For years Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was a modest voice for progressive change in the tightly run, conservative Islamic kingdom. Even that got him in trouble.

But his disappearance last week in Istanbul, Turkey, amid accusations that he was kidnapped or murdered inside the Saudi consulate, has drawn attention to Khashoggi's rising calls for democratic reforms over the past year, which put him at odds with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's most powerful figure.

Here are excerpts from Khashoggi's recent interviews and writings.

- On Twitter, on November 29, 2017, after Prince Mohammed locked up dozens of businessmen and royals in a luxury hotel and demanded they hand over their fortunes:

"If a prince can pay $1 billion in return for his freedom, how much will a prisoner of conscience have to pay? How much will we all pay to get our freedom?"

- On Prince Mohammed's reform program, on Al Jazeera television, March 23, 2018:

"I still see him as a reformer, but he is gathering all power within his hand. And it would be much better for him to allow a breathing space for critics, for Saudi intellectuals, Saudi writers, Saudi media to debate.... As we speak today, there are Saudi intellectuals and journalists jailed. Now nobody will dare to speak and criticize..."

- On Prince Mohammed in The Guardian on March 6, 2018, writing with Robert Lacey:

"He appears to be moving the country from old-time religious extremism to his own 'You-must-accept-my-reform' extremism, without any consultation."

- In The Washington Post, on May 21, 2018, after the Riyadh regime arrested activists and branded them traitors:

"We are being asked to abandon any hope of political freedom, and to keep quiet about arrests and travel bans that impact not only the critics but also their families. We are expected to vigorously applaud social reforms and heap praise on the crown prince."

- Criticizing the Saudi war in Yemen, which is closely identified with Prince Mohammed, in The Washington Post on September 11, 2018:

"Saudi Arabia must face the damage from the past three-plus years of war in Yemen. .... Further continuation of the war in Yemen will validate voices saying that Saudi Arabia is doing in Yemen what Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the Russians and Iranians are doing in Syria."

- In an analysis of the Trump administration's plan for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, to the BBC on October 1, 2018:&nbsp;

"The Palestinian in Ramallah is much freer than me in Jeddah or Riyadh, he still can go on the street and demonstrate against the deal when I cannot do that."

For years Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was a modest voice for progressive change in the tightly run, conservative Islamic kingdom. Even that got him in trouble.

For years Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was a modest voice for progressive change in the tightly run, conservative Islamic kingdom. Even that got him in trouble. But his disappearance last week in Istanbul, Turkey, amid accusations that he was kidnapped or murdered inside the Saudi consulate, has drawn attention to Khashoggi's rising calls for democratic reforms over the past year, which put him at odds with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's most powerful figure. Here are excerpts from Khashoggi's recent interviews and writings. - On Twitter, on November 29, 2017, after Prince Mohammed locked up dozens of businessmen and royals in a luxury hotel and demanded they hand over their fortunes: "If a prince can pay $1 billion in return for his freedom, how much will a prisoner of conscience have to pay? How much will we all pay to get our freedom?" - On Prince Mohammed's reform program, on Al Jazeera television, March 23, 2018: "I still see him as a reformer, but he is gathering all power within his hand. And it would be much better for him to allow a breathing space for critics, for Saudi intellectuals, Saudi writers, Saudi media to debate.... As we speak today, there are Saudi intellectuals and journalists jailed. Now nobody will dare to speak and criticize..." - On Prince Mohammed in The Guardian on March 6, 2018, writing with Robert Lacey: "He appears to be moving the country from old-time religious extremism to his own 'You-must-accept-my-reform' extremism, without any consultation." - In The Washington Post, on May 21, 2018, after the Riyadh regime arrested activists and branded them traitors: "We are being asked to abandon any hope of political freedom, and to keep quiet about arrests and travel bans that impact not only the critics but also their families. We are expected to vigorously applaud social reforms and heap praise on the crown prince." - Criticizing the Saudi war in Yemen, which is closely identified with Prince Mohammed, in The Washington Post on September 11, 2018: "Saudi Arabia must face the damage from the past three-plus years of war in Yemen. .... Further continuation of the war in Yemen will validate voices saying that Saudi Arabia is doing in Yemen what Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the Russians and Iranians are doing in Syria." - In an analysis of the Trump administration's plan for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, to the BBC on October 1, 2018: "The Palestinian in Ramallah is much freer than me in Jeddah or Riyadh, he still can go on the street and demonstrate against the deal when I cannot do that."

Jamal Khashoggi's own words: What angers Saudi leaders

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday called on Riyadh to prove its claim that Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who has been missing since last week, left the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

The disappearance of Khashoggi, previously a prominent newspaper editor in Saudi Arabia and an adviser to its former head of intelligence, has sparked global concern, particularly after Turkish sources said over the weekend that authorities believed he was killed inside the consulate.

Khashoggi left Saudi Arabia last year, saying he feared retribution for his criticism of Saudi policy in the Yemen war and its crackdown on dissent. He entered the consulate in Istanbul last Tuesday to get documents for his forthcoming marriage. Saudi officials say he left shortly afterwards but his fiancee, who was waiting outside, said he never appeared.

"We have to get an outcome from this investigation as soon as possible. The consulate officials cannot save themselves by simply saying 'he has left'," Erdogan told a news conference in Budapest, where he is on an official visit.

Erdogan, who said he was personally following the case, added that Turkey had no documents or evidence regarding the case.

A Saudi source at the consulate has denied that Khashoggi had been killed at the mission and said that the accusations were baseless. The consulate has also denied that Khashoggi was abducted.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, in the first expression of concern by his administration on Khashoggi's disappearance, said he was troubled by reports about the journalist's fate.

"I am concerned about it. I don't like hearing about it. And hopefully, that will sort itself out. Right now nobody knows anything about it, but there are some pretty bad stories going around. I do not like it," he told reporters at the White House.

Khashoggi is a familiar face on political talk shows on Arab satellite television networks and used to advise Prince Turki al-Faisal, former Saudi intelligence chief and ambassador to the United States and Britain.

His disappearance is likely to further deepen divisions between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Relations were already strained after Turkey sent troops to the Gulf state of Qatar last year in a show of support after its Gulf neighbours, including Saudi Arabia, imposed an embargo on Doha.

Turkey asks to search

Turkey has asked for permission to search Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul, broadcaster NTV said on Monday.

A Turkish official also said Saudi Arabia's envoy to Ankara had been summoned to the foreign ministry for a second time on Sunday. "It has been conveyed to him that we expect full coordination in the investigation process," the official said.

The two Turkish sources told Reuters Turkish authorities to believe Khashoggi was deliberately killed inside the consulate, a view echoed by one of Erdogan's advisers, Yasin Aktay, who is also a friend of the Saudi journalist.

Erdogan told reporters on Sunday that authorities were examining camera footage and airport records as part of their investigation.

Saudi Arabia's consul in Istanbul opened up his mission to Reuters on Saturday in an effort to show that Khashoggi was not on the premises.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday called on Riyadh to prove its claim that Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who has been missing since last week, left the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday called on Riyadh to prove its claim that Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who has been missing since last week, left the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The disappearance of Khashoggi, previously a prominent newspaper editor in Saudi Arabia and an adviser to its former head of intelligence, has sparked global concern, particularly after Turkish sources said over the weekend that authorities believed he was killed inside the consulate. Khashoggi left Saudi Arabia last year, saying he feared retribution for his criticism of Saudi policy in the Yemen war and its crackdown on dissent. He entered the consulate in Istanbul last Tuesday to get documents for his forthcoming marriage. Saudi officials say he left shortly afterwards but his fiancee, who was waiting outside, said he never appeared. "We have to get an outcome from this investigation as soon as possible. The consulate officials cannot save themselves by simply saying 'he has left'," Erdogan told a news conference in Budapest, where he is on an official visit. Erdogan, who said he was personally following the case, added that Turkey had no documents or evidence regarding the case. A Saudi source at the consulate has denied that Khashoggi had been killed at the mission and said that the accusations were baseless. The consulate has also denied that Khashoggi was abducted. US President Donald Trump, in the first expression of concern by his administration on Khashoggi's disappearance, said he was troubled by reports about the journalist's fate. "I am concerned about it. I don't like hearing about it. And hopefully, that will sort itself out. Right now nobody knows anything about it, but there are some pretty bad stories going around. I do not like it," he told reporters at the White House. Khashoggi is a familiar face on political talk shows on Arab satellite television networks and used to advise Prince Turki al-Faisal, former Saudi intelligence chief and ambassador to the United States and Britain. His disappearance is likely to further deepen divisions between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Relations were already strained after Turkey sent troops to the Gulf state of Qatar last year in a show of support after its Gulf neighbours, including Saudi Arabia, imposed an embargo on Doha. Turkey asks to search Turkey has asked for permission to search Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul, broadcaster NTV said on Monday. A Turkish official also said Saudi Arabia's envoy to Ankara had been summoned to the foreign ministry for a second time on Sunday. "It has been conveyed to him that we expect full coordination in the investigation process," the official said. The two Turkish sources told Reuters Turkish authorities to believe Khashoggi was deliberately killed inside the consulate, a view echoed by one of Erdogan's advisers, Yasin Aktay, who is also a friend of the Saudi journalist. Erdogan told reporters on Sunday that authorities were examining camera footage and airport records as part of their investigation. Saudi Arabia's consul in Istanbul opened up his mission to Reuters on Saturday in an effort to show that Khashoggi was not on the premises.

Turkey's Erdogan tells Saudis to prove missing journalist left Istanbul consulate

A Saudi columnist remained missing on Friday as supporters rallied outside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul calling for his "release" despite Riyadh's denials that he was being held there.

Jamal Khashoggi, a contributor to the Washington Post, has not been found seen since he went to the Saudi mission on Tuesday to receive an official document for his marriage.

The Turkish-Arab Media Association (TAM) organised a rally in front of the consulate for Khashoggi, a former government adviser who has been critical of some policies of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Riyadh's intervention in the war in Yemen.

He has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since last year to avoid possible arrest.

"As journalists we are concerned by the fate of Jamal. We do not know if he is alive or not, and the statements by Saudi Arabia on the subject are far from satisfactory," Turan Kislakci, a friend of Khashoggi and TAM chief, said in a statement to supporters.

As Kislakci spoke, supporters held up images of the journalist, with the words "Free Jamal Khashoggi".

"We believe that Jamal Khashoggi is the consulate's 'host' and call for his immediate release, or to tell us where he is," Kislakci added.

According to his fiancee, a Turkish woman called Hatice A., Khashoggi went to the consulate and never re-emerged.

Ankara and Riyadh have given contradictory versions of the circumstances of Khashoggi's disappearance, with Turkish officials saying they believed he was still inside the consultate.

But Saudi Arabia claimed he had entered and then left the mission on Tuesday.

Yemeni activist and 2011 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Tawakkol Karman, hit out at the Saudi authorities and told AFP that she believed Khashoggi "was kidnapped in this gangster's den that is supposed to be a consulate".

"What we want is Jamal Khashoggi's release. He entered the building of the consulate, he has to come out of there safe and sound. And the Turkish government must assume its role and deal with the case of Jamal Khashoggi because Turkish sovereignty has been violated," she added.

Human Rights Watch called on Ankara to "deepen their investigation" into the journalist's whereabouts, saying his possible detention could "constitute an enforced disappearance" in a statement late Thursday.

"If Saudi authorities surreptitiously detained Khashoggi it would be yet another escalation of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman's reign of repression against peaceful dissidents and critics," Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at HRW, said.

A Saudi columnist remained missing on Friday as supporters rallied outside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul calling for his "release" despite Riyadh's denials that he was being held there.

A Saudi columnist remained missing on Friday as supporters rallied outside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul calling for his "release" despite Riyadh's denials that he was being held there. Jamal Khashoggi, a contributor to the Washington Post, has not been found seen since he went to the Saudi mission on Tuesday to receive an official document for his marriage. The Turkish-Arab Media Association (TAM) organised a rally in front of the consulate for Khashoggi, a former government adviser who has been critical of some policies of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Riyadh's intervention in the war in Yemen. He has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since last year to avoid possible arrest. "As journalists we are concerned by the fate of Jamal. We do not know if he is alive or not, and the statements by Saudi Arabia on the subject are far from satisfactory," Turan Kislakci, a friend of Khashoggi and TAM chief, said in a statement to supporters. As Kislakci spoke, supporters held up images of the journalist, with the words "Free Jamal Khashoggi". "We believe that Jamal Khashoggi is the consulate's 'host' and call for his immediate release, or to tell us where he is," Kislakci added. According to his fiancee, a Turkish woman called Hatice A., Khashoggi went to the consulate and never re-emerged. Ankara and Riyadh have given contradictory versions of the circumstances of Khashoggi's disappearance, with Turkish officials saying they believed he was still inside the consultate. But Saudi Arabia claimed he had entered and then left the mission on Tuesday. Yemeni activist and 2011 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Tawakkol Karman, hit out at the Saudi authorities and told AFP that she believed Khashoggi "was kidnapped in this gangster's den that is supposed to be a consulate". "What we want is Jamal Khashoggi's release. He entered the building of the consulate, he has to come out of there safe and sound. And the Turkish government must assume its role and deal with the case of Jamal Khashoggi because Turkish sovereignty has been violated," she added. Human Rights Watch called on Ankara to "deepen their investigation" into the journalist's whereabouts, saying his possible detention could "constitute an enforced disappearance" in a statement late Thursday. "If Saudi authorities surreptitiously detained Khashoggi it would be yet another escalation of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman's reign of repression against peaceful dissidents and critics," Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at HRW, said.

Supporters of missing Saudi journalist rally for his 'release'

By Bill Law

On October 2, Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi went into his country’s consulate in Istanbul. He has not been seen since. The Saudis claim he left the consulate the next day. But if that is true, why did he not immediately contact his fiancée who was waiting outside the building?

Turkish authorities say they have examined CCTV footage, and there is no evidence that Khashoggi did leave the consulate. They insist he is still inside, and, if that is the case, then he is being held against his will. The fear is that he may have already been spirited out of the country and flown to Saudi Arabia. The Saudis have a form for such shenanigans: In the past two years, three princes, members of the ruling House of Saud, have disappeared from European cities and turned up in Riyadh, victims of state-organised kidnappings.

Jamal Khashoggi has a long career as a distinguished journalist. In 2003, he was appointed editor-in-chief of the leading Saudi newspaper Al Watan. The job didn’t last long. Barely two months in, he was sacked for publishing articles critical of the conservative religious elite. His subsequent career followed the same trajectory. He is a brilliant journalist with a fiercely independent mind but with a wily pragmatism to know just how close to the red lines he could go. He returned to Al Watan in 2007 and managed to remain at its helm for three years. His general strategy was to survive in his post until an article that was just a tad too critical got him into trouble. Then he would lie low before re-emerging. That takes a great deal of courage, especially in a country like Saudi Arabia.

In 2010, Saudi business magnate Prince al-Waleed bin Talal asked Khashoggi to head his new media project, Al-Arab News Channel. It was envisioned as an independent, privately-funded Arabic news broadcaster, designed to offer objective, agenda-free coverage of current events in the region. Five years later it was finally launched in Bahrain’s capital Manama but was almost immediately shut down after airing an interview with a Bahraini opposition leader.

In September of 2017, Khashoggi, with other colleagues, left Saudi Arabia in the midst of a wave of arrests of clerics, academics and human rights activists. Amongst those arrested, and now facing charges that could lead to the death penalty, is the moderate cleric Salman al-Awdah.

Radical transformation

The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, or MBS as he is known, has embarked on a radical transformation of the Saudi economy and society called Vision 2030. Its intention is to wean the kingdom of oil dependency while at the same time creating a vibrant private sector with a diversified economy. And while Vision 2030 talks a good deal about transparency and fulfilling the wishes of the people, in reality, the model that MBS likes best is China’s, with its command economy controlled by an elite shaping a society where criticism is fiercely repressed.

Mohammed bin Salman followed up on the September 2017 arrests with what was called a campaign against corruption. Over 200 leading businessmen, including Waleed bin Talal, as well as senior members of the ruling family, were detained in a series of raids in November of last year. They were held at Riyadh’s five-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel and only released after agreeing to turn over the bulk of their assets and control of their companies to the government. Though the authorities claimed due process was followed, it was, in fact, a classic shakedown.

MBS had generated favourable global headlines with his decision to allow women to drive. However as the deadline approached in June of this year, he proceeded to arrest women activists who had campaigned for their rights. The message was clear: It wasn’t the pressure of activists that led to the decision, it was only the generosity of the crown prince that enabled the only women in the world banned from driving to finally be allowed to get behind the wheel.

Further arrests followed, including that of Samar Badawi, the sister of the jailed blogger Raif Badawi. Raif’s wife had fled to Canada with their children in 2012, and they are now Canadian citizens. When the government of Canada protested Samar’s arrest, as well as that of other women activists, the Saudis reacted with fury. Claiming infringement on their sovereignty, they recalled their ambassador, gave his Canadian counterpart 24 hours to get out of Riyadh and froze all new business and investment deals. Thousands of Saudi students studying at Canadian universities were ordered to come home.

In September, in a move with eerie and disturbing echoes of Stalinism, satire was banned: “Producing and distributing content that ridicules, mocks, provokes and disrupts public order, religious values and public morals through social media … will be considered a cybercrime punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of three million riyals ($800,000),” the kingdom’s public prosecution announced in a tweet.

And now Jamal Khashoggi has disappeared. In his first article for The Washington Post after leaving the kingdom, he had written: “My friends and I living abroad feel helpless. We want our country to thrive and to see the 2030 Vision realized. We are not opposed to our government and care deeply about Saudi Arabia. It is the only home we know or want. Yet we are the enemy.”

Repression deepens

Indeed as Vision 2030 shows signs of faltering, repression deepens. One of the ironies of the Mohammed bin Salman regime — and for those affected, it is a cruel one — is that individuals who were supportive of the vision very quickly fell under the suspicious gaze of this impetuous young man who started to see enemies everywhere.

The message that the young crown prince strives to impart in the West, at least, is that the kingdom is open for business; that it has returned to moderate Islam; allowed movie theatres to open; that it displays progressive thinking by, for example, granting women the right to drive; but arrests the women activists who campaigned for that right. The disconnect between many of the good economic reforms MBS wants to secure and the way he is using his power to crush dissent grows ever wider by the day. And it begs the question, What is he afraid of?

Was he worried that women campaigners, by seeking more rights, would undermine his authority? Did he think that Salman al-Awdah, with his 14 million Twitter followers, would seek to turn them against him? Did he fear that a fearless journalist writing for an influential Washington publication would weaken his standing in DC?

All of these people supported Vision 2030. They could have been his allies as he launched this bold and necessary project to transform the country. Instead, as Jamal Khashoggi wrote, he treated them as if they were the enemy. These are the anxieties not of a powerful leader, but of a man who is, in point of fact, displaying grave weakness.

I fear for Jamal Khashoggi, who went to the Saudi embassy in Istanbul in good faith. He is a good man and a fine journalist. His is a voice of reasoned criticism and wise comment that the Saudi crown prince should listen to. The thought that he might be forcibly repatriated back to the kingdom to face charges that could lead to a long prison sentence, or worse, fills me with dread. So I hope that good sense and common decency will prevail and he will be allowed to leave.

(Bill Law is an award-winning journalist)

(This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/jamal-khashoggi-disappearance-istanbul-saudi-arabia-mohammed-bin-salman-middle-east-news-headlines-72519/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Bill Law On October 2, Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi went into his country’s consulate in Istanbul. He has not been seen since. The Saudis claim he left the consulate the next day.

By Bill Law On October 2, Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi went into his country’s consulate in Istanbul. He has not been seen since. The Saudis claim he left the consulate the next day. But if that is true, why did he not immediately contact his fiancée who was waiting outside the building? Turkish authorities say they have examined CCTV footage, and there is no evidence that Khashoggi did leave the consulate. They insist he is still inside, and, if that is the case, then he is being held against his will. The fear is that he may have already been spirited out of the country and flown to Saudi Arabia. The Saudis have a form for such shenanigans: In the past two years, three princes, members of the ruling House of Saud, have disappeared from European cities and turned up in Riyadh, victims of state-organised kidnappings. Jamal Khashoggi has a long career as a distinguished journalist. In 2003, he was appointed editor-in-chief of the leading Saudi newspaper Al Watan. The job didn’t last long. Barely two months in, he was sacked for publishing articles critical of the conservative religious elite. His subsequent career followed the same trajectory. He is a brilliant journalist with a fiercely independent mind but with a wily pragmatism to know just how close to the red lines he could go. He returned to Al Watan in 2007 and managed to remain at its helm for three years. His general strategy was to survive in his post until an article that was just a tad too critical got him into trouble. Then he would lie low before re-emerging. That takes a great deal of courage, especially in a country like Saudi Arabia. In 2010, Saudi business magnate Prince al-Waleed bin Talal asked Khashoggi to head his new media project, Al-Arab News Channel. It was envisioned as an independent, privately-funded Arabic news broadcaster, designed to offer objective, agenda-free coverage of current events in the region. Five years later it was finally launched in Bahrain’s capital Manama but was almost immediately shut down after airing an interview with a Bahraini opposition leader. In September of 2017, Khashoggi, with other colleagues, left Saudi Arabia in the midst of a wave of arrests of clerics, academics and human rights activists. Amongst those arrested, and now facing charges that could lead to the death penalty, is the moderate cleric Salman al-Awdah. Radical transformation The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, or MBS as he is known, has embarked on a radical transformation of the Saudi economy and society called Vision 2030. Its intention is to wean the kingdom of oil dependency while at the same time creating a vibrant private sector with a diversified economy. And while Vision 2030 talks a good deal about transparency and fulfilling the wishes of the people, in reality, the model that MBS likes best is China’s, with its command economy controlled by an elite shaping a society where criticism is fiercely repressed. Mohammed bin Salman followed up on the September 2017 arrests with what was called a campaign against corruption. Over 200 leading businessmen, including Waleed bin Talal, as well as senior members of the ruling family, were detained in a series of raids in November of last year. They were held at Riyadh’s five-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel and only released after agreeing to turn over the bulk of their assets and control of their companies to the government. Though the authorities claimed due process was followed, it was, in fact, a classic shakedown. MBS had generated favourable global headlines with his decision to allow women to drive. However as the deadline approached in June of this year, he proceeded to arrest women activists who had campaigned for their rights. The message was clear: It wasn’t the pressure of activists that led to the decision, it was only the generosity of the crown prince that enabled the only women in the world banned from driving to finally be allowed to get behind the wheel. Further arrests followed, including that of Samar Badawi, the sister of the jailed blogger Raif Badawi. Raif’s wife had fled to Canada with their children in 2012, and they are now Canadian citizens. When the government of Canada protested Samar’s arrest, as well as that of other women activists, the Saudis reacted with fury. Claiming infringement on their sovereignty, they recalled their ambassador, gave his Canadian counterpart 24 hours to get out of Riyadh and froze all new business and investment deals. Thousands of Saudi students studying at Canadian universities were ordered to come home. In September, in a move with eerie and disturbing echoes of Stalinism, satire was banned: “Producing and distributing content that ridicules, mocks, provokes and disrupts public order, religious values and public morals through social media … will be considered a cybercrime punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of three million riyals ($800,000),” the kingdom’s public prosecution announced in a tweet. And now Jamal Khashoggi has disappeared. In his first article for The Washington Post after leaving the kingdom, he had written: “My friends and I living abroad feel helpless. We want our country to thrive and to see the 2030 Vision realized. We are not opposed to our government and care deeply about Saudi Arabia. It is the only home we know or want. Yet we are the enemy.” Repression deepens Indeed as Vision 2030 shows signs of faltering, repression deepens. One of the ironies of the Mohammed bin Salman regime — and for those affected, it is a cruel one — is that individuals who were supportive of the vision very quickly fell under the suspicious gaze of this impetuous young man who started to see enemies everywhere. The message that the young crown prince strives to impart in the West, at least, is that the kingdom is open for business; that it has returned to moderate Islam; allowed movie theatres to open; that it displays progressive thinking by, for example, granting women the right to drive; but arrests the women activists who campaigned for that right. The disconnect between many of the good economic reforms MBS wants to secure and the way he is using his power to crush dissent grows ever wider by the day. And it begs the question, What is he afraid of? Was he worried that women campaigners, by seeking more rights, would undermine his authority? Did he think that Salman al-Awdah, with his 14 million Twitter followers, would seek to turn them against him? Did he fear that a fearless journalist writing for an influential Washington publication would weaken his standing in DC? All of these people supported Vision 2030. They could have been his allies as he launched this bold and necessary project to transform the country. Instead, as Jamal Khashoggi wrote, he treated them as if they were the enemy. These are the anxieties not of a powerful leader, but of a man who is, in point of fact, displaying grave weakness. I fear for Jamal Khashoggi, who went to the Saudi embassy in Istanbul in good faith. He is a good man and a fine journalist. His is a voice of reasoned criticism and wise comment that the Saudi crown prince should listen to. The thought that he might be forcibly repatriated back to the kingdom to face charges that could lead to a long prison sentence, or worse, fills me with dread. So I hope that good sense and common decency will prevail and he will be allowed to leave. (Bill Law is an award-winning journalist) (This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi confirms a dangerous trend

Mystery surrounded the whereabouts of a prominent Saudi critic on Thursday after Riyadh announced he had left their consulate in Istanbul -- but Turkey and his fiancee said he had not been heard from since entering the building.

Jamal Khashoggi, a contributor to the Washington Post, went to the Saudi consulate on Tuesday to receive an official document for his marriage.

His fiancee reported him missing after the journalist, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the US since last year to avoid possible arrest, was not seen to emerge.

The former government adviser, has been critical of some policies of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Riyadh's intervention in the war in Yemen.

After an initial period of silence Saudi Arabia said the consulate was working with Turkish authorities "to uncover the circumstances of the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi after he left the consulate building" in a statement published Thursday by the state-run SPA news agency.

A senior Turkish official, however, said on Wednesday the journalist was being held at the consulate.

"According to information we have, this individual who is a Saudi national is still at the Istanbul consulate of Saudi Arabia," presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin told reporters in Ankara.

He said the Turkish foreign ministry and police were closely monitoring the case, adding that Ankara was in touch with Saudi officials.&nbsp;

Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee has been waiting outside the consulate since Wednesday morning.

"I haven't received any news from him since 1 pm (1000 GMT) on Tuesday," 36-year-old Hatice, who would not give her family name, told AFP as she stood near barricades.

She said Khashoggi had left his mobile phone with her.

"We want to know his whereabouts. Where is Jamal?" she said. "We want him to come out of the consulate safe and sound."

'Very concerned'&nbsp;

The US State Department said it was investigating the matter.

"We... are very concerned about where he may be," the Washington Post's international opinions editor, Eli Lopez, said in a statement late Tuesday.

"It would be unfair and outrageous if he has been detained for his work as a journalist and commentator," Lopez said.

Turan Kislakci, a friend of Khashoggi and head of the Turkish-Arab Media Association, told AFP: "We are certain that Jamal is being held inside unless the consulate has a tunnel."

Hatice said Khashoggi had gone to the consulate to obtain documents for their own marriage to prove he was not married.

Reporters Without Borders said Khashoggi's disappearance was "extremely worrying," calling on Saudi and Turkish authorities "to do everything to ensure that this journalist reappears – free –- as soon as possible."

The Committee to Protect Journalists said the Saudi's disappearance was a cause for alarm "given the Saudi authorities' pattern of quietly detaining critical journalists".

In an article written for the Post in September 2017, Khashoggi wrote: "When I speak of the fear, intimidation, arrests and public shaming of intellectuals and religious leaders who dare to speak their minds, and then I tell you that I'm from Saudi Arabia, are you surprised?"

At about the same time, Khashoggi said he had been banned from contributing to the Al-Hayat daily, owned by Saudi Prince Khaled bin Sultan al-Saud.

The writer admitted to defending the Muslim Brotherhood, which did not appear to please the newspaper.

While Riyadh classifies the Brotherhood as a "terrorist organisation", Turkey is one of the group's main supporters.

