavirus - Reuters

Erdogan advises Turks to stay home, acts to boost economy against coronavirus
Ece Toksabay, Nevzat Devranoglu

ANKARA (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan advised Turks on Wednesday not to leave home unless necessary for three weeks and to minimise social contact until the threat of the coronavirus recedes, but did not tell them to stay away from work.

More:Erdogan advises Turks to stay home, acts to boost economy against coronavirus - Reuters

Turkey’s public broadcaster registers as foreign agent

Turkey’s public broadcaster registers as foreign agent
Aaron Schaffer March 17, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
TRT's registration comes as the Donald Trump administration has been pressing state broadcasters to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

More:Turkey’s public broadcaster registers as foreign agent

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Can Istanbul’s mayor save democracy from the authoritarian right? | The Independent

Can Istanbul’s mayor save democracy from the authoritarian right?

For 25 years Istanbul has been controlled by one political party. Borzou Daragahi meets the new mayor and asks whether he can transform the politics of Turkey and turn the country into a model for democratic reform

More:Can Istanbul’s mayor save democracy from the authoritarian right? | The Independent

Turkey announces first death due to coronavirus, updates confirmed cases to 98 - live blog | Ahval

Turkey announces first death due to coronavirus, updates confirmed cases to 98 - live blog

Turkey announced on Tuesday the country’s first death from coronavirus and reported 51 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number to 98.

More:Turkey announces first death due to coronavirus, updates confirmed cases to 98 - live blog | Ahval

Turkey bringing home citizens stranded in Europe amid coronavirus lockdowns

Turkey bringing home citizens stranded in Europe amid coronavirus lockdowns
Al-Monitor Staff March 17, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Turkey will quarantine its citizens who return home after travel abroad.
REUTERS/Florion GogaA passenger wears a protective face mask in light of the coronavirus, upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, Turkey, March 13, 2020.

More:Turkey bringing home citizens stranded in Europe amid coronavirus lockdowns

Erdoğan in talks with European leaders over refugee cash for Turkey | World news | The Guardian

Erdoğan in talks with European leaders over refugee cash for Turkey
Border issue and other matters discussed in conference call with Germany, France and UK

Patrick Wintour and Helena Smith in Athens

Turkey has pressed European leaders to make fresh cash pledges to prevent tens of thousands of refugees from leaving the country and trying to reach Europe amid a Russian-Syrian offensive in north-west Syria.

More:Erdoğan in talks with European leaders over refugee cash for Turkey | World news | The Guardian

Turkey extended income tax deadline by a month amid coronavirus outbreak - Reuters

Turkey extended income tax deadline by a month amid coronavirus outbreak

ANKARA, March 17 (Reuters) - Turkey extended the deadline to pay income tax to the end of April from March, the finance ministry said on Twitter, after Ankara announced that the number of coronavirus cases rose to 47.

More:Turkey extended income tax deadline by a month amid coronavirus outbreak - Reuters

Turkey’s central bank slashes rates 100bp in emergency move | Snap | ING Think

Turkey’s central bank slashes rates 100bp in emergency move

The Central Bank of Turkey has stepped in and cut the policy rate to single digits, at 9.75%, for the first time since mid-2018. The bank also announced a number of actions to maintain the proper functioning of financial markets, the credit channel and the corporate sector

More:Turkey’s central bank slashes rates 100bp in emergency move | Snap | ING Think

Erdoğan’s hands-free greeting to guard against coronavirus becomes hit among European officials | Daily Sabah

Erdoğan’s hands-free greeting to guard against coronavirus becomes hit among European officials
BY DAILY SABAH
ISTANBUL POLITICS MAR 16, 2020 9:34 AM GMT+3

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (right) and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg perform the traditional hands-free Turkish greeting following a meeting in Brussels on March 10, 2020. (AA Photo)
The coronavirus pandemic has forced individuals across the world, including world leaders, to rethink their personal and social habits, from washing their hands to avoiding direct physical greetings. It is to this end that European diplomats and officials have begun to adopt President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s distinctly welcoming yet contact-free greeting during meetings.

more:Erdoğan’s hands-free greeting to guard against coronavirus becomes hit among European officials | Daily Sabah

UPDATE 2-Turkey mulls tax relief to blunt coronavirus pain -sources - Reuters

Turkey mulls tax relief to blunt coronavirus pain -sources
Orhan Coskun
4 MIN READ

* Lira, stocks tumble as virus cases rise to 18

* Tourism, export sectors seen most vulnerable

* Debt repayments could be delayed, deferred -sources

* Fed easing opens door to sharper Turkish rate cut (Adds options cited by sources)

By Orhan Coskun

ANKARA, March 16 (Reuters) - Turkey is considering tax relief for businesses as one possible step to help the economy through a slowdown in the face of spreading coronavirus, two sources said on Monday, as stocks tumbled and the lira hit levels not seen since 2018.

