featured News Trending

Turkey Arrests Dozens in Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Activists

By 101 0

Turkish police have arrested dozens of people amid a widening crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists and organisations. The latest detentions took place on Tuesday outside Istanbul’s main courthouse, where protesters had gathered to demand the release of activists arrested during weekend raids on gay bars and private homes.

The government has described the campaign as part of its “My Family is Safe” initiative, which it says is intended to protect family values. Rights groups, however, have reported raids on association offices, website restrictions and arrests across several provinces. Authorities have also restricted access to the social media accounts and websites of LGBTQ+, media and rights organisations.

Same-sex relations are not illegal in Turkey, but LGBTQ+ rights groups say discrimination remains widespread. Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty expressed concern over the arrests, raids and online restrictions. Turkey’s Justice Minister said the wider operation targeted 162 individuals, nine associations and 13 businesses across 15 provinces.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Albania Targets Medical Tourism Boom with Affordable Dental Care

By 116 0

Albania is emerging as a growing destination for dental tourism, with its capital Tirana attracting international patients seeking affordable treatments. The city has nearly 400 dental clinics serving a population of around 600,000, while many clinics now market their services in English and Italian to reach overseas customers. Dental implants typically cost about €600 per tooth, significantly below prices in countries such as the UK, France and Germany.

British patient Anthony Hook travelled to Tirana after becoming interested in the city’s numerous dental clinics and eventually underwent several visits for dental implant treatment. He said Albania appealed to him because of its lower costs and his concerns about reports of complications involving some medical procedures in Turkey. The country’s expanding network of low-cost flights has also made it easier for patients from across Europe to combine treatment with a holiday.

Albanian authorities and healthcare providers see medical tourism as a promising new industry but are also concerned about unregulated operators damaging the sector’s reputation. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government is considering ways to identify reputable medical tourism providers as international arrivals continue to rise. Alongside dental care, Albania is also attracting visitors for hair transplants, with some clinics employing specialists from Turkey or operating as branches of Turkish businesses.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Search Continues for 18 Passengers After Ferry Capsizes Off Northern Cyprus

By 94 0

Rescuers are continuing the search for 18 passengers more than 24 hours after a ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus. The vessel was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members when it began taking on water shortly after leaving Kyrenia for Tasucu in Turkey. Authorities have confirmed eight deaths, while 19 people are receiving treatment in hospitals.

The ferry has since completely sunk to a depth of 514 metres (1,686ft), with debris scattered across the sea. Search teams are working to locate the missing passengers and recover the vessel’s black box to determine the cause of the accident. Local officials said the boat was struck by two waves after its journey had earlier been delayed because of poor weather.

The captain, seven crew members and another man have been arrested, while warrants have been issued for seven more people. Northern Cyprus has declared three days of national mourning following the tragedy. Families of missing passengers continue to gather at Kyrenia port as rescue operations remain underway.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Thousands Back Turkish Governor Dismissed Over Cycling Attire

By 166 0

Thousands of people have signed an online petition supporting former Ardahan Governor Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli after he was removed from office following controversy over videos showing him cycling in sports tights. Although no official reason was given for his dismissal, critics accused him of focusing more on social media content than his official duties.

Çiçekli defended himself, saying he simply wore appropriate sports clothing while promoting cycling and healthy living. He had organised cycling events, encouraged sports participation among young people, and shared videos of rowing and outdoor activities to showcase the region and promote sports tourism.

The petition, which has attracted more than 9,400 signatures, argues that Çiçekli made valuable contributions to youth development and cycling tourism in Ardahan and should be reinstated. Responding to the controversy, Çiçekli said he would continue cycling regardless of his dismissal, adding that sports are an important part of life at any age.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

France Signals Openness to SAMP/T Air Defence Sale to Turkey

By 182 0

France is showing renewed openness to a potential sale of the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defence system to Turkey, marking a significant shift after years of political resistance. According to sources, the change follows recent discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, although negotiations remain at an early stage and no agreement has been reached.

Turkey is seeking the SAMP/T system as part of its planned “Steel Dome” integrated air and missile defence network. The project, launched jointly by Turkey, France and Italy several years ago, had stalled due to tensions over Syria, Libya and disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkish officials now say there is renewed political willingness among all three countries to revive defence cooperation, including possible technology transfer and joint production.

Despite the positive signals, any potential deal is expected to face diplomatic and political hurdles. France is likely to consult with Greece and Cyprus before moving forward, given its defence partnerships with both countries. Officials stress that the latest discussions represent only the beginning of a lengthy process, with any future agreement likely to involve the upgraded version of the SAMP/T system.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

NATO Leaders Meet in Ankara Amid Trump Tensions

By 213 0

NATO leaders will gather in Ankara next week for a high-stakes summit aimed at reinforcing alliance unity despite growing tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. European members are expected to highlight increased defence spending and stronger military capabilities as Washington scales back parts of its military commitment to Europe. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the summit will focus on turning higher defence budgets into combat-ready forces and expanding the alliance’s defence industry.

The meeting is also expected to reaffirm NATO’s support for Ukraine, with leaders pledging continued military assistance in its war against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will attend a dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Trump. European leaders hope the personal ties between Trump, Erdoğan and Rutte will help keep discussions constructive despite recent disagreements.

The summit comes after months of strain within the alliance, including disputes over the Iran conflict, Trump’s criticism of NATO spending, and U.S. troop reductions in Europe. European officials remain concerned that renewed tensions or developments in the Middle East could overshadow the gathering. Even so, NATO diplomats say leaders recognise the importance of presenting a united front and maintaining the alliance’s collective security commitments.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Turkish Riot Police Storm Opposition Headquarters Following Court-Ordered Leadership Ouster

By 231 0

Turkish riot police used tear gas to force their way into the Ankara headquarters of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) on Sunday, executing a contentious court order that dismissed the party’s current leadership. Clashes erupted as party members blockaded entrances with makeshift barricades, throwing objects and spraying hoses at advancing security forces. The raid was initiated after representatives of 77-year-old party veteran Kemal Kilicdaroğlu requested police assistance to take over the premises, claiming they were barred entry by loyalists of the ousted leader, Özgür Özel.

The escalation follows an appellate court decision on Thursday that declared Özel’s previous election null and void, effectively dismantling the party’s entire executive committee. The court ordered that Özel be replaced by Kilicdaroğlu—who lost the 2023 presidential election to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan—by overturning a 2025 lower court ruling that had dismissed allegations of vote-buying. In a video message recorded during the raid, Özel declared the party was “under attack” and later led hundreds of supporters on a march toward the Turkish parliament, vowing to take their movement to the streets.

Critics and international observers, including Human Rights Watch, have warned that Erdoğan’s government is utilizing “abusive tactics” to eliminate political rivals and tighten its grip on power. Özel accused the ruling AK party of orchestrating the judicial upheaval, especially as Erdoğan faces constitutional term limits unless early elections are called before 2028. Conversely, Justice Minister Akin Gürlek defended the appellate court’s ruling, asserting that it reinforces public trust in democracy, despite his own history of spearheading investigations against key opposition figures.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Turkish Grand Prix to Return to Formula 1 Calendar in 2027

By 299 0

Formula 1 will return to Turkey in 2027, marking the comeback of the Turkish Grand Prix after a six-year absence. The race will be held at the Istanbul Park circuit under a deal that runs until at least 2031, bringing back one of the sport’s most challenging and popular tracks.

Turkey previously hosted races from 2005 to 2011 and briefly returned during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 race was particularly memorable, with Lewis Hamilton securing his seventh world championship title in wet conditions. The event’s reintroduction will not expand the current 24-race calendar but will instead rotate with other venues.

Officials highlighted Turkey’s strong fan base and infrastructure as key factors in the decision. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the return, while F1 chief Stefano Domenicali praised Istanbul as a unique global city that blends history with modern sporting appeal, making it an exciting destination for fans worldwide.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Turkey Detains 162 Over Online Posts Praising Deadly School Shootings

By 269 0

Turkish authorities have detained 162 people accused of posting or sharing online content that allegedly praised recent school shootings and undermined public order. Officials said the arrests were part of a wider crackdown on social media activity following two separate attacks this week that left multiple students and a teacher dead, and several others injured.

The first shooting occurred at a vocational high school in southeastern Turkey, where 16 people were injured before the attacker killed himself. A second, more deadly attack followed a day later at a secondary school in Kahramanmaras, killing at least nine people including students and a teacher. The teenage attacker was also killed, and officials said he had planned the assault in advance and referenced a known US mass killer in online material.

Hundreds of mourners gathered for funerals of the young victims as grief spread across the country, with officials confirming increased security measures and widespread restrictions on social media accounts. Justice authorities said dozens were also detained for allegedly spreading misinformation or encouraging further attacks online, while more than a thousand accounts faced restrictions.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Gunman Opens Fire at Turkish High School

By 298 0

A 19-year-old former student launched a terrifying attack at the Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Siverek, Turkey, leaving 16 people injured. Armed with a pump-action shotgun, the teenager entered the school grounds around 09:30 local time and fired indiscriminately at students and staff. The casualties include ten students, four teachers, a cafeteria worker, and a responding police officer. The shooter ended the rampage by turning the weapon on himself and died at the scene.

Witnesses described a scene of pure chaos as the gunman stormed the building, entering at least two classrooms while students jumped from windows to escape the gunfire. Survivors noted that the attacker remained silent throughout the assault, focused solely on firing at anyone in his path. Following the incident, the school was evacuated, and the wounded were rushed to nearby hospitals, with five individuals requiring transfers to specialized facilities for more intensive care.

Local Governor Hasan Şildak confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine a motive, noting that the suspect had no prior criminal record. Despite the school previously being designated as a “safe” institution by local police, the community is now grappling with the aftermath of the violence. Authorities are currently working to secure the site and provide support to the traumatized students and faculty members involved in the tragedy.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright