Author: Serdar Imren

In the wake of a contentious Super Lig match, Fenerbahçe’s head coach, Jose Mourinho, has found himself embroiled in a scandal after being accused of making racist remarks about his rivals, Galatasaray. Following the goalless draw, Mourinho reportedly stated that the opposing team’s bench was “jumping like monkeys,” which led to uproar and allegations of racism against the experienced manager. In a strong defense, Mourinho proclaimed his connections to Africa and his commitment to diversity, asserting that the accusations have backfired on Galatasaray. The Turkish Football Federation responded to his comments by imposing a four-match suspension and a hefty fine,…

On March 7, a Turkish prosecutor filed an indictment against ten individuals, including the Deputy Mayors of Kartal and Ataşehir, Cemalettin Yüksel and Livan Gür, respectively. These arrests were part of a broader investigation into an alleged “urban consensus” related to political activities associated with the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). The prosecution is seeking prison sentences ranging from 7.5 to 15 years on charges of membership in what they claim is an armed terrorist organization. The indictment, however, has raised significant questions regarding the evidence presented and the legal basis for the accusations. Article Subheadings 1) Overview of the…

On March 7, Turkish prosecutors completed their investigation into Orhan Turan, chair of the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD), and Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras, head of the association’s High Advisory Council. This investigation stemmed from remarks made during the organization’s general assembly on February 13. Both leaders are facing serious charges, including “publicly spreading misleading information” and “attempting to influence a fair trial,” with prison sentences ranging from nearly two to over five years sought in the indictment. Article Subheadings 1) Overview of the Investigation 2) Context of the General Assembly Remarks 3) Charges Against Turan and Aras 4)…

In a controversial move, Turkey’s Trade Ministry has summoned renowned gourmet and sociologist Vedat Milor to provide a written explanation regarding a YouTube video he posted. The inquiry is rooted in a complaint made to the Presidential Communication Center (CİMER), which highlights Milor’s video titled “A four-course meal for 40 liras: Is this price real?” In this video, Milor explores a public restaurant operated by the opposition-run Istanbul Municipality, stirring criticism and sparking a wider debate on government actions against public expression, especially amid ongoing economic challenges. Article Subheadings 1) The Investigation of Vedat Milor 2) The Role of Public…

In a significant development for LGBTI+ rights in Turkey, the government has moved forward with a legislative proposal that could severely restrict these rights. Declaring 2025 the “Year of the Family,” officials have prepared amendments that alter existing laws related to gender transition and increase penalties for LGBTI+ expressions. The draft bill, which has garnered widespread criticism from rights organizations, raises critical questions about the future of civil liberties and social equality in the country. Article Subheadings 1) Overview of the Proposed Legislative Changes 2) Key Amendments Impacting Gender Transition 3) Implications for LGBTI+ Rights and Activism 4) Responses from…

In a significant development, Selahattin Demirtaş, the imprisoned co-chair of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), received temporary leave from prison to support his wife, Başak Demirtaş, following her surgery. This marks the first time Demirtaş has been granted such leave, highlighting a measure of flexibility within the judicial system. The approval from President Erdoğan was expedited, reflecting the urgency of the situation and Dmetirtaş’s standing after years of political imprisonment. Article Subheadings 1) Demirtaş Granted Leave for His Wife’s Surgery 2) A Moment of Solidarity: Support from Political Rivals 3) The Context of Imprisonment and Political Struggles 4) Implications for…

Turkey, recognized for possessing the second largest army in NATO, is contemplating its involvement in a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, according to a source from the Turkish Defense Ministry. Discussions are ongoing regarding the nation’s contribution to ensure stability and peace in the region, aligning with international military powers. This initiative arises amid an evolving situation in Ukraine, as various global powers negotiate potential peace terms while considering on-ground security guarantees. Article Subheadings 1) Turkey’s Potential Role in Peacekeeping 2) Background and Context of the Discussions 3) Responses from Key Global Players 4) The Mechanisms of Possible Deployment 5)…

Talks aimed at resuming Iraqi oil exports to Turkey, which have been suspended for the last two years, have once again stalled as negotiations ended without agreement on March 6. This failure to reach a deal came just days after a previous round of discussions that also resulted in no breakthrough. The discussions are critical not only for the flow of oil from the Kurdish region of Iraq to Turkey’s Ceyhan port but also within the broader context of U.S. pressure on Iraq regarding oil exports, especially in relation to sanctions on Iran. The ongoing disagreement largely revolves around pricing…

Prof. Ahmet Akın, a faculty member at İstanbul Medeniyet University’s Faculty of Educational Sciences, has been dismissed from his position amid serious allegations of harassment and abuse of minors. Following a media report that brought these claims to light, the university announced an internal investigation and confirmed Akın’s removal from his role as head of the Psychological Counseling and Guidance Department. This response reflects the institution’s commitment to a thorough and transparent process as it navigates these disturbing allegations. Article Subheadings 1) The Official Response from the University 2) Emergence of the Allegations 3) Details of the Allegations 4) Akın’s…

In a significant escalation of military operations, Turkey’s armed forces have reportedly killed 26 Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria after the recent disarmament call issued by Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). This announcement comes in the wake of Öcalan’s directive urging the PKK to lay down its arms and the subsequent declaration of an immediate ceasefire by the militant group. Officials from the Turkish defense ministry have reiterated their commitment to continue operations against what they refer to as terrorism, emphasizing the aim to neutralize Kurdish militant activities. As tensions rise between Turkey,…