More:UPDATE 2-Turkey mulls tax relief to blunt coronavirus pain -sources - Reuters

Ford to turn Turkey into auto parts supply base for cars produced globally | Daily Sabah

Ford to turn Turkey into auto parts supply base for cars produced globally
BY DAILY SABAH
ISTANBUL AUTOMOTIVE MAR 16, 2020 12:18 PM GMT+3

File photo of a Ford Otosan auto factory in Turkey.
Ford Otosan factories in Turkey will produce parts for Ford vehicles purchased worldwide, led by a recently established purchase department, officials from the company said, suggesting they may turn the country into an alternative supply center.

more:Ford to turn Turkey into auto parts supply base for cars produced globally | Daily Sabah

Monday, March 16, 2020

Turkey′s Pelican group: A state within a state | Middle East| News and analysis of events in the Arab world | DW | 16.03.2020

Turkey's Pelican group: A state within a state

After Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government set its sights on critical news outlet OdaTV, several of its journalists now face harsh prison sentences. Is Turkey's president using a secret group to control judges?

More:Turkey′s Pelican group: A state within a state | Middle East| News and analysis of events in the Arab world | DW | 16.03.2020

Government scrambles to contain coronavirus as Turkish cases triple

Government scrambles to contain coronavirus as Turkish cases triple
Ayla Jean Yackley March 16, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
The Turkish authorities introduced sweeping measures to ensure social distancing in Turkey as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases, while still comparatively low, rose sharply overnight to 18.

More:Government scrambles to contain coronavirus as Turkish cases triple

Turkey suspends mosque prayers, shuts down restaurants, cafes to halt coronavirus spread - live blog | Ahval

Turkey suspends mosque prayers, shuts down restaurants, cafes to halt coronavirus spread - live blog
Ahval
Mar 16 2020 12:59 Gmt+3
Last Updated On: Mar 16 2020 07:52 Gmt+3
Turkey stepped up on Monday measures to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus, including the suspension of all congregational prayers at mosques, the closure of restaurants, cafes, movie theaters, wedding and event venues.

Meetings and congresses of all NGOs with high attendance will be suspended, the Interior Ministry said, but mosques will continue to remain open for worshippers to engage in individual prayers.​

More:Turkey suspends mosque prayers, shuts down restaurants, cafes to halt coronavirus spread - live blog | Ahval

Sunday, March 15, 2020

LETTER FROM ISTANBUL: The Day of the Virus | Lost Coast Outpost | Humboldt County

LETTER FROM ISTANBUL: The Day of the Virus

This past week, the country’s health minister confirmed the first case of coronavirus in Turkey.

The news was greeted by many with a peculiar wave of relief more than concern, believe it or not. As the pandemic spread across the planet, we here in Turkey anxiously awaited our turn, for the virus to show up here. Weeks, months, passed with neither word nor trace of anybody infected.

More:LETTER FROM ISTANBUL: The Day of the Virus | Lost Coast Outpost | Humboldt County

Turkey Quarantines Thousands of Pilgrims, Orders Closure of Bars - The New York Times

Turkey Quarantines Thousands of Pilgrims, Orders Closure of Bars
By Reuters
March 15, 2020
Updated 3:59 p.m. ET

ISTANBUL — Thousands of Muslims returning to Turkey from a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia were taken into quarantine on Sunday due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

More:Turkey Quarantines Thousands of Pilgrims, Orders Closure of Bars - The New York Times

Coronavirus could mean back-to-back shocks for Turkey

Coronavirus could mean back-to-back shocks for Turkey 0
BY DENIS BEDOYA ON MARCH 14, 2020NEWS
By Jonathan Spicer and Ali Kucukgocmen

ISTANBUL, March 12 – Turkey, which unleashed massive stimulus to recover from a 2018 currency crisis, is poised to stretch its central bank and public finances even more to defend the economy and tourism sector from the global coronavirus pandemic.

More:Coronavirus could mean back-to-back shocks for Turkey

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Turkey slams U.S. human rights report – but can’t refute the claims | Ahval

Turkey slams U.S. human rights report – but can’t refute the claims

Nicholas Morgan
Mar 14 2020 11:53 Gmt+3
Last Updated On: Mar 14 2020 11:55 Gmt+3
The 2019 country report on human rights practices in Turkey the United States Department of State released on Wednesday outlines violations that appeared in earlier reports on the country including forced disappearances, a systematic weakening of judicial independence, and restraints on civil society including the detention of hundreds of journalists.

More:Turkey slams U.S. human rights report – but can’t refute the claims | Ahval

Friday, March 13, 2020

Migrants on the Turkish-Greek border: 'We want to go back to Istanbul' - InfoMigrants

Migrants on the Turkish-Greek border: 'We want to go back to Istanbul'

By Mehdi Chebil Published on : 2020/03/13
Humanitarian conditions have deteriorated considerably near the Turkish-Greek border one week after the Turkish government threatened to "open" of the gates to Europe. Many migrants turned back by Greece or stranded in the Turkish border town of Edirne are now considering leaving the area.

More:Migrants on the Turkish-Greek border: 'We want to go back to Istanbul' - InfoMigrants

Erdogan's Catastrophic Adventurism | Al Bawaba

Erdogan's Catastrophic Adventurism
Published March 12th, 2020 - 09:22 GMT

If wars were won by fiery public speeches and threats alone, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would have given historical conquerors such as Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan and Napoleon Bonaparte a run for their money. However, fortunately for this world and unfortunately for the Turkish leader his threats mean nothing and are worthless in the theatre of war.

More:Erdogan's Catastrophic Adventurism | Al Bawaba

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Turks scramble for protection as virus closes in on the country | Daily Sabah

Turks scramble for protection as virus closes in on the country
BY DAILY SABAH
ISTANBUL TURKEY MAR 12, 2020 3:12 PM GMT+3

Masks and colognes are flying off the shelves after Turkey reported its first coronavirus case on Wednesday. Supermarkets also see an influx of customers while authorities warn they will act against price gouging.

More:Turks scramble for protection as virus closes in on the country | Daily Sabah

Coronavirus climbs up Turkey’s economic risk ladder

Coronavirus climbs up Turkey’s economic risk ladder
READ IN:    Türkçe
Mustafa Sonmez March 12, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
The Turkish-Russian deal on a cease-fire in Idlib was expected to ease economic jitters in Turkey, yet the country’s risk premium has hardly changed under the impact of the coronavirus crisis.

More:Coronavirus climbs up Turkey’s economic risk ladder

Erdogan may be the world's most 'insulted' leader

Erdogan may be the world's most 'insulted' leader
Orhan Kemal Cengiz March 12, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Lawyers for the Turkish president have sued more than 17,000 people for what they describe as insults to the president, with more than 5,000 convicted.

More:Erdogan may be the world's most 'insulted' leader

Erdogan’s March of Folly - The Jerusalem Post

Erdogan’s March of Folly

Barbara Tuchman has in ”The March of Folly” dealt with the pursuit by governments of policies contrary to their own interests.

More:Erdogan’s March of Folly - The Jerusalem Post

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Turkey’s Erdogan: Our Borders With EU Will Remain Open Until Europe Meets its ‘Expectations’ | CNSNews

Turkey’s Erdogan: Our Borders With EU Will Remain Open Until Europe Meets its ‘Expectations’
By James Carstensen | March 11, 2020 | 6:47pm EDT

Berlin (CNSNews.com) – Despite talks with European Union leaders this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday he will keep Turkey’s borders with Europe open until the E.U. meets Turkey’s demands. The move allows migrants to pass through to Greece unhindered, in contravention of a 2016 agreement with the E.U.

More:Turkey’s Erdogan: Our Borders With EU Will Remain Open Until Europe Meets its ‘Expectations’ | CNSNews

UPDATE 2-Turkish lira slides, medical shares surge after first virus case - Reuters

UPDATE 2-Turkish lira slides, medical shares surge after first virus case

ISTANBUL, March 11 (Reuters) - The Turkish lira weakened and the main stock index fell on Wednesday on concerns over the country’s first confirmed coronavirus case, but shares in some sectors rose as investors expected some companies to benefit.

More:UPDATE 2-Turkish lira slides, medical shares surge after first virus case - Reuters

Turkey announces first case as it claims to be model against coronavirus - The Jerusalem Post

Turkey announces first case as it claims to be model against coronavirus

Meanwhile Turkish media has pushed a narrative that the country has managed to keep the coronavirus at bay while neighboring countries were infected.

More:Turkey announces first case as it claims to be model against coronavirus - The Jerusalem Post

Turkey’s Erdogan Leaves EU Talks without Agreement on Refugees - Other Media news - Tasnim News Agency

Turkey’s Erdogan Leaves EU Talks without Agreement on Refugees

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Talks between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the European Union over the fate of refugees in his country ended in failure Monday with no clear agreement over what should happen next on an issue that has further strained relations.

More:Turkey’s Erdogan Leaves EU Talks without Agreement on Refugees - Other Media news - Tasnim News Agency

bne IntelliNews - Thick Istanbul traffic congestion as virus epidemic fear causes mass avoidance of public transport

Thick Istanbul traffic congestion as virus epidemic fear causes mass avoidance of public transport
Traffic on the Bosphorous Bridge.
By bne IntellIiNews March 10, 2020
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city with a population of nearly 16mn, has experienced severe traffic congestion over the past couple of days caused by people avoiding public transport because of coronavirus anxieties. The situation has occurred despite officials claiming the country is yet to record a single infection of the virus.

More:bne IntelliNews - Thick Istanbul traffic congestion as virus epidemic fear causes mass avoidance of public transport

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Turkey’s Imperial Foreign Policy: Vision vs. Reality - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Turkey’s Imperial Foreign Policy: Vision vs. Reality
Soner Cagaptay

Bosphorus Review of Books

March 2020

A deep dive into the evolution of Erdogan’s regional approach and how it informs the current crises in Syria and other hotspots.

The following is an interview with Washington Institute fellow Soner Cagaptay, conducted by Luke Frostick of the Bosphorus Review of Books. Among other topics, they discuss Soner’s latest book Erdogan’s Empire, Turkey’s recent standoff with Russia in Syria, and how the foreign policy successes and failures of the AKP era are influencing current developments.

More:Turkey’s Imperial Foreign Policy: Vision vs. Reality - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

US offering Patriot system if Russian S-400s not operated: Turkey | Turkey News | Al Jazeera

US offering Patriot system if Russian S-400s not operated: Turkey

Turkish officials say Ankara is evaluating the US offer but it had not changed its plans on Russian S-400 systems.

More:US offering Patriot system if Russian S-400s not operated: Turkey | Turkey News | Al Jazeera

Lira dodges global pain with cheap oil a boon for Turkey | Financial Post

Lira dodges global pain with cheap oil a boon for Turkey

Reuters
March 9, 2020

ISTANBUL — The Turkish lira bounced back on Monday from earlier losses, bucking a selloff in many other emerging market currencies which were clobbered by a plunge in oil prices that economists said would boost Turkey’s import-reliant economy.

