Latest News from Turkey

Constitutional change is a must for Turkey, says Sabanc? chair

Turkey has been in a transition period, but now we need to change our constitution together, Sabanc? Holding Chairperson Güler Sabanc? said at the opening ceremony of the new Kordsa plant in Indonesia on Jan. 13.

Sabanc? also noted that there are both challenged and opportunities facing the Turkish economy right now, which all need to be assessed very carefully.

Turkish economy to progress if reforms made: World Bank

Turkey could become a high-income nation within five years if the government boosts productivity and embraces much needed structural reforms to improve the rule of law, the World Bank's country director said late on Jan. 12.

Current economic situation and relations with the West

Turkey is rapidly approaching an economic bottleneck because it has not done what it needed to do, especially in the last few years. Recently publicized industry production data has revealed that the 2014 growth rate will not reach 3 percent; it will be a little above 2.5 percent.

Islam a European reality, there to stay, Turkish PM says

Islam is a European reality and Muslims across the continent are there to stay, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu told journalists while returning from Berlin late on Jan. 12.

"There is a settled persuasion that a solution can be found via accepting that Islam is a European reality," Davuto?lu said, commenting on the hot debate over rising Islamophobia in Europe.

Turkey should revisit its secular character to fight global terror

On Feb. 12-13, 2002, Turkey hosted a rare gathering of countries from the European Union and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Istanbul, in a bid to create a major platform to respond to a growing global problem - often described as a clash of civilizations - in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

COMMENT: What's the meaning of Erdo?an's 16 warriors?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an undertakes his own myth-making project, as seen in the controversial dress show of the 16 warriors in the presidential palace. His goals, however, seem like they will be more difficult to attain than similar projects by Atatürk several decades ago.

Vucic urges new Turkish investors to come to Serbia

BELGRADE - During a meeting with Turkey's Ambassador to Serbia Mehmet Kemal Bozay on Tuesday, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic urged new Turkish investors to come to Serbia and primarily invest in agriculture and the textile industry.

Bahçeli curious about president's next 'costume at his palace'

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has joined a popular debate on President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an?s dramatic remake of his palace ceremonial guard, as he said he has been curious about Erdo?an?s next costume.

Inter-religion dialogue not possible, says Turkey's top cleric

The head of Turkey?s Directorate General for Religious Affairs (Diyanet) has said inter-religious dialogue is "not possible" between Islam and Christianity, saying a relationship based on justice and rights should instead be built.

Turkey fined 60,000 euros by ECHR for ill-treatment of minors

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has fined Turkey 60,000 euros in fine for non-pecuniary damage in a lawsuit launched by two applicants for ill-treatment in detention in 2002, after they took a neighbor who had been shot in the street to hospital when they were minors. The ECHR also fined Turkey 5,600 euros for costs and expenses.

Turkish main opposition asks Islamic world to embrace secularism

Turkey's main opposition party has called on Islamic countries to adopt secularism in order to end the roots of terrorism, denouncing last week's deadly Paris attacks and stressing that "killing innocent people has nothing to do with Islam."

Istanbul's iconic movie theatre 'cultural heritage,' court says after demolition

A regional Turkish court qualified Istanbul?s iconic Emek Movie Theater as an historical and cultural heritage landmark on Jan. 13, a ruling that came too late as the building hosting the facility was demolished on May 2013, despite mass protests and social campaigns.

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