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x0x Turkish News for the week ending 03 May 2025
[This is a transcript of the news broadcast on 03 May 2025]
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 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
★ Second wave of arrests hit Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
The Justice and Development Party government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrested over 50 more people for alleged corruption in the municipality.
Hürcan Aslı Aksoy, head of the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies, says the recent arrests that started with Ekrem İmamoğlu, the popular mayor of Istanbul, have turned into an extended crackdown.
The Justice and Development Party government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrested over 50 more people for alleged corruption in the municipality.
Hürcan Aslı Aksoy, head of the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies, says the recent arrests that started with Ekrem İmamoğlu, the popular mayor of Istanbul, have turned into an extended crackdown.
★ Galip Dalay, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House in the Turkey Initiative, Middle East, and North Africa Program, evaluated the situation in Turkey since the arrest of metropolitan Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a future challenger to President Erdoğan, and hundreds of other staff and the municipality's business associates.
Here are some excerpts from Dalay's article.
Since İmamoğlu's arrest, there have been numerous nationwide protests, which are gradually ebbing. These events have boosted the opposition morally and politically. The opposition Republican People's Party has political momentum now. However, within three years of the election, maintaining this momentum will be an uphill battle.
Much will depend on how effectively the opposition can channel the energy unleashed by the arrest into political processes and narratives while navigating this new phase of Turkish politics.
Three issues are of paramount importance here:
How to address the presidential candidate question,
How to ensure that the Republican People's Party and its candidate can appeal beyond their traditional social base,
How to avoid identity politics, and focus on governance and policy issues.
The Republican People's Party's recent dilemma has been managing the presence of multiple potential candidates and avoiding intra-opposition rivalries from emerging.
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the former chairman of the Republican People's Party, worked to broaden the party's social base by reaching out to Kurds and conservatives, Dalay added.
The full article is >> here <<
Here are some excerpts from Dalay's article.
Since İmamoğlu's arrest, there have been numerous nationwide protests, which are gradually ebbing. These events have boosted the opposition morally and politically. The opposition Republican People's Party has political momentum now. However, within three years of the election, maintaining this momentum will be an uphill battle.
Much will depend on how effectively the opposition can channel the energy unleashed by the arrest into political processes and narratives while navigating this new phase of Turkish politics.
Three issues are of paramount importance here:
How to address the presidential candidate question,
How to ensure that the Republican People's Party and its candidate can appeal beyond their traditional social base,
How to avoid identity politics, and focus on governance and policy issues.
The Republican People's Party's recent dilemma has been managing the presence of multiple potential candidates and avoiding intra-opposition rivalries from emerging.
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the former chairman of the Republican People's Party, worked to broaden the party's social base by reaching out to Kurds and conservatives, Dalay added.
The full article is >> here <<
★ According to Carolina Drüten, a journalist for the Swiss paper Neue Zürcher Zeitung, the Turkish state wants children, but Turkish women don't.
Turkey's birthrate is falling. President Erdoğan wants to stop the trend. He insists there should be at least three children per woman to keep society young and the economy strong. But many Turkish women have other plans, Drüten writes.
Turkey's birthrate is falling. President Erdoğan wants to stop the trend. He insists there should be at least three children per woman to keep society young and the economy strong. But many Turkish women have other plans, Drüten writes.
- The Turkish government is implementing measures, including baby bonuses and interest-free loans, to address declining birth rates, advocating for at least three children per woman.
- Many women forgo having children due to the difficulty of balancing careers and motherhood; limited childcare and short parental leave exacerbate the issue.
- Critics accuse President Erdoğan of ideologically motivated family policies that downplay women's rights and individual freedoms.
★ According to the Israeli paper The Jerusalem Post, the Kurds in Syria recently proposed a decentralized system of government, and Turkey is opposed to it.
The paper adds that Turkey sees decentralization by Syria's Kurds as a threat, which they see as aligned with the outlawed rebel Kurdistan Workers Party that has been fighting the Turkish state for decades.
The full article is available >> here <<
The paper adds that Turkey sees decentralization by Syria's Kurds as a threat, which they see as aligned with the outlawed rebel Kurdistan Workers Party that has been fighting the Turkish state for decades.
The full article is available >> here <<
★ According to the Turkish daily Dünya, the Istanbul Chamber of Industry reported that the 13-month contraction in manufacturing has continued in April.
