Turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been invited by former U.S. President Donald Trump to join a new Gaza "Peace Council" as a founding member [52381, 52461, 52550]. This diplomatic outreach coincides with urgent calls between Turkish and Saudi officials on Gaza and other regional crises [52640]. In neighboring Syria, the government and the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed to a ceasefire following clashes, a move publicly supported by a U.S. envoy [53162, 53186]. Turkey's ambassador to Damascus stated the war must end and Syria must rebuild, while Turkey vowed to block any partition of the country [53166, 53316]. However, Turkey's DEM Party criticized the government's Syria policy for "creating new conflicts, not peace" [53055]. Domestically, economic pressures persist. The Turkish stock market recently hit an unprecedented peak [52039], but EU and Turkish business leaders are demanding an urgent overhaul of trade relations [52647]. A metalworkers' union rejected a proposed wage offer as a "misery wage" [52871]. Separately, experts warn that Turkey has emerged as a new source of fighters for the Islamic State (ISIS) [52866]. The government also faces political friction. The pro-Kurdish DEM Party aims to visit jailed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan at the first opportunity [52379], following a rare delegation visit to his island prison [52384]. Öcalan recently called for democratic Kurdish unity and dialogue to solve the Syria crisis [52383, 52876]. A Turkish official labeled the SDF a terrorist group [53054], while the Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria declared a "general mobilization" for civil defense [53057, 52874]. <a href='/news/51908'>Sixth Time Lucky? Turkish Factory Reapplies Amid Local Opposition</a> <a href='/news/52025'>Turkey, Oman Assess High-Stakes Talks to Cool Regional Tensions</a> <a href='/news/52039'>Turkish Stock Market Soars to Unprecedented Peak</a> <a href='/news/52196'>Turkey Vows to Make North Cyprus a Mediterranean "Shining Star"</a> <a href='/news/52200'>Greece to Double Its Waters, Declares Turkish Claims "Unacceptable"</a> <a href='/news/52379'>Turkish Political Party Aims to Visit Jailed PKK Leader at First Opportunity</a> <a href='/news/52381'>Trump Invites Erdoğan to Join New Gaza "Peace Council"</a> <a href='/news/52383'>Öcalan: Kurdish Unity Must Be Democratic, Not Forced</a> <a href='/news/52384'>Delegation Heads to Island Prison for Rare Meeting with PKK Founder</a> <a href='/news/52387'>Syria Grants Kurds Language, Citizenship Rights in Surprise Decree</a> <a href='/news/52461'>Trump Asks Erdogan to Join New Gaza Peace Board</a> <a href='/news/52550'>Trump Invites Erdoğan to Be Founding Member of "Peace Council" for Gaza</a> <a href='/news/52640'>Turkey, Saudi Arabia Hold Urgent Call on Gaza, Regional Crises</a> <a href='/news/52643'>Turkey Captures 17 Fugitives in Global Dragnet, 12 on Interpol's Most-Wanted List</a> <a href='/news/52647'>EU and Turkish Business Chiefs Demand Urgent Trade Overhaul</a> <a href='/news/52720'>Opposition Leader: Earthquake Housing Contracts Hide Interest Clauses</a> <a href='/news/52866'>Turkey Emerges as New Source of ISIS Fighters, Experts Warn</a> <a href='/news/52871'>Turkish Metalworkers Union Rejects "Misery Wage" Offer</a> <a href='/news/52874'>Autonomous Administration Declares "Mobilization" for Civil Defense</a> <a href='/news/52876'>Jailed PKK Leader Calls for Dialogue to Solve Syria Crisis</a> <a href='/news/53054'>Turkish Official Labels US-Backed Syrian Force as Terrorist Group</a> <a href='/news/53055'>Turkey's DEM Party Slams Syria Policy: "Creating New Conflicts, Not Peace"</a> <a href='/news/53057'>Kurdish-Led Administration Declares "General Mobilization" in Northeast Syria</a> <a href='/news/53162'>US Envoy Backs Syria Truce With Kurdish-Led Forces</a> <a href='/news/53166'>Turkey's Damascus Envoy: "War Must End, Syria Must Rebuild"</a> <a href='/news/53186'>Syria Agrees Ceasefire After Clashes With Kurdish Forces</a> <a href='/news/53316'>Turkey Vows to Block Syria Split, Backs Ceasefire for "Unity"</a>
Latest News
Turkey Vows to Block Syria Split, Backs Ceasefire for "Unity"
Turkey has publicly backed a new ceasefire in Syria, saying it hopes the deal will create "unity-based stability." The statement from Turkey's Forei...
