March 13, 2014

Once strong supporter of Turkey, Liberals now skeptical due to Erdoğan

One of the strongest indications that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's policies in the wake of the Dec. 17 corruption scandal have irked many in Brussels is the “unsurprising” change of the Liberals' policy vis-à-vis Turkey's bid to join the European Union.

Opposition CHP to take Gül-approved dershane law to Constitutional Court

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) is preparing to take a controversial law closing Turkey's dershanes, or private preparatory schools, to the Constitutional Court, the party said a day after President Abdullah Gül signed the bill into law on Wednesday.

Turkish schools in Romania celebrate 20th year

Schools established by Turkish entrepreneurs in Romania celebrated their 20th year during the finale of the Turkish Olympiads in Bucharest on Wednesday.

Real democrats cannot politicize Islam

Begüm Burak

Turkish politics has recently been witnessing an illiberal democracy. Unlike in Western democracies, pluralism, critical journalism, political opposition and the right to peaceful protest all are labeled as the aims of traitors.

Erdoğan…a factionist PM?

Rana Yurtsever

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has long been known and criticized for his offensive and “othering” language for those who do not and are not expected to vote for his party in the upcoming elections.

Gulen’s books draw large interest at Indonesia’s book fair

Fethullah Gulen’s books have attracted an immense attention at the Islamic Books Fair in Jakarta, Indonesia. Republika Publishing officials selling Gulen’s books at their stalls expressed their contentment over the high interest from fair visitors. Pak Ikbal, Republika Publishing’s director, said their stalls drew the most visitors at the fair. “The Honorable Gulen’s books attract great attention. Now we have realized what a great idea it was to translate his books into Indonesian. His “Questions and Answers” and “The Messenger of God: Muhammad” have sold out. These two have been among best sellers anyway. We have marked “best seller” on new editions of both.”

Final Declaration of the 32nd Abant International Forum “Freedom of Speech & Respect for the Sacred”

African Union HQ, 08-09 March 2014, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The 32nd Abant International Forum, in line with the recommendations of the 29th Forum with the theme “Africa: Between Experience and Inspiration” was convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 08-09 March 2014 to discuss the topic “Freedom of Speech and Respect for the Sacred”.