The hashtag "#kidnappingofJamalKhashoggi" was one of the most shared in Arabic on Twitter since Tuesday evening.

Saudi Arabia, which ranks 169th out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index issued by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has launched a modernisation campaign since the 2017 appointment of Prince Mohammed as heir to the throne.

But the ultra-conservative kingdom, which won plaudits in June for lifting a ban on women driving, has drawn heavy criticism for its handling of dissent.

Khashoggi once said that before he left the kingdom, the Saudi government banned him from Twitter for warning "against an overly enthusiastic embrace of then-president-elect Donald Trump".

He is one of the rare Saudi journalists to condemn repression in the country. In one of his last tweets, he criticised the lawsuit filed against a Saudi economist, Essam al-Zamel, after his arrest by Saudi authorities.

Mystery surrounded the whereabouts of a prominent Saudi critic on Thursday after Riyadh announced he had left their consulate in Istanbul -- but Turkey and his fiancee said he had not been heard from since entering the building.

Mystery surrounded the whereabouts of a prominent Saudi critic on Thursday after Riyadh announced he had left their consulate in Istanbul -- but Turkey and his fiancee said he had not been heard from since entering the building. Jamal Khashoggi, a contributor to the Washington Post, went to the Saudi consulate on Tuesday to receive an official document for his marriage. His fiancee reported him missing after the journalist, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the US since last year to avoid possible arrest, was not seen to emerge. The former government adviser, has been critical of some policies of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Riyadh's intervention in the war in Yemen. After an initial period of silence Saudi Arabia said the consulate was working with Turkish authorities "to uncover the circumstances of the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi after he left the consulate building" in a statement published Thursday by the state-run SPA news agency. A senior Turkish official, however, said on Wednesday the journalist was being held at the consulate. "According to information we have, this individual who is a Saudi national is still at the Istanbul consulate of Saudi Arabia," presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin told reporters in Ankara. He said the Turkish foreign ministry and police were closely monitoring the case, adding that Ankara was in touch with Saudi officials. Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee has been waiting outside the consulate since Wednesday morning. "I haven't received any news from him since 1 pm (1000 GMT) on Tuesday," 36-year-old Hatice, who would not give her family name, told AFP as she stood near barricades. She said Khashoggi had left his mobile phone with her. "We want to know his whereabouts. Where is Jamal?" she said. "We want him to come out of the consulate safe and sound." 'Very concerned' The US State Department said it was investigating the matter. "We... are very concerned about where he may be," the Washington Post's international opinions editor, Eli Lopez, said in a statement late Tuesday. "It would be unfair and outrageous if he has been detained for his work as a journalist and commentator," Lopez said. Turan Kislakci, a friend of Khashoggi and head of the Turkish-Arab Media Association, told AFP: "We are certain that Jamal is being held inside unless the consulate has a tunnel." Hatice said Khashoggi had gone to the consulate to obtain documents for their own marriage to prove he was not married. Reporters Without Borders said Khashoggi's disappearance was "extremely worrying," calling on Saudi and Turkish authorities "to do everything to ensure that this journalist reappears – free –- as soon as possible." The Committee to Protect Journalists said the Saudi's disappearance was a cause for alarm "given the Saudi authorities' pattern of quietly detaining critical journalists". In an article written for the Post in September 2017, Khashoggi wrote: "When I speak of the fear, intimidation, arrests and public shaming of intellectuals and religious leaders who dare to speak their minds, and then I tell you that I'm from Saudi Arabia, are you surprised?" At about the same time, Khashoggi said he had been banned from contributing to the Al-Hayat daily, owned by Saudi Prince Khaled bin Sultan al-Saud. The writer admitted to defending the Muslim Brotherhood, which did not appear to please the newspaper. While Riyadh classifies the Brotherhood as a "terrorist organisation", Turkey is one of the group's main supporters. The hashtag "#kidnappingofJamalKhashoggi" was one of the most shared in Arabic on Twitter since Tuesday evening. Saudi Arabia, which ranks 169th out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index issued by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has launched a modernisation campaign since the 2017 appointment of Prince Mohammed as heir to the throne. But the ultra-conservative kingdom, which won plaudits in June for lifting a ban on women driving, has drawn heavy criticism for its handling of dissent. Khashoggi once said that before he left the kingdom, the Saudi government banned him from Twitter for warning "against an overly enthusiastic embrace of then-president-elect Donald Trump". He is one of the rare Saudi journalists to condemn repression in the country. In one of his last tweets, he criticised the lawsuit filed against a Saudi economist, Essam al-Zamel, after his arrest by Saudi authorities.

Mystery surrounds Saudi journalist's consulate disappearance

The new international airport in Istanbul, one of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's signature mega projects, will open as scheduled on October 29 despite a workers' strike, he said Sunday.

"The opening date is October 29, tests have been carried out... the terminal building is ready, the runways are really beautiful," Erdogan told journalists.

Hundreds of workers building what will be Istanbul's third airport went on strike recently to protest work-related deaths and poor conditions.&nbsp;

But authorities launched a crackdown, arresting 500, unions said.

The problems stoked speculation the airport opening could be pushed back to December 31 but Erdogan rejected any talk of delay.

"There is no such thing," Erdogan said, who visited the site on Saturday.

At the same time, he announced that Ataturk Airport, due to be replaced by the new facility, would not be closed immediately for redevelopment.

"Ataturk Airport is not going to halt activity all at once, there will be a transition period," the president said.

The Turkish government has claimed the new aiport, on the European side of Istanbul, will be "the biggest in the world."

Initially, it will handle up to 90 million passengers a year, rising to 150 million by 2023, it says.

Some 35,000 people are employed on the project including 3,000 engineers and administrative staff. 
&nbsp;

The new international airport in Istanbul, one of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's signature mega projects, will open as scheduled on October 29 despite a workers' strike, he said Sunday.

The new international airport in Istanbul, one of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's signature mega projects, will open as scheduled on October 29 despite a workers' strike, he said Sunday. "The opening date is October 29, tests have been carried out... the terminal building is ready, the runways are really beautiful," Erdogan told journalists. Hundreds of workers building what will be Istanbul's third airport went on strike recently to protest work-related deaths and poor conditions. But authorities launched a crackdown, arresting 500, unions said. The problems stoked speculation the airport opening could be pushed back to December 31 but Erdogan rejected any talk of delay. "There is no such thing," Erdogan said, who visited the site on Saturday. At the same time, he announced that Ataturk Airport, due to be replaced by the new facility, would not be closed immediately for redevelopment. "Ataturk Airport is not going to halt activity all at once, there will be a transition period," the president said. The Turkish government has claimed the new aiport, on the European side of Istanbul, will be "the biggest in the world." Initially, it will handle up to 90 million passengers a year, rising to 150 million by 2023, it says. Some 35,000 people are employed on the project including 3,000 engineers and administrative staff.

Istanbul's new airport will open despite workers' strike: Erdogan

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan has said ride hailing app Uber is finished in Turkey, following pressure from Istanbul taxi drivers who said it was providing an illegal service and called for it to be banned.

About 17,400 taxis operate in Istanbul, home to about a fifth of Turkey's population of 81 million people, and since Uber entered the country in 2014 tensions have risen sharply.

Erdogan's statement came after new regulations were announced in recent weeks tightening transport licensing requirements, making it more difficult for drivers to register with Uber and threatening a two-year ban for violations.

"This thing called Uber emerged. That business is finished. That does not exist anymore," he said in a speech in Istanbul late on Friday.

"We have our taxi system. Where does this (Uber) come from? It is used in Europe, I do not care about that. We will decide by ourselves," added Erdogan, who is running for re-election in three weeks.

Uber had no immediate response to his comment. After the transport licensing changes were announced it said it wanted to work with all sides to improve transport and to be "a true partner to Turkey for the long term".

Uber said that about 2,000 yellow cab drivers use its app to find customers, while another 5,000 work for UberXL, using large vans to transport groups to parties, or take people with bulky luggage to Istanbul's airports.

It declined to reveal the number of Uber users in Turkey, where it operates in Istanbul, and in the resort towns of Bodrum and Cesme in the summer months.

Earlier this year, Istanbul's taxi drivers took Uber to court accusing it of hindering their business and operating illegally.

Several reports said that Uber vehicles, drivers and customers were either mistreated, threatened or faced violence by yellow taxi drivers.

Erdogan's statement came following pressure from Istanbul's taxi drivers who said Uber was providing an illegal service and called for it to be banned

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan has said ride hailing app Uber is finished in Turkey, following pressure from Istanbul taxi drivers who said it was providing an illegal service and called for it to be banned. About 17,400 taxis operate in Istanbul, home to about a fifth of Turkey's population of 81 million people, and since Uber entered the country in 2014 tensions have risen sharply. Erdogan's statement came after new regulations were announced in recent weeks tightening transport licensing requirements, making it more difficult for drivers to register with Uber and threatening a two-year ban for violations. "This thing called Uber emerged. That business is finished. That does not exist anymore," he said in a speech in Istanbul late on Friday. "We have our taxi system. Where does this (Uber) come from? It is used in Europe, I do not care about that. We will decide by ourselves," added Erdogan, who is running for re-election in three weeks. Uber had no immediate response to his comment. After the transport licensing changes were announced it said it wanted to work with all sides to improve transport and to be "a true partner to Turkey for the long term". Uber said that about 2,000 yellow cab drivers use its app to find customers, while another 5,000 work for UberXL, using large vans to transport groups to parties, or take people with bulky luggage to Istanbul's airports. It declined to reveal the number of Uber users in Turkey, where it operates in Istanbul, and in the resort towns of Bodrum and Cesme in the summer months. Earlier this year, Istanbul's taxi drivers took Uber to court accusing it of hindering their business and operating illegally. Several reports said that Uber vehicles, drivers and customers were either mistreated, threatened or faced violence by yellow taxi drivers.

Uber's 'business is finished' in Turkey, says Erdogan

A 58-year-old NRI man, holding a Russian passport, was arrested at the Delhi airport today after an Indian woman alleged that he had masturbated sitting beside her on board a flight from Istanbul, officials said.

The security control room at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport was informed in the early hours today that there was an "unruly passenger" on board a Turkish Airlines flight approaching Delhi.

Personnel of the CISF, which guards the airport, reached the flight (TK-716) upon landing and were informed that the Indian woman had, in the meantime, made a distress call to the Delhi Police alleging sexual harassment by a co-passenger.

"It was learnt that the male passenger, an NRI holding Russian passport, was sitting next to the woman in the flight and allegedly unzipped his trouser and started masturbating in front of her," a senior official said.

When the woman complained to the cabin crew, the male passenger was shifted to another seat, he said.

When the woman complained to the cabin crew, the male passenger was shifted to another seat, he said.

The man was later handed over to the Delhi Police, which reached the Terminal-III area of the airport. He has been booked under Section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the IPC and arrested, police said.

The 58-year-old man holds a Russian passport. An Indian woman alleged that he had masturbated in front of her on board a flight from Istanbul

A 58-year-old NRI man, holding a Russian passport, was arrested at the Delhi airport today after an Indian woman alleged that he had masturbated sitting beside her on board a flight from Istanbul, officials said. The security control room at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport was informed in the early hours today that there was an "unruly passenger" on board a Turkish Airlines flight approaching Delhi. Personnel of the CISF, which guards the airport, reached the flight (TK-716) upon landing and were informed that the Indian woman had, in the meantime, made a distress call to the Delhi Police alleging sexual harassment by a co-passenger. "It was learnt that the male passenger, an NRI holding Russian passport, was sitting next to the woman in the flight and allegedly unzipped his trouser and started masturbating in front of her," a senior official said. When the woman complained to the cabin crew, the male passenger was shifted to another seat, he said. When the woman complained to the cabin crew, the male passenger was shifted to another seat, he said. The man was later handed over to the Delhi Police, which reached the Terminal-III area of the airport. He has been booked under Section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the IPC and arrested, police said.

NRI arrested for allegedly masturbating in front of woman on Delhi-bound flight

Over 200,000 Turks poured into the streets in Istanbul on Friday for a massive rally denouncing the killings of more than 60 Palestinians by Israeli forces during demonstrations against the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem early this week.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and some delegates to an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joined the rally at Yenikapi Square, where Turkish and Palestinian flags were waved by the crowd.

Addressing the rally, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah urged the world and Islamic countries to protect Jerusalem, whose status is a thorny issue in the long-running conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

At least 63 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were killed and about 2,800 wounded over the past few days in confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters against the US's embassy move to Jerusalem.

As a&nbspshow of solidarity, the crowd chanted slogans like "Palestine is not alone" and "We stand for Jerusalem," carrying banners that read, "The world is blind, the world is deaf."

Addressing the rally, Erdogan said that not only the Islamic world but the entire world has failed in the Jerusalem cause.

He blamed the UN for being just an "onlooker to Israel's all unfair, unlawful actions" and not taking a resolute stance against Washington's embassy move.

Turkey has, among others, recalled its ambassadors from Tel Aviv and Washington and called for an urgent OIC meeting in response to the inauguration of the US embassy in Jerusalem and the killings of Palestinians at the hands of Israeli forces on Monday.

During the rally in Istanbul, the crowd chanted slogans like "Palestine is not alone" and "We stand for Jerusalem," carrying banners that read, "The world is blind, the world is deaf."

At least 63 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were killed and about 2,800 wounded over the past few days in confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters against the US's embassy move to Jerusalem

Over 200,000 Turks poured into the streets in Istanbul on Friday for a massive rally denouncing the killings of more than 60 Palestinians by Israeli forces during demonstrations against the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem early this week. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and some delegates to an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joined the rally at Yenikapi Square, where Turkish and Palestinian flags were waved by the crowd. Addressing the rally, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah urged the world and Islamic countries to protect Jerusalem, whose status is a thorny issue in the long-running conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. At least 63 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were killed and about 2,800 wounded over the past few days in confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters against the US's embassy move to Jerusalem. As a&nbspshow of solidarity, the crowd chanted slogans like "Palestine is not alone" and "We stand for Jerusalem," carrying banners that read, "The world is blind, the world is deaf." Addressing the rally, Erdogan said that not only the Islamic world but the entire world has failed in the Jerusalem cause. He blamed the UN for being just an "onlooker to Israel's all unfair, unlawful actions" and not taking a resolute stance against Washington's embassy move. Turkey has, among others, recalled its ambassadors from Tel Aviv and Washington and called for an urgent OIC meeting in response to the inauguration of the US embassy in Jerusalem and the killings of Palestinians at the hands of Israeli forces on Monday. During the rally in Istanbul, the crowd chanted slogans like "Palestine is not alone" and "We stand for Jerusalem," carrying banners that read, "The world is blind, the world is deaf."

Mass rally held in Istanbul against Israeli killings of Palestinians

I thought landing in Istanbul would be an experience. It turned out to be a banal exercise. Routine and well-practised.&nbsp;

I reached my hotel quickly. A hotel belonging to the same chain exists in NOIDA too.&nbsp;

In Turkey, a narrow strip of water — the Bosphorus Strait — divides Asia from Europe.&nbsp;

I was amused to find later that the two sides also reflects the cultural differences between the two sides. As my guide confessed to me, alcohol is served more widely on the European side. (I had packed a bottle to be on the safe side but fortunately, my hotel was on the European side.)&nbsp;

The Asian side seemed older and traditional, the European more cosmopolitan.&nbsp;

 
A vague idea of India

Istanbul has a vague idea of India.&nbsp;

At a posh eatery near the waterfront, I met a man at lunch who spoke about the late filmmaker Raj Kapoor, and the bane of Hindi cinema.&nbsp;

When I enquired about the "bane", he said "length".&nbsp;

"Either you are a Pakistani or an Indian,” he said as we started to chat.&nbsp;

I wasn’t pleased. But the conversation quickly veered to vegetarian food, a big concern for my wife.&nbsp;

On the one hand, I savoured the moment of being identified as Indian while on the other, I was miffed for being clubbed with the Pakistanis. But then these are the small and beautiful mercies of globalisation, when it becomes difficult for the other to treat you like an alien.&nbsp;

 
'Dikkat', which means 'difficulty' or 'to stop' 
 
The word "dikkat", which means "difficulty" in Hindi and Urdu, means "to stop" in Turkish.&nbsp;

The word was not alien to me. I understood what it meant. It was in front of a kebab shop and I didn’t feel too "nationalistic" about ownership of it.&nbsp;

Deep down, I knew that like chocolate, potato, biryani and many other things, this too came from faraway lands but we made them our own by spicing them up.&nbsp;

We bettered them.&nbsp;

<img alt="istanbul3.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/istanbul3.jpg" width="770" />

<img alt="istanbul2.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/istanbul2.jpg" width="770" />

<img alt="istanbul4.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/istanbul4.jpg" width="770" />

 
Who are we, and how did we become this way?&nbsp; 
The news on TV was filled with talk about Syrian immigrants, the Iran deal and oil. Some of it was inward-looking.&nbsp;

With liberalism in retreat throughout the world, "strong" leaders have emerged through the ballot box who are now asserting their economic and cultural nationalism. Turkey is one example. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Similar debates pepper the popular media in India.&nbsp;

Most of the debates are about who we are without understanding how we became this way because of constant interaction with the world. We are becoming insular. Inward looking.&nbsp;

A case in point is whether India became modern under the Marathas or the Mughals? Absolutely not. Would we have been richer without cultural interaction or poorer? Obviously poorer. 
&nbsp; 
Turkey stands at the confluence of two continents. Did it become poorer by cultural intercourse or richer? Absorbing all those influences made them prosperou.&nbsp;

Though their transition to modernity was preceded by the collapse of the Ottomon empire, a nation with a wider worldview was already shaping up under Ataturk.

Today, debate in India is only about who we are.&nbsp;

Who are we? What makes us a nation? Is it culture or constitution?&nbsp;

The debate continues.&nbsp;

The debate is polarising and insular.&nbsp;

Despite nations being the most workable system, they are not cast in stone. They can wither away. 
&nbsp;

Indebted to globalisation

So, to not be treated as an alien in Istanbul, I truly felt indebted to globalisation. 
&nbsp; 
Today, globalisation is a maligned word. In this world of economic and cultural nationalism, it was good to be culturally acknowledged and accepted as different.&nbsp;

With all due respect, Istanbul's Spice Market looked like an upgraded version of Palika Bazar but the fact that 10 percent of the shopkeepers there knew Hindi was good enough for me.

In an ever-changing world, we are becoming more and more culturally insular. Our quest is not to discover the other but to find sameness in a faraway land. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
At a time like this, if India turns insular, then it should not aspire to be a world leader.&nbsp;

More initiatives were taken under a Nehru when India’s economy counted for nothing on the world stage. 
&nbsp; 
The question to be debated is whether political and cultural insularity will help India?&nbsp;

Doesn’t this country need to be intellectually connected with wider world issues, rather than worrying about who we are, who we&nbsp;were and what are the purest elements of the Indian identity.

In Turkey, a narrow strip of water — the Bosphorus Strait — divides Asia from Europe. Cultural differences show up on either side

I thought landing in Istanbul would be an experience. It turned out to be a banal exercise. Routine and well-practised. I reached my hotel quickly. A hotel belonging to the same chain exists in NOIDA too. In Turkey, a narrow strip of water — the Bosphorus Strait — divides Asia from Europe. I was amused to find later that the two sides also reflects the cultural differences between the two sides. As my guide confessed to me, alcohol is served more widely on the European side. (I had packed a bottle to be on the safe side but fortunately, my hotel was on the European side.) The Asian side seemed older and traditional, the European more cosmopolitan. A vague idea of India Istanbul has a vague idea of India. At a posh eatery near the waterfront, I met a man at lunch who spoke about the late filmmaker Raj Kapoor, and the bane of Hindi cinema. When I enquired about the "bane", he said "length". "Either you are a Pakistani or an Indian,” he said as we started to chat. I wasn’t pleased. But the conversation quickly veered to vegetarian food, a big concern for my wife. On the one hand, I savoured the moment of being identified as Indian while on the other, I was miffed for being clubbed with the Pakistanis. But then these are the small and beautiful mercies of globalisation, when it becomes difficult for the other to treat you like an alien. 'Dikkat', which means 'difficulty' or 'to stop' The word "dikkat", which means "difficulty" in Hindi and Urdu, means "to stop" in Turkish. The word was not alien to me. I understood what it meant. It was in front of a kebab shop and I didn’t feel too "nationalistic" about ownership of it. Deep down, I knew that like chocolate, potato, biryani and many other things, this too came from faraway lands but we made them our own by spicing them up. We bettered them. Who are we, and how did we become this way? The news on TV was filled with talk about Syrian immigrants, the Iran deal and oil. Some of it was inward-looking. With liberalism in retreat throughout the world, "strong" leaders have emerged through the ballot box who are now asserting their economic and cultural nationalism. Turkey is one example. Similar debates pepper the popular media in India. Most of the debates are about who we are without understanding how we became this way because of constant interaction with the world. We are becoming insular. Inward looking. A case in point is whether India became modern under the Marathas or the Mughals? Absolutely not. Would we have been richer without cultural interaction or poorer? Obviously poorer. Turkey stands at the confluence of two continents. Did it become poorer by cultural intercourse or richer? Absorbing all those influences made them prosperou. Though their transition to modernity was preceded by the collapse of the Ottomon empire, a nation with a wider worldview was already shaping up under Ataturk. Today, debate in India is only about who we are. Who are we? What makes us a nation? Is it culture or constitution? The debate continues. The debate is polarising and insular. Despite nations being the most workable system, they are not cast in stone. They can wither away. Indebted to globalisation So, to not be treated as an alien in Istanbul, I truly felt indebted to globalisation. Today, globalisation is a maligned word. In this world of economic and cultural nationalism, it was good to be culturally acknowledged and accepted as different. With all due respect, Istanbul's Spice Market looked like an upgraded version of Palika Bazar but the fact that 10 percent of the shopkeepers there knew Hindi was good enough for me. In an ever-changing world, we are becoming more and more culturally insular. Our quest is not to discover the other but to find sameness in a faraway land. At a time like this, if India turns insular, then it should not aspire to be a world leader. More initiatives were taken under a Nehru when India’s economy counted for nothing on the world stage. The question to be debated is whether political and cultural insularity will help India? Doesn’t this country need to be intellectually connected with wider world issues, rather than worrying about who we are, who we were and what are the purest elements of the Indian identity.

Istanbul diary: Small mercies of globalisation

A fire at a hospital in Istanbul on Thursday rapidly engulfed the building's exterior cladding, but officials said it had not spread inside and there were no reports of casualties.

Television footage appeared to show the fire starting on the roof of the Gaziosmanpasa Taksim Educational and Research Hospital, before flames quickly swept down one side of the building. Black smoke could be seen from several miles away.

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A massive fire has erupted at Taksim hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Several floors of the hospital are on fire. <a href="https://t.co/GP4YClA0yk">pic.twitter.com/GP4YClA0yk</a>
— Δ B I K Δ (@realAbikaTrader) <a href="https://twitter.com/realAbikaTrader/status/981908643363799041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The fire has been partly brought under control. In terms of casualties, there are none so far," Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin told CNN Turk, adding that 70 patients were evacuated.

"There is no fire inside the building," he said. "The fire erupted on the exterior of the building, but there is of course smoke inside."

Fire chief Ali Karahan said that doctors in the hospital's intensive care units had continued to work through the incident, helped by fire crews. Thirty-five fire trucks and 120 firefighters attended the blaze, he said.

Television footage appeared to show the fire starting on the roof of the Gaziosmanpasa Taksim Educational and Research Hospital

A fire at a hospital in Istanbul on Thursday rapidly engulfed the building's exterior cladding, but officials said it had not spread inside and there were no reports of casualties. Television footage appeared to show the fire starting on the roof of the Gaziosmanpasa Taksim Educational and Research Hospital, before flames quickly swept down one side of the building. Black smoke could be seen from several miles away. A massive fire has erupted at Taksim hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Several floors of the hospital are on fire. pic.twitter.com/GP4YClA0yk — Δ B I K Δ (@realAbikaTrader) April 5, 2018 × "The fire has been partly brought under control. In terms of casualties, there are none so far," Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin told CNN Turk, adding that 70 patients were evacuated. "There is no fire inside the building," he said. "The fire erupted on the exterior of the building, but there is of course smoke inside." Fire chief Ali Karahan said that doctors in the hospital's intensive care units had continued to work through the incident, helped by fire crews. Thirty-five fire trucks and 120 firefighters attended the blaze, he said.

Video: Fire at Istanbul hospital under control, no casualties, says Governor

A former Islamic State fighter suspected of masterminding a deadly attack on Istanbul airport in 2016 was killed during a special operation in ex-Soviet Georgia last week, a spokeswoman for Georgia&#39;s state security service said on Friday.

Akhmed Chatayev was named by Turkish media and a US&nbsp;congressman as the mastermind of the suicide bombing of Istanbul airport in 2016 which killed 45 people. His involvement has not been corroborated by Turkish officials.

&quot;It&#39;s confirmed that one of those killed during the operation is Akhmed Chatayev,&quot; Nino Giorgobiani, a spokeswoman for Georgia&#39;s state security service, told a news briefing. Giorgobiani said that Chatayev blew himself up.&nbsp;

One Georgian special forces serviceman and two other members of the armed group, which was suspected of terrorism, were killed in the same operation. Four police officers were wounded and one member of the group was also arrested.

The 20-hour operation took place at an apartment block on the outskirts of the Georgian capital Tbilisi last week.

Giorgobiani declined to name the two other armed men killed or disclose the identity of the member of the group who was arrested, the group&#39;s motives, or how they got to Georgia.

&quot;The investigation is ongoing ... We continue to work with our international partners to identify the other two (armed men),&quot; Giorgobiani said.

She said that experts from the United States had been participating in the investigation.

A United Nations sanctions list describes Chatayev as a senior figure in Islamic State responsible for training Russian-speaking militants.&nbsp;

A veteran of Chechnya&#39;s conflict with Moscow during which he lost an arm, he lived in Georgia&#39;s Pankisi Gorge, a remote area populated largely by people from the Kist community, ethnic Chechens whose ancestors came to mainly Christian Georgia in the 1800s.

When, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Chechnya rose up in an armed rebellion against Moscow&#39;s rule, the Kist community were drawn to the fight. Thousands of refugees arrived from Chechnya, and some insurgents used the gorge to regroup and prepare new attacks.

Chatayev was wounded and arrested in Georgia in August 2012 following a clash between the Georgian police and a group of militants, who were allegedly trying to cross the Georgian-Russian border and move to Dagestan.

'It's confirmed that one of those killed during the operation is Akhmed Chatayev,' said Nino Giorgobiani, a spokeswoman for Georgia's state security service

A former Islamic State fighter suspected of masterminding a deadly attack on Istanbul airport in 2016 was killed during a special operation in ex-Soviet Georgia last week, a spokeswoman for Georgia's state security service said on Friday. Akhmed Chatayev was named by Turkish media and a US congressman as the mastermind of the suicide bombing of Istanbul airport in 2016 which killed 45 people. His involvement has not been corroborated by Turkish officials. "It's confirmed that one of those killed during the operation is Akhmed Chatayev," Nino Giorgobiani, a spokeswoman for Georgia's state security service, told a news briefing. Giorgobiani said that Chatayev blew himself up. One Georgian special forces serviceman and two other members of the armed group, which was suspected of terrorism, were killed in the same operation. Four police officers were wounded and one member of the group was also arrested. The 20-hour operation took place at an apartment block on the outskirts of the Georgian capital Tbilisi last week. Giorgobiani declined to name the two other armed men killed or disclose the identity of the member of the group who was arrested, the group's motives, or how they got to Georgia. "The investigation is ongoing ... We continue to work with our international partners to identify the other two (armed men)," Giorgobiani said. She said that experts from the United States had been participating in the investigation. A United Nations sanctions list describes Chatayev as a senior figure in Islamic State responsible for training Russian-speaking militants. A veteran of Chechnya's conflict with Moscow during which he lost an arm, he lived in Georgia's Pankisi Gorge, a remote area populated largely by people from the Kist community, ethnic Chechens whose ancestors came to mainly Christian Georgia in the 1800s. When, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Chechnya rose up in an armed rebellion against Moscow's rule, the Kist community were drawn to the fight. Thousands of refugees arrived from Chechnya, and some insurgents used the gorge to regroup and prepare new attacks. Chatayev was wounded and arrested in Georgia in August 2012 following a clash between the Georgian police and a group of militants, who were allegedly trying to cross the Georgian-Russian border and move to Dagestan.