The Illusion of Law: When Rules Replace Justice
A legal system exists. A moral conscience exists. But what happens when the law is absent, and the land is ruled by those without conscience? Every...
Syria Agrees Ceasefire After Clashes With Kurdish Forces
Syria's government and Kurdish-led forces have agreed to a ceasefire, ending two weeks of clashes in the country's northeast. The deal was announced...
Turkey's Damascus Envoy: "War Must End, Syria Must Rebuild"
Turkey's special envoy to Syria, Nuh Yilmaz, has declared that ending the state of war and shifting the focus to development is now the critical prio...
US Envoy Backs Syria Truce With Kurdish-Led Forces
The United States has welcomed a new ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Washingto...
19 Years On: Hrant Dink Remembered at Site of His Killing
Hrant Dink, the prominent Turkish-Armenian journalist, will be commemorated today on the 19th anniversary of his assassination. The annual memorial...
Turkish Book Fair Attack Sparks Free Speech Outcry
Major journalism, writing, and publishing unions in Turkey have condemned a recent attack at the Çukurova Book Fair in Adana. The groups issued a jo...
Turkey's DEM Party Slams Syria Policy: "Creating New Conflicts, Not Peace"
Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party has strongly criticized current policies toward Syria. In a written statement from...
Kurdish-Led Administration Declares "General Mobilization" in Northeast Syria
The Kurdish-led civil authority in northeast Syria has called for a "general mobilization" of the population. In a statement, the administration urg...
Turkish Activist: "Women Are Killed Most Inside Their Homes"
Activist Melisa Aydınalp has condemned government policies, stating they fail to protect women from male violence. She argues that measures like restr...
Turkish Official Labels US-Backed Syrian Force as Terrorist Group
A senior Turkish politician has declared the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDG) a terrorist organization with no place in Syria. Devlet Bahçeli, leader...
Video Art Illuminates Site of Journalist's Murder on Anniversary
A video artwork will illuminate the building where journalist Hrant Dink was murdered, marking the 17th anniversary of his death. The work by artist...
Iran Moves to Sever Global Internet, Risking "Digital Blackout"
Internet monitor FilterWatch warns that Iran is attempting to cut its domestic networks off from the global internet. This move could lead to what t...
Inside a Syrian Prison: Exclusive Footage Reveals Abandoned YPG/SDF Facility
Anadolu Agency has obtained exclusive video footage from inside a prison in northern Syria. The facility, located in Raqqa province's al-Tabqah distr...
Jailed PKK Leader Calls for Dialogue to Solve Syria Crisis
In a message from prison, Abdullah Öcalan has urged for "common sense and dialogue" to resolve the ongoing conflict in Syria. Öcalan is the imprison...
"Would These Women Be Alive With a Proper Investigation?"
Every suspicious death is not a murder, of course. But experts and advocates are insisting on a crucial change: every suspicious death of a woman mus...
Autonomous Administration Declares "Mobilization" for Civil Defense
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has announced a general mobilization. It calls on all civilians to prepare for defense. In a s...
Tarkan's Surprise Stage Shout-Out to Mabel Matiz
Pop star Tarkan publicly showed his support for fellow singer Mabel Matiz during a recent concert. Tarkan spotted Matiz in the audience and paused hi...
Turkish Metalworkers Union Rejects "Misery Wage" Offer
The Birleşik Metal-İş union has firmly rejected a new wage proposal from employers, calling it a "misery wage" increase. The union announced the off...
Turkey Emerges as New Source of ISIS Fighters, Experts Warn
Turkey has evolved from a transit route into a breeding ground for the Islamic State (ISIS) extremist group, security analysts report. The group's b...
Honey Heist: Half of Turkey's "Gold" is Fake
A shocking new report reveals a crisis in one of the world's top honey-producing nations. In Turkey, up to 50% of the honey sold may be adulterated....
Rojava's Critical Choice: Resist or Transform?
The political project in Northeastern Syria, known as Rojava, faces a decisive turning point. Its core question is no longer simply how to survive, a...
Are Women Dying "Suspiciously"? Experts Demand Treated as Murder
Every suspicious death is not a murder. Yet, a growing call insists that every suspicious death of a woman must be investigated as one. This demand...
Opposition Leader: Earthquake Housing Contracts Hide Interest Clauses
Main opposition leader Özgür Özel has accused the government of failing in its response to last year's major earthquakes. Speaking in the hard-hit p...
Trump Expands Self-Chaired Gaza 'Board of Peace' with Key Leaders
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has invited the leaders of Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, and Canada to join a new group focused on Gaza. He previously...
