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x0x Turkish News for the week ending 19 July 2025
[This is a transcript of the news broadcast on 19 July 2025 ]
Courtesy of Turkish Radio Hour, producer of the
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NEWS
★ According to BBC's Turkish news, on July 16, Turkish Defense Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk condemned Israel's airstrikes on Damascus as an "open provocation" and reiterated Turkey's willingness to support Syria's defense and counterterrorism efforts if requested.
He added that no Turkish military units in Syria were affected by the attacks, which targeted Syrian government forces in the Druze-populated Suwayda region in the south, away from the Turkish border.
He added that no Turkish military units in Syria were affected by the attacks, which targeted Syrian government forces in the Druze-populated Suwayda region in the south, away from the Turkish border.
★ Journalist Fatih Altaylı, arrested for allegedly threatening President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on his YouTube channel, now faces an indictment. Prosecutors are seeking a minimum five-year prison sentence for Altaylı, who has been held at Marmara Prison in Silivri since June 22
★ According to Bianet, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, İstanbul's suspended mayor and opposition presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu, already in jail since March 2024 for alleged corruption at the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality, was sentenced to 1 year and 7 months in prison for threatening and insulting a public prosecutor.
The court acquitted him of the more serious charge of targeting counterterrorism officials, which could have led to a harsher sentence.
The case stemmed from his remarks criticizing İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek over the detention of the Republican People's Party youth branch leader.
In his defense, İmamoğlu delivered a politically charged speech, saying he remains "a threat" because he "beat them four times" and "will beat them a fifth time."
Supporters and opposition figures attended the hearing, which took place at the Silivri prison complex, with chants of "President İmamoğlu" filling the courtroom.
The court acquitted him of the more serious charge of targeting counterterrorism officials, which could have led to a harsher sentence.
The case stemmed from his remarks criticizing İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek over the detention of the Republican People's Party youth branch leader.
In his defense, İmamoğlu delivered a politically charged speech, saying he remains "a threat" because he "beat them four times" and "will beat them a fifth time."
Supporters and opposition figures attended the hearing, which took place at the Silivri prison complex, with chants of "President İmamoğlu" filling the courtroom.
★ Mersin Mayor Vahap Seçer of the Republican People's Party was elected Deputy Chair of the Union of Municipalities of Turkey after winning 453 votes in the third round.
A joint opposition list and cross-party cooperation were key to defeating the ruling party's candidate.
Seçer called on the government to "normalize" politics and stop intimidating mayors, joking it was now "his turn to be arrested."
Since the March 2024 local elections, 17 Republican People's Party mayors, including prominent figures, have been detained in what the party calls political persecution.
Despite arrests and pressure, opposition mayors say they remain determined, vigilant, and committed to serving citizens without fear.
A joint opposition list and cross-party cooperation were key to defeating the ruling party's candidate.
Seçer called on the government to "normalize" politics and stop intimidating mayors, joking it was now "his turn to be arrested."
Since the March 2024 local elections, 17 Republican People's Party mayors, including prominent figures, have been detained in what the party calls political persecution.
Despite arrests and pressure, opposition mayors say they remain determined, vigilant, and committed to serving citizens without fear.
★ One good news about one of the opposition mayors detained, in what most people consider politically motivated charges:
Istanbul's Esenyurt District Mayor Ahmet Özer was released from detention in the "urban consensus" case but remains in jail due to a separate arrest for alleged tender-rigging at the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
During his trial, Özer denounced the charges as fabricated, calling his case a test of sincerity for Turkey's peace and democracy process. His detention drew criticism from opposition figures, who argued that cooperation between legal political parties was unfairly criminalized while the government itself negotiated with the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party.
The "urban consensus" label refers to cooperation between the Republican People's Party and pro-Kurdish parties in the 2024 local elections, which the government equated with terrorism and used to justify operations against opposition mayors.
Istanbul's Esenyurt District Mayor Ahmet Özer was released from detention in the "urban consensus" case but remains in jail due to a separate arrest for alleged tender-rigging at the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
During his trial, Özer denounced the charges as fabricated, calling his case a test of sincerity for Turkey's peace and democracy process. His detention drew criticism from opposition figures, who argued that cooperation between legal political parties was unfairly criminalized while the government itself negotiated with the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party.
