Latest News from Turkey
Report emphasizes Erdo?an's impact on decline of democracy in Turkey
The state of freedom in 2014 worsened significantly in many parts of the world, U.S. think-tank Freedom House?s annual report has said, emphasizing the impact President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has had on the decline of democracy in Turkey.
Hollande urges Turkey to 'break taboos' on Armenia WWI killings
French President Francois Hollande on Jan. 28 called on Turkey to take new steps towards the "truth" behind the mass killings of Armenians a century ago, saying "it is time to break the taboos".
French Terror Suspect to Be Extradited from Bulgaria Thursday
Bulgaria is to extradite Thursday a French citizen suspected of having been in close contact with the Kouachi brothers, who killed 12 people at the Paris Office of Charlie Hebdo weekly.
ISIL sends message for prisoner swap at Turkish border
An audio message purportedly from a Japanese journalist being held by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants said a Jordanian air force pilot also captured by the group would be killed unless an Iraqi female prisoner in Jordan was released on the Turkish border by sunset on Jan. 29.
Bulgaria's Deputy Chief of Defense Dies Aged 53
Deputy Chief of Defense Neyko Nenov passed away on Wednessday, the Defense Ministry has said.
Maj Gen Nenov was suffering from a brain tumor which was the cause of this death despite undergoing surgery last year.
Bulgarian Police Detain Svilengrad Customs Chief
Todor Karaivanov, interim head of the Svilengrad Customs Office, has been detained in a special operation carried out by the national security agency.
Customs officials say they were not previously informed that an operation will take place.
Russian tourism giant's Turkish unit asks for suspension of bankruptcy
Russia?s tourism giant Tez Tour?s Turkish unit Alkan Group has requested for the suspension of bankruptcy for over 322 million Turkish Liras ($136.3 million) of debts due to the economic problems in Russia and Egypt. The company brought over 1 million tourists to Turkey last year.
Turkey's 'national technologies' vs. Apple
It is a common habit of Turkish politicians to talk about incredible ?national? technologies. The Justice and Development Party (AKP) government holds the national record when it comes to claiming to have invented or built the most national technologies and devices. Ministers have claimed that they will invent or build a ?national internet,? a ?national chip,? a ?national cellphone,?
The Turkish Stream: Where to go from here?
The landmark agreement on the Turkish Stream reached on Jan. 27 shows Moscow's determination to avoid Ukrainian transit at all costs and start its implementation without delay.
President's spokesperson and Turkey's top court judge deny internal tension
Both President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an and the head of Turkey?s Constitutional Court have denied there is any tension between them, after joining a luncheon hosted by the former at the presidential palace in Ankara.
Kobane residents eye return, Kurdish group thanks Turkey
As Kobane residents, some 200,000 who fled to Turkey due to the attacks of jihadist militants, await returning to the war-torn city after the 134th day of clashes, a senior leader of the Kurdish forces has thanked Turkey for its efforts.
Freedom House Moves Kosovo up - Bosnia, Macedonia Down
In the latest report by Freedom House on global political rights and civil liberties, Macedonia and Bosnia lost ground in the ratings index while Kosovo improved its standing.
Turkish minister invites D-8 countries to develop car brand
Turkish Industry Minister Fikri I??k has called on his counterparts from the D-8 group of developing countries to participate in creating a joint venture car brand.
Armenian Patriarchate in Turkey establishes foundation
The Armenian Patriarchate in Turkey has established a foundation under the name "Hovagim 1461," in order to formally acquire a legal personality.
The foundation is named after the first Armenian patriarchate Hovagim and the date when he was appointed to his position.
Japanese art comes to Istanbul
Classes will be organized to teach the Japanese art of painting, sumi-e, from Jan 31 until the end of March.
Japanese art of painting Sumi-e, which has a significant place in Far Eastern culture, has been brought to Turkey by SushiCo.