Suspect in Istanbul airport bombing killed last week: Georgia

An Istanbul district authority has banned a one-day festival that had been set to showcase short films on gay issues on Saturday, claiming the event posed a threat to public order.

The ban came after a similar decision on all LGBT cultural events in Ankara province.

The Istanbul event, co-organised by Turkish gay rights group Pink Life LGBT Solidarity Association and the British Council, had been set to screen 10 short films at Pera Museum in the popular district of Beyoglu on the European side of the city.

But the Beyoglu district governor&#39;s office said on Friday the event would not be allowed to take place, in a bid to &quot;protect public order and safety, others&#39; rights and freedoms, and to prevent crime&quot;.

In a statement, the governor&#39;s office said the planned &quot;events may be against constitutional order or public morality&quot;.

It also said the event organisers had not sought the necessary permission to stage the event.

The Pera Museum meanwhile said the event had been postponed, though it did not give a new date.

Earlier this month, a similar ban was imposed on another planned screening by the Pink Life group in Ankara.

And last week, authorities banned all LGBT cultural events in Ankara until further notice, to &quot;maintain public order&quot;.

The Istanbul ban will add to growing concern among gay rights activists in Turkey that their right to freedom of expression is being curtailed under the Islamic-rooted government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

While homosexuality has been legal since the creation of the modern Turkish republic in 1923, LGBT individuals often say they are subject to harassment, rape and abuse.

The once hugely popular annual gay pride rally in Istanbul has been blocked by authorities for three years in a row now.

The authorities insist they are acting to ensure the security of citizens but activists claim the government is seeking to impose a conservative morality.

Earlier this month, Erdogan criticised a quota for gays on a neighbourhood committee, saying it was at odds with the nation&#39;s values.

The ban came after a similar decision on all LGBT cultural events in Ankara province

An Istanbul district authority has banned a one-day festival that had been set to showcase short films on gay issues on Saturday, claiming the event posed a threat to public order. The ban came after a similar decision on all LGBT cultural events in Ankara province. The Istanbul event, co-organised by Turkish gay rights group Pink Life LGBT Solidarity Association and the British Council, had been set to screen 10 short films at Pera Museum in the popular district of Beyoglu on the European side of the city. But the Beyoglu district governor's office said on Friday the event would not be allowed to take place, in a bid to "protect public order and safety, others' rights and freedoms, and to prevent crime". In a statement, the governor's office said the planned "events may be against constitutional order or public morality". It also said the event organisers had not sought the necessary permission to stage the event. The Pera Museum meanwhile said the event had been postponed, though it did not give a new date. Earlier this month, a similar ban was imposed on another planned screening by the Pink Life group in Ankara. And last week, authorities banned all LGBT cultural events in Ankara until further notice, to "maintain public order". The Istanbul ban will add to growing concern among gay rights activists in Turkey that their right to freedom of expression is being curtailed under the Islamic-rooted government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. While homosexuality has been legal since the creation of the modern Turkish republic in 1923, LGBT individuals often say they are subject to harassment, rape and abuse. The once hugely popular annual gay pride rally in Istanbul has been blocked by authorities for three years in a row now. The authorities insist they are acting to ensure the security of citizens but activists claim the government is seeking to impose a conservative morality. Earlier this month, Erdogan criticised a quota for gays on a neighbourhood committee, saying it was at odds with the nation's values.

Istanbul district bans gay film festival

Organisers of the annual Gay Pride march in Istanbul insisted Saturday that it would go ahead in the city&#39;s Taksim Square despite a ban by the authorities over &quot;safety concerns&quot;.

Activists had called the parade for 5 pm (1400 GMT) on Sunday but the city governor&#39;s office said that Taksim was not an official rallying ground.

&quot;There will be no permission for a demonstration or a march on the said date considering the safety of tourists in the area... and public order,&quot; it said in a statement.

City officials also said there had been no formal application to call a rally and that they only heard of the event through social media.

Lara Ozlen from the organising committee of the Gay Pride parade, said the governor&#39;s office statement was a &quot;lie&quot;.

&quot;They had known about our plan long before because we presented a petition weeks ago,&quot; Ozlen told AFP.&nbsp;

City authorities also urged citizens to ignore calls to participate in the parade and to abide by the security forces&#39; warning.&nbsp;

The annual Gay Pride event has been banned in Istanbul since 2015.

Last year, organisers were denied permission to march with the city on the edge over bombings blamed on Islamic State group and Kurdish militants, sparking anger from gay rights activists.&nbsp;

Riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters who defied the ban.&nbsp;

&#39;Right&#39;&nbsp;to march

Amnesty International in a statement expressed &quot;deep concerns&quot; over the ban on the parade.&nbsp;

&quot;That decision ignores LGBTs and their supporters&#39; right to peaceful assembly,&quot; it said.&nbsp;

&quot;Turkey should protect Gay Pride rather than banning it.&quot;&nbsp;

This year, the march coincides with the first day of the Islamic feast of Eid al-Fitr, and far-right groups have warned on social media against the parade.

&quot;It is obvious that a peaceful march is part of our constitutional right,&quot; Ozlen said.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s been known for years. Instead of protecting us, to say &#39;do not march&#39; just because some will be disturbed is undemocratic.&quot;

Turkey imposed a state of emergency in the wake of last year&#39;s failed coup to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with critics saying their freedoms are not safeguarded.

Lawyer and LGBT activist Levent Piskin said calling a march was &quot;not a crime&quot; but added that the situation was gradually deteriorating for LGBT people in Turkey.

&quot;Lawlessness is at its height during the state of emergency,&quot; he told AFP.

Piskin claimed LGBT people had been subjected to attacks over the last two years from nationalist and conservative quarters.

Thousands took part in previous Istanbul pride marches, which were among the most significant LGBT events in the mainly-Muslim region.

The annual Gay Pride event has been banned in Istanbul since 2015

Organisers of the annual Gay Pride march in Istanbul insisted Saturday that it would go ahead in the city's Taksim Square despite a ban by the authorities over "safety concerns". Activists had called the parade for 5 pm (1400 GMT) on Sunday but the city governor's office said that Taksim was not an official rallying ground. "There will be no permission for a demonstration or a march on the said date considering the safety of tourists in the area... and public order," it said in a statement. City officials also said there had been no formal application to call a rally and that they only heard of the event through social media. Lara Ozlen from the organising committee of the Gay Pride parade, said the governor's office statement was a "lie". "They had known about our plan long before because we presented a petition weeks ago," Ozlen told AFP. City authorities also urged citizens to ignore calls to participate in the parade and to abide by the security forces' warning. The annual Gay Pride event has been banned in Istanbul since 2015. Last year, organisers were denied permission to march with the city on the edge over bombings blamed on Islamic State group and Kurdish militants, sparking anger from gay rights activists. Riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters who defied the ban. 'Right' to march Amnesty International in a statement expressed "deep concerns" over the ban on the parade. "That decision ignores LGBTs and their supporters' right to peaceful assembly," it said. "Turkey should protect Gay Pride rather than banning it." This year, the march coincides with the first day of the Islamic feast of Eid al-Fitr, and far-right groups have warned on social media against the parade. "It is obvious that a peaceful march is part of our constitutional right," Ozlen said. "It's been known for years. Instead of protecting us, to say 'do not march' just because some will be disturbed is undemocratic." Turkey imposed a state of emergency in the wake of last year's failed coup to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with critics saying their freedoms are not safeguarded. Lawyer and LGBT activist Levent Piskin said calling a march was "not a crime" but added that the situation was gradually deteriorating for LGBT people in Turkey. "Lawlessness is at its height during the state of emergency," he told AFP. Piskin claimed LGBT people had been subjected to attacks over the last two years from nationalist and conservative quarters. Thousands took part in previous Istanbul pride marches, which were among the most significant LGBT events in the mainly-Muslim region.

Istanbul's Gay Pride: Undeterred by ban, organisers to go ahead with march

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan narrowly won a historic referendum on Sunday that will tighten his grip on power, but the knife-edge result left the country bitterly divided and the opposition crying foul.

The sweeping constitutional changes approved in the vote create a presidential system that will grant Erdogan more power than any leader since modern Turkey&#39;s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and his successor Ismet Inonu.

The result could also have even wider implications for Turkey which joined NATO in 1952 and for the last half-century has set its sights on joining the European Union.

The &#39;Yes&#39; campaign won 51.4 percent of the vote against 48.6 percent for &#39;No&#39;, the election commission said in figures quoted by state news agency Anadolu, in a count based on 99.5 percent of the ballot boxes. Turnout was a high 85 percent.

As huge crowds of flag-waving supporters celebrated on the streets, Erdogan praised Turkey for taking a &quot;historic decision&quot;.

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<h5>As huge crowds of flag-waving supporters celebrated on the streets, Erdogan praised Turkey for taking a &#39;historic decision&#39;. He added, &#39;With the people, we have realised the most important reform in our history&#39;</h5>
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&quot;With the people, we have realised the most important reform in our history,&quot; he added.

But opposition supporters in anti-Erdogan districts of Istanbul showed their dissatisfaction by bashing pots and pans with kitchen utensils to create a noisy protest. Hundreds also took to the streets in the areas of Besiktas and Kadikoy. &nbsp;

Supreme Election Board chief Sadi Guven confirmed that the &#39;Yes&#39; camp had emerged victorious, but the opposition has vowed to challenge the outcome.

&#39;New page opened&#39; 
The referendum was held under a state of emergency that has seen 47,000 people arrested in an unprecedented crackdown after a failed military putsch against Erdogan in July last year.

In a nail-biting end to a frenetic campaign, the &#39;No&#39; share of the vote climbed as more ballots were counted, after lagging well behind in the early count, but failed to overtake the &#39;Yes&#39; votes.&nbsp;

&quot;This is a decision made by the people. In our democracy&#39;s history, a new page has opened,&quot; said Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, whose job will disappear under the constitutional changes.

In a television interview on Friday Erdogan had predicted a far clearer victory saying polls showed a 55-60 percent share of the vote.

But voting patterns showed Turkey deeply divided over the changes, with the &#39;No&#39; vote victorious in the country&#39;s three biggest cities.

The &#39;Yes&#39; vote held up strongly in Erdogan&#39;s Anatolian heartland but the Aegean and Mediterranean coastal regions and Kurdish-dominated southeast backed the &#39;No&#39; camp.

In a major disappointment for the president, the &#39;No&#39; vote was just ahead in his hometown of Istanbul and in the capital Ankara and clearly ahead in the third city of Izmir.

A statement issued by European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker and EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said that in view of the closeness of the result, the Turkish authorities need to seek the &quot;broadest possible national consensus&quot; for the changes.

Erdogan made relations with the EU a key issue in his referendum campaign, lambasting Brussels for failing to make progress on Ankara&#39;s stalled accession talks and he accused Germany and the Netherlands of acting like the Nazis when they barred pro-government rallies.

&#39;Totally invalid&#39; 
Turkey&#39;s two main opposition parties said they would challenge the results over alleged &nbsp;violations.

The pro-Kurdish Peoples&#39; Democratic Party (HDP) said it would challenge two-thirds of the votes, saying: &quot;There is an indication of a 3-4 percentage point manipulation of the vote.&quot;

Republican People&#39;s Party (CHP) chief Kemal Kilicdaroglu said the actions of the election authorities &quot;caused the referendum&#39;s legitimacy to be questioned&quot; insisting that the &#39;No&#39; side had won at least 50 percent of votes cast.&nbsp;

&quot;Believe me, this election is not over,&quot; deputy CHP leader Erdal Aksunger told CNN Turk, quoted by the Dogan news agency. &quot;This is totally invalid. We are declaring this here.&quot;

The opposition had already complained that the referendum was conducted on unfair terms, with &#39;Yes&#39; posters ubiquitous on the streets and opposition voices squeezed from the media.

Closely watched on Monday will be the initial assessment of the international observer mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

&#39;Robust and muscular&#39; 
Erdogan again warned Brussels he would sign any bill agreed by parliament to reinstate capital punishment, a move that would automatically end Turkey&#39;s EU bid.

If the opposition failed to support the bill, Erdogan said another referendum could be held on reinstating the death penalty.

Western reactions to the referendum will be crucial after Erdogan accused Turkey&#39;s allies of failing to show sufficient solidarity in the wake of the failed coup.

&quot;We would like other countries and institutions to show respect to the decision of the nation,&quot; Erdogan said.

The new system would dispense with the office of prime minister and centralise the entire executive bureaucracy under the president, giving Erdogan the direct power to appoint ministers.

It is due to come into force after elections in November 2019. Erdogan, who became president in 2014 after serving as premier from 2003, could then seek two more five-year terms.