The "urban consensus" label refers to cooperation between the Republican People's Party and pro-Kurdish parties in the 2024 local elections, which the government equated with terrorism and used to justify operations against opposition mayors.
★ The High School Entrance Exam is a nationwide
standardized test in Turkey that determines placement of middle school
graduates into prestigious public and private high schools. In the 2025 High
School Entrance Exam in Turkey, 719 students scored full marks, compared to 352 the previous year, sparking allegations of irregularities.
Minister of Education Yusuf Tekin denied claims that the exam questions were leaked in PDF format during the test and announced investigations into 29 school officials.
This year, nearly 1 million students took the exam on June 15; results were announced on July 11.
Muharrem İnce, a former party leader now in the Republican People's Party, criticized Tekin on social media, accusing the ministry of theft and demanding transparency about the top scorers' schools.
Tekin responded angrily, calling the allegations lies and directing accusations of corruption back at opposition-run municipalities, sparking further criticism.
Opposition leader Özgür Özel accused Tekin of arrogance and vowed he would face trial before the Supreme Court for insulting both the public and the main opposition party.
Good Party Parliamentary Group Deputy Chair Turhan Çömez showed a web page of a religious education school in Bursa, where 36 students scored a perfect 500 points on the High School Entrance Exam.
Minister of Education Yusuf Tekin denied claims that the exam questions were leaked in PDF format during the test and announced investigations into 29 school officials.
This year, nearly 1 million students took the exam on June 15; results were announced on July 11.
Muharrem İnce, a former party leader now in the Republican People's Party, criticized Tekin on social media, accusing the ministry of theft and demanding transparency about the top scorers' schools.
Tekin responded angrily, calling the allegations lies and directing accusations of corruption back at opposition-run municipalities, sparking further criticism.
Opposition leader Özgür Özel accused Tekin of arrogance and vowed he would face trial before the Supreme Court for insulting both the public and the main opposition party.
Good Party Parliamentary Group Deputy Chair Turhan Çömez showed a web page of a religious education school in Bursa, where 36 students scored a perfect 500 points on the High School Entrance Exam.
★ Summary of events related to alleged corruption allegations among the mayors from Turkish opposition parties:
- On July 18, former İzmir Mayor Tunç Soyer, Republican People's Party İzmir Chair Şenol Aslanoğlu, and 63 others were indicted on charges of corruption and fraud over alleged irregularities at municipal company İZBETON, with prosecutors seeking sentences of 3 to 45 years.
- On July 18, Istanbul prosecutors ordered the detention of 18 more people over alleged corruption, bribery, and tender irregularities at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, with 14 already detained and investigations ongoing.
- On July 18, former İzmir Mayor Tunç Soyer, Republican People's Party İzmir Chair Şenol Aslanoğlu, and 63 others were indicted on charges of corruption and fraud over alleged irregularities at municipal company İZBETON, with prosecutors seeking sentences of 3 to 45 years.
- On July 18, Istanbul prosecutors ordered the detention of 18 more people over alleged corruption, bribery, and tender irregularities at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, with 14 already detained and investigations ongoing.
★ According to the Council of Europe's 2024 Penal Statistics report, Turkey ranks first among member states, with 356 prisoners per 100,000 people.
The number of prisoners in Turkey has increased by 369 percent over the past 20 years.
The number of prisoners in Turkey has increased by 369 percent over the past 20 years.
★ The Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles announced the updated fee for paid military service abroad, applicable between July 1 and December 31, 2025. The amount is approximately 7,020 dollars in local currency.
Applications for paid military service resumed as of July 9, 2025. The exact amount in US dollars will be determined according to the official exchange rate set by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey on the day of payment.
Appointments for this process can be made at www.konsolosluk.gov.tr.
Applications for paid military service resumed as of July 9, 2025. The exact amount in US dollars will be determined according to the official exchange rate set by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey on the day of payment.
Appointments for this process can be made at www.konsolosluk.gov.tr.
★ Turkey ordered a sixth prototype of its indigenous KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet to accelerate critical tests and development phases.
The KAAN, launched in 2010, is a twin-engine stealth fighter designed for supersonic speeds, advanced maneuverability, and both air superiority and strike missions.
Future production aims to replace U.S.-made engines with domestically developed ones, showcasing Turkey's push for defense self-sufficiency.
The project gained momentum after Turkey was removed from the U.S. F-35 program, and the first KAAN prototype flew successfully in 2024.
Turkey sees the KAAN as both a symbol of technological ambition and a potential export platform to bolster its geopolitical influence.
The KAAN, launched in 2010, is a twin-engine stealth fighter designed for supersonic speeds, advanced maneuverability, and both air superiority and strike missions.
Future production aims to replace U.S.-made engines with domestically developed ones, showcasing Turkey's push for defense self-sufficiency.
The project gained momentum after Turkey was removed from the U.S. F-35 program, and the first KAAN prototype flew successfully in 2024.
Turkey sees the KAAN as both a symbol of technological ambition and a potential export platform to bolster its geopolitical influence.
★ Turkish defense industry exports reached $4 billion by July 15, up from $3 billion in the same period last year, with $6 billion in new contracts signed so far.
The sector employs 95,000 people across over 3,500 mostly small to medium-sized companies, ranking 11th globally and aiming for the top 10.
Over half of exports go to NATO and European Union countries, and Turkey holds 65% of the global market in armed unmanned aerial vehicles since 2018.
The IDEF 2025, International Defense Industry Fair, featuring 96 countries, will be held between July 22 through 27 in Istanbul with major product launches and demonstrations from Aselsan, TAI, Roketsan, Havelsan, and STM.
Financial support programs for small to medium-sized companies, expanded NATO outreach, and growing high-tech offerings highlight Turkey's push for record exports and contracts in 2025.
The sector employs 95,000 people across over 3,500 mostly small to medium-sized companies, ranking 11th globally and aiming for the top 10.
Over half of exports go to NATO and European Union countries, and Turkey holds 65% of the global market in armed unmanned aerial vehicles since 2018.
The IDEF 2025, International Defense Industry Fair, featuring 96 countries, will be held between July 22 through 27 in Istanbul with major product launches and demonstrations from Aselsan, TAI, Roketsan, Havelsan, and STM.
Financial support programs for small to medium-sized companies, expanded NATO outreach, and growing high-tech offerings highlight Turkey's push for record exports and contracts in 2025.
★ ECONOMY
★ After the collapse of negotiations over a public-sector collective bargaining agreement, TÜRK-İŞ, Turkey's largest labor confederation, announced a nationwide "work stoppage" protest on Tuesday.
Ergün Atalay, the union's leader, stated that workers cannot survive on current wages.
The union is demanding a 50 percent wage increase for the first six months, followed by 25 percent increases for each of the subsequent three years. In contrast, the government has offered a 17 percent raise for the first six months and 10 percent for the next six months.
Independent experts estimated annual inflation at 60 percent in June. The union estimates that an average union member got 3.6 times more wages 20 years ago.
Ergün Atalay, the union's leader, stated that workers cannot survive on current wages.
The union is demanding a 50 percent wage increase for the first six months, followed by 25 percent increases for each of the subsequent three years. In contrast, the government has offered a 17 percent raise for the first six months and 10 percent for the next six months.
Independent experts estimated annual inflation at 60 percent in June. The union estimates that an average union member got 3.6 times more wages 20 years ago.
★ According to the research department of the Union of Office Workers, in Turkey, the monthly hunger threshold for a family of four has risen to the equivalent of 890 dollars in local currency, while the poverty threshold has climbed to 2,140 dollars.
Meanwhile, a minimum-wage worker earns just 550 dollars per month.
Meanwhile, a minimum-wage worker earns just 550 dollars per month.
★ Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced the arrest of former Yunus Emre Institute president Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş, who led the institute from 2016 to 2023, on corruption charges.
He was detained at Ankara Esenboğa Airport on July 16 as part of an investigation into alleged embezzlement and money laundering that cost the foundation about 9.9 million dollars in local currency.
