Now official. AKP loses İstanbul and Ankara municipalities. A massive blow after 25 years…

The central government will probably make its best to make it hell for these new local mayors. However, moral superiority is now at the opposition. If the latter uses this opportunity well, it may become the end of AKP rule. Previously, Erdoğan would learn his lessons and react productively. However, I do not believe he … Read more

Erdoğan seemed to have accepted the defeat but opposition’s İstanbul victory still denied #TurkeyElections

His speech was motivational for his followers. I thought official results would soon be declared.  But it seems they will declare the loss in Istanbul- and in some other contested cities- easily… Erdogan Appears to Suffer Major Defeats in Turkey’s Two Biggest Cities NYT > Turkey Amid a deepening economic crisis, the Turkish president’s party … Read more

As of today, More than 3 thousand reports in the election news mapping project, #SeçimVar

https://secimvar.crowdmap.com/ In just over a year, citizens of Turkey are going to the ballot box for the third time. Following local elections in March 2014 and a presidential ballot last August, a General Election in June will complete the country’s political cycle and give the electorate of roughly 55 million a well-earned break from casting votes….. Continue to read about the project in a … Read more

Turkish lira at historic low… Dispatches from Turkey…

Stakeholder Reactions to Öcalan’s 10 Measures to Resolution  Bianet :: English Several stakeholders of Turkey’s resolution process reacted to PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan called for a PKK congress in spring to decide on quitting arms and 10 measures. Here is a compilation by bianet English. Interior minister addresses intelligence service for leaking Oslo talks Interior Minister Efkan … Read more

Turkey’s $7.9 Billion Money Vanished “mysteriously” while Presidential system tops AKP’s election campaign…

Turkey’s $7.9 Billion Mystery Money That’s Simply Vanished Bloomberg – Onur Ant – Jan 28, 9:18 PM – Something bizarre is happening on Turkey’s accounting books, and nobody’s quite sure why. Turkey attracted $7.9 billion of income from unexplained sources during the first eight months of 2014, compared to an outflow of $90 million during … Read more

The Atlantic interview with Fethullah Gulen… a Politics roundup…

A Rare Meeting With Reclusive Turkish Spiritual Leader Fethullah Gulen In an exclusive interview, the head of the Gulenist movement speaks on anti-Semitism, his particular brand of Islam, and why he’s been in hiding for 14 years.   Jamie Tarabay Aug 14 2013   Reports of Erdogan illness denied Independent Online ISTANBUL – Turkish Prime … Read more