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x0x Turkish News for the week ending 07 June 2025

[This is a transcript of the news broadcast on 07 June 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

You can also listen to us online:

DONATE to San Francisco Community Radio! Click >> HERE <<

Also tune to KKUP FM 91.5, Cupertino to hear the
ORIENT EXPRESS every Tuesday at 10 P.M.

Audio archives of our radio broadcasts are here: Arhives.org

Our website is at: www.TurkRadio.us

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".]

★ Turkish-language service of the Deutsche Welle on June 27, 2025, writes that the outlet no longer requires a streaming license under current regulation.

  The decision followed the removal of content previously flagged by authorities, reclassifying DW Turkish as a press service rather than a broadcaster

  DW's Turkish service had been blocked since June 2022 after failing to secure the necessary license for online video streaming

  Previously, DW continued publishing through alternate domains, and its Turkey bureau closed after the government denied license renewal

  With the ban lifted, DW Tufrkish's website is now accessible again in Turkey as a standard news organization.


★ While DW Turkish regained its broadcasting freedom, Turkey's Radio and Television Supreme Council imposed a 10-day broadcast ban on Halk TV ("People's TV") over a guest's comments on foreign policy.

  The watchdog claimed that statements made by Dr. Tolga Yarman could incite sectarian discrimination and contribute to public polarization.

  In the same program, remarks by Republican People's Party Istanbul parlimentarian Prof. Dr. Yunus Emre, directed at Presidential Chief Advisor Mehmet Uçum, were found to be "personally offensive and degrading." The channel was fined the maximum administrative penalty for this reason.

  Additionally, Sözcü TV and Tele1 were hit with substantial monetary fines.

  Netflix and Spotify also received financial penalties for allegedly hosting indecent content.


★ Republican People's Party leader Özgür Özel traveled to Berlin with a delegation to attend the congress of Germany's coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party of Germany. The delegation included Deputy Chair Namık Tan, Foreign Policy Coordinator İlhan Uzgel, and former Deputy Secretary General Şule Erten Bucak.

  Prime Minister of Lower Saxony Stephan Weil introduced Özel as the leader of "our sister party, the Republican People's Party," receiving prolonged standing applause from members of the Social Democratic Party of Germany. Weil also expressed solidarity with the Republican People's Party's imprisoned presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu.

  Earlier, the Social Democratic Party described İmamoğlu's imprisonment as an "abuse of state power" and an "attempt to eliminate the strongest opponent through unjust means," calling on Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party to "release him immediately."

  Özel met with President of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Martin Schulz, at the congress venue. Schulz previously served as President of the European Parliament and later as chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Germany and a candidate for chancellor.

  Responding to media in Berlin, Özel dismissed concerns over a lawsuit seeking to annul the Republican People's Party's 38th Ordinary Congress, calling it "a setup" by government-aligned media and judiciary.

  Özel was expected to give a greeting speech at the Social Democratic Party of Germany congress on Saturday and return to Turkey on Sunday, June 29.


★ According to DW, Turkey's statistical institute reported that in 2024, 424,345 people emigrated from the country—a drop of 40.6% from the previous year—with 273,205 being foreigners and 151,140 Turkish citizens.

  Among foreign nationals leaving, the largest groups were from Iraq (17.4%), Afghanistan (13.1%), Russia (10.2%), Iran (5.9%), and Turkmenistan (5.8%).

  Expert Prof. Dr. Murat Erdoğan noted that recent policies have made it harder for foreigners to renew residence permits, pushing many to leave even without economic reasons.

  Immigration analyst Metin Çorabatır added that high costs of living and rising xenophobia also contributed to departures, alongside a rise in Turks going abroad for better opportunities.

  In contrast, 314,588 individuals migrated to Turkey in 2024—mostly from Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Iran—with Istanbul seeing both the highest in‑ and out‑migration.


★ According to the Ipsos Populism Report, based on surveys across 31 countries, the perception that society is deteriorating is no longer an exception, reports Pelin Ünker of DW.

  On average, 56% of participants believe their society is "broken," while in Turkey, this rises to 68%.

  Similarly, 57% globally think their country is in decline, compared to 71% in Turkey.

  The report also shows that populist views are widespread in Turkey, with many believing the system is unfair, elites are disconnected, and immigration weakens the country.

  These perceptions create fertile ground for populist politics to gain traction in society.


★ https://cdn4.premiumread.com/?url=https://gulf-times.com/gulftimes/uploads/images/2025/06/27/330991.jpg" />&w=800&q=100&f=webp

  Emir of Qatar

  A larger photograph and the details are Read more at >> here <<


★ According to Gulf Times, in a phone call with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani of Qatar, Turkish Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the June 23 Iranian attack on on Al-Udeid Air Base.

  The Iranian rate was in retaliation for US attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities two days earlier.

  President Erdoğan also praised the efforts made by the Emir in facilitating the cease-fire agreement between Iran and Israel.


★ According to the Financial Times, Turkey's deepening economic crisis is undermining President Erdoğan's grip on power and fueling public discontent.

  Rising unemployment, bankruptcies, and a widespread cost-of-living crisis are affecting everyone from small shopkeepers to major corporations.


★ According to Lehigh Valley News, Turkey's largest producer of gummies, licorice, and marshmallow candies, Kervan, broke ground on a new facility in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley on Thursday.

  Kervan began its U.S. operations in 2011. It is the top vendor for Walmart, Dollar Tree, Dollar General and Trader Joe's. It prouces most of its candy in Turkey, Poland, and Egypt.

  Read more at >> here <<


ARTS AND CULTURE

★ According to onemileatatime.com, Turkish Airlines has launched a global challenge offering one million Miles&Smiles bonus miles to travelers who fly the airline to six continents.

  To qualify, passengers must book and travel between June 27 and October 27, 2025, on Turkish-operated flights starting or transiting through Istanbul.

  Eligible flyers will receive their bonus miles between November 1 and 15, 2025.

  In addition to One Mile at a Time, numerous other websites and publications also reported on Turkish Airlines' one million bonus miles promotion.


★ https://baksi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/seckin-pirim-gate-768x512.jpg" />

  See a larger view Read more at >> here <<


★ Seçkin Pirim's exhibition Timed Untimed has opened at Baksı Museum in Bayburt, offering a rich artistic experience that blends the natural surroundings with deeply meditative sculptural works. The exhibition features over twenty pieces created with materials such as plexiglass, paper, marble, and aluminum. Through layered surfaces and repeating forms, Pirim invites viewers into a contemplative space shaped by time, inner motion, and metaphysical presence.

  The artist describes Baksı Museum as a "utopian" space and expressed great joy in realizing a long-held dream of showing his work there.

  Timed Untimed will remain on view until November 3, 2025.

  Pirim studied Industrial Product Design at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and further developed his sculptural practice under the mentorship of renowned Turkish sculptor Koray Ariş. He has since exhibited in prestigious venues such as Borusan Sanat, Pera Museum, Museum Haus Konstruktiv, and Saatchi Gallery. Living and working between Istanbul and London, Pirim has received several awards, including the Turgut Pura Sculpture Prize and the Contemporary Istanbul Sculpture Award.


★ As part of the opening program, Baksı Museum also hosted the second edition of its Conversations on Running Water series on the banks of the Çoruh River.

  This year's theme, Which Valley Are the Youth Walking Through?, brought together voices from the fields of art, architecture, media, and academia to explore the evolving creative tendencies of younger generations.

  The panels, moderated by journalist Jülide Ateş, featured participants including Candan Yıldız, Prof. Dr. Gülveli Kaya, Kerem Piker, Bahadır Özgür, and Seçkin Pirim.

  Prof. Dr. Hüsamettin Koçan, the founder of Baksı Museum, emphasized that the institution serves not only as a museum but also as a vehicle for reconnecting distant cultural and human values.

  Baksı Museum is in the remote village of Bayraktar in the eastern province of Bayburt, dedicated to bridging traditional and modern art in a rural setting.

  Baksi Museum Ranked First in Forbes' "10 Amazing Under-The-Radar Turkish Museums."


★ Painter Meral Alma, based in Germany, has created a striking installation titled Don't Panic by covering Düsseldorf's historic 121-year-old clock tower with 500 giant sticky notes. With this project, Alma draws attention to themes of time, memory, and impermanence.

  The notes feature faces, texts, and intentionally blank spaces inspired by her original works.

  Born in Germany to Turkish parents, Meral Alma studied at the Düsseldorf Art Academy and is pursuing advanced degrees in philosophy. Her large-scale works have previously gained national attention, including what was dubbed Germany's largest painting.

  Alma's art has been described by art historian Dr. Robert Fleck as an "encyclopedia of modern emotions," capturing both urban life and individual experience like a visual diary.

  Visitors can view Don't Panic until July 26, 2025.


★ https://cdn.annalaudel.gallery/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Cansu_Yildiran_The_Dispossessed_2025_Anna_Laudel_Bodrum_Low_020.jpg" />

  Details and more photos are Read more at >> here <<


★ Cansu Yıldıran's first solo exhibition, The Dispossessed, is on view at ZAİ Yaşam Bodrum, presented by Anna Laudel, and runs until July 6.

  The exhibition features selections from a deeply personal, autobiographical series she has developed over more than a decade. Yıldıran works across mediums including photography, video, and sculpture, grounding her practice in feminist and ecological inquiry.

  Set in the Kuşmer Plateau of the Black Sea region, her work confronts the patriarchal property system that excludes women from land ownership. Through scenes of daily life and rituals—baking, gathering, storing—Yıldıran portrays women not as victims but as agents of resistance. Her mother's dispossession becomes a central narrative, yet the family's annual return to the plateau offers a counter-memory rooted in resilience.

  Yıldıran holds a degree in photography from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and has participated in international residencies and exhibitions. Her work has been recognized for its theoretical depth and poetic clarity, and she received the 2021 Sabancı Foundation's Short Film Award.


★ With its new series Endless Day, on June 21, the longest day, Hara marked the summer solstice with a full-day event dedicated to nature's cycles, artistic rituals, and communal experiences. The event unfoldsed under the theme "Ritual," aligning with Hara's current exhibition Where Are We in History?

  The event included:

 

  Hara is an interdisciplinary art space located in Uskumruköy, Sarıyer, on the northern edge of Istanbul. Surrounded by forest and designed as a place for reflection and dialogue, it hosts exhibitions, residencies, performances, and public programming.

  Hara's web pages are Read more at >> here <<


★ With a new body of work created during her residency at Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, Yaz Taşçı meets audiences with Dark Flowers, her first solo exhibition in Turkey, on view at OG Gallery. The exhibition centers on themes of desire, intimacy, and companionship, told through the resilient memory of the female body.

  Born in 1995, Taşçı studied at Beaux-Arts de Paris, where she developed her figurative, emotionally layered style. Her paintings often explore the spaces between connection and distance, visibility and vulnerability.

  In Dark Flowers, shared experiences—like gathering on a picnic blanket—are transformed into poetic images that examine closeness through subtle gestures and symbolic tension.

  Her painterly language blurs the line between private tenderness and public witness, challenging the viewer to navigate intimacy, resistance, and fragility.

  Taşçı's work has been shown internationally and has gained attention for its introspective yet universally resonant perspective on the body and emotion.

  OG Gallery, located on Mumhane Street in the Karaköy district of Istanbul, offers a space for emerging contemporary voices in Turkey's northwestern Marmara region.

  The gallery's intimate setting enhances the vulnerability and strength conveyed in Taşçı's figurative scenes.

  Dark Flowers remains on view until July 5, 2025.


★ Rome's ancient Colosseum hosted a historic Mevlevi Sema ceremony on June 25, 2025, marking the first time whirling dervishes performed within the iconic site.

  The event, part of the "Musica in Venere" series and held at the Temple of Venus, featured the Konya Metropolitan Municipality Turkish Sufi Music and Whirling Dervishes Ensemble, including 30 performers.

  Speaking at the event, Gökhan Yazgı, Turkey's Deputy Culture Minister, emphasized Rumi's message of unity and peace, while Konya Mayor Altay extended an invitation to experience Konya's cultural heritage.

  The one-hour ceremony blended traditional Sufi music, sema rituals, and a message of tolerance beneath the ancient Roman arches.

  Accompanying events included a symposium and a calligraphy exhibition on June 24, held at Rome's Yunus Emre Institute.

  The program concluded with a final Sema performance under the Colosseum's silhouetted arches on the evening of June 25, 2025.


★ Urladam, Urla's arts and culture venue, is hosting a special series of events in July that brings together theater and music. Taking place at Ağaçlı Sahne on Ağaçlı Yol Street in Urla, a district of İzmir in Turkey's Aegean region, the program will feature both timeless Shakespeare plays and enchanting jazz concerts.

  On July 11–12, "Jazz on the Roof" concerts will be held under the curation of IKSV Jazz Festival Director Harun İzer. On July 11, Asena Akan Contempo and Evrencan Gündüz will perform, followed by Ferit Odman Quintet and Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol on July 12, offering unforgettable nights for jazz lovers.

  From July 16–18, Shakespeare Days will be presented in collaboration with Moda Sahnesi, staging three classic plays.

  On July 16, Othello, starring Caner Cindoruk, will explore jealousy, intrigue, and destructive emotions. On July 17, Macbeth, featuring Barış Atay and Ezgi Çelik, will confront audiences with the poisonous nature of ambition and power.

  On July 18, The Taming of the Shrew, performed by Melis Birkan and Timur Acar, will challenge traditional gender roles through comedy.

  In July, Urladam nourishes the soul with the magic of jazz and the mind with the language of Shakespeare, offering art-filled summer nights to both theater lovers and music fans.

  The events take place at Ağaçlı Sahne on Ağaçlı Yol Street, in the Urla district of İzmir province, located in Turkey's Aegean region. The program ends on the evening of July 18, 2025.


★ İş Sanat completed its 25th season with a diverse program of music, exhibitions, and children's events, featuring highlights like Atiye, the Pekinel sisters, soprano Aida Garifullina, and violinist Giuseppe Gibboni.


★ Famed artists Ibrahim Maalouf and Hiba Tawaji shared the stage at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater, blending jazz and Arabic music with orchestral accompaniment under conductor Murat Cem Orhan.


★ Pianist Arya Su Gülenç, only 15 years old, won first prize in Germany's prestigious Jugend Musiziert competition with her piano trio, continuing her international success under the support of Turkey's ÇEV Sanat.

  ÇEV Sanat Contemporary Education Foundation, establisjed in 2011, supports the artistic development of talented young musicians with scholarships, mentoring and performance opportunities.


★ On the 10th anniversary of Kayahan's death, fans and artists gathered at Atatürk Cultural Center to perform his beloved songs in a tribute concert led by his daughter and famous Turkish musicians. Kayahan was a prominent Turkish pop musician.


★ Held in Karaköy, Istanbul, at Nadir Gastronomy Platform with Friends of Kitchen Association (Mutfak Dostları Derneği,) the seminar addressed the intersection of food security, climate change, and sustainability across six in-depth sessions.


★ Turkey ranks among the global leaders in archaeological activity, with nearly 200 active excavation projects each year, alongside numerous surface surveys. With the arrival of warmer, drier weather, the 2025 archaeological season is now in full swing. Here's a roundup of archaeology-focused news from this week:

  - A study led by archaeogeneticist Dilek Köptekin shows that early farming in western Turkey emerged through cultural exchange and local continuity, rather than population replacement. These early Anatolian farmers later migrated into Europe, bringing agriculture with them and transforming the continent's way of life. The countries that they went are:

  1- Danubian (Inland) Route – into Central and Northern Europe Bulgaria This route led to the development of the Linear Pottery Culture (LBK)—Europe's first major farming culture.

  2-Mediterranean Route – along coastal Southern Europe

  - Research at Neolithic Çatalhöyük reveals a shift from family-based households to communal living, where women held a central role and infant girls were buried with more grave goods than boys.

  - Excavations at Yumuktepe in Mersin uncovered Early Bronze Age structures and food remains, highlighting continuous human settlement and evolving daily life over millennia.

  - In ancient Stratonikeia, archaeologists are restoring a Roman-era library with unique architectural influence, underscoring its role as a cultural and educational center.

  - After two decades of dedicated work, Prof. Dr. Murat Çekilmez is preparing to open Tralleis Ancient City to the public, transforming it into a major heritage and tourism destination in Aydın.

  Detailed news will be on our web pages at www.turkradio.us on Sunday. Click on News link, up at the top, and find 20250628.


SPORTS

xx
EXCHANGE RATE
One U. S. dollar will get you 39.88 Turkish liras.
WEATHER

High and Low Temperatures in Degrees F, Weather 
Ankara, in central Turkey        : 79/61 Thunderstorms
Antalya, on the Mediterranean    : 106/79 Mostly Sunny
Erzurum, in Eastern Turkey       : 81/54 Thunderstorms
Istanbul, in northwestern Turkey : 79/70 Thunderstorms
Izmir, on the Aegean             : 93/75 Mostly Sunny
Trabzon, on the Black Sea        : 75/68 Thunderstorms

Seawater temperatures 
Black Sea measured at Trabzon         : 71
Marmara Sea measured at Tekirdağ      : 75
Aegean Sea measured at İzmir          : 75
Mediterranean Sea measured at Antalya : 81
★ Lake Tuz, Turkey's second-largest lake, once covered an area equal to 130,000 football fields between 1987 and 1990, but has now shrunk to just 13,000 football fields due to drought.

  Located at the intersection of Ankara, Konya, and Aksaray provinces, the lake is one of Turkey's vital wetlands for preserving biodiversity.

  Home to thousands of birds, especially flamingos, Lake Tuz is shrinking more each year due to decreased rainfall and global warming.

  Recent studies show that only about 9,000 hectares of the lake area currently hold water. Prof. Dr. Melayip Bilgin of Aksaray University noted that Central Anatolia is the region in Turkey that receives the least rainfall.



 
ANNOUNCEMENTS

[Saat 14:30 and 15:30 'da iki kez okuyun]

*** Turkish American Association of California organized a march on the Golden Gate Bridge on Sunday, May 18 to celebrate the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day together.

Program Flow

10:00 13:00:  Meeting at the Golden Gate Welcome Center (Golden Gate Bridge Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94129)

*** Turkish American Association of California Montere Chapter:

 TURKISH NIGHT – TURKISH DELIGHT
📅 Saturday, May 31
🕕 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Lauren's Lounge – Holman Building
    542 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

This meaningful fundraising event serves two great causes:

✨ Supporting the establishment of a computer lab for students in earthquake-affected Hatay/Antakya,
✨ And celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Monterey Turkish Festival.

Enjoy a night full of culture, community, and connection with:

🎶 Live Music
🌀 Whirling Dervish Performance
🥙 Appetizers & Desserts
🖼 Silent Auction

--------------

*** On the occasion of Azerbaijans Independence Day:We invite you to a fun and unforgettable drinking picnic!

Let's celebrate the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan together!

We start the day at 10:00 with a car rally through the Bay Area - take your Azerbaijani flags and join this proud march!

Then we will have dinner, music and a full day at Blackberry Farm!

🗓 Date: May 25
🕙 Start: Car ride – 10:00
🕛 Picnic time: 12:00 – 18:00
📍 Location: Blackberry Farm
21979 San Fernando Boulevard
Cupertino, CA 95014

🍽 Delicious Azerbaijani dishes from 12:30–14:30
🥁 Drum Show and our National Dances
⚽ Sports activaties 

*** 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:
Azerbaijan Cultural Society of Northern California
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


*** 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/


*** Heart to Heart Anatolia
 
Providing scholarships and bringing people together while promoting Anatolian cultural values

Visit their pages at h2ha.org/
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