More:Lira dodges global pain with cheap oil a boon for Turkey | Financial Post

Erdogan Wants Istanbul Summit to Reboot Refugee Deal With EU - Bloomberg

Erdogan Wants Istanbul Summit to Reboot Refugee Deal With EU
By Ian Wishart and Firat Kozok
March 9, 2020, 5:02 PM EDT Updated on March 10, 2020, 8:22 AM EDT

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he expects to host the leaders of Germany and France next week for talks on how to reboot a deal that stemmed the flow of migrants to the European Union, after a meeting in Brussels ended in deadlock.

More:Erdogan Wants Istanbul Summit to Reboot Refugee Deal With EU - Bloomberg

Monday, March 09, 2020

Turkey arrests 4 more journalists for covering intelligence officer death - Committee to Protect Journalists

Turkey arrests 4 more journalists for covering intelligence officer death
March 9, 2020 4:25 PM ET

Istanbul, March 9, 2020 -- Turkish authorities should immediately release Barış Pehlivan, Murat Ağırel, Ferhat Çelik, and Aydın Keser, and all other journalists in custody for their reporting, and drop any charges against them, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

More:Turkey arrests 4 more journalists for covering intelligence officer death - Committee to Protect Journalists

Libyan front looks bleak for Erdogan

Libyan front looks bleak for Erdogan

Fehim Tastekin March 6, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
While struggling to achieve its objectives in Syria, Ankara has helped Damascus gain a new ally in the opponents of the forces Turkey is backing in Libya.

More:Libyan front looks bleak for Erdogan

Ex-Turkish deputy PM forms new party to challenge Erdogan - WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 -

Ex-Turkish deputy PM forms new party to challenge Erdogan
Posted: Mar 09, 2020 8:11 AM EDT
Updated: Mar 09, 2020 10:01 AM EDT

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - A one-time Turkish deputy prime minister established a new political party on Monday - the second former ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to break away from the ruling party and form a new movement to challenge his rule.

More:Ex-Turkish deputy PM forms new party to challenge Erdogan - WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 -

How Turkey's soldiers and spies saved the day in Syria

How Turkey's soldiers and spies saved the day in Syria
Barin Kayaoglu March 8, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Turkey’s diplomatic position in Syria remains untenable, but its armed forces and spy agency did a pretty good job last week.

More:How Turkey's soldiers and spies saved the day in Syria

Transport costs from China rise sharply as Turkish importers battle coronavirus impact | Daily Sabah

Transport costs from China rise sharply as Turkish importers battle coronavirus impact
BY DAILY SABAH WITH DHA

Costs of transporting goods from China to Turkey jumped sharply due to crucial logistics bottlenecks created by the coronavirus epidemic as Turkish importers said freighting costs have risen to the $3,000 levels from $1,800 along with monthslong delivery delays.

More:Transport costs from China rise sharply as Turkish importers battle coronavirus impact | Daily Sabah

Sunday, March 08, 2020

Turkey Into The 2020s | Global Finance Magazine

Turkey Into The 2020s
What does the next decade have in store for Turkey?

MARCH 06, 2020 Author: JUSTIN KEAY

Back in 2010, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, then Turkey’s prime minister, won a referendum on constitutional changes. The country seemed a model of moderate Islam, proceeding with plans to join the EU, and was the darling of foreign investors.

More:Turkey Into The 2020s | Global Finance Magazine

Turkey and other emerging markets face coronavirus rating pressure - S&P Global | Kitco News

Turkey and other emerging markets face coronavirus rating pressure - S&P Global
Reuters
Friday March 06, 2020 17:14
Kitco NewsShare this article:
* S&P sees B-grade country ratings vulnerable to coronavirus

* Turkey has various pressures: tourism, high dollar debts

* Pressures on Italy’s growth should not impact rating

By Marc Jones

LONDON, March 6 (Reuters) - Turkey, other lower-rated emerging markets and some oil producers will face the biggest pressure on credit ratings from the coronavirus, one of S&P Global’s top sovereign analysts said on Friday.

More:Turkey and other emerging markets face coronavirus rating pressure - S&P Global | Kitco News

Saturday, March 07, 2020

bne IntelliNews - Questions grow over Turkey’s “coronavirus free” status

Questions grow over Turkey’s “coronavirus free” status
As of halfway through March 7 the coronavirus infection count included Iran (5,823 cases), Iraq (46), Lebanon (22), Greece (46), Romania (9), Ukraine (1), Russia (13), Georgia (12), Azerbaijan (9) and Armenia (1).
By bne IntelliNews March 7, 2020
Questions are growing over how it is that Turkey is still claiming to be coronavirus-free despite being surrounded by neighbouring countries with confirmed cases of the illness—including Iran, which has the world’s third biggest outbreak.

More:bne IntelliNews - Questions grow over Turkey’s “coronavirus free” status

Europeans Unite in Migrant Standoff with Turkey | Voice of America - English

Europeans Unite in Migrant Standoff with Turkey
By Lisa Bryant
March 07, 2020 04:09 PM

FILE - A migrant sits in his tent during the evacuation of a makeshift camp set up near the La Porte d'Aubervilliers in Paris, France, Jan. 28, 2020.
PARIS - The tent camps sprouting around Paris are a potent affirmation that Europe has never figured out a sustainable migration strategy since its 2015-16 migrant crisis. In periodic pre-dawn raids, police dismantle them. But eventually they sprout back, often in tougher, grimier places.

