Turkey's parliament

Turkey on March 11 marked the centennial anniversary of the Istiklal Marsi, or March of Independence, Turkey's national anthem. 

An event to mark the anniversary and to commemorate Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the writer of the anthem's lyrics, was held at the Beştepe National Congress and Culture Center in the capital, Ankara.

Turkey's parliament can expect to get new reform proposals shortly, the nation's president said on Jan. 27. 

"Soon we will begin to submit new reform packages, which we are about to complete, for parliament's consideration," Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told his ruling AKP's parliamentary group.

Reacting to scenes of supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday storming the Capitol building, Turkey urged all parties in the U.S. to use moderation and common sense.

Turkey's parliament approved a motion early on Dec. 24 announcing 2021 as the year of the Turkish national anthem. 

Turkey slammed a "racist threat message" on Nov. 28 in northeastern Greece written on an elevator of an apartment building that is the residence of Mufti Ahmet Mete of Xanthi.

Major parties in Turkey's parliament on Nov. 27 issued a joint declaration condemning the French Senate's resolution on Upper Karabakh.

"As the political parties that have parliamentary groups in the Turkish parliament, we strongly condemn the French Senate's resolution on Nov. 25, 2020 that has been approved in defiance of the law, morality and fairness," read the declaration.

A Turkish court sentenced hundreds of military and civilian personnel at an air base to life prison sentences Thursday, proclaiming them guilty of involvement in the 2016 failed coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government.

Some 7,312 foreigners have become Turkish citizens over the past three years by investing in property in the country, daily Milliyet has reported.

"Turkey started a citizenship program in 2017. In 2017-2018, any foreigner investing $1 million in Turkey can apply for citizenship. Since Sept. 18, 2018, the limit was lowered to $250,000," the daily reported on Nov. 22.

A passing out ceremony was held on Nov. 21 for Libyan soldiers who completed an eight-week training by the Turkish Armed Forces.

The training was held as part of a deal signed between the two countries last year.

Libyan Defense Minister Salahaddin Namroush said the completion of this training was evidence that the Libyan-Turkish military cooperation was bearing fruit.

Turkey's parliament has passed a bill enhancing the powers of "night watchmen," also known as neighborhood guards who will now have powers to stop and search people, carry guns and use force whenever necessary.