EU and Turkish Business Chiefs Demand Urgent Trade Overhaul
Top business leaders from the European Union and Türkiye have issued a joint call to dramatically strengthen economic ties. The push came during a hi...
Turkey Captures 17 Fugitives in Global Dragnet, 12 on Interpol's Most-Wanted List
Turkish authorities have captured and returned 17 fugitives from across Europe and the Middle East in a major international operation. The country's...
Turkey, Saudi Arabia Hold Urgent Call on Gaza, Regional Crises
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, held a phone call on Thursday to discuss pressing r...
Trump Invites Erdoğan to Be Founding Member of "Peace Council" for Gaza
U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to be a founding member of a "Peace Council." The council's stated pur...
'I Was Hit in the Face': Iranians Describe Border Violence Amid Internet Blackout
Iranians at the country's border with Iraq have described violent clashes with security forces. They spoke to the BBC as the government continues a w...
Syrian Army Says U.S.-Backed Fighters Kill Four Soldiers
Four Syrian soldiers were killed in attacks by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), state media reports. The official Syrian Arab News Ag...
Trump Asks Erdogan to Join New Gaza Peace Board
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to be a founding member of a proposed "Gaza Peace Board." The...
Akyaka, Turkey: A Beach Town That Time Forgot
Thirty years ago, I visited Akyaka weekly as a holiday rep. Today, I am relieved to find it almost unchanged. Many Turkish resorts have transformed...
Syria Grants Kurds Language, Citizenship Rights in Surprise Decree
In a major shift, Syria's Transitional Period President Ahmed al-Shara has issued a decree recognizing Kurdish as a national language and restoring c...
After 1,086 Weeks, a Mother's Vigil for Justice Continues
A group known as the Saturday Mothers/People held their 1,086th weekly protest this weekend. They demanded punishment for those responsible for the...
Öcalan: Kurdish Unity Must Be Democratic, Not Forced
Imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan has called for Kurdish unity to be based on voluntary agreement, not force. In a statement, he said a lasting...
Delegation Heads to Island Prison for Rare Meeting with PKK Founder
A delegation from Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM Party has traveled to the high-security prison island of Imrali. Their stated purpose is to meet with Abdu...
Turkish Political Party Aims to Visit Jailed PKK Leader at First Opportunity
A senior official from Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM Party says the group plans to visit Abdullah Öcalan as soon as weather permits. Öcalan is the impriso...
Syrian Kurdish Administration Rejects Government Reforms as Inadequate
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has called recent decisions by Syrian government official Ahmed al-Shara regarding Kurdish righ...
Trump Invites Erdoğan to Join New Gaza "Peace Council"
U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to be a founding member of a new "Peace Council." The council's stated...
Singapore Launches Hotline to Report Vapers, Offenders Risk Caning
Singapore has intensified its war on e-cigarettes, introducing a public hotline for citizens to report anyone using or selling them. The move reinfor...
Iranians at Iraq Border Describe Being Shot With Pellets
Iranians crossing the border into Iraq have told the BBC they were shot with pellet guns by Iranian security forces. They describe widespread violenc...
NFL Game in Danger? Monster Storm Shuts Down US Travel.
A powerful winter storm is disrupting the United States, threatening to cancel a major NFL playoff game and stranding thousands of travelers. The se...
Blair, Rubio Named to U.S.-Backed Gaza "Board of Peace"
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio have been appointed to a new "founding executive board" for Gaza. The announcem...
Greece to Double Its Waters, Declares Turkish Claims "Unacceptable"
Greece has announced plans to significantly expand its territorial waters in the Aegean Sea. The move includes creating a second large marine park fo...
Turkey Vows to Make North Cyprus a Mediterranean "Shining Star"
Turkey's vice president has pledged to strengthen the sovereignty and economy of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). He called it a strat...
Turkish Stock Market Soars to Unprecedented Peak
Turkey's main stock index, the BIST 100, closed at a fresh all-time high this week. The benchmark gained 211.8 points, continuing a strong rally. It...
Turkey, Oman Assess High-Stakes Talks to Cool Regional Tensions
The foreign ministers of Turkey and Oman held a phone call to evaluate recent diplomatic efforts aimed at easing conflicts in the region. The minist...
Food Labels: "Use By" Means Throw Away, "Best Before" Means Maybe Safe
A major Turkish engineering body has clarified the crucial difference between two common dates on food labels. This follows public debate about the s...
Sixth Time Lucky? Turkish Factory Reapplies Amid Local Opposition
A company in Marmara Ereğlisi, Turkey, has submitted an environmental impact report for the sixth time. This comes after its five previous applicatio...