The production manufacturing index was 47.3. Any number below 50 indicates a contraction.
Both total new orders and new orders received from abroad slowed down at the beginning of the second quarter, reflecting sluggish demand in both domestic and foreign markets. Manufacturers laid off employees and reduced purchasing due to the slowdown in new orders.
Thus, the downward trend reached the fifth month in employment and the 12th month in purchasing activities.
On the other hand, due to the depreciation of the Turkish lira and the increase in raw material costs, input price inflation reached its highest level in the last year.
These factors also led to the continuation of the increase in sales prices.
Inflation in final product prices gained momentum and reached its highest level in the last 7 months.
The production manufacturing index was 47.3. Any number below 50 indicates a contraction.
Both total new orders and new orders received from abroad slowed down at the beginning of the second quarter, reflecting sluggish demand in both domestic and foreign markets. Manufacturers laid off employees and reduced purchasing due to the slowdown in new orders.
Thus, the downward trend reached the fifth month in employment and the 12th month in purchasing activities.
On the other hand, due to the depreciation of the Turkish lira and the increase in raw material costs, input price inflation reached its highest level in the last year.
These factors also led to the continuation of the increase in sales prices.
Inflation in final product prices gained momentum and reached its highest level in the last 7 months.
★ According to upstreamonline.com, MOL, Hungary's leading oil and gas producer, and Turkish Petroleum Corporation have secured joint exploration rights for two blocks in Hungary. It is their first joint project since signing a strategic partnership agreement last year.
Before the new agreement, MOL and Turkish Petroleum Corporation had previously cooperated as joint venture partners in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil development project offshore Azerbaijan and at the Baitugan onshore field in Russia.
Before the new agreement, MOL and Turkish Petroleum Corporation had previously cooperated as joint venture partners in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil development project offshore Azerbaijan and at the Baitugan onshore field in Russia.
★ Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Friday that the Mount Gabar field in the southeast has produced 81,000 barrels of oil a day worth nearly two billion dollars.
He was speaking at the Istanbul Natural Resources Conference.
The Turkish government actively promotes the oil discovery at Mount Gabar as a major national success.
However, some experts express skepticism regarding the project's overall impact relative to environmental costs and national energy needs. Crucially, independent verification of the specific production statistics by the government is difficult to ascertain from publicly available sources.
He was speaking at the Istanbul Natural Resources Conference.
The Turkish government actively promotes the oil discovery at Mount Gabar as a major national success.
However, some experts express skepticism regarding the project's overall impact relative to environmental costs and national energy needs. Crucially, independent verification of the specific production statistics by the government is difficult to ascertain from publicly available sources.
★ According to Turkey's Anatolia News Agency, Russian tech giant Yandex will invest $400 million in the Turkish market.
Turkish users will see improved search efficiency. Turkey is among the top 10 countries for Internet usage.
Read the full article >> here <<
Turkish users will see improved search efficiency. Turkey is among the top 10 countries for Internet usage.
Read the full article >> here <<
★ According to data from the European Organization for the Safety of Area Investigation, Turkey's Istanbul Airport was the busiest among airports in Europe during the period from April 21 to April 27.
During the period, there was an average of 1,482 daily flights. Traffic at Istanbul Airport increased four percent year-on-year and twenty-four percent compared to the same period in 2019.
The full article is >> here <<
During the period, there was an average of 1,482 daily flights. Traffic at Istanbul Airport increased four percent year-on-year and twenty-four percent compared to the same period in 2019.
The full article is >> here <<
★ Turkey's press freedoms are reportedly declining as President Erdogan's government clamps down on journalists covering dissent. Those filming anti-government protests have faced arrest.
In March, riot police deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray against protesters. Authorities arrested photojournalist Bülent Kılıç for capturing these events. Although later released, Kılıç now faces trial alongside hundreds of protesters. He and seven other journalists potentially face up to three years in jail for their work.
This is not an isolated incident; a BBC correspondent was detained and deported after covering the protests. Furthermore, Turkish authorities have increased pressure by blocking social media accounts and fining television stations.
President Erdoğan controls the majority of the Turkish media, compounding the situation.
Reflecting these challenges, media rights organizations consider Turkey one of the world's worst jailers of journalists. Despite the risks, journalists like Kılıç remain committed. He believes his trial is an attempt to discourage reporting but remains determined to continue his work as a photojournalist.
