Turkey

Turkish electronics and domestic appliances maker Vestel closed down its factory in Russia, citing the country's 2014 financial crisis. 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called March 1 for the closure of Syria's border with Turkey to cut off outside supplies to "terrorists," including through humanitarian convoys.

Figures shared by Europe's border control agency have painted a gloomy picture regarding ongoing efforts to stanch the influx of migrants and refugees from Turkey to the European Union, with the head of the agency confirming that the trend is not showing any signs of slowing down.

Galatasaray, which lost 2-0 against lowly Gaziantepspor over the weekend and is now 16 points behind Turkish Super League leaders Fenerbahçe, announced yesterday that it has part ways with coach Mustafa Denizli. 

The Lions were also knocked out of the Europa League last week.  

Greece sent around 70 Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian migrants who illegally entered the country back to Turkey on March 1. 

Bank Asya, a bank under government control founded by followers of self-exiled Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, will be liquidated if a buyer was not found within three months, Turkey's State Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) said on March 1, as the seized media companies of the Gülen-linked ?pek Koza group closed.

A Turkish imam who hit headlines as a "rocking imam" after co-founding a rock band has been denied permission to perform a concert in Portugal by Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet).

Do?an TV Holding Chairperson and Turkey: Culture of Change Initiative (TCCI) Advisory Board co-chair Arzuhan Do?an Yalç?nda? met with German State Minister Maria Böhmer in Berlin on Feb. 29. 

Relations between the two countries and the current refugee crisis was discussed at the meeting as Böhmer highlighted the importance of creating permanent solution to the refugee crisis.

Swissôtel The Bosphorus and Istanbul Les Ambassadeurs Bar continues its series of "Ambassadors of Jazz Music are in Town" concerts with Gypsy music legend Florin Niculescu. 

American cinema and TV actress Whoopi Goldberg wore a bracelet and ring combination and watch created by Turkish jewelry designer Sevan B?çakç? at the 88th Oscar ceremony on Feb. 28.

The octopus-shaped ring and bracelet by Istanbul-based designer B?çakç? marked the 25th anniversary of Goldberg's "Best Supporting Actress" Oscar.