Our new SosyalKafa video is about Exploring Free Software and Artificial Intelligence with Orkut Murat Yılmaz

It is in Turkish but a detailed summary here: “Exploring Free Software and Artificial Intelligence with Orkut Murat Yılmaz Detailed Summary for Kendi bilgisayarımda çalışan yapay zekâ by Merlin Video Title: Exploring Free Software and Artificial Intelligence with Orkut Murat Yılmaz 00:04 Orkut Murat Yılmaz is a free software developer and will present about the … Read more

Turkey after Mossad- many suspects detained

According to recent news reports, Turkish authorities have arrested 33 people suspected of carrying out “international espionage” for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad. The suspects were detained in 57 locations across eight provinces near Istanbul as part of an investigation by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and Turkey’s National Intelligence Agency. The suspects were believed to … Read more

Twitter purge against pro-Palestinian accounts?

After Musk’s visit to Israel things seem to have changed. Some claim that there is an ongoing Twitter purge against pro-Palestinian accounts… Yes, there seems to be a Twitter purge against pro-Palestinian accounts, according to recent tweets and news articles. Elon Musk and Bill Ackman have suspended some accounts that posted in support of Palestine, … Read more

Turkey seems to have banned a TV show: Kızıl Goncalar

The third episode could not be broadcast due to a case order. “Kizil Goncalar” is a popular Turkish television series that has been the subject of controversy and calls for a ban. The show, which highlights the division between religious and secular segments of society, has faced backlash since its first aired on December 18, … Read more

A video: “Spotify’s Business Model is Broken”

  00:03 Spotify’s business model struggle 02:56 Spotify’s business model differs from Netflix. 04:11 Spotify’s challenge of differentiation and managing costs 05:33 Spotify’s move into podcasting aimed to address the underdeveloped podcast ad market and solve their core rental problem. 08:06 Spotify is shifting focus to advertising and creator tools division

Why Fatih Terim moved to Panathinaikos?

Why Fatih Terim moved to Panathinaikos? I know it is late. He already won his first game. I could never like this well-connected macho guy.  He evaded the latest allegations in a fraud case and abruptly moved to Greece. Some messy stuff we will never know about? Fatih Terim is in Panathinaikos as the team’s … Read more

A video: “Why algorithms are called algorithms”

00:01 Algorithms date back 900 years 00:36 Director of House of Wisdom made innovative contributions to mathematics, astronomy, geography and cartography 00:54 Hindu-Arabic numerals replaced Roman numerals 01:17 Al-Khwarizmi’s works revolutionized mathematics in the West 01:36 The term ‘algorismus’ originated from the decimal number system and was used in English by the 13th century. 01:59 … Read more

Our review of the year in SosyalKafa

  A few days ago, I and Sinem reviewed the world of digital communications in our way. Here is a summary of what we talked in English:   Short Summary for 2023 Teknolojik Trendler Z Raporu by Merlin The video is discussing the technological trends for 2023, focusing on generative artificial intelligence and its impact. … Read more

Reading “A Social History of Ottoman Istanbul” and realizing fires were once No 1 enemy of Istanbulians

I am reading a nice book A Social History of Ottoman Istanbul. One chapter deals with the fires. It was the most damaging disaster for centuries. Mavi Boncuk listed major fires: Major Named Istanbul Fires Mavi Boncuk | The period with no organized Tulumba Fire Crews until 1714. Important fires of this period; 1510    It … Read more

Interesting: “Istanbul Europe’s 2nd brightest Christmas city”

Istanbul Europe’s 2nd brightest Christmas city: Research   According to a recent study by a U.K.-based company, Istanbul has been ranked as the second most brilliantly lit Christmas city in Europe during the month of December. This information has been reported by several reputable sources, including Daily Sabah, Hürriyet Daily News, and enginakyurekunitingheartsworldwide.org. Additionally, a … Read more

Big mess in Riyadh as some losers decided to have the Turkish Super Cup final there…

This is a hilarious diplomatic crisis, with an unprecedented level of idiocy and incompetence on all involved. ❌ The Turkish government decides to hold the Turkish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia, no doubt in return for continued cash flow. ❌ Saudi authorities don't allow… https://t.co/8oGDhRuVPd — Umut Özkırımlı (@UOzkirimli) December 29, 2023 The Turkish … Read more

A video: “The Dark Truth About Airbnb”

00:03 Airbnb defied odds and became a billion-dollar company. 02:01 Struggling to gain traction, Airbnb founders used unconventional tactics to attract attention. 05:56 Airbnb founders created successful limited edition cereal brands 07:59 Airbnb founders faced financial struggles and rejections before getting investment. 12:06 Airbnb’s success factors 13:59 Airbnb’s impact on travel and hospitality 18:01 Airbnb … Read more

“Anthropologists on Palestine”

Anthropologists on Palestine SAPIENS by Bridget Alex Amid the war on Gaza and long before, anthropologists have been speaking out against Israel’s occupation of Palestine. Here’s a curated list of their perspectives as scholars and activists. ✽ SAPIENS seeks to amplify anthropological insights to build a more just and sustainable world. In line with our vision, as a … Read more

Erdoğan and Orban; Europe’s two maverick leaders

Erdoğan paid a visit to Orban of Hungary recently. I feel pity for the EU. One from the inside, the other from the outside (!) Erdoğan visits Hungary in bid to ‘deepen strategic partnership’ Hungary Vetoes EU Aid Package for Ukraine Hungary blocks $54bn EU financial aid for Ukraine Climate friendly, carpool diplomacy between Erdogan … Read more

Dear Michael, May you rest in peace…

I am sad to share the news of the passing of an old friend and classmate, Michael Adair-Kriz from my days at Rice Anthropology. I was not able to attend the celebration as I am living far far away. I will always remember him as a joyful person who was consoling me at the campus … Read more