More:Europeans Unite in Migrant Standoff with Turkey | Voice of America - English

Erdogan saves face in Moscow but remains trapped in his own policies | AW

Erdogan saves face in Moscow but remains trapped in his own policies

It will be hard for some EU leaders to swallow their pride and deal with the Assad regime, whose demise they had confidently predicted for years.

More:Erdogan saves face in Moscow but remains trapped in his own policies | AW

Almost 5,000 killed in Turkey-PKK conflict since 2015 – report | Ahval

Almost 5,000 killed in Turkey-PKK conflict since 2015 – report
Ahval

At least 4,825 people have been killed in clashes or terror attacks since July 20, 2015, when a peace process broke down in the conflict between Turkey and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a report by the International Crisis Group found.

The number includes 489 civilians and 226 people, who could not be confirmed to be civilians or combatants, cited throughout the report as individuals of unknown affiliation.

More:Almost 5,000 killed in Turkey-PKK conflict since 2015 – report | Ahval

Ceasefire in Syria's Idlib Comes at a Cost for Turkey's Erdogan - The New York Times

Ceasefire in Syria's Idlib Comes at a Cost for Turkey's Erdogan
By Reuters
March 6, 2020

ANKARA — Days before he flew to Moscow to strike a ceasefire deal with Russia to halt fighting in Syria's Idlib, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan warned Syrian government forces to pull back or they would not have a "head left on their shoulders".

More:Ceasefire in Syria's Idlib Comes at a Cost for Turkey's Erdogan - The New York Times

In Moscow, Erdogan kneels to Putin

In Moscow, Erdogan kneels to Putin
by Tom Rogan

Even by Vladimir Putin's standards for embarrassing his foreign counterparts, his treatment of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday was a spectacle — and not a good one for the Turkish president.

More:In Moscow, Erdogan kneels to Putin

Response to Western colonialism: Ottoman legacy in Africa

Response to Western colonialism: Ottoman legacy in Africa

Halim Gençoğlu
While colonialism may have declined in practice, but its residue remains.

Just consider how inhabitants from Ghana, Senegal, Congo, Algeria and Madagascar speak French, while Somalia, Sudan, Zimbabwe and South Africa speak another western language, English. Colonialism’s legacy continues to permeate almost all aspects of life on the continent. With its fifty-two countries, Africa continues to fight against western imperialism.

More:Response to Western colonialism: Ottoman legacy in Africa

The remarkable new hotel built above the ruins of ancient Antioch | Financial Times

The remarkable new hotel built above the ruins of ancient Antioch
Ten years and €120m in the making, the Museum Hotel has opened to find itself on the edge of a war zone

Perhaps the hour-long hammam I’ve just enjoyed and the massage with pungent laurel oil that followed have gone to my head. Looking down from the balcony of my room I have a definite sensation of tumbling through time. Beneath me there is a network of ancient walls, exposed hypocaust systems and toppled columns. There is a wide stretch of marble flooring in what was once a Roman forum, fabulous mosaic-decorated room interiors and an ancient stone-surfaced Roman road so perfectly preserved I can imagine a cart rolling along it.

More:The remarkable new hotel built above the ruins of ancient Antioch | Financial Times

Friday, March 06, 2020

Turkey Into The 2020s | Global Finance Magazine

Turkey Into The 2020s
What does the next decade have in store for Turkey?

MARCH 06, 2020 Author: JUSTIN KEAY

Back in 2010, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, then Turkey’s prime minister, won a referendum on constitutional changes. The country seemed a model of moderate Islam, proceeding with plans to join the EU, and was the darling of foreign investors.

More:Turkey Into The 2020s | Global Finance Magazine

The Closed Gates of Europe: Refugees Caught in the Middle of Turkey-EU Standoff - DER SPIEGEL

Refugees Caught in the Middle of Turkey-EU Standoff

When the refugee crisis ebbed in 2016, the EU could have used the time to fix its asylum system. But it didn't. Now, Turkey is sending refugees north again as more Syrians seek to escape the violence in Idlib. The ensuing chaos has come as a surprise to nobody.

More:The Closed Gates of Europe: Refugees Caught in the Middle of Turkey-EU Standoff - DER SPIEGEL

Turkey: women push for more influence | Financial Times

Turkey: women push for more influence

From manufacturing to fashion, pioneering female business leaders are opening up opportunities

More:Turkey: women push for more influence | Financial Times

Blame Europe, not just Turkey, for migration deal collapse – POLITICO

Blame Europe, not just Turkey, for migration deal collapse

Chaos on Turkish-Greek border is also the result of Brussels’ failure to deliver on its side of 2016 deal.

More:Blame Europe, not just Turkey, for migration deal collapse – POLITICO

Refugee crisis on the Greek-Turkish border: Europe's liberal warriors put democracy to the sword - Qantara.de

Europe's liberal warriors put democracy to the sword

The parties at the centre of Germany's political landscape have often exhorted citizens to distance themselves from the right-wing AfD party. And yet, Europe's response to what is happening on its outer border in Greece shows that the ruling centre has itself assimilated some fundamental nationalist ideas. An essay by Stefan Buchen

More:Refugee crisis on the Greek-Turkish border: Europe's liberal warriors put democracy to the sword - Qantara.de

Pompeo’s Turkish Gambit Fails in Syria | The National Interest

Pompeo’s Turkish Gambit Fails in Syria

The State Department was banking on Turkey to push Russia out of Syria, but the two countries have come to the table.