Prosecutors allege fake invoices, shell companies, and fraudulent transactions caused public losses, with charges filed against 23 people, including Ateş's son.
After giving his statement to the prosecutor, Ateş was brought before a judge and formally arrested.
The Yunus Emre Institute, active since 2009 in 66 countries, promoting Turkish language and culture, had a budget of 32.2 million dollars in local currency in 2023.
He was detained at Ankara Esenboğa Airport on July 16 as part of an investigation into alleged embezzlement and money laundering that cost the foundation about 9.9 million dollars in local currency.
Prosecutors allege fake invoices, shell companies, and fraudulent transactions caused public losses, with charges filed against 23 people, including Ateş's son.
After giving his statement to the prosecutor, Ateş was brought before a judge and formally arrested.
The Yunus Emre Institute, active since 2009 in 66 countries, promoting Turkish language and culture, had a budget of 32.2 million dollars in local currency in 2023.
ARTS AND CULTURE
★ A law passed on July 10 in Turkey allows workers in the tourism sector to work up to 10 consecutive days before taking a day off, replacing the guaranteed weekly rest day and eliminating overtime pay for that day.
The government claims the change adds flexibility, but unions, opposition parties, and legal experts argue it violates constitutional and international labor protections and erodes workers' rights.
The law applies to workers at licensed tourism facilities and was published in the Official Gazette on July 14, despite warnings it could spread to other sectors.
Unions have condemned the measure as a "seizure of the right to rest," calling it inhumane and planning to appeal to the Constitutional Court for its annulment. Tourism workers already face harsh conditions: long hours, low pay, little job security, and high turnover, now worsened by what critics call a further erosion of labor standards.
The government claims the change adds flexibility, but unions, opposition parties, and legal experts argue it violates constitutional and international labor protections and erodes workers' rights.
The law applies to workers at licensed tourism facilities and was published in the Official Gazette on July 14, despite warnings it could spread to other sectors.
Unions have condemned the measure as a "seizure of the right to rest," calling it inhumane and planning to appeal to the Constitutional Court for its annulment. Tourism workers already face harsh conditions: long hours, low pay, little job security, and high turnover, now worsened by what critics call a further erosion of labor standards.
Feshane, one of the venues
★ With the collaboration of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's Culture and Heritage departments, 16 contemporary art exhibitions are spread across Istanbul, from streets to cisterns, courtyards, and coastlines.
Venues like Artİstanbul Feshane, Casa Botter, Gülhane Cistern, and others showcase diverse works blending Istanbul's rich past with its vibrant present.
Highlights include "The Lost Alphabet," "The Iliad Epic," "Magnum in Istanbul," "Light-Button," and several solo and group shows exploring memory, nature, and human rights.
Since 2019, Culture and Heritage departments have hosted 271 exhibitions in 41 venues, transforming historic buildings into cultural hubs.
All exhibitions are free, inviting the public to experience Istanbul itself as part of the artistic journey.
Details are at kultursanat.istanbul.
Venues like Artİstanbul Feshane, Casa Botter, Gülhane Cistern, and others showcase diverse works blending Istanbul's rich past with its vibrant present.
Highlights include "The Lost Alphabet," "The Iliad Epic," "Magnum in Istanbul," "Light-Button," and several solo and group shows exploring memory, nature, and human rights.
Since 2019, Culture and Heritage departments have hosted 271 exhibitions in 41 venues, transforming historic buildings into cultural hubs.
All exhibitions are free, inviting the public to experience Istanbul itself as part of the artistic journey.
Details are at kultursanat.istanbul.
