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x0x Turkish News for the week ending 14 December 2024
[This is a transcript of the news broadcast on 14 December 2024]
Courtesy of Turkish Radio Hour, producer of the
TURKISH CULTURAL PROGRAM, every Saturday from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M.
on KXSF: kxsf.fm/ or FM 102.5 in San Francisco
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Ahmet Toprak is the editor-in-chief. Your broadcast host is Fuad Tokad. Ahmet Toprak.
[Uzun İnternet adreslerini radyoda okumayın, şu duyuruyu yapın:
"Look at the news section of our website for more details. www.Turkradio.us".]
NEWS
★ According to Deutsche Welle, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara to discuss the fighting of rebel forces backed by Turkey against Kurdish forces, which is threatening to destabilize northern Syria. Turkey says the objective is to clear the area of "terrorism."
The U. S. and Turkey support rival groups in the conflict. A Turkish-backed militia has been fighting a Kurdish-led force that Turkey says are terrorists. But the U. S. regards the Syrian Kurds as allies, especially as a bulwark against the power vacuum left by the fall of Basher al-Assad.
According to Reuters, Secretary Blinken also discussed a Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Secretary Blinken said that they appreciated the role that Turkey can play in using its voice with Hamas to try to end the conflict.
Read more >> here <<
According to the Israeli daily Jerusalem Post, secretary Blinken and Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan agreed on the need for continued efforts to counter any resurgence of Islamic State in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
He said on Monday that the Islamic State would try to use this period to re-establish capabilities in Syria, but the United States was determined not to let that happen.
Read more >> here <<
The U. S. and Turkey support rival groups in the conflict. A Turkish-backed militia has been fighting a Kurdish-led force that Turkey says are terrorists. But the U. S. regards the Syrian Kurds as allies, especially as a bulwark against the power vacuum left by the fall of Basher al-Assad.
According to Reuters, Secretary Blinken also discussed a Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Secretary Blinken said that they appreciated the role that Turkey can play in using its voice with Hamas to try to end the conflict.
Read more >> here <<
According to the Israeli daily Jerusalem Post, secretary Blinken and Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan agreed on the need for continued efforts to counter any resurgence of Islamic State in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
He said on Monday that the Islamic State would try to use this period to re-establish capabilities in Syria, but the United States was determined not to let that happen.
Read more >> here <<
★ According to Fox News, in an exclusive interview, General Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, the primary U. S. ally whose fighters are currently guarding 45,000 ISIS militants and their families at camps and prisons in Eastern Syria, said the Turkish military and its allied forces continue to attack his Kurdish forces, despite a U.S. brokered ceasefire deal Wednesday.
He added that if Turkish airstrikes do not stop, ISIS may return to the area.
CNN reported that a crucial dam is at risk as fighting continued in several areas of northern Syria between Kurdish groups and Turkish-backed factions.
He added that if Turkish airstrikes do not stop, ISIS may return to the area.
CNN reported that a crucial dam is at risk as fighting continued in several areas of northern Syria between Kurdish groups and Turkish-backed factions.
★ According to The Economist, Google plans to appeal a $75 million fine imposed by Turkey's competition authority.
The Turkish regulator alleges Google abused its dominant position in the ad server market.
Google argues the decision ignores the competitive landscape, where ad buyers and sellers have numerous options.
★On the Form Policy in Focus webpages, Philip Balboni, an American journalist and media entrepreneur, wrote an article titled "The Turkish Role in Assad's Downfall."
He started the article by saying, "By supporting the rebels who overthrew the Syrian leader, has Turkey bitten off more than it can chew?"
Here are excerpts from his article:
"Although the interests of the United States and Israel in Assad's ouster are apparent, the role of Turkey is more complex and arguably more consequential.
"All evidence points to Turkey having played an integral role in the operation that overthrew Assad's government, with the Turks likely providing training and material support to at least two of the main rebel forces: The Syrian National Army and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a Sunni Islamist group that previously aligned with al-Qaeda.