More:Pompeo’s Turkish Gambit Fails in Syria | The National Interest

What do the US presidential candidates think about Turkey?

What do the US presidential candidates think about Turkey?

United World International
March 3 was the most important day for the rival Democrats ahead of the presidential elections, Super Tuesday. 14 states chose who they would like to contend against Donald Trump this November.

More:What do the US presidential candidates think about Turkey?

An ally in need - Why NATO should grit its teeth and help Turkey in Idlib | Leaders | The Economist

Why NATO should grit its teeth and help Turkey in Idlib
The crisis is an opportunity for the alliance to reinvigorate itself, while alleviating the suffering

Few places on Earth are more miserable than Idlib province, the last big pocket of rebel-held territory in war-torn Syria. It is home to some 3m people, roughly half of whom are there only because they have fled fighting elsewhere. Along with the poor, huddled masses came jihadists, who now largely control the territory. Syria’s dictator, Bashar al-Assad, wants it back, even if that means reducing it to rubble. His months-long bombing campaign has destroyed schools, houses and hospitals, and pushed a million people towards Turkey’s sealed border. Many are trapped there, cold, hungry and exposed.

More:An ally in need - Why NATO should grit its teeth and help Turkey in Idlib | Leaders | The Economist

The humanitarian crisis in Turkey shines a light on Europe’s failures | Elif Shafak | World news | The Guardian

The humanitarian crisis in Turkey shines a light on Europe’s failures
Elif Shafak
Turkey was once on course to join the EU. The desperate refugees trapped on its border reflect a broken relationship

More:The humanitarian crisis in Turkey shines a light on Europe’s failures | Elif Shafak | World news | The Guardian

Thursday, March 05, 2020

Russia, Turkey agree ceasefire deal for Syria's Idlib - Reuters

Russia, Turkey agree ceasefire deal for Syria's Idlib
Vladimir Soldatkin, Maria Kiselyova
5 MIN READ

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Turkey and Russia agreed a ceasefire deal on Thursday in Syria’s Idlib region, their two leaders said after talks in Moscow to contain a conflict which has displaced nearly a million people in three months.

More:Russia, Turkey agree ceasefire deal for Syria's Idlib - Reuters

Pentagon says Patriot sale to Turkey still on table

Pentagon says Patriot sale to Turkey still on table
Jack Detsch March 4, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
The United States is reportedly still considering supplying Patriot missile systems to Turkey in what the administration may see as an opportunity to convince Ankara to walk back from the Russian system it acquired last year.

More:Pentagon says Patriot sale to Turkey still on table

Turkey's Cynical Border Move Is Forcing the West to Look at Idlib

Turkey Is Forcing the West to Look at Idlib

Ankara’s cynical border move gives the European Union the opportunity to redress its past mistakes in Syria.

More:Turkey's Cynical Border Move Is Forcing the West to Look at Idlib

Erdogan is winning European support for a Syrian no-fly zone | World | The Times

Erdogan is winning European support for a Syrian no-fly zone
Richard Spencer, Beirut
Thursday March 05 2020, 9.00am GMT, The Times

The call for a no-fly zone is a sign that President Erdogan’s threat not to stop migrants passing into Europe was having an effect
AAREF WATAD/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
The Netherlands has called for a no-fly zone to be imposed over northwest Syria in a sign that President Erdogan’s threat not to stop migrants passing into Europe was having an effect.

More:Erdogan is winning European support for a Syrian no-fly zone | World | The Times

Is Turkey right on Idlib and refugees? | Ahval

Is Turkey right on Idlib and refugees?

David Lepeska
Mar 04 2020 09:56 Gmt+3
Last Updated On: Mar 05 2020 06:55 Gmt+3
Turkey’s military has likely been preventing an unprecedented massacre in Syria’s last rebel-held province, while Greek and European authorities have appeared to violate international law in recent days by blocking new refugee arrivals, creating scenes of violence and chaos along the Greek-Turkish border.

more:Is Turkey right on Idlib and refugees? | Ahval

Putin and Erdogan Are Feuding and There’s Big Money at Stake

Putin and Erdogan Are Feuding and There’s Big Money at Stake
By Natasha Doff
March 4, 2020, 11:00 PM EST

A fresh standoff between Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan is testing the fragile alliance that has allowed Russia and Turkey to work together in the Middle East. But there’s another major reason why things may not get too far out of hand: the countries have deeply entrenched economic ties.

more:Putin and Erdogan Are Feuding and There’s Big Money at Stake

Can Turkey become a world hub for tourism?

Can Turkey become a world hub for tourism?

Will visa exemptions help to rebuild tourists' trust?

more:Can Turkey become a world hub for tourism?

In a bind over Turkey, EU finds money to contain immigration - Reuters

In a bind over Turkey, EU finds money to contain immigration
Gabriela Baczynska

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union countries offered more money on Wednesday for border policing in Greece and humanitarian aid in Syria’s Idlib, but they were in a bind over Turkey as they sought to avert a mass influx of migrants.

More:In a bind over Turkey, EU finds money to contain immigration - Reuters

A Balancing Act for Europe: Stop the Migrants, Support Greece, Assuage Turkey - The New York Times

A Balancing Act for Europe: Stop the Migrants, Support Greece, Assuage Turkey

Europe bought time after the migrant crisis of 2015. It just didn’t use it very well. Now it may pay a price.

