Latest News from Turkey

Erdo?an urges UN to act against Israel's aggression at al-Aqsa

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has called on the United Nations to act against Israel?s ?breach? of the sanctity of the al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem, a presidential source said late Sept. 14.

Forget backpack budget travel… here’s the Refugee Guide Book! (pics)

Refugee handbooks were discovered by Sky News after one was washed up on the Greek island of Lesbos. Written in Arabic, the pocket-sized guide book contained tips, maps and phone numbers of organizations. The booklet’s idyllic cover featured a photo of a young man gazing at the sunset on the beach with oars at his feet as he prepared to make the perilous crossing.

Three consul generals from EU countries visit daily Hürriyet after attacks

The consul generals to Istanbul of three European Union countries have staged a courtesy visit to daily Hürriyet?s editor-in-chief following the two violent attacks on the newspaper?s offices last week.

Istanbul to get into jazz groove for 25th festival

One of Turkey's oldest festivals, the 25th Akbank Jazz Festival has announced this year's program Celebrating a quarter century of improvisation and music, the Akbank Jazz Festival will be organized between Oct. 21 and Nov. 1 this year with acts from all over the world.

'Hey big bosses, we have a say,' says C-20

?What is it? It sounds like a vitamin,? said the mother of C-20?s sherpa, as he was trying to explain his new task. ?Actually, it is a good metaphor; we are like a vitamin to the G-20,? Melih Özsöz said when I met with the members of the steering committee last week.

Did trolls play a role in demotion of AKP strongman?

The deputy chair in charge of the Justice and Development Party's (AKP) organization has been ousted surprisingly, leading to questions in my mind about whether the party's controversial social media strategy played a role in his demise.

Fresh attacks on Turkish media could be at the gates

The head office of the Turkish weekly newspaper Nokta was raided by police on Sept. 14, upon a court order, to confiscate all issues of its last edition amid accusations that it ?insulted? President Tayyip Erdo?an. Its news chief Murat Çapan was taken into custody.

Coalition air forces bomb ISIL on Turkey-Syria border

Coalition forces have launched an air operation on targets of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) across the border from Turkey's Kilis province in Syria.

Aircraft from U.S.-led coalition forces bombed ISIL targets in the Bab and Rai regions in northern Syria, at a distance of 10 kilometers from Kilis early on Sep. 14.

US Embassy categorically denies 'terror supporter' claims

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara has categorically denied reports by pro-government media which suggested the United States has been purposefully disrupting the performance of U.S.-trained moderate Syrian fighters and covertly supporting the People?s Protection Units (YPG), the military arm of the Syrian Democratic Union Party (PYD), in northern Syria.

Hagia Sophia, Topkap? again Turkey's top tourist attractions

The Hagia Sophia Museum and the Topkap? Palace in Istanbul?s historic peninsula were visited by 3.5 million people each in 2014, according to data released by the Culture and Tourism Ministry. The number of visitors is expected to increase this year.

Turkish economy ministers send mixed signals

Leading ministers from the economy administration have voiced differing comments amid the rising political uncertainties and security concerns just ahead of an expected rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), which has already hit many emerging economies, including Turkey.