In March, riot police deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray against protesters. Authorities arrested photojournalist Bülent Kılıç for capturing these events. Although later released, Kılıç now faces trial alongside hundreds of protesters. He and seven other journalists potentially face up to three years in jail for their work.
This is not an isolated incident; a BBC correspondent was detained and deported after covering the protests. Furthermore, Turkish authorities have increased pressure by blocking social media accounts and fining television stations.
President Erdoğan controls the majority of the Turkish media, compounding the situation.
Reflecting these challenges, media rights organizations consider Turkey one of the world's worst jailers of journalists. Despite the risks, journalists like Kılıç remain committed. He believes his trial is an attempt to discourage reporting but remains determined to continue his work as a photojournalist.
ARTS AND CULTURE
★ Based on reports and statements from Freemuse, the state of artistic freedom in Turkey is assessed as highly concerning and continuously curbed.
Freemuse portrays a grim picture of artistic freedom in Turkey, characterized by state repression, misuse of laws, targeting of minority expressions, and a pervasive climate of fear leading to self-censorship.
Freemuse articles list the following methods of repression by the ruling coalition led by President Erdoğan:
Violations take many forms beyond direct legal action, including:
Freemuse is an independent international non-governmental organization advocating for freedom of artistic expression and cultural diversity. Freemuse has United Nations Special Consultative Status to the Economic and Social Council (UN-ECOSOC) and Consultative Status with UNESCO.
Freemuse portrays a grim picture of artistic freedom in Turkey, characterized by state repression, misuse of laws, targeting of minority expressions, and a pervasive climate of fear leading to self-censorship.
Freemuse articles list the following methods of repression by the ruling coalition led by President Erdoğan:
Violations take many forms beyond direct legal action, including:
- Bans on performances, concerts, and festivals (often citing vague "public order" or "security" concerns).
- Denial or withdrawal of film certification.
- Pressure on publishers and film festivals.
- Withdrawal of funding or denial of access to performance spaces.
- Dismissals from positions.
- Online surveillance and censorship.
- Physical attacks and threats contributing to an intimidating climate.
Freemuse is an independent international non-governmental organization advocating for freedom of artistic expression and cultural diversity. Freemuse has United Nations Special Consultative Status to the Economic and Social Council (UN-ECOSOC) and Consultative Status with UNESCO.
★ Starting with simultaneous openings in Istanbul and Ankara, the 20th International Labour Film Festival started on May 1.
The festival will continue throughout the year and travel to other cities in Turkey until the end of 2025.
The International Labour Film Festival's program focuses on worker/labor-themed films and films with themes of gender, urban-environmental struggle, and human rights.
It offers short and feature films, documentaries, experimental films, and animated films.
In addition to Turkey, among the countries represented are:
The 20th International Labor Film Festival runs until May 11 in Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir. All screenings are free. Most Turkish films are screened with English subtitles, while international films generally only have Turkish subtitles.
The festival will continue throughout the year and travel to other cities in Turkey until the end of 2025.
The International Labour Film Festival's program focuses on worker/labor-themed films and films with themes of gender, urban-environmental struggle, and human rights.
It offers short and feature films, documentaries, experimental films, and animated films.
In addition to Turkey, among the countries represented are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Cambodia
- Cyprus
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Spain
- Switzerland
- USA
The 20th International Labor Film Festival runs until May 11 in Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir. All screenings are free. Most Turkish films are screened with English subtitles, while international films generally only have Turkish subtitles.
★ Kevin Francis Gray, an Irish artist, has an exhibition at Istanbul's Pilevneli Gallery.
It is Gray's first solo exhibition in Turkey, showcasing a compelling selection of his works featuring abstraction, figuration, and portraiture.
Gray reinterprets the historical legacy of Italian marble through a contemporary lens, merging classical modeling, casting, and carving techniques with a deeply expressive, handcrafted approach.
It is Gray's first solo exhibition in Turkey, showcasing a compelling selection of his works featuring abstraction, figuration, and portraiture.
Gray reinterprets the historical legacy of Italian marble through a contemporary lens, merging classical modeling, casting, and carving techniques with a deeply expressive, handcrafted approach.
★ Located at the summit of Takkeli Mountain in the Turkish province of Konya's central Selçuklu district, Gevale Fortress is undergoing extensive restoration work.