More:A Balancing Act for Europe: Stop the Migrants, Support Greece, Assuage Turkey - The New York Times

Wednesday, March 04, 2020

Two Turkish soldiers killed, six wounded in Syria's Idlib -ministry

Two Turkish soldiers killed, six wounded in Syria's Idlib -ministry

Reuters•March 4, 2020
ISTANBUL, March 4 (Reuters) - Two more Turkish soldiers have been killed and six wounded in an attack by Syrian government forces in northwest Syria's Idlib region, the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.

more:Two Turkish soldiers killed, six wounded in Syria's Idlib -ministry

A New Erdogan-Putin Deal in Idlib May Help—For Now - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

A New Erdogan-Putin Deal in Idlib May Help—For Now
Soner Cagaptay

March 4, 2020

Turkey, Russia, and Washington have compelling reasons to welcome a new ceasefire agreement, however imperfect, but they still need to address the longer-term dangers posed by the Assad regime’s murderously maximalist strategy.

More:A New Erdogan-Putin Deal in Idlib May Help—For Now - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

In a bind over Turkey, EU finds money to contain immigration - Reuters

In a bind over Turkey, EU finds money to contain immigration
Gabriela Baczynska

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union countries offered more money on Wednesday for border policing in Greece and humanitarian aid in Syria’s Idlib, but they were in a bind over Turkey as they sought to avert a mass influx of migrants.

More:In a bind over Turkey, EU finds money to contain immigration - Reuters

U.S. willing to give Turkey ammunition for Syria's Idlib - Reuters

U.S. willing to give Turkey ammunition for Syria's Idlib
Tuvan Gumrukcu

REYHANLI, Turkey (Reuters) - The United States is willing to give NATO ally Turkey ammunition alongside humanitarian assistance in northwestern Syria where Ankara is in a deepening standoff with Russia, the U.S. special representative for the region said on Tuesday.

More:U.S. willing to give Turkey ammunition for Syria's Idlib - Reuters

Tuesday, March 03, 2020

The New State of Turkish Politics

The Paradoxical State of Turkish Politics

Turkey’s political atmosphere is changing rapidly, so much so that it is now riddled with what many perceive as paradoxes.

More:The New State of Turkish Politics

Idlib operation splits Turks more than other Syria interventions

Idlib operation splits Turks more than other Syria interventions
Ayla Jean Yackley March 3, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Opinion polls show mixed feelings about Turkey’s declaration of a major offensive in Syria after an attack killed dozens of its soldiers. Public attention has also shifted hundreds of miles away to its borders with Europe after the government invited millions of refugees to leave.

More:Idlib operation splits Turks more than other Syria interventions

Turkish drones – a 'game changer' in Idlib | Syria News | Al Jazeera

Turkish drones – a 'game changer' in Idlib

Ahead of Erdogan-Putin summit, Syrian opposition forces take strategic Idlib positions backed by Turkish drone power.

More:Turkish drones – a 'game changer' in Idlib | Syria News | Al Jazeera

Monday, March 02, 2020

Erdoğan is reaping what he sowed: Turkey is on the brink of disaster in Syria | Simon Tisdall | Opinion | The Guardian

Erdoğan is reaping what he sowed: Turkey is on the brink of disaster in Syria

Simon Tisdall
The Turkish president has gone beyond proxy war to direct confrontation with Assad. And he has alienated all his allies

More:Erdoğan is reaping what he sowed: Turkey is on the brink of disaster in Syria | Simon Tisdall | Opinion | The Guardian

Putin says Russia doesn't want war as Turkey Syria tensions rise

‘We don’t plan to go to war with anyone,’ Putin says, amid Syria-Turkey tensions
PUBLISHED MON, MAR 2 20206:44 AM ESTUPDATED MON, MAR 2 20209:43 AM EST
Holly Ellyatt

“We are not going to fight against anyone. We are going to create conditions so that nobody wants to fight against us,” President Putin told Russian news agency TASS in an interview published Monday.

More:Putin says Russia doesn't want war as Turkey Syria tensions rise

Erdogan's Border Stunt Won't Help Turkey or Syrian Refugees

Erdogan’s Empty Threats

Turkey’s decision to allow migrants to cross into the European Union was intended to pressure EU leaders to come to Ankara’s aid against Bashar al-Assad. It isn’t working.

More:Erdogan's Border Stunt Won't Help Turkey or Syrian Refugees

EU in dilemma over Turkey, but says migrants must not be allowed in - Reuters

EU in dilemma over Turkey, but says migrants must not be allowed in
Gabriela Baczynska
3 MIN READ

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union’s chief executive, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed sympathy with Turkey over the conflict in Syria on Monday but said it was impermissible for Ankara to let refugees and migrants on its territory cross into Europe.

More:EU in dilemma over Turkey, but says migrants must not be allowed in - Reuters

Turkey launches Operation Spring Shield against Syrian forces

Turkey launches Operation Spring Shield against Syrian forces
Amberin Zaman March 1, 2020

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Turkey has downed two Syrian jets in launching Operation Spring Shield while also sending refugees to the Greek border.

