The recent tensions between the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have reached a pivotal point, highlighting a significant rift concerning economic policies and the prevailing growth strategy in Turkey. Following statements made by TÜSİAD executives during their general assembly, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s remarks about “knowing one’s place” have intensified the dialogue around political and economic strategies. This article explores the underlying economic conflicts, historical tensions, and the present predicament shaping the future of state-capital relations in Turkey. Article Subheadings 1) Historical Context of Tensions between TÜSİAD and the AKP 2)…
Author: Serdar Imren
Serdar Imren
Serdar Imren is a distinguished journalist with an extensive background as a News Director for major Turkish media outlets. His work has consistently focused on upholding the core principles of journalistic integrity: accuracy, impartiality, and a commitment to the truth. In response to the growing restrictions on press freedom in Turkey, he established News Journos to create a platform for independent and critical journalism. His reporting and analysis cover Turkish politics, human rights, and the challenges facing a free press in an increasingly authoritarian environment.
A tragic fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu’s Kartalkaya ski resort has claimed the lives of 78 individuals, igniting a wave of scrutiny regarding the hotel’s safety protocols and emergency response readiness. Two kitchen employees, Faysal Y. and Mehmet G., have been remanded in custody as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the blaze. Both employees have spoken out about the chaos during the fire, highlighting the absence of critical safety measures such as functional fire alarms and extinguishers, raising serious questions about the hotel’s adherence to safety regulations. Article Subheadings 1) Eyewitness Accounts of the Tragic Night 2)…
Environmental advocates, professional organizations, and a collective of 127 individuals have taken legal action to contest the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) concerning the Finike-Demre-Kaş-Kalkan Highway Project, situated along Turkey’s picturesque Mediterranean coastline in Antalya. In a conversation with a legal expert, concerns regarding the project emerged, focusing on its implications for local biodiversity, agricultural land, and historical sites. The attorney revealed alarming details about the project that threaten both the environment and the well-being of local residents, raising questions about the project’s fundamental objectives and financial implications. Article Subheadings 1) Overview of the Legal Challenge 2) Expert…
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu faced judicial scrutiny recently as he testified at the Çağlayan Courthouse regarding two separate investigations linked to alleged misconduct involving the city’s chief public prosecutor and a court-appointed expert. These investigations, which have sparked significant tensions between the government and opposition parties, are part of ongoing concerns regarding judicial independence and the politicization of the judiciary in Turkey. Supporters gathered outside the courthouse to voice their solidarity with İmamoğlu, while officials emphasized the need for a fair judicial process. Article Subheadings 1) Overview of the Investigations Against İmamoğlu 2) Political Implications of the Charges 3) Support…
On February 22, activists in Adana’s Seyhan district organized a protest and press conference to spotlight human rights violations faced by Alevi and other religious communities in Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad. The event was marked by speeches from Alevi leaders and civil society organizations, demanding immediate national and international intervention to halt ongoing violence and oppression. This gathering came in the wake of alarming reports documenting severe abuses such as torture and executions attributed to the Sunni-Islamist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) since the beginning of December 2024. Article Subheadings 1) Protest Against Human Rights Violations…
Vakıflı, recognized as Turkey’s last Armenian village, is under significant threat due to imminent expropriation linked to a large-scale public housing project initiated by the Housing Development Administration (TOKİ). Located in the Samandağ district of Hatay, the project aims to construct 1,353 housing units, which has raised alarms among residents who fear it could irrevocably alter the village’s historical, cultural, and social landscape. As the community grapples with the potential loss of their unique identity, local authorities are advocating for their rights and heritage against government-led development initiatives. Article Subheadings 1) Overview of the Expropriation Threat 2) Community Response and…
In Ankara, the alarming trend of bootleg alcohol consumption has led to a significant public health crisis, with the recent tally of deaths caused by counterfeit alcohol reaching 65 since December 2024. As authorities intensify their crackdown on illegal alcohol production, 15 individuals remain hospitalized in intensive care due to alcohol poisoning. This situation has prompted officials to take drastic measures to combat the growing issue of harmful alcoholic beverages in the capital and surrounding provinces. Article Subheadings 1) Growing Death Toll from Bootleg Alcohol 2) Medical Consequences and Hospitalizations 3) Law Enforcement Actions and Seizures 4) Factors Contributing to…
In January, Turkey’s consumer price index reported a significant rise of 5.03%, exceeding market expectations of 4.29% according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). With annual inflation soaring to 42.12%, the impact is particularly felt among households relying on minimum wage, which has seen its purchasing power diminish. The continuing inflationary pressures highlight the widening gap between income and the cost of living, with essential categories such as education and healthcare experiencing the most drastic price increases. Article Subheadings 1) Rising Consumer Prices and Inflation Rates 2) Contrasting Perspectives on Inflation Measurement 3) The Struggles of Minimum Wage Earners 4)…
In a significant legal development in Turkey, prosecutors in Istanbul have filed an indictment against Ahmet Özer, the Mayor of Esenyurt. Arrested on charges of alleged membership in the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK-KCK), classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, Özer faces a potential prison sentence ranging from seven and a half to 15 years. The indictment asserts that Özer was involved in activities supporting the PKK, as part of a broader investigation into alleged infiltration of local governments by the organization. Article Subheadings 1) Overview of the Indictment Against Ahmet Özer 2) Allegations of Terrorist Membership 3) Evidence Presented…
On February 21, the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Ekrem İmamoğlu, formally declared his candidacy for the presidential primary of the Republican People’s Party (CHP). The primary election is set to take place on March 23, where all CHP members will cast their votes to select the party’s candidate. İmamoğlu’s announcement is significant, especially in the context of ongoing legal challenges he faces. As he embarks on this journey, his statements highlight a commitment to democratic principles, justice, and unity for Turkey. Article Subheadings 1) İmamoğlu’s Official Application Process 2) Candidate’s Vision for Turkey 3) Legal Challenges: A Shadow Over…