Ataturk
All topics-
The Turkish state and the Kurdish question
Turkey – a battle of narratives
For a century, the Kurds and other minorities in Turkey have been subject to state repression. With his dissertation "The Kurdish Question in Turkey", political analyst Ismail Kupeli presents a new research paper on the topic. Interview by Gerrit Wustmann
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Osman Kavala and Turkey's travesty of justice
Exploiting the fog of war
By supporting Ukraine and presenting himself as a regional mediator and peacemaker, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has found the political cover he needs to crack down further on potential dissidents and opposition figures at home, writes Seyla Benhabib
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Electioneering in Turkey
Turkish right-wing populists on the rise
Right-wing radicalism and nationalism have dominated Turkish politics for decades. Now a new right-wing populist grouping is stirring things up: enter the "Victory Party". By Elmas Topcu
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Turkish opposition
Courting Turkey’s disenchanted electorate
Despite the economic crisis and Turkey's increasingly undemocratic track record, surveys show the ruling AKP is still the party of choice. So what exactly is holding back the opposition? Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
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Turkey-Armenia relations
Normalisation after 31 years of tension?
Turkish-Armenian rapprochement kicked off in Moscow in January, after a break of 13 years. This time, focusing on relatively easy fixes such as trade and transportation, both countries are emphasising a lack of pre-conditions. Turkey is nevertheless reluctant to let third countries, such as Russia, to play a role in the process. By Leyla Egeli
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Jews in Turkey
Netflix' "The Club" and Istanbul’s difficult past
A new Netflix drama series showcasing Istanbul's Jewish community in the 1950s depicts a once multicultural city. It is a production that pulls no punches, exposing dark chapters in modern Turkish history. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
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Mafia scandal in Turkey
Mafia ties run deep in AKP politics
Rarely have the links between Turkish politics and organised crime been as apparent as they are at present. Right-wing extremist mafia godfathers from the Grey Wolves are increasingly appearing in government circles. So what's behind all this? Daniel Derya Bellut has the details
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The new Ataturk Cultural Center in Istanbul
Turkey's second modern age
Between Ataturk's republican utopia and Erdogan's 21st century Islam: the newly built AKM Cultural Center in Istanbul. By Tomas Avenarius
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Erdogan, Islam and alcohol
Last call for Istanbul's meyhane bar culture?
Istanbul's beloved "meyhane" are where friends traditionally meet for a glass of raki or a game of backgammon. Now, however, owners and patrons are worried that new government restrictions could spell the end for these local hangouts. By Tunca Ogreten and Daniel Bellut
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Interview with Olivier Roy on the conversion of Hagia Sophia
"Islamising stones is easier than Islamising souls"
The photos of the first Friday prayers in Hagia Sofia in 86 years triggered passionate and diverse responses around the world. Surrounded by a coterie of ministers, Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, led worshippers in prayer at the recently rededicated mosque. Eren Güvercin spoke to the renowned French political scientist Olivier Roy and asked him about the significance of the controversial reconversion
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Discourse and our terms of reference
Politics and religion in Islam – one world or two?
A heated debate is raging in the Islamic world about whether the religious and political spheres in Islam are one and the same. Before this matter can be settled, the terms "religion" and "state" have to be clarified, says Syrian writer Morris Ayek. This, he says, is the only way to avoid misunderstandings
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Politics and COVID-19
Coronavirus sees political polarisation in Turkey deepen
Rising tension between the Turkish government and the opposition fuels speculation of an early election as they battle over COVID-19 financial aid campaigns, triggering further polarisation. By Ayse Karabat