More:Turkey launches Operation Spring Shield against Syrian forces

Brussels Edition: Turkey Tests EU’s Resolve - Bloomberg

Brussels Edition: Turkey Tests EU’s Resolve
By Nikos Chrysoloras and Viktoria Dendrinou
March 2, 2020, 12:56 AM EST

Welcome to the Brussels Edition, Bloomberg’s daily briefing on what matters most in the heart of the European Union. Sign up here to get it in your inbox every weekday morning.

Migration is proving to be Europe’s soft underbelly again. EU foreign policy is being held hostage by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who signaled that Turkey won’t stand in the way if refugees it hosts want to leave. Greece responded by announcing the suspension of fundamental principles of international and EU law to cope with the looming crisis. After failing to agree on a joint position over the weekend, government envoys will meet in Brussels today. Critics might say that the EU could have saved itself from such embarrassments if it had managed to agree on a system to control migration and share any burdens that come with it.

More:Brussels Edition: Turkey Tests EU’s Resolve - Bloomberg

Merkel Hits Out at Erdogan Amid Migration Spat at Greek Border - Bloomberg

Merkel Hits Out at Erdogan Amid Migration Spat at Greek Border
By Arne Delfs, Patrick Donahue, and Nikos Chrysoloras
March 2, 2020, 10:42 AM EST Updated on March 2, 2020, 12:12 PM EST

Angela Merkel hit out at Recep Tayyip Erdogan, criticizing the Turkish president for conducting policy at the expense of refugees, amid tensions along the Greek border over uncontrolled migration flows.

More:Merkel Hits Out at Erdogan Amid Migration Spat at Greek Border - Bloomberg

The impact of Idlib on the internal Turkish scene | Jordan Times

The impact of Idlib on the internal Turkish scene
Mar 01,2020 - Last updated at Mar 01,2020

 9  1 googleplus0  1  0
In recent years, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has faced many challenges, but the most important has been internal changes triggered by the victory of Ekrem Imamoglu as Mayor of Istanbul. He is also facing increasing fragmentation amongst his political allies, some of whom are walking away from his Justice and Development Party (AKP) as well as away from him. As former presidents, prime ministers and deputy prime ministers move away from Erdogan, they are completely separate from the growing ideological opposition to the AKP, but together demonstrate the scale of the challenges that Erdogan faces internally.

More:The impact of Idlib on the internal Turkish scene | Jordan Times

Turkey strikes Syrian planes and airports, escalating Idlib fight - Reuters

Turkey strikes Syrian planes and airports, escalating Idlib fight
Ali Kucukgocmen, Ellen Francis

ISTANBUL/BEIRUT (Reuters) - Turkey shot down two Syrian warplanes over Idlib on Sunday and struck a military airport well beyond its frontlines in a sharp escalation of its military operations following the death of dozens of Turkish soldiers last week.

More:Turkey strikes Syrian planes and airports, escalating Idlib fight - Reuters

Sunday, March 01, 2020

Turkey Declares Major Offensive Against Syrian Government - The New York Times

Turkey Declares Major Offensive Against Syrian Government

After suffering its worst casualties in years, Turkey is openly declaring war against the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad.

More:Turkey Declares Major Offensive Against Syrian Government - The New York Times

EU calls emergency meeting on deepening Turkey-Syria crisis | Financial Times

EU calls emergency meeting on deepening Turkey-Syria crisis

Jim Brunsden and Michael Peel in Brussels 3 HOURS AGOPrint this page55
Brussels has called an emergency meeting of EU foreign ministers as Turkey’s escalating conflict with the Syrian regime risks creating a new refugee crisis. 

Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, said that the fighting around the province of Idlib, Syria’s last rebel-held enclave, represented “a serious threat to international peace and security” and that the EU had to “redouble efforts to address this terrible human crisis with all the means at its disposal”.

More:EU calls emergency meeting on deepening Turkey-Syria crisis | Financial Times

Putin and Erdogan will meet next week - Putin, Erdogan to meet next week - 112.international

Putin, Erdogan to meet next week
Source : 112 Ukraine

Turkish Foreign Minister has noted that it cannot be argued that Russian forces carry out airstrikes on Turkish soldiers

More:Putin and Erdogan will meet next week - Putin, Erdogan to meet next week - 112.international

Turkey’s President Calls on Russia to Step Aside in Syria  | Voice of America - English

Turkey’s President Calls on Russia to Step Aside in Syria 
By VOA News
February 29, 2020 08:14 PM

Placards are attached on security barriers outside the Russian Consulate following a protest against the killing of Turkish soldiers in Syria's Idlib region, in Istanbul, Turkey, Feb. 29, 2020.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday called on Russia to get out of Turkey’s way in Syria and allow Turkish forces to deal with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

More:Turkey’s President Calls on Russia to Step Aside in Syria  | Voice of America - English

A bellicose loneliness of Erdogan

A bellicose loneliness of Erdogan
Ahmad Al Khaled | Published: 00:00, Mar 02,2020 | Updated: 00:07, Mar 02,2020

Erdogan’s inflated hopes of rekindling the former Ottoman empire is what is determining Turkey’s foreign policy.

A RAPID growth of tensions in Syria’s north has brought mourning and grief to Turkey: according to Ankara’s official estimates, 33 Turkish servicemen became victims of airstrikes, while social media reports the death of more than 65 persons. This telling blow has brought a storm to Turkish citizens’s ears, and reflects the expected results of the Turkish leader’s incoherent policy. Erdogan has been consistently antagonising the international community, while losing allies and making new enemies.

More:A bellicose loneliness of Erdogan