Dear readers, As I continue curating my unboxing series—those explorations of personal archives and forgotten memories—I find myself drawn to excavate a different kind of collection: the accumulated observations from over two decades in academic life. Like the personal artifacts I’ve been discovering, these professional experiences have layered into complex narratives that deserve careful examination. … Read more
I guess for some, it is not surprising, but I am surprised. TikTok is not a marginal platform. More than a hundred million American users are using it, and the American government is unashamedly banning it for national security reasons. That’s the declaration of defeat. US-based social media platforms have focused on profit so intensely … Read more
I want to tell you about a situation that frustrated me. Recently, at a jury meeting, I came across a well-known, well-connected, and rich communicator in the telecommunications industry. When 5G was mentioned, he said something like this. “I was at a huge 5G summit abroad at the beginning of the pandemic. I hung out … Read more
If I were living in the US, I would probably be upset. But back in Türkiye, many people around me are happy with the election outcome. They [Democratic Party leadership] insisted on a weak leader, then moved to Harris, who was not as dynamic as we thought. They ignored younger more militant voter base to … Read more
After a long self-exile in the US, pro-Gülenists sources stated that Fethullah Gülen was dead. His massive global movement has already been crushed in the post-2016 coup attempt. Still, there are many followers all around the world. If his movement did not get in a fight with Erdoğan, his funeral would be greeted by millions. … Read more
A quick look at the Turkish Twittersphere confirmed my expectations. Some Jihadists and Islamists are actually happy. Since the civil war in Syria, many Turkish jihadists lost their uneasy sympathy with Hezbollah, who supported the Asad regime. But the actual celebrations come from “the Syrian opposition:” Celebrations in Opposition-Controlled Areas While the Syrian government officially … Read more
While driving through California, I listened to a commentary by İsmail Saymaz. He claims that Ali Koç is a MHP voter. That surprised me as Mr. Koç does not look like a stereotypical MHP fan. Koç family is mainly portrayed as part of the Westernist secular establishment. Ali Koç is a Rice University graduate, by … Read more
At the moment, we have to pay 150 TRY when we travel abroad. Rumor has it that it will be increased to 3000 TRY (nearly 90 USD)! After unimaginable levels of extravagance and corruption that still last in government, Mehmet Şimşek is after our already squeezed travel budgets.
19:15 The higher Election Council does not allow to announce results yet, but the vibe in opposition is that AKP may be losing. 18:20 Istanbul mayoral contest takes centre stage as Turkey votes in local elections Turkey local elections marred by irregularities in Kurdish provinces As polls close: YSK bans journalists from taking footage of … Read more
China has a cyber sovereignty policy that emphasizes the concept of cyber sovereignty as a guiding principle in cyberspace governance. This policy is aimed at asserting control over information, cybersecurity, technological independence, and international influence. China’s cyber sovereignty efforts encompass both domestic and international components, leading to a less open and free internet environment. The … Read more
I believe that the moment they changed their name from “Savage Minds” to “anthro{dendum}”, the decline started. Over-reliance on (political) correctness is a kind of (political) purism that never ends well. (I do not claim all contributors are like that; I actually like some of them very much). Life is rich, and anthropology is the … Read more
Here are some brief observations. I might be misled and am open to changing or modifying my comments in the next few days. Erdoğan surprises a bit and remains calm and moderate. However, in later days, he becomes more aggressive. I am not sure about his followers, though. Generally pro-Palestine, even pro-Hamas. Since Erdoğan stayed … Read more
A few days ago, citizens critical of the government had a new hero: Turkish journalist Afsin Yurdakul leaves Haberturk, a mainstream outlet, with these words: “Without democracy, without the rule of law, without upholding the freedom of expression, journalism cannot breathe. It is our duty to let people breathe.” pic.twitter.com/Lokxk6yYQy — Piotr Zalewski (@p_zalewski) September … Read more
Since the electoral defeat, I have been following the CHP administration. Kılıçdaroğlu’s leadership would be chaos for Turkey. CHP is in a total shitshow. Every day another shitshow. Look what they are dealing with now. A Zoom meeting that is leaked. YouTube leak sheds light on internal power struggle in CHP following election defeat After … Read more
The third candidate in the presidential election, Sinan Oğan was open to negotiations for a position, and it seems that Erdoğan has promised him more. Of course, Mr. Ogan will attribute Turkish nationalism idealistically, but like many other nationalist leaders, his allegiance can be bought. Devlet Bahçeli is way more experienced in that. If one … Read more