The site bears traces from multiple civilizations, including the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Karamanid, and Ottoman empires.
Once completed, the site will offer visitors a chance to explore 5,000 years of Anatolian history while enjoying a panoramic view of the city from an elevation of 5600 feet.
So far, experts have conserved and restored over 100 cisterns, underground corridors, bathhouses, places of worship, and walkways. Using micro-injection techniques, they reinforced the fortress walls.
The work on the remaining architectural features is nearing completion.
The site bears traces from multiple civilizations, including the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Karamanid, and Ottoman empires.
Once completed, the site will offer visitors a chance to explore 5,000 years of Anatolian history while enjoying a panoramic view of the city from an elevation of 5600 feet.
So far, experts have conserved and restored over 100 cisterns, underground corridors, bathhouses, places of worship, and walkways. Using micro-injection techniques, they reinforced the fortress walls.
The work on the remaining architectural features is nearing completion.
★ In Turkey's southeastern Batman province, the historically rich Fish Lake in the ancient city of Erzen is set to welcome visitors as part of a new eco-cultural tourism initiative.
Erzen, an ancient settlement in the Kozluk district with roots stretching back over three millennia, is gaining renewed attention thanks to recent restoration and development projects.
Once a significant hub during the Middle Ages under the Dilmaçoğulları and Ayyubid dynasties, the local administration has been revitalizing the site with modern infrastructure that respects its historical and natural value.
The project landscaped a 10-acre area into a picnic and recreational zone, complete with walking trails, gazebos, and green space.
Erzen, an ancient settlement in the Kozluk district with roots stretching back over three millennia, is gaining renewed attention thanks to recent restoration and development projects.
Once a significant hub during the Middle Ages under the Dilmaçoğulları and Ayyubid dynasties, the local administration has been revitalizing the site with modern infrastructure that respects its historical and natural value.
The project landscaped a 10-acre area into a picnic and recreational zone, complete with walking trails, gazebos, and green space.
★ SPORTS
★ According to Canada's Sports Information Resource Center, Golf Canada and Turkish Airlines announced a multi-year partnership, naming Turkish Airlines the Official Commercial Airline Partner of the RBC Canadian Open.
As the Official Commercial Airline, Turkish Airlines will enhance the fan experience with the debut of the Turkish Airlines Lounge, a premium on-site viewing space combining elevated comfort with authentic Turkish hospitality and cuisine.
The airline will organize a national contest for fans, offering the chance to travel to Istanbul and experience world-class golf in Turkey.
The full announcement is >> here <<
As the Official Commercial Airline, Turkish Airlines will enhance the fan experience with the debut of the Turkish Airlines Lounge, a premium on-site viewing space combining elevated comfort with authentic Turkish hospitality and cuisine.
The airline will organize a national contest for fans, offering the chance to travel to Istanbul and experience world-class golf in Turkey.
The full announcement is >> here <<
EXCHANGE RATE
One U. S. dollar will get you 38.52 Turkish liras.
WEATHER
Ankara, in central Turkey : 64/46 Thunderstorms Antalya, on the Mediterranean : 73/57 Thunderstorms Erzurum, in Eastern Turkey : 64/39 Thunderstorms Istanbul, in northwestern Turkey : 66/48 Partly Cloudy Izmir, on the Aegean : 79/54 Partly Cloudy Trabzon, on the Black Sea : 57/52 Thunderstorms
SPORTS
Premier League
* Results for week: 31
Beşiktaş - Hatay 5 - 1 G. Antep - Fenerbahçe 1 - 3 Sivas - Antalya 2 - 0 Bodrum - Samsun 1 - 2 Konya - Adana 3 - 1 Eyüp - G. Saray 1 - 5 Kayseri - Rize 1 - 0 Trabzon - Alanya 4 - 3 Göztepe - Başakşehir 4 - 1 #N/A* Standing in the league as of week ending 31
1 - G. Saray 80 2 - Fenerbahçe 75 3 - Samsun 54 4 - Beşiktaş 52 5 - Eyüp 50 6 - Başakşehir 48 7 - Trabzon 45 8 - Göztepe 43 9 - Konya 43 10 - Kasımpaşa 42 11 - G. Antep 42 12 - Kayseri 40 13 - Antalya 40 14 - Rize 37 15 - Sivas 34 16 - Alanya 34 17 - Bodrum 34 18 - Hatay 19 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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