&quot;I don&#39;t think he (Erdogan) will reverse course. I don&#39;t think Erdogan will change the robust and muscular approach to politics that he has adopted so far,&quot; said Fadi Hakura, Turkey expert at London-based Chatham House think tank.&nbsp;

(AFP)

The changes approved in the vote give him more power than any leader since Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan narrowly won a historic referendum on Sunday that will tighten his grip on power, but the knife-edge result left the country bitterly divided and the opposition crying foul. The sweeping constitutional changes approved in the vote create a presidential system that will grant Erdogan more power than any leader since modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and his successor Ismet Inonu. The result could also have even wider implications for Turkey which joined NATO in 1952 and for the last half-century has set its sights on joining the European Union. The 'Yes' campaign won 51.4 percent of the vote against 48.6 percent for 'No', the election commission said in figures quoted by state news agency Anadolu, in a count based on 99.5 percent of the ballot boxes. Turnout was a high 85 percent. As huge crowds of flag-waving supporters celebrated on the streets, Erdogan praised Turkey for taking a "historic decision". As huge crowds of flag-waving supporters celebrated on the streets, Erdogan praised Turkey for taking a 'historic decision'. He added, 'With the people, we have realised the most important reform in our history' × "With the people, we have realised the most important reform in our history," he added. But opposition supporters in anti-Erdogan districts of Istanbul showed their dissatisfaction by bashing pots and pans with kitchen utensils to create a noisy protest. Hundreds also took to the streets in the areas of Besiktas and Kadikoy. Supreme Election Board chief Sadi Guven confirmed that the 'Yes' camp had emerged victorious, but the opposition has vowed to challenge the outcome. 'New page opened' The referendum was held under a state of emergency that has seen 47,000 people arrested in an unprecedented crackdown after a failed military putsch against Erdogan in July last year. In a nail-biting end to a frenetic campaign, the 'No' share of the vote climbed as more ballots were counted, after lagging well behind in the early count, but failed to overtake the 'Yes' votes. "This is a decision made by the people. In our democracy's history, a new page has opened," said Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, whose job will disappear under the constitutional changes. In a television interview on Friday Erdogan had predicted a far clearer victory saying polls showed a 55-60 percent share of the vote. But voting patterns showed Turkey deeply divided over the changes, with the 'No' vote victorious in the country's three biggest cities. The 'Yes' vote held up strongly in Erdogan's Anatolian heartland but the Aegean and Mediterranean coastal regions and Kurdish-dominated southeast backed the 'No' camp. In a major disappointment for the president, the 'No' vote was just ahead in his hometown of Istanbul and in the capital Ankara and clearly ahead in the third city of Izmir. A statement issued by European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker and EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said that in view of the closeness of the result, the Turkish authorities need to seek the "broadest possible national consensus" for the changes. Erdogan made relations with the EU a key issue in his referendum campaign, lambasting Brussels for failing to make progress on Ankara's stalled accession talks and he accused Germany and the Netherlands of acting like the Nazis when they barred pro-government rallies. 'Totally invalid' Turkey's two main opposition parties said they would challenge the results over alleged violations. The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) said it would challenge two-thirds of the votes, saying: "There is an indication of a 3-4 percentage point manipulation of the vote." Republican People's Party (CHP) chief Kemal Kilicdaroglu said the actions of the election authorities "caused the referendum's legitimacy to be questioned" insisting that the 'No' side had won at least 50 percent of votes cast. "Believe me, this election is not over," deputy CHP leader Erdal Aksunger told CNN Turk, quoted by the Dogan news agency. "This is totally invalid. We are declaring this here." The opposition had already complained that the referendum was conducted on unfair terms, with 'Yes' posters ubiquitous on the streets and opposition voices squeezed from the media. Closely watched on Monday will be the initial assessment of the international observer mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). 'Robust and muscular' Erdogan again warned Brussels he would sign any bill agreed by parliament to reinstate capital punishment, a move that would automatically end Turkey's EU bid. If the opposition failed to support the bill, Erdogan said another referendum could be held on reinstating the death penalty. Western reactions to the referendum will be crucial after Erdogan accused Turkey's allies of failing to show sufficient solidarity in the wake of the failed coup. "We would like other countries and institutions to show respect to the decision of the nation," Erdogan said. The new system would dispense with the office of prime minister and centralise the entire executive bureaucracy under the president, giving Erdogan the direct power to appoint ministers. It is due to come into force after elections in November 2019. Erdogan, who became president in 2014 after serving as premier from 2003, could then seek two more five-year terms. "I don't think he (Erdogan) will reverse course. I don't think Erdogan will change the robust and muscular approach to politics that he has adopted so far," said Fadi Hakura, Turkey expert at London-based Chatham House think tank. (AFP)

Erdogan wins Turkey referendum, opposition cries foul

President Tayyip Erdogan appealed for support from Turkish voters in final campaign rallies on Saturday, the eve of a referendum which could tighten his grip over a country bridging the European Union and a conflict-strewn Middle East.

Opinion polls have given a narrow lead for a &quot;Yes&quot; vote in Sunday&#39;s referendum to replace Turkey&#39;s parliamentary democracy with an all-powerful presidency, a move Erdogan says is needed to confront the security and political challenges Turkey faces.

Opponents say it is a step towards greater authoritarianism in a country where 40,000 people were arrested and 120,000 sacked or suspended from their jobs in a crackdown following a failed coup attempt against Erdogan last July.

Western countries have criticised that tough response, and relations with the EU - which Turkey has been negotiating to join for a decade - hit a low during the campaign when Erdogan accused European leaders of acting like Nazis for banning referendum rallies in their countries on security grounds.

He has also said Turkey could review a deal under which it limits the flow of migrants - many of them refugees fleeing war in neighbouring Syria and Iraq - into the European Union unless the bloc implements plans to grant Turks visa-free travel.

At a rally in Istanbul, one of four he held in the last hours before Sunday&#39;s vote, Erdogan described the constitutional proposals as the biggest change in Turkey since the country was established nearly a century ago, and the culmination of the response to July&#39;s abortive putsch.

&quot;Sunday will be a turning point in the fight against terrorist organisations. We will finish what we started on July 15 this April 16,&quot; he told a crowd in Istanbul&#39;s Tuzla district, decked with Turkish flags and giant pictures of the president.

Erdogan&#39;s Islamist-rooted AK Party has enjoyed a disproportionate share of media coverage in the buildup to the vote, but the result may be close. A narrow majority of Turks will vote &quot;Yes&quot;, two opinion polls suggested on Thursday, putting his support at only a little over 51 per cent.

&quot;Tomorrow is very important, you must absolutely go to the polls,&quot; Erdogan urged the crowd. &quot;Don&#39;t forget that the vote is our honour.&quot;

&nbsp;

&quot;TURKEY AT CROSSROADS&quot;

Some 55 million people are eligible to vote at 167,140 polling stations across the nation, which open at 7.00 am&nbsp;in the east of the country and close at 5 pm. Turkish voters abroad have already cast their ballots.

The package of 18 amendments would abolish the office of prime minister and give the president authority to draft the budget, declare a state of emergency and issue decrees overseeing ministries without parliamentary approval.

Proponents of the reform argue that it would end the current &quot;two-headed system&quot; in which both the president and parliament are directly elected, a situation they argue could lead to deadlock. Until 2014, presidents were chosen by parliament.

They also argue that the current constitution, written by the generals who ruled Turkey in the years following a 1980 coup, still bears the stamp of its military authors and, despite numerous revisions, must be overhauled.

&quot;The presidential system we are bringing with this constitutional change is necessary for the development, growth and stability of our nation,&quot; Erdogan said.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the main opposition Republican People&#39;s Party (CHP), said Turkey was at a crossroads between a democratic parliamentary system and a &quot;one-man regime&quot;. A &quot;Yes&quot; vote would put the country in danger, he said.

&quot;We will put 80 million people onto a bus...we don&#39;t know where it is headed,&quot; he told an opposition rally in the capital Ankara. &quot;We are putting 80 million on a bus with no brakes.&quot;

Also opposing the proposed changes, the pro-Kurdish People&#39;s Democratic Party (HDP) held a rally on Saturday in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, which was addressed by its jailed co-leader Selahattin Demirtas.

&quot;This campaign was not carried out fairly and equally,&quot; Demirtas, who was arrested last November on terrorism charges, said in a joint letter with other detained HDP members which was read out at the rally.

&quot;The reason behind our arrests was to prevent us from calling to our nation. The entire resources of the state were at disposal to support the &#39;Yes&#39; campaign of the AK Party.&quot;

Erdogan views the HDP as the political wing of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has waged a three-decade insurgency in the southeast and claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a police compound in Diyarbakir on Wednesday.

The PKK is considered a terrorist group by the United States and European Union.

(Reuters)

Opinion polls give a narrow lead for a 'Yes' vote to replace Turkey's parliamentary democracy with an all-powerful presidency

President Tayyip Erdogan appealed for support from Turkish voters in final campaign rallies on Saturday, the eve of a referendum which could tighten his grip over a country bridging the European Union and a conflict-strewn Middle East. Opinion polls have given a narrow lead for a "Yes" vote in Sunday's referendum to replace Turkey's parliamentary democracy with an all-powerful presidency, a move Erdogan says is needed to confront the security and political challenges Turkey faces. Opponents say it is a step towards greater authoritarianism in a country where 40,000 people were arrested and 120,000 sacked or suspended from their jobs in a crackdown following a failed coup attempt against Erdogan last July. Western countries have criticised that tough response, and relations with the EU - which Turkey has been negotiating to join for a decade - hit a low during the campaign when Erdogan accused European leaders of acting like Nazis for banning referendum rallies in their countries on security grounds. He has also said Turkey could review a deal under which it limits the flow of migrants - many of them refugees fleeing war in neighbouring Syria and Iraq - into the European Union unless the bloc implements plans to grant Turks visa-free travel. At a rally in Istanbul, one of four he held in the last hours before Sunday's vote, Erdogan described the constitutional proposals as the biggest change in Turkey since the country was established nearly a century ago, and the culmination of the response to July's abortive putsch. "Sunday will be a turning point in the fight against terrorist organisations. We will finish what we started on July 15 this April 16," he told a crowd in Istanbul's Tuzla district, decked with Turkish flags and giant pictures of the president. Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party has enjoyed a disproportionate share of media coverage in the buildup to the vote, but the result may be close. A narrow majority of Turks will vote "Yes", two opinion polls suggested on Thursday, putting his support at only a little over 51 per cent. "Tomorrow is very important, you must absolutely go to the polls," Erdogan urged the crowd. "Don't forget that the vote is our honour." "TURKEY AT CROSSROADS" Some 55 million people are eligible to vote at 167,140 polling stations across the nation, which open at 7.00 am in the east of the country and close at 5 pm. Turkish voters abroad have already cast their ballots. The package of 18 amendments would abolish the office of prime minister and give the president authority to draft the budget, declare a state of emergency and issue decrees overseeing ministries without parliamentary approval. Proponents of the reform argue that it would end the current "two-headed system" in which both the president and parliament are directly elected, a situation they argue could lead to deadlock. Until 2014, presidents were chosen by parliament. They also argue that the current constitution, written by the generals who ruled Turkey in the years following a 1980 coup, still bears the stamp of its military authors and, despite numerous revisions, must be overhauled. "The presidential system we are bringing with this constitutional change is necessary for the development, growth and stability of our nation," Erdogan said. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said Turkey was at a crossroads between a democratic parliamentary system and a "one-man regime". A "Yes" vote would put the country in danger, he said. "We will put 80 million people onto a bus...we don't know where it is headed," he told an opposition rally in the capital Ankara. "We are putting 80 million on a bus with no brakes." Also opposing the proposed changes, the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) held a rally on Saturday in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, which was addressed by its jailed co-leader Selahattin Demirtas. "This campaign was not carried out fairly and equally," Demirtas, who was arrested last November on terrorism charges, said in a joint letter with other detained HDP members which was read out at the rally. "The reason behind our arrests was to prevent us from calling to our nation. The entire resources of the state were at disposal to support the 'Yes' campaign of the AK Party." Erdogan views the HDP as the political wing of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has waged a three-decade insurgency in the southeast and claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a police compound in Diyarbakir on Wednesday. The PKK is considered a terrorist group by the United States and European Union. (Reuters)

Erdogan makes final push before vote on presidential powers

Turkey has dismissed over 6,000 people and ordered the closure of dozens of associations under the state of emergency imposed after the July failed coup, in a purge that shows no sign of slowing.

More than 100,000 people have already been suspended or sacked so far in a crackdown on those alleged to have links to coup-plotters while dozens of media outlets have been shut down.

In the latest government decrees published late on Friday, 2,687 police officers were dismissed.

Meanwhile, 1,699 civil servants were removed from the ministry of justice, plus 838 health officials and hundreds of employees from other ministries.

Another 631 academics and eight members of the Council of State were also dismissed.

The dismissals are permitted under the state of emergency, which was extended by another three months in October, and was originally imposed in the wake of the coup.

But its scope has been vehemently criticised by the European Union and human rights activists.

The three decrees also ordered the closure of more than 80 associations accused of &quot;activities affecting the security of the state&quot;.

Critics have claimed that the crackdown goes well beyond the suspected coup plotters and targets anyone who has dared show opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Ankara blames the coup plot on US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen and says an unrelenting campaign is needed to root out his influence from public life. Gulen denies the allegations.

Turkey also argues the exceptional security measures are necessary in the face of rising threats from the Islamic State group and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The country has been hit by two attacks this week, one claimed by the Islamic State group against a high-end Turkish nightclub, and the other which authorities blamed on the PKK in the western city of Izmir.

&nbsp;

(AFP)

In the latest government decrees published late on Friday, 2,687 police officers were dismissed

Turkey has dismissed over 6,000 people and ordered the closure of dozens of associations under the state of emergency imposed after the July failed coup, in a purge that shows no sign of slowing. More than 100,000 people have already been suspended or sacked so far in a crackdown on those alleged to have links to coup-plotters while dozens of media outlets have been shut down. In the latest government decrees published late on Friday, 2,687 police officers were dismissed. Meanwhile, 1,699 civil servants were removed from the ministry of justice, plus 838 health officials and hundreds of employees from other ministries. Another 631 academics and eight members of the Council of State were also dismissed. The dismissals are permitted under the state of emergency, which was extended by another three months in October, and was originally imposed in the wake of the coup. But its scope has been vehemently criticised by the European Union and human rights activists. The three decrees also ordered the closure of more than 80 associations accused of "activities affecting the security of the state". Critics have claimed that the crackdown goes well beyond the suspected coup plotters and targets anyone who has dared show opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ankara blames the coup plot on US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen and says an unrelenting campaign is needed to root out his influence from public life. Gulen denies the allegations. Turkey also argues the exceptional security measures are necessary in the face of rising threats from the Islamic State group and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The country has been hit by two attacks this week, one claimed by the Islamic State group against a high-end Turkish nightclub, and the other which authorities blamed on the PKK in the western city of Izmir. (AFP)

Turkey: Thousands fired in new wave of coup purges

Turkish security forces today carried out new raids against suspected plotters of the botched coup against the rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as international concern grew over the scale of the crackdown. 
 
The authorities have said around 6,000 people have been detained so far in the investigation into Friday&#39;s coup which Erdogan has blamed on his arch enemy the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen. 
 
Special Istanbul anti-terror police units raided the prestigious air force military academy in the city this morning in search of new suspects, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, authorities have also detained General Mehmet Disli, who conducted the operation to capture Turkey&#39;s chief of staff Hulusi Akar during the stand-off, a Turkish official said. 
 
Reports had said that a total of 36 generals had been detained so far. The Dogan agency reported today that 10 of them had now been remanded in custody by the courts. 
 
&#39;Vigil for democracy&#39; 
 
Erdogan has urged citizens to remain on the streets even after the defeat of the coup, in what the authorities describe as a &quot;vigil&quot; for democracy. 
 
New demonstrations of support were held throughout the country on Sunday night, AFP correspondents said. 
 
Thousands of pro-Erdogan supporters waving Turkish flags filled the main Kizilay Square in Ankara while similar scenes were seen in Taksim Square in Istanbul, AFP photographers said. 
 
According to Anadolu, 1,800 additional elite special police forces have been drafted in from surrounding provinces to ensure security in Istanbul. 
 
Eleven soldiers suspected of involvement in the coup were detained Sunday at Istanbul&#39;s Sabiha Gokcen airport on the Asian side of the city in an operation that saw shots fired in the air, Turkish television reports said. 
 
Leaders including US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have urged Turkey to follow the rule of law in the wake of the coup. 
 
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also said today that the rule of law needed to be protected for the sake of the country. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

Special Istanbul anti-terror police units raided the prestigious air force military academy this morning in search of new suspects

Turkish security forces today carried out new raids against suspected plotters of the botched coup against the rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as international concern grew over the scale of the crackdown. The authorities have said around 6,000 people have been detained so far in the investigation into Friday's coup which Erdogan has blamed on his arch enemy the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen. Special Istanbul anti-terror police units raided the prestigious air force military academy in the city this morning in search of new suspects, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported. Meanwhile, authorities have also detained General Mehmet Disli, who conducted the operation to capture Turkey's chief of staff Hulusi Akar during the stand-off, a Turkish official said. Reports had said that a total of 36 generals had been detained so far. The Dogan agency reported today that 10 of them had now been remanded in custody by the courts. 'Vigil for democracy' Erdogan has urged citizens to remain on the streets even after the defeat of the coup, in what the authorities describe as a "vigil" for democracy. New demonstrations of support were held throughout the country on Sunday night, AFP correspondents said. Thousands of pro-Erdogan supporters waving Turkish flags filled the main Kizilay Square in Ankara while similar scenes were seen in Taksim Square in Istanbul, AFP photographers said. According to Anadolu, 1,800 additional elite special police forces have been drafted in from surrounding provinces to ensure security in Istanbul. Eleven soldiers suspected of involvement in the coup were detained Sunday at Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen airport on the Asian side of the city in an operation that saw shots fired in the air, Turkish television reports said. Leaders including US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have urged Turkey to follow the rule of law in the wake of the coup. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also said today that the rule of law needed to be protected for the sake of the country. (AFP)

Turkey carries out new raids against suspected plotters

Turkish Intelligence Agency (MIT) released today footage of their main headquarters in capital of Ankara coming under attack by rebel helicopters during Friday&#39;s military coup attempt. 
 
Footage from various surveillance cameras showed MIT&#39;s front and back entrance gates coming under fire, and intelligence agents opening fire into the air trying to take down rebel helicopters. 
 
More than 290 people were killed and around 1,400 wounded in the violence on Friday night, as soldiers commandeered tanks, attack helicopters and fighter jets in a bid to seize power, strafing parliament and the intelligence headquarters and trying to seize the main airport and bridges in Istanbul. 
 
The bloodshed shocked the nation of almost 80 million, where the army last used force to stage a successful coup more than 30 years ago, and shattered fragile confidence in the stability of a NATO member state already rocked by Islamic State suicide bombings and an insurgency by Kurdish militants. 
 
(Reuters)

Footage from various cameras captured the agency's front and back entrance gates coming under fire

Turkish Intelligence Agency (MIT) released today footage of their main headquarters in capital of Ankara coming under attack by rebel helicopters during Friday's military coup attempt. Footage from various surveillance cameras showed MIT's front and back entrance gates coming under fire, and intelligence agents opening fire into the air trying to take down rebel helicopters. More than 290 people were killed and around 1,400 wounded in the violence on Friday night, as soldiers commandeered tanks, attack helicopters and fighter jets in a bid to seize power, strafing parliament and the intelligence headquarters and trying to seize the main airport and bridges in Istanbul. The bloodshed shocked the nation of almost 80 million, where the army last used force to stage a successful coup more than 30 years ago, and shattered fragile confidence in the stability of a NATO member state already rocked by Islamic State suicide bombings and an insurgency by Kurdish militants. (Reuters)

Surveillance videos show attack on Turkey's intelligence agency

Turkish authorities today&nbsp;pressed on with a ruthless crackdown against suspects in the failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with 6,000 detained,&nbsp;including generals, that has sparked international concern. 
 
The government&#39;s control has been restored across Turkey and although a few groups of coup plotters are holding out in Istanbul, they no longer pose a risk, a senior official told Reuters today. 
 
There are also a few important members of the military who have not been captured, the official said, adding that they looked likely to be caught soon.

World leaders including US President Barack Obama have strongly condemned the attempted putsch but also urged Turkey to respect the rule of law in its aftermath, especially after pictures emerged showing the rough treatment of some coup plotters when arrested.

Justice minister Bekir Bozdag said today&nbsp;that around 6,000 had been detained and the number would rise.

&quot;The clean-up operations are continuing,&quot; he was quoted as saying by the state-run Anadolu news agency.

According to the government, 161 civilians and regular troops lost their lives when a group within the army sought to overthrow the authorities by seizing key strategic points in Istanbul and Ankara late Friday.

Over 100 coup plotters were also killed, the military has said.

The botched coup bid was the biggest challenge to Erdogan&#39;s rule in his 13 years as Prime Minister and now President. But he successfully mobilised supporters into the streets to face down the plotters.

Thousands responded late Saturday to a new call by the president to pour into the squares to celebrate the &quot;victory of democracy&quot; with mass rallies of flag-waving Turks reported in cities including Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir.

Europe minister Omer Celik urged people to stay on the streets, writing on Twitter that the &quot;vigil for democracy&quot; continues. 
 
&#39;Respect rule of law&#39;

The Turkish authorities have made clear they will show no mercy in the wake of the coup, accusing the plotters of acting on behalf of Erdogan&#39;s arch enemy, the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Turkish television has shown images of captured suspects forced to lie face down on the tarmac after their arrest while AFP photographers have seen suspects roughly led away pursued by angry mobs.

NTV television said 34 generals of various grades had been detained so far. They include senior figures like Erdal Ozturk, commander of the third army and the commander of the Malatya-based second army, Adem Huduti.

In an operation early today, authorities detained the commander of the garrison in the western town of Denizli, Ozhan Ozbakir, along with 51 other soldiers.

Turkey also detained a senior air force general and other officers accused of backing the failed coup at a key air base used by US forces for raids in Syria.

Brigadier air force general Bekir Ercan Van was detained along with over a dozen lower ranking officers on Saturday at the Incirlik air force base in southern Turkey.

Former chief of staff Ilker Basbug told Dogan news agency that Turkey should make a distinction between the coup planners and young soldiers &quot;of 20 years old who may have been mistaken&quot;.

The crackdown is however not restricted to the military and Anadolu said prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for a total of 2,745 judges and prosecutors across Turkey.

The entire investigation is being led by Ankara prosecutors and those arrested are suspected of belonging to Gulen&#39;s group, which Turkey dubs the &#39;Fethullahci Terror Organisation (FETO)&#39;.

Gulen&#39;s supporters say their group which they call Hizmet (Service) is entirely peaceful.

Obama has warned Turkey there is a &quot;vital need&quot; for all parties to &quot;act within the rule of law&quot; in the aftermath of the coup.

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned Erdogan against using the failed putsch as a &quot;blank cheque&quot; to silence his opponents.

However there was no such concern from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who called Erdogan to wish for a &quot;speedy restoration of strong constitutional order&quot;.

Erdogan and Putin, who were feuding over the shooting down of a Russian jet until last month, will meet in the first week of August, Anadolu said.
&#39;Extradite Gulen&#39;

Friday&#39;s putsch bid began with rebel F-16 jets screaming low over rooftops in Ankara, soldiers and tanks taking to the streets. Rebel troops also moved to block the two bridges across the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul.

Turks have not seen such scenes since 1980 when the military led by general Kenan Evren ousted the government and many had no desire to revive these memories.

Erdogan has pinned the blame on Gulen, an erstwhile ally he accuses of running a &quot;parallel state&quot;, and called on Obama to extradite the reclusive preacher to face justice.

&quot;Mr President, I told you myself, either deport or hand over to us this person who lives in 400 acres of land in Pennsylvania,&quot; he told a triumphant rally in Istanbul late Saturday, carefully not referring to Gulen by name.

In an interview with Haberturk television, Labour Minister Suleyman Soylu went even further, saying: &quot;The United States is behind the coup&quot; and adding it had now to handover Gulen.

But Gulen has categorically denied any involvement in the plot and suggested it could have been staged by Erdogan himself.

Meanwhile, Turkey has demanded the extradition of eight people thought to have been involved in the putsch who landed in a Black Hawk military helicopter in Greece.

The suspects are still in Greece, but the chopper itself is now been flown back to Turkey, a Turkish official said.

Istanbul authorities have sought to get life back to normal but Washington on Saturday warned citizens against travel to the country due to uncertainty after the coup bid. 
 
(AFP &amp; Reuters)

Government control restored. An official said a few coup plotters are holding out in Istanbul but they no longer pose a threat

Turkish authorities today pressed on with a ruthless crackdown against suspects in the failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with 6,000 detained, including generals, that has sparked international concern. The government's control has been restored across Turkey and although a few groups of coup plotters are holding out in Istanbul, they no longer pose a risk, a senior official told Reuters today. There are also a few important members of the military who have not been captured, the official said, adding that they looked likely to be caught soon. World leaders including US President Barack Obama have strongly condemned the attempted putsch but also urged Turkey to respect the rule of law in its aftermath, especially after pictures emerged showing the rough treatment of some coup plotters when arrested. Justice minister Bekir Bozdag said today that around 6,000 had been detained and the number would rise. "The clean-up operations are continuing," he was quoted as saying by the state-run Anadolu news agency. According to the government, 161 civilians and regular troops lost their lives when a group within the army sought to overthrow the authorities by seizing key strategic points in Istanbul and Ankara late Friday. Over 100 coup plotters were also killed, the military has said. The botched coup bid was the biggest challenge to Erdogan's rule in his 13 years as Prime Minister and now President. But he successfully mobilised supporters into the streets to face down the plotters. Thousands responded late Saturday to a new call by the president to pour into the squares to celebrate the "victory of democracy" with mass rallies of flag-waving Turks reported in cities including Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir. Europe minister Omer Celik urged people to stay on the streets, writing on Twitter that the "vigil for democracy" continues. 'Respect rule of law' The Turkish authorities have made clear they will show no mercy in the wake of the coup, accusing the plotters of acting on behalf of Erdogan's arch enemy, the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen. Turkish television has shown images of captured suspects forced to lie face down on the tarmac after their arrest while AFP photographers have seen suspects roughly led away pursued by angry mobs. NTV television said 34 generals of various grades had been detained so far. They include senior figures like Erdal Ozturk, commander of the third army and the commander of the Malatya-based second army, Adem Huduti. In an operation early today, authorities detained the commander of the garrison in the western town of Denizli, Ozhan Ozbakir, along with 51 other soldiers. Turkey also detained a senior air force general and other officers accused of backing the failed coup at a key air base used by US forces for raids in Syria. Brigadier air force general Bekir Ercan Van was detained along with over a dozen lower ranking officers on Saturday at the Incirlik air force base in southern Turkey. Former chief of staff Ilker Basbug told Dogan news agency that Turkey should make a distinction between the coup planners and young soldiers "of 20 years old who may have been mistaken". The crackdown is however not restricted to the military and Anadolu said prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for a total of 2,745 judges and prosecutors across Turkey. The entire investigation is being led by Ankara prosecutors and those arrested are suspected of belonging to Gulen's group, which Turkey dubs the 'Fethullahci Terror Organisation (FETO)'. Gulen's supporters say their group which they call Hizmet (Service) is entirely peaceful. Obama has warned Turkey there is a "vital need" for all parties to "act within the rule of law" in the aftermath of the coup. French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned Erdogan against using the failed putsch as a "blank cheque" to silence his opponents. However there was no such concern from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who called Erdogan to wish for a "speedy restoration of strong constitutional order". Erdogan and Putin, who were feuding over the shooting down of a Russian jet until last month, will meet in the first week of August, Anadolu said. 'Extradite Gulen' Friday's putsch bid began with rebel F-16 jets screaming low over rooftops in Ankara, soldiers and tanks taking to the streets. Rebel troops also moved to block the two bridges across the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. Turks have not seen such scenes since 1980 when the military led by general Kenan Evren ousted the government and many had no desire to revive these memories. Erdogan has pinned the blame on Gulen, an erstwhile ally he accuses of running a "parallel state", and called on Obama to extradite the reclusive preacher to face justice. "Mr President, I told you myself, either deport or hand over to us this person who lives in 400 acres of land in Pennsylvania," he told a triumphant rally in Istanbul late Saturday, carefully not referring to Gulen by name. In an interview with Haberturk television, Labour Minister Suleyman Soylu went even further, saying: "The United States is behind the coup" and adding it had now to handover Gulen. But Gulen has categorically denied any involvement in the plot and suggested it could have been staged by Erdogan himself. Meanwhile, Turkey has demanded the extradition of eight people thought to have been involved in the putsch who landed in a Black Hawk military helicopter in Greece. The suspects are still in Greece, but the chopper itself is now been flown back to Turkey, a Turkish official said. Istanbul authorities have sought to get life back to normal but Washington on Saturday warned citizens against travel to the country due to uncertainty after the coup bid. (AFP & Reuters)

Turkey detains 6,000 in 'clean-up ops' after failed military coup, sparks international concern

Forces loyal to the Turkish government fought today to crush the remnants of a military coup attempt which crumbled after crowds answered President Tayyip Erdogan&#39;s call to take to the streets and dozens of rebels abandoned their tanks. 
 
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said 161 were killed in the coup attempt against the government, including many civilians, after a faction of the armed forces tried to seize power using tanks and attack helicopters. 
 
Some strafed the headquarters of Turkish intelligence and Parliament in the capital, Ankara, and others seized a major bridge in Istanbul. 
 
Yildirim, speaking outside his Cankaya palace in Ankara, and flanked by top general Hulusi Akar who was held during the coup attempt, also described the putsch bid as a &quot;black stain&quot; on Turkish democracy. He added that 1,440 people had been wounded.&nbsp; 
 
Erdogan appeared to accuse the coup plotters of trying to kill him and said he would purge the armed forces, which in the past have staged a number of successful coups, even if not for more than 30 years. 
 
&quot;They will pay a heavy price for this,&quot; he said. &quot;This uprising is a gift from God to us because this will be a reason to cleanse our army.&quot; Later, the presidency warned on Twitter that another uprising could be staged at any time. 
 
Turkish authorities have already detained 2,839 soldiers on suspicion of involvement, officials said. The chief of staff, who had been reported held hostage by the rebels, has been rescued, a senior official said. 
 
A successful overthrow of Erdogan, who has ruled Turkey since 2003, would have marked one of the biggest shifts in the Middle East in years, transforming a major US ally while war rages on its border. 
 
However, a failed coup attempt could still destabilise a NATO member that lies between the European Union and the chaos of Syria, with Islamic State bombers targeting Turkish cities and the government also at war with Kurdish separatists. 
 
Erdogan, who had been holidaying on the southwest coast when the coup was launched, flew into Istanbul before dawn today and was shown on TV outside Ataturk airport. 
 
Addressing a crowd of thousands of flag-waving supporters at the airport later, Erdogan said the government remained at the helm, even though disturbances continued in Ankara. 
 
Erdogan, whose Islamist-rooted ideology lies at odds with supporters of modern Turkey&#39;s secular principles, said the plotters had tried to attack him in the resort town of Marmaris. 
 
&quot;They bombed places I had departed right after I was gone,&quot; he said. &quot;They probably thought we were still there.&quot; 
 
In a live statement broadcast on CNN Turk, Umit Dundar, acting armed forces chief of staff said many military commanders have been taken hostage by the rebels but he declared that Turkey has &quot;closed the chapter&quot; on coups for good. 
 
Erdogan&#39;s AK Party, with roots in Islamism, has long had a strained relationship with the military and nationalists. The armed forces have had a history of mounting coups to defend secularism, but have not seized power directly since 1980. 
 
Operations involving police special forces and the military were still underway to regain control of the armed forces headquarters in Ankara, one official said. 
 
Smartphone address 
 
In a night that sometimes verged on the bizarre, Erdogan took to social media even though he is an avowed enemy of the technology when his opponents use it, frequently targeting Twitter and Facebook. 
 
Erdogan addressed the nation via a video calling service, appearing on the smartphone of a CNN Turk reporter who held it up to a studio camera so viewers to the network could see him. 
 
Erdogan said the coup attempt had been encouraged by the &quot;parallel structure&quot;. This is his shorthand for followers of Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric whom he has repeatedly accused of trying to foment an uprising in the military, media and judiciary. 
 
Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in the United States, once supported Erdogan, but became a nemesis. The pro-Gulen Alliance for Shared Values said it condemned any military intervention in domestic politics. 
 
The pro-coup faction said in an emailed statement from the Turkish military general staff&#39;s media office address that it was determinedly still fighting. 
 
Gunfire and explosions had rocked both Istanbul and Ankara through the night after soldiers took up positions in both cities and ordered state television to read out a statement declaring they had taken power. However, by dawn the noise of fighting had died down considerably. 
 
About 50 soldiers involved in the coup surrendered on one of the bridges across the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul after dawn today, abandoning their tanks with their hands raised in the air. Reuters witnesses saw government supporters attack the pro-coup soldiers who had surrendered. 
 
Earlier, around 30 pro-coup soldiers had surrendered their weapons after being surrounded by armed police in Istanbul&#39;s central Taksim square. 
 
They were taken away in police vans as a fighter jet repeatedly screeched overhead at low altitude, causing a boom that shook surrounding buildings and shattered windows. 
 
Lawmakers in hiding 
 
The coup began with warplanes and helicopters roaring over Ankara and troops moving in to seal off the bridges over the Bosphorus Strait that links Europe and Asia in Istanbul. 
 
Authorities had shut the strait to tanker traffic, shipping agent GAC said. 
 
In the early hours, lawmakers were hiding in shelters inside the parliament building, which was being fired on by tanks. Smoke rose up from nearby, Reuters witnesses said. An opposition MP told Reuters,the Parliament was hit three times and that people had been wounded. 
 
A senior Turkish official said later today attacks on the Parliament had &quot;largely stopped&quot;. 
 
A Turkish military commander also said fighter jets had shot down a helicopter used by the coup plotters over Ankara. State-run Anadolu news agency said 17 police were killed at special forces headquarters there. 
 
Momentum turned against the coup plotters as the night wore on. Crowds defied orders to stay indoors, gathering at major squares in Istanbul and Ankara, waving flags and chanting. 
 
&quot;We have a prime minister, we have a chief of command, we&#39;re not going to leave this country to degenerates,&quot; shouted one man, as groups of government supporters climbed onto a tank near Ataturk airport. 
 
US secretary of state John Kerry said he phoned the Turkish foreign minister and underlined &quot;absolute support for Turkey&#39;s democratically elected, civilian government and democratic institutions&quot;. 
 
European Council president Donald Tusk called for a swift return to Turkey&#39;s constitutional order, saying tensions there could not be resolved by guns. 
 
Flights resume&nbsp; 
 
Flag carrier Turkish Airways resumed flights today, Erdogan said. Malaysia Airports, the operator of Sabiha Gokcen International airport, Istanbul&#39;s second airport, said it would continue to process flights in and out of Turkey. 
 
Soldiers took control of Turkish Radio and Television coperation (TRT) state television, which announced a countrywide curfew and martial law. An announcer read a statement on the orders of the pro-coup faction that accused the government of eroding the democratic and secular rule of law. Turkey would be run by a &quot;peace council&quot; that would ensure the safety of the population, the statement said. 
 
TRT went off the air shortly afterwards. It resumed broadcasting early morning today. 
 
Turkey is one of the main backers of opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in that country&#39;s civil war, host to 2.7 million Syrian refugees and launchpad last year for the biggest influx of migrants to Europe since World War II. 
 
Turkey has suffered numerous bombings and shootings this year, including an attack two weeks ago by Islamists at Ataturk airport that killed more than 40 people, as well as those staged by Kurdish militants. 
 
After serving as prime minister from 2003, Erdogan was elected President in 2014 with plans to alter the constitution to give the previously ceremonial presidency far greater executive powers. 
 
Turkey has enjoyed an economic boom during his time in office and has dramatically expanded its influence across the region. However, opponents say his rule has become increasingly authoritaries. 
 
(Agencies)

President Erdogan tweeted that the uprising is a gift from God, giving him an opportunity to cleanse the army

Forces loyal to the Turkish government fought today to crush the remnants of a military coup attempt which crumbled after crowds answered President Tayyip Erdogan's call to take to the streets and dozens of rebels abandoned their tanks. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said 161 were killed in the coup attempt against the government, including many civilians, after a faction of the armed forces tried to seize power using tanks and attack helicopters. Some strafed the headquarters of Turkish intelligence and Parliament in the capital, Ankara, and others seized a major bridge in Istanbul. Yildirim, speaking outside his Cankaya palace in Ankara, and flanked by top general Hulusi Akar who was held during the coup attempt, also described the putsch bid as a "black stain" on Turkish democracy. He added that 1,440 people had been wounded. Erdogan appeared to accuse the coup plotters of trying to kill him and said he would purge the armed forces, which in the past have staged a number of successful coups, even if not for more than 30 years. "They will pay a heavy price for this," he said. "This uprising is a gift from God to us because this will be a reason to cleanse our army." Later, the presidency warned on Twitter that another uprising could be staged at any time. Turkish authorities have already detained 2,839 soldiers on suspicion of involvement, officials said. The chief of staff, who had been reported held hostage by the rebels, has been rescued, a senior official said. A successful overthrow of Erdogan, who has ruled Turkey since 2003, would have marked one of the biggest shifts in the Middle East in years, transforming a major US ally while war rages on its border. However, a failed coup attempt could still destabilise a NATO member that lies between the European Union and the chaos of Syria, with Islamic State bombers targeting Turkish cities and the government also at war with Kurdish separatists. Erdogan, who had been holidaying on the southwest coast when the coup was launched, flew into Istanbul before dawn today and was shown on TV outside Ataturk airport. Addressing a crowd of thousands of flag-waving supporters at the airport later, Erdogan said the government remained at the helm, even though disturbances continued in Ankara. Erdogan, whose Islamist-rooted ideology lies at odds with supporters of modern Turkey's secular principles, said the plotters had tried to attack him in the resort town of Marmaris. "They bombed places I had departed right after I was gone," he said. "They probably thought we were still there." In a live statement broadcast on CNN Turk, Umit Dundar, acting armed forces chief of staff said many military commanders have been taken hostage by the rebels but he declared that Turkey has "closed the chapter" on coups for good. Erdogan's AK Party, with roots in Islamism, has long had a strained relationship with the military and nationalists. The armed forces have had a history of mounting coups to defend secularism, but have not seized power directly since 1980. Operations involving police special forces and the military were still underway to regain control of the armed forces headquarters in Ankara, one official said. Smartphone address In a night that sometimes verged on the bizarre, Erdogan took to social media even though he is an avowed enemy of the technology when his opponents use it, frequently targeting Twitter and Facebook. Erdogan addressed the nation via a video calling service, appearing on the smartphone of a CNN Turk reporter who held it up to a studio camera so viewers to the network could see him. Erdogan said the coup attempt had been encouraged by the "parallel structure". This is his shorthand for followers of Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric whom he has repeatedly accused of trying to foment an uprising in the military, media and judiciary. Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in the United States, once supported Erdogan, but became a nemesis. The pro-Gulen Alliance for Shared Values said it condemned any military intervention in domestic politics. The pro-coup faction said in an emailed statement from the Turkish military general staff's media office address that it was determinedly still fighting. Gunfire and explosions had rocked both Istanbul and Ankara through the night after soldiers took up positions in both cities and ordered state television to read out a statement declaring they had taken power. However, by dawn the noise of fighting had died down considerably. About 50 soldiers involved in the coup surrendered on one of the bridges across the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul after dawn today, abandoning their tanks with their hands raised in the air. Reuters witnesses saw government supporters attack the pro-coup soldiers who had surrendered. Earlier, around 30 pro-coup soldiers had surrendered their weapons after being surrounded by armed police in Istanbul's central Taksim square. They were taken away in police vans as a fighter jet repeatedly screeched overhead at low altitude, causing a boom that shook surrounding buildings and shattered windows. Lawmakers in hiding The coup began with warplanes and helicopters roaring over Ankara and troops moving in to seal off the bridges over the Bosphorus Strait that links Europe and Asia in Istanbul. Authorities had shut the strait to tanker traffic, shipping agent GAC said. In the early hours, lawmakers were hiding in shelters inside the parliament building, which was being fired on by tanks. Smoke rose up from nearby, Reuters witnesses said. An opposition MP told Reuters,the Parliament was hit three times and that people had been wounded. A senior Turkish official said later today attacks on the Parliament had "largely stopped". A Turkish military commander also said fighter jets had shot down a helicopter used by the coup plotters over Ankara. State-run Anadolu news agency said 17 police were killed at special forces headquarters there. Momentum turned against the coup plotters as the night wore on. Crowds defied orders to stay indoors, gathering at major squares in Istanbul and Ankara, waving flags and chanting. "We have a prime minister, we have a chief of command, we're not going to leave this country to degenerates," shouted one man, as groups of government supporters climbed onto a tank near Ataturk airport. US secretary of state John Kerry said he phoned the Turkish foreign minister and underlined "absolute support for Turkey's democratically elected, civilian government and democratic institutions". European Council president Donald Tusk called for a swift return to Turkey's constitutional order, saying tensions there could not be resolved by guns. Flights resume Flag carrier Turkish Airways resumed flights today, Erdogan said. Malaysia Airports, the operator of Sabiha Gokcen International airport, Istanbul's second airport, said it would continue to process flights in and out of Turkey. Soldiers took control of Turkish Radio and Television coperation (TRT) state television, which announced a countrywide curfew and martial law. An announcer read a statement on the orders of the pro-coup faction that accused the government of eroding the democratic and secular rule of law. Turkey would be run by a "peace council" that would ensure the safety of the population, the statement said. TRT went off the air shortly afterwards. It resumed broadcasting early morning today. Turkey is one of the main backers of opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in that country's civil war, host to 2.7 million Syrian refugees and launchpad last year for the biggest influx of migrants to Europe since World War II. Turkey has suffered numerous bombings and shootings this year, including an attack two weeks ago by Islamists at Ataturk airport that killed more than 40 people, as well as those staged by Kurdish militants. After serving as prime minister from 2003, Erdogan was elected President in 2014 with plans to alter the constitution to give the previously ceremonial presidency far greater executive powers. Turkey has enjoyed an economic boom during his time in office and has dramatically expanded its influence across the region. However, opponents say his rule has become increasingly authoritaries. (Agencies)

Turkey failed coup attempt: PM says 161 killed, 1,140 wounded, 2,839 soldiers arrested

Turkish Airlines resumed flights from Istanbul&#39;s international airport today following a failed coup attempt while some foreign carriers cancelled weekend flights. 
 
Forces loyal to Turkey&#39;s government fought today to crush the last remnants of a military coup attempt. Television images late Friday had shown tanks parked in front of the airport. