Author: Serdar Imren

In a dramatic turn of events, a Turkish court has imposed travel restrictions on two prominent figures from the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) following their criticism of government policies. The president of the association, Orhan Turan, and executive member Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras were brought before the court after their comments were deemed to undermine the integrity of the judiciary. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between government authorities and business leaders in Turkey, as discussions about corruption, judicial independence, and economic reform intensify. Article Subheadings 1) Legal Actions Taken Against TÜSİAD Leaders 2) The Nature of the…

On February 23, 2023, the Istanbul Bar Association convened an extraordinary congress in response to a legal challenge posed by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor. The prosecutor’s demands included disbanding the current board led by President İbrahim Kaboğlu and holding new elections, igniting concerns among legal professionals regarding judicial interference. Despite these pressures, the congress, held at the Haliç Congress Center, saw significant attendance and robust support for the existing board, highlighting the resilience of the legal community amid ongoing controversies. Article Subheadings 1) Unprecedented Legal Challenges Faced by the Istanbul Bar 2) Strong Attendance and Support at the Congress…

Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) recently convened its eighth regular congress in Ankara, where a significant restructuring of its Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK) took place. With a 52 percent turnover, the new 75-member board introduced 39 fresh faces, including former lawmakers from opposition parties. This strategic shift aims to prepare the party for the upcoming 2028 elections while also reflecting a commitment to blending experience with new perspectives. Article Subheadings 1) Restructuring of the AKP Leadership 2) Notable Political Shifts and New Members 3) The Role of Family Connections in Leadership 4) Focus on Industry and…

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)…

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…