Turkish Digest

Fatal ammunition blast in Turkey

2009-07-14T09:51:00.000-04:00

"Fatal ammunition blast in Turkey

An explosion of ammunition in south-eastern Turkey has killed four soldiers and injured several more, reports say."

More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Fatal ammunition blast in Turkey

Muslim reaction to China unrest mostly muted

2009-07-13T17:34:00.000-04:00

"Muslim reaction to China unrest mostly muted

By JOSEF FEDERMAN – 3 hours ago

CAIRO (AP) — China's crackdown on its Muslim Uighur minority has drawn a muted response from many Muslim countries that may be wary of damaging lucrative trade ties with Beijing or attracting attention to their own attitudes toward political dissent.

The non-Arab countries of Iran and Turkey have been among the few to criticize China. Iran is busy dealing with its own unrest following a disputed presidential election, while Turkey has ethnic ties to China's Uighur minority."

More:The Associated Press: Muslim reaction to China unrest mostly muted

Women take lead in building mosque in Turkey - CNN.com

2009-07-13T17:21:00.000-04:00

"Women take lead in building mosque in Turkey

By Ivan Watson
CNN

ISTANBUL, Turkey (CNN) -- There is a shiny addition among the Ottoman mosques and palaces that make up Istanbul's stunning skyline: the metallic, mirrored dome of the new Sakirin Mosque, a Muslim place of worship built with a woman's touch.
When sun reflects off the metallic dome of Sakirin Mosque, the flash of light can be seen across the Bosphorus Strait.

For what may be the first time in history, women have been at the forefront of the construction of a mosque in Turkey."

More:Women take lead in building mosque in Turkey - CNN.com

Ataturk’s Turkish Republic in Danger « Pak Tea House

2009-07-13T14:43:00.000-04:00

"Ataturk’s Turkish Republic in Danger

Turkey is in the middle of a political crisis that has pitted the Islamic-rooted civilian government against the military, following reports of an alleged move by military leaders to overthrow the government. Ameen Izzadeen, who was in Turkey last week meeting journalists, civil society leaders and political activists, reports on the country’s changing socio-political scenario."

More:Ataturk’s Turkish Republic in Danger « Pak Tea House

Colonialists in Their Own Country

2009-07-13T10:31:00.000-04:00

"The Chinese Regime and the Uighurs
Colonialists in Their Own Country

The Communist Party has always reacted with violence whenever it has been faced with the efforts of its Muslim Uighur minority to gain its autonomy. One reason is the strategically important location of the province in which they live, but there are others. Kai Strittmatter looks at the issues involved"

More:Qantara.de - Colonialists in Their Own Country

Tourists enjoy oil wrestling - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

2009-07-13T10:24:00.000-04:00

"Tourists enjoy oil wrestling

Four tourists had the chance to compete at an oil wrestling competition, but just for demonstration.

More than 6,000 tourists from eight countries were hosted at the traditional Beşpınar Oil Wrestling Tournament on Sunday in Muğla’s Menteşe district. They were invited by South Aegean Hoteliers Union, or GETOB, Chairman İlhan Açıkgöz, who also sponsored the event."

More:Tourists enjoy oil wrestling - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Turkey To Launch Tender Process For Istanbul'S Third Bridge In September - Turk.Net

2009-07-13T09:07:00.001-04:00

"Turkey To Launch Tender Process For Istanbul'S Third Bridge In September

TORONTO (A.A) - 13.07.2009 - The Turkish government plans to issue a tender notice in September for construction of the third bridge over Istanbul Strait, Turkish transportation minister said.

Third bridge will carry the transit traffic from Asia in the east to Europe in the west by the help of suburban motorways, Binali Yildirim said."

More:(eco) Turkey To Launch Tender Process For Istanbul'S Third Bridge In September - Turk.Net

Saakashvili in Ankara for Nabucco Summit

2009-07-13T09:07:00.000-04:00

"Saakashvili in Ankara for Nabucco Summit
Civil Georgia, Tbilisi / 13 Jul.'09 / 12:42

President Saakashvili is in Ankara on July 13 participating in a high-level summit on Nabucco gas pipeline project.

The Prime Ministers of Turkey, Austria, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary will sign an intergovernmental agreement on the Nabucco pipeline to deliver gas from the Caspian Sea region bypassing Russia."

More:Civil.Ge | Saakashvili in Ankara for Nabucco Summit

Trend News : Ankara supports peace & stability in Cyprus: president

2009-07-13T09:03:00.000-04:00

"Ankara supports peace & stability in Cyprus: president
13.07.09 15:34 Ankara supports peace & stability in Cyprus: president

Turkey supports sustained peace in Cyprus, the country's President Abdullah Gul said at a joint news conference with the President of Northern Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat, TRT 2 reported."

More:Trend News : Ankara supports peace & stability in Cyprus: president

Turkey Calls For Referendum In Cyprus By End-2009 - World - Javno

2009-07-13T09:02:00.000-04:00

"Turkey Calls For Referendum In Cyprus By End-2009
The two sides launched reunification talks last year. The division is a key obstacle in Turkey`s bid to join the European Union."

More:Turkey Calls For Referendum In Cyprus By End-2009 - World - Javno

Jobs key to solving Kurdish problem

2009-07-13T08:45:00.000-04:00

"Jobs key to solving Kurdish problem

Sunday, July 12, 2009
SERDAR ALYAMAÇ
DİYARBAKIR – Hürriyet Daily News
The decades of conflict and suffering in Southeast Turkey are passing through a ‘hopeful’ phase and people strolling the streets of Diyarbakır widely agree that genuine peace would grow best from economic development and job creation. ‘But such hopes have been followed by great disappointments in the past,’ warns one local academic"

More:Jobs key to solving Kurdish problem - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Istanbul Jazz Festival to attract young audience - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

2009-07-13T08:41:00.000-04:00

"Istanbul Jazz Festival to attract young audience

Sunday, July 12, 2009
ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News
This week’s performances in the ongoing 16th International Istanbul Jazz Festival aim to attract young music lovers. Performances by Peter Cincotti at Istinye Park on Tuesday and Emiliana Torrini at Istanbul Modern on Wednesday will redefine ‘jazz’ by combining different genres from rock to folk to pop music"

More:Istanbul Jazz Festival to attract young audience - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Muskegon man to compete in Istanbul bridge tournament - Muskegon News - The Latest News, Blogs, Photos & Videos – MLive.com

2009-07-13T08:38:00.000-04:00

"Muskegon man to compete in Istanbul bridge tournament
by Teresa Taylor Williams | The Muskegon Chronicle
Monday July 13, 2009, 3:33 AM
Cameron Shunta

MUSKEGON -- Cameron Shunta played his cards right and has won an all-expenses-paid trip to Istanbul, Turkey.

The 23-year-old Muskegon man was selected to compete at the First World Youth Bridge Championships, on the campus of Yeditepe University."

More:Muskegon man to compete in Istanbul bridge tournament - Muskegon News - The Latest News, Blogs, Photos & Videos – MLive.com

Turkey - Factors to Watch on July 13 - Forbes.com

2009-07-13T08:35:00.001-04:00

"Turkey - Factors to Watch on July 13
07.13.09, 02:49 AM EDT

ISTANBUL, July 13 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events that could affect Turkish financial markets on Monday."

More:Turkey - Factors to Watch on July 13 - Forbes.com

Turkey, EU countries to sign gas pipeline deal - Forbes.com

2009-07-13T08:35:00.000-04:00

"Turkey, EU countries to sign gas pipeline deal
By SELCAN HACAOGLU , 07.13.09, 02:32 AM EDT

ANKARA, Turkey -- Turkey and five European Union countries will sign a landmark agreement on Monday aimed at reducing Europe's reliance on Russian energy by running a gas pipeline from the Caspian Sea region to the EU via Turkey."

More:Turkey, EU countries to sign gas pipeline deal - Forbes.com

Turkey walks fine line of diplomacy

2009-07-13T08:34:00.000-04:00

"Turkey walks fine line of diplomacy

Thomas Seibert, Foreign Correspondent

* Last Updated: July 12. 2009 11:34PM UAE / July 12. 2009 7:34PM GMT

ISTANBUL // Torn between feelings of solidarity for the Muslim Uighurs in China’s troubled Xinjiang province and its long-term aim to nurture close political and economic ties with Beijing, Turkey’s government has been struggling to find a middle way between condemning the violence and preserving its foreign policy and trade interests."

More:Turkey walks fine line of diplomacy - The National Newspaper

Turkey still likely to get a share of Nabucco gas: energy minister

2009-07-13T08:32:00.000-04:00

"Turkey still likely to get a share of Nabucco gas: energy minister – Xinhua

12 July 2009 -

The Moscow Times Turkey still likely to get a share of Nabucco gas: energy minister Xinhua The route, which also goes through European Union (EU) member states Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, bypasses Russia, the largest gas supplier for Europe. …"

More:Turkey still likely to get a share of Nabucco gas: energy minister – Xinhua | Bacau Expres - Romanian news - english edition

EU, Turkey need each other: deputy assistant secretary of state

2009-07-13T08:30:00.000-04:00

"EU, Turkey need each other: deputy assistant secretary of state
13.07.09 10:30 EU, Turkey need each other: deputy assistant secretary of state

Azerbaijan, Baku, July 11 / Trend News E. Tariverdiyeva /

The USA considers that Turkey's joining EU would promote further reforms due to which Turkey will be more reliable and strong partner, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia Matthew Bryza told Trend News."

More:Trend News : EU, Turkey need each other: deputy assistant secretary of state

Refugee protection in Turkey

2009-07-12T21:19:00.000-04:00

"Refugee protection in Turkey
by Rachel Levitan
(Sunday, July 12, 2009)

The provision of independent legal representation for asylum seekers in Turkey is proving a vital component in improving refugee status determination procedures.

Every year, thousands of people from over 40 countries come to Turkey seeking asylum. However, since Turkey imposes a ‘geographic limitation’ on the 1951 Refugee Convention, refugees from countries outside Europe are not eligible to receive international protection from the Turkish government. Instead, they must turn to UNHCR for protection. Refugees must also apply for ‘temporary asylum’ from the Turkish authorities for permission to remain in Turkey while UNHCR evaluates their claims. During that period, they are required to live in one of 30 ‘satellite cities’ throughout Turkey, and need police permission to travel outside the city. When their cases are decided, either they are granted refugee status and resettled in another country (such as the US, Canada or Australia) or their application is denied and they must leave Turkey."

More:Home / Headlines / Refugee protection in Turkey - Media Monitors Network (MMN)

"Genocide" in Xinjiang

2009-07-12T21:09:00.000-04:00

"'Genocide' in Xinjiang
Written by Slyvia Hui
Monday, 13 July 2009
ImageThe politics of ethnic unrest

Ethnic tensions in China's restive Xinjiang province have boiled over again, and this time the unrest has spun so much out of control that Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan is accusing Chinese forces of committing 'genocide'."

More:Asia Sentinel - "Genocide" in Xinjiang

Turkish protests fan Muslim fury over Xinjiang

2009-07-12T08:03:00.000-04:00

"Turkish protests fan Muslim fury over Xinjiang
(07-11 00:34)
Muslims around the world condemned China's crackdown in Xinjiang with thousands taking part in anti-Chinese protests across Turkey."

More:Turkish protests fan Muslim fury over Xinjiang - The Standard

When Ari met Ali

2009-07-12T08:02:00.000-04:00

"When Ari met Ali
By Charles Charalambous

Stelios Award networking event helps break down barriers

AFTER a few months of press adverts and enquiries, the Stelios Award for Business Cooperation in Cyprus moved to the next level last Monday, when entrepreneurs from both sides of the Green Line attended a networking event hosted by British High Commissioner Peter Millett.

The opening formalities included contributions from the political leaderships of both communities. Presidential Commissioner George Iacovou called on the entrepreneurs to “grasp the opportunity, because it is important to show the way”, adding that “the unity of this country will be partly manifested through a united economy”."

More: Cyprus Mail

Talat to evaluate Cyprus talks with Turkish authorities ]

2009-07-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

"Talat to evaluate Cyprus talks with Turkish authorities
Talat will be in Turkey on July 13 and 14, said the Turkish Presidency Press Center on Sunday."

More:WORLD BULLETIN- TURKEY, MUSLIMS, ISLAM, BALKANS, CAUCASUS [ Talat to evaluate Cyprus talks with Turkish authorities ]

The Turkish Link

2009-07-12T07:58:00.000-04:00

"The Turkish Link
July 12th, 2009

Saudi billionaire Prince Al Waleed is the emerging world’s Warren Buffett. He’s as comfortable investing in the United Bank of Africa as he is investing in Citibank. So, it was worth taking notice when the Turkish daily, Sabah, reported last week that Al Waleed intends to invest up to $5 billion in Turkey."

More:The Turkish Link

AFP: EU, Turkey set to sign Nabucco pipeline deal

2009-07-12T07:46:00.000-04:00

"EU, Turkey set to sign Nabucco pipeline deal

By Burak Akinci – 8 hours ago

ANKARA (AFP) — European Union countries and Turkey are Monday to sign a key intergovernmental agreement on Europe's flagship Nabucco gas pipeline, coming a step closer to realizing a project that still lacks key suppliers."

More:AFP: EU, Turkey set to sign Nabucco pipeline deal