- Burhan Uygur, Solo show, Casa Botter, Feb 6 - Aug 24
- Ahmet Güneştekin, The Lost Alphabet, multidisciplinary, Artİstanbul Feshane, Jan 17 - Sep 20
- Boreas Women and Art Association, The Iliad Epic: Time Hidden in Fabrics, patchwork art, Bakırköy Art, May 15 - Jul 25
- Gökçe Çilekar, Light-Button, interactive installation, Bebek Cistern, May 22 - Jan 15
- Various artists (45), Magnum in Istanbul: Human Rights - What Is and Isn't, photography, Bulgur Palas, Dec 10, 2024 - Sep 3
- Group show, Void, installation/light/space, Çubuklu Silos, Nov 20, 2024 - Aug 31
- Various artists (14), Sudan Sebepler, group show on water, Cendere Art Museum, Jun 26 - Oct 15
- MSGSU metal workshop graduates & students, Metalist: Unity, sculpture, Gülhane Cistern, ongoing
- Ali Gün Yıldırım, This Doesn't Count, drawings, Haliç Art 1, May 20 - Oct 26
- Seydi Murat Koç, Stone Paper Metal, retrospective, Haliç Art 2, May 20 - Oct 26
- Tan Cemal Genç, Rain of Lines, visual narrative, Haliç Art 3, May 20 - Oct 26
- Group of 17 photographers, The City's Rebellion, photography, Mecidiyeköy Art, Jun 12 - Sep 14
- Semiramis Öner, Memory Makers, installation, Metrohan, Apr 18 - Aug 31
- Denef Huvaj, The Outside Is Growing, photography, Taş Mektep, Apr 2 - Sep 7
★ The 20th Contemporary Istanbul, one of the city's premier international art events, will take place at Tersane Istanbul from September 24-28.
In partnership with the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency and main sponsor Akbank, the fair will host international media in Istanbul, contributing to the global promotion of the city and Turkey.
This edition also features special exhibitions, including BMW Art Car collection showcasing Alexander Calder's iconic first design from 50 years ago, and Julie Mehretu's latest creation from last year.
Leading museums and art institutions such as the UBS Digital Art Museum (Hamburg), Phillips Auction House (London), Mori Art Museum (Tokyo), Palais de Tokyo (Paris), Asia Society (New York), Sigg Art Foundation (Le Castellet), and Barjeel Art Foundation (Sharjah) will present curated selections at the fair.
In partnership with the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency and main sponsor Akbank, the fair will host international media in Istanbul, contributing to the global promotion of the city and Turkey.
This edition also features special exhibitions, including BMW Art Car collection showcasing Alexander Calder's iconic first design from 50 years ago, and Julie Mehretu's latest creation from last year.
Leading museums and art institutions such as the UBS Digital Art Museum (Hamburg), Phillips Auction House (London), Mori Art Museum (Tokyo), Palais de Tokyo (Paris), Asia Society (New York), Sigg Art Foundation (Le Castellet), and Barjeel Art Foundation (Sharjah) will present curated selections at the fair.
★ The 18th Istanbul Biennial opens on September 20, transforming Istanbul's streets and historic landmarks into a vibrant canvas for contemporary art. Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts with the support of Koç Holding, the biennial runs through November 23, marking the first chapter of a three-year journey titled "Three-Legged Cat."
Spanning eight walkable venues along the Beyoğlu-Karaköy axis, the biennial integrates art with the city's layered memory and cultural fabric. Historic sites such as the Galata Greek School, Zihni Han, Elhamra Han, and the Ice Cream Cone Factory have been restored and repurposed as exhibition spaces, each contributing to a narrative that reflects Istanbul's complex history and ongoing transformation.
With works by over 40 artists, the biennial's dispersed, city-wide layout breaks from the tradition of a fixed exhibition venue, inviting visitors to experience Istanbul itself as part of the artistic encounter. This immersive approach reimagines public spaces and streets as extensions of the exhibition, offering a multi-layered, holistic exploration of the city through contemporary art.
Spanning eight walkable venues along the Beyoğlu-Karaköy axis, the biennial integrates art with the city's layered memory and cultural fabric. Historic sites such as the Galata Greek School, Zihni Han, Elhamra Han, and the Ice Cream Cone Factory have been restored and repurposed as exhibition spaces, each contributing to a narrative that reflects Istanbul's complex history and ongoing transformation.
With works by over 40 artists, the biennial's dispersed, city-wide layout breaks from the tradition of a fixed exhibition venue, inviting visitors to experience Istanbul itself as part of the artistic encounter. This immersive approach reimagines public spaces and streets as extensions of the exhibition, offering a multi-layered, holistic exploration of the city through contemporary art.
Ayvalık street
(© Dick Osseman, used with his permission)
