Author: Serdar Imren

In a historic moment for Turkish politics, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party exchanged Eid al-Fitr greetings for the first time. This unprecedented engagement occurred on the second day of the holiday, showcasing a growing willingness to communicate between the two parties that have traditionally been at odds. The meetings between party officials signals a potential thaw in relations amid a politically polarized climate in Turkey. Article Subheadings 1) An Unprecedented Meeting between MHP and DEM 2) Responses to Political Issues 3) A Call for Democracy and Peace 4) The Significance of…

In a tragic turn of events, Volkan Konak, a beloved Turkish folk singer, passed away at the age of 58 after suffering a heart attack on stage during a concert in İskele, Northern Cyprus. The incident occurred late in the evening on March 30, 2025, when Konak collapsed while performing. Despite immediate medical assistance, he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on March 31. Article Subheadings 1) Heart Attack at Concert: Immediate Response 2) Konak’s Medical Journey: From Stage to Hospital 3) Volkan Konak: A Legacy in Music 4) Community Reaction: Mourning the Loss 5) Plans for the Future: The…

In a significant development, Mahir Polat, deputy secretary-general of the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality, has been returned to prison following a medical procedure. This transfer comes after he underwent angioplasty due to ongoing health issues that were exacerbated during his detention. Polat, who is among a group of officials, including İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, has faced serious allegations that have sparked widespread discussions about governance and political corruption in Turkey. Article Subheadings 1) Overview of Recent Developments 2) Health Issues and Medical Procedures 3) Background of the Detentions 4) Allegations of Corruption in İstanbul 5) Political Implications and Future Consequences Overview…

Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), recently met with family members in a rare visitation allowed by Turkish authorities during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. This visit marked the first opportunity for Öcalan to see relatives since October, when he was permitted a meeting after a lengthy period of isolation. Alongside him, three other inmates—Ömer Hayri Konar, Hamili Yıldırım, and Veysi Aktaş—also received family visits at the İmralı Island Prison, highlighting ongoing issues surrounding prisoner rights and family access. Since 2014, visits have been severely restricted for Öcalan, raising concerns among human rights advocates regarding the…

The recent arrest of Mahir Polat, a key figure in the cultural revitalization efforts of Istanbul, has raised eyebrows in the wake of ongoing scrutiny surrounding the administration of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Amid allegations involving nearly 50 arrests, Polat’s significant role at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) has come to the forefront of public discourse. Serving as the deputy general secretary in charge of culture and arts departments, Polat was instrumental in efforts to restore the city’s rich cultural heritage and redefine its artistic identity, leaving a lasting impact that’s now uncertain following these upheavals. Article Subheadings 1) The…

The Republican People’s Party (CHP) has announced an extraordinary congress set for April 6, signaling a response to increasing concerns over possible state intervention in the party. The move follows an investigation into alleged manipulations at the party’s previous congress, which saw the ascension of the current leader, Özgür Özel. During a press conference, Özel expressed that the extraordinary congress is a proactive measure to thwart potential attempts by state authorities to impose trusteeship on the party. The backdrop to this announcement includes recent detentions of key party figures, including İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, in connection with allegations of corruption…

In a series of coordinated police raids across Turkey, authorities have detained numerous individuals, primarily targeting university students and leftist groups. This crackdown follows the controversial detention of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Mayor of İstanbul, along with nearly 100 municipal officials earlier in the week. The widespread protests that erupted in response to these arrests have now entered their fourth day, with demonstrators rallying against perceived governmental overreach and calling for democratic rights. Article Subheadings 1) Protests Erupt Following İmamoğlu’s Arrest 2) Targeted Raids and Detentions Across Multiple Cities 3) Government Justifications for Police Actions 4) The Broader Implications for Turkish…

On the second anniversary of the tragic Tempi train crash, Greece is witnessing a significant surge in public unrest, fueled by widespread discontent against deep-rooted inequalities arising from neoliberal policies and austerity measures. The nation has seen an escalation of general strikes and street protests, marking a vibrant wave of resistance that echoes the frustrations of many citizens. To explore the underlying dynamics of these movements, prominent architect and academic Stavros Stavrides, whose works focus on public space and social equity, offers insights into the emerging protests, the implications of state policies, and the potential for a new political landscape…

A Turkish court has ordered the release of seven journalists who were detained during recent protests related to the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) confirmed the release following their arrests on charges stemming from alleged violations of the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations. The case has drawn significant attention and criticism regarding freedom of the press, with various journalist unions alleging political motives behind the arrests. Article Subheadings 1) Overview of Journalists’ Arrests 2) Allegations of Manipulation and Political Pressure 3) Broader Context of Protests Against İmamoğlu’s Detention 4) Reactions from Human…

In a curious intersection of pop culture and political protest, Pikachu, the beloved Pokémon mascot, has garnered attention during recent anti-government demonstrations in Turkey. Video footage circulated on social media shows a character dressed as Pikachu allegedly escaping from law enforcement, provoking both humor and serious discussion about the ongoing political climate. While some view this event as a lighthearted approach to dissent, for many, it symbolizes deeper struggles within the fabric of Turkish society and its expression of free speech. Article Subheadings 1) Pikachu in a Political Context 2) The Role of Humor in Protest 3) Expressions of Unity…