"That the assault on Assad's government began out of Idlib province, which has been under Turkish protection since the start of the Astana Process in 2017, has given further credence to claims of significant Turkish involvement, with accusations proliferating online that many of the rebel forces crossed into Syria from the Turkish border."
Read the full article >> here <<
The Turkish regulator alleges Google abused its dominant position in the ad server market.
Google argues the decision ignores the competitive landscape, where ad buyers and sellers have numerous options.
★On the Form Policy in Focus webpages, Philip Balboni, an American journalist and media entrepreneur, wrote an article titled "The Turkish Role in Assad's Downfall."
He started the article by saying, "By supporting the rebels who overthrew the Syrian leader, has Turkey bitten off more than it can chew?"
Here are excerpts from his article:
"Although the interests of the United States and Israel in Assad's ouster are apparent, the role of Turkey is more complex and arguably more consequential.
"All evidence points to Turkey having played an integral role in the operation that overthrew Assad's government, with the Turks likely providing training and material support to at least two of the main rebel forces: The Syrian National Army and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a Sunni Islamist group that previously aligned with al-Qaeda.
"That the assault on Assad's government began out of Idlib province, which has been under Turkish protection since the start of the Astana Process in 2017, has given further credence to claims of significant Turkish involvement, with accusations proliferating online that many of the rebel forces crossed into Syria from the Turkish border."
Read the full article >> here <<
★ According to the Turkish daily Duvar, a Turkish court sentenced builder Ahmet Kara to 17 1/2 years in prison for causing the deaths of 96 people in collapsed apartment buildings in Kahramanmaraş during the 7.7 and 7.8-magnitude February 6 earthquakes.
Relatives of the victims said they were satisfied with the verdict. However, they added authorities should also punish public officials who allowed the shoddy construction.
Ahmet Kara attended the final hearing from prison via video link. He is in jail for another earthquake-related case.
The February 6 earthquakes affected 11 provinces in southern and southeastern Turkey.
According to official numbers, over 54,000 people died, but many experts say that the death toll is nearly 200,000, and one expert says it might be as high as 500,000.
Relatives of the victims said they were satisfied with the verdict. However, they added authorities should also punish public officials who allowed the shoddy construction.
Ahmet Kara attended the final hearing from prison via video link. He is in jail for another earthquake-related case.
The February 6 earthquakes affected 11 provinces in southern and southeastern Turkey.
According to official numbers, over 54,000 people died, but many experts say that the death toll is nearly 200,000, and one expert says it might be as high as 500,000.
★ President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan banned the strike by metal workers in four companies for 60 days, claiming that it disrupted national security.
The metal workers, who are in the collective bargaining period, did not accept the 36.5 percent raise offer of the employers and insisted on their offer of 125 percent.
The cumulative inflation independent economists and experts calculate for the past 24 months, the duration of the previous contract, was over 225%.
The metal workers, who are in the collective bargaining period, did not accept the 36.5 percent raise offer of the employers and insisted on their offer of 125 percent.
The cumulative inflation independent economists and experts calculate for the past 24 months, the duration of the previous contract, was over 225%.
★ President Erdoğan met Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to strengthen bilateral ties. Erdoğan said they would like to boost trade between the two countries to six billion dollars.
The two leaders attended the closing ceremony of the 2024 Turkey-hungry Cultural Year.
The two leaders attended the closing ceremony of the 2024 Turkey-hungry Cultural Year.
★ According to the Turkish daily Duvar, on December 13, Turkish authorities in eastern Turkey's Tunceli province fined a group for the illegal hunting of wild goats.
Lawmaker Ünal Kahraman from the nationalist opposition Good Party was among those fined.
The rural police and wildlife conservation teams in Tunceli's Pertek district acted on a tip about illegal hunting and spotted individuals engaged in the unlawful activity.
The mountain goats have been under protection since 2019, and the Alevi community considers them sacred.
Lawmaker Ünal Kahraman from the nationalist opposition Good Party was among those fined.
The rural police and wildlife conservation teams in Tunceli's Pertek district acted on a tip about illegal hunting and spotted individuals engaged in the unlawful activity.
The mountain goats have been under protection since 2019, and the Alevi community considers them sacred.
ARTS AND CULTURE
★ The Hungarian–Turkish Cultural Year, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Turkish–Hungarian diplomatic relations, came to an end, reports the publication Hungarian Conservative.
The publication continued with the following:
The year-long series of events, featuring more than 150 cultural, gastronomic, and scientific programs, culminated in a grand gala in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, President Tamás Sulyok, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and numerous high-ranking political, cultural, and economic figures from both nations attended.
In a press release issued on the occasion of the gala concert, the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation highlighted that the year-long cultural season, under the motto "A Century of Friendship and Cooperation," was inaugurated in Budapest on December 18, 2023, marking the 100th anniversary of Hungarian–Turkish diplomatic relations.
According to the statement, throughout the year, Hungary organized 160 cultural, artistic, and scientific programs across 17 cities in Turkey. These events attracted nearly one and a half million attendees and garnered over a thousand media appearances in Turkey .
Like the opening ceremony, the closing gala featured a joint performance by Hungarian and Turkish artists, symbolizing the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.
According to the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the cooperation between Hungary and Turkey will continue in 2025 with the launch of the Hungarian–Turkish Year of Science and Innovation.
The publication continued with the following:
The year-long series of events, featuring more than 150 cultural, gastronomic, and scientific programs, culminated in a grand gala in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, President Tamás Sulyok, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and numerous high-ranking political, cultural, and economic figures from both nations attended.
In a press release issued on the occasion of the gala concert, the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation highlighted that the year-long cultural season, under the motto "A Century of Friendship and Cooperation," was inaugurated in Budapest on December 18, 2023, marking the 100th anniversary of Hungarian–Turkish diplomatic relations.
According to the statement, throughout the year, Hungary organized 160 cultural, artistic, and scientific programs across 17 cities in Turkey. These events attracted nearly one and a half million attendees and garnered over a thousand media appearances in Turkey .
Like the opening ceremony, the closing gala featured a joint performance by Hungarian and Turkish artists, symbolizing the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.
According to the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the cooperation between Hungary and Turkey will continue in 2025 with the launch of the Hungarian–Turkish Year of Science and Innovation.
★ Lee Sharrock wrote in the Forbes magazine an article titled "An Istanbul Experience Steeped In Culture At Zeyrek Çinili Hamam."
In the article, Sharrock also mentioned the exhibition "Alekos Fassianos: Sailing to Byzantium."
Alekos Fassianos was a renowned Greek painter who lived between 1935 and 2022.
Here here are some excerpts:
"A hidden treasure nestled in the UNESCO-listed Zeyrek neighborhood of Istanbul, Zeyrek Çinili Hamam Museum is a stunning revival of one of Istanbul's oldest Turkish baths. This 500-year-old architectural marvel is now a vibrant cultural complex with a functioning Turkish bath, a museum, and a contemporary art gallery. Its story intertwines Ottoman grandeur, Byzantine heritage, and modern innovation, making it a must-visit destination.
A 500-year-old jewel in the crown of Istanbul, Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, one of Istanbul's oldest Turkish baths, reopened earlier this year after a thirteen-year restoration.
A Jewel of Ottoman Architecture, Zeyrek Çinili Hamam was commissioned by Ottoman admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa and designed by the celebrated architect Mimar Sinan, Chief Architect of Suleyman the Magnificent's court.
Constructed between 1530 and 1540, its name "Çinili," meaning "tiled," reflects the exquisite blue and white tiles that once adorned its walls.
In the article, Sharrock also mentioned the exhibition "Alekos Fassianos: Sailing to Byzantium."
Alekos Fassianos was a renowned Greek painter who lived between 1935 and 2022.
Here here are some excerpts:
"A hidden treasure nestled in the UNESCO-listed Zeyrek neighborhood of Istanbul, Zeyrek Çinili Hamam Museum is a stunning revival of one of Istanbul's oldest Turkish baths. This 500-year-old architectural marvel is now a vibrant cultural complex with a functioning Turkish bath, a museum, and a contemporary art gallery. Its story intertwines Ottoman grandeur, Byzantine heritage, and modern innovation, making it a must-visit destination.
A 500-year-old jewel in the crown of Istanbul, Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, one of Istanbul's oldest Turkish baths, reopened earlier this year after a thirteen-year restoration.
A Jewel of Ottoman Architecture, Zeyrek Çinili Hamam was commissioned by Ottoman admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa and designed by the celebrated architect Mimar Sinan, Chief Architect of Suleyman the Magnificent's court.
Constructed between 1530 and 1540, its name "Çinili," meaning "tiled," reflects the exquisite blue and white tiles that once adorned its walls.
★ The third Greek Film Days at Istanul's Pera Museum was between December 3 and 8.
The event featured 17 iconic films from the 1980s and 1990s Greek cinema with free admission for all attendees over 18.
The event featured 17 iconic films from the 1980s and 1990s Greek cinema with free admission for all attendees over 18.
★ German artist Jan Zöller's solo exhibition "Conversations with Others" is at Dirimart Pera.
Curated by Martin Engler, the exhibition features Zöller's boundary-define approach to painting, where abstraction meets figuration in a delicate interplay of form and color.
Jan Zöller's artistic practice is a dynamic field of exploration where he blends personal experiences with cosmic and theatrical themes and creates a distinctive visual language.
The exhibition will be through December 29.
Curated by Martin Engler, the exhibition features Zöller's boundary-define approach to painting, where abstraction meets figuration in a delicate interplay of form and color.
Jan Zöller's artistic practice is a dynamic field of exploration where he blends personal experiences with cosmic and theatrical themes and creates a distinctive visual language.
The exhibition will be through December 29.
★ Turkish artist Tarık Töre is in an exhibition in West Hollywood as part of the group exhibition "Otherside."
Tarık Töre's bold visuals dissect the chaos of modern media through provocative juxtapositions of culture, memory, and symbolism while blending skate culture, internet trends, pop culture, politics, and art history into grid-like visual representations of collective memory.
His "physical graffiti" series presents seemingly unrelated symbols, such as a butterfly alongside a gun or Bugs Bunny with Grim Reaper.
The exhibition will be through December 26.
Tarık Töre's bold visuals dissect the chaos of modern media through provocative juxtapositions of culture, memory, and symbolism while blending skate culture, internet trends, pop culture, politics, and art history into grid-like visual representations of collective memory.
His "physical graffiti" series presents seemingly unrelated symbols, such as a butterfly alongside a gun or Bugs Bunny with Grim Reaper.
The exhibition will be through December 26.
★ "Beneath the Clouds and Dreams," Turkish painter Serdar Acar's largest solo exhibition, just ended on December 5, reports the ArtDog Istanbul magazine.
The exhibition was in Ankara's Artsy, the first one in the Turkish capital.
It showcased 200 works that explore themes of solitude, fate, love, and existential struggle.
Born in Istanbul in 1992, Acar graduated from Marmara University's Faculty of Fine Arts, earning top honors in the Painting Department.
The exhibition was in Ankara's Artsy, the first one in the Turkish capital.
It showcased 200 works that explore themes of solitude, fate, love, and existential struggle.
Born in Istanbul in 1992, Acar graduated from Marmara University's Faculty of Fine Arts, earning top honors in the Painting Department.
★ As part of the archaeological excavations in the Tenedos Ancient City in the Bozcaada district of Çanakkale, archaeologists uncovered the fort Turkish bath.
Grand Vizier Köprülü Mehmed Pasha, who served during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed IV, had the Turkish bath built 366 years ago.
Dr. Turan Takaoğlu, the excavation director, said the following:
"The fortress baths constitute a little-known category of structures in Ottoman architecture.
"Bozcaada Fortress bath, built in the mid-17th century in 1658 and rarely seen before, contains some original architectural design and functionality elements.
"Also, the findings obtained during the excavation provide new details about daily life in Bozcaada Fortress.
Dr. Turan Takaoğlu added that they performed the excavations based on the results of georadar surveys showing many more structures buried underground within Bozcaada Fortress.
Grand Vizier Köprülü Mehmed Pasha, who served during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed IV, had the Turkish bath built 366 years ago.
Dr. Turan Takaoğlu, the excavation director, said the following:
"The fortress baths constitute a little-known category of structures in Ottoman architecture.
"Bozcaada Fortress bath, built in the mid-17th century in 1658 and rarely seen before, contains some original architectural design and functionality elements.
"Also, the findings obtained during the excavation provide new details about daily life in Bozcaada Fortress.
Dr. Turan Takaoğlu added that they performed the excavations based on the results of georadar surveys showing many more structures buried underground within Bozcaada Fortress.
★ In excavations in the Tavşanlı Mound in Turkey's Western province of Kütahya, Archaeologists found a 3200-year-old necklace in the shape of a bull's head, tweezers, and an awl.
These are among the 400 other finds.
The archaeologists were working on the remains of a workshop used for processing hides and leather.
Also, in the mound, which dates back 8,100 years, archaeologists found the skeletons of two people who died in a fire after attackers burned the settlement 3700 years ago during the Bronze Age.
One of the skeletons had remains of brain and skin preserved in carbonized form.
These are among the 400 other finds.
The archaeologists were working on the remains of a workshop used for processing hides and leather.
Also, in the mound, which dates back 8,100 years, archaeologists found the skeletons of two people who died in a fire after attackers burned the settlement 3700 years ago during the Bronze Age.
One of the skeletons had remains of brain and skin preserved in carbonized form.
★ During an excavation of a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman theatre in the Iznik district of Turkey's Northwestern province of Bursa, archaeologists unearthed a fresco of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus in her arms, said to be one of the oldest surviving examples.
Iznik is the city that hosted Christian bishops in 325 after Emperor Constantine I invited them there. The event is called "First Council." It resolved a controversy and established the first part of the Nicene Creed.
Iznik is the city that hosted Christian bishops in 325 after Emperor Constantine I invited them there. The event is called "First Council." It resolved a controversy and established the first part of the Nicene Creed.
EXCHANGE RATE
EXCHANGE RATE for the U.S. dollar in Turkish Liras: 34.93
WEATHER
Ankara, in central Turkey : 45/28 Rainy Antalya, on the Mediterranean : 63/48 Rainy Erzurum, in Eastern Turkey : 23/0 Partly Cloudy Istanbul, in northwestern Turkey : 50/45 Rainy Izmir, on the Aegean : 55/45 Thunderstorms Trabzon, on the Black Sea : 50/32 Partly Cloudy
SPORTS
★ Enschede bans supporters of Turkish football team Besiktas from FC Twente match
Besiktas will not be allowed to take any supporters to the away match against FC Twente in the UEFA Europa League. This decision was made by the mayor of Enschede, Roelof Bleker, reports the Netherlands Times.
Police have designated the match as one that has a high risk of escalations and disturbances to the public order. "Partly based on police advice, and after consultation with the police and Public Prosecution Service, the mayor considers it advisable to take these measures," said the municipality of Enschede.
Besiktas will not be allowed to take any supporters to the away match against FC Twente in the UEFA Europa League. This decision was made by the mayor of Enschede, Roelof Bleker, reports the Netherlands Times.
Police have designated the match as one that has a high risk of escalations and disturbances to the public order. "Partly based on police advice, and after consultation with the police and Public Prosecution Service, the mayor considers it advisable to take these measures," said the municipality of Enschede.
★ SOCCER
Premier League
* Results for week: 14
Trabzon - Kasımpaşa 2 - 2 Konya - Antalya 1 - 1 Beşiktaş - Fenerbahçe 1 - 0 GÖZTEPE - Adana 3 - 1 EYÜP - Samsun 3 - 0 Sivas - G. Saray 2 - 3 Başakşehir - Hatay 3 - 0 Kayseri - Alanya 2 - 0 G. Antep - Rize 1 - 0* In games played so far this weekend:
Kasımpaşa - EYÜP 2 - 0 Boodrum - Sivas 2 - 0 Rize - Konya 1 - 1 Alanya - G. Antep 3 - 0 Antalya - Kayseri - Hatay - GÖZTEPE - Fenerbahçe - Başakşehir - Adana - Beşiktaş - G. Saray - Trabzon -* Standing in the league as of week ending 14
1 - G. Saray 38 2 - Fenerbahçe 32 3 - Samsun 29 4 - EYÜP 26 5 - Beşiktaş 25 6 - GÖZTEPE 24 7 - Başakşehir 22 8 - Konya 19 9 - Rize 19 10 - G. Antep 18 11 - Sivas 18 12 - Antalya 18 13 - Trabzon 16 14 - Kasımpaşa 16 15 - Kayseri 15 16 - Alanya 14 17 - Boodrum 11 18 - Hatay 8 19 - Adana 2
ANNOUNCEMENTS
[Saat 14:30 and 15:30 'da iki kez okuyun]
*** Turkish American Association of California
is a non-profit
charitable organization established to promote better
understanding between Americans and Turks.
if you have any questions about Turks and Turkey,
e-mail them at taac@taaca.org
*** Azerbaijan Cultural Society of Northern California
Organizes many events throughout the year. Follow their activities through
their web pages, or subscribe to their e-mail list by sending an email to:
secretary@acsnc.org
acsnc.org/
Location:
secretary@acsnc.org
acsnc.org/
Location:
Azerbaijan Cultural Society of Northern California
16400 Lark Ave., Suite 260
Los Gatos, CA 95032
16400 Lark Ave., Suite 260
Los Gatos, CA 95032
*** Turkish schools in the Bay Area are starting:
There are currently three schools:
Los Altos, San Ramon and Berkeley
For more information on these schools, drop an email to trh@turkradio.us.
HELLO THERE!
Our online school is starting in September. There are some innovations in our new term program, which we will start in September 2022.
We have prepared more enjoyable posts with your happy feedbacks from you.
> By the principles of language learning; listening, speaking, reading, writing activities
> Kitchen Workshop
> Anatolian Civilizations
> Interactive Games
> Periodic Projects
> Skill Workshops
> Our Holidays
> Bodily Activities
> Traditional Music
> About This Day
Los Altos, San Ramon and Berkeley
For more information on these schools, drop an email to trh@turkradio.us.
HELLO THERE!
Our online school is starting in September. There are some innovations in our new term program, which we will start in September 2022.
We have prepared more enjoyable posts with your happy feedbacks from you.
> By the principles of language learning; listening, speaking, reading, writing activities
> Kitchen Workshop
> Anatolian Civilizations
> Interactive Games
> Periodic Projects
> Skill Workshops
> Our Holidays
> Bodily Activities
> Traditional Music
> About This Day
*** Turkish Folk Dancing with TUFOD in the South Bay
Join TUFOD as a family! For more information on the venue and hours drop us
an email, we'll put you in touch with them:
trh@turkradio.us
Or visit their web pages at https://www.tufod.org/
Or visit their web pages at https://www.tufod.org/
*** Heart to Heart Anatolia
Providing scholarships and bringing people together while promoting Anatolian cultural values
Visit their pages at h2ha.org/
Visit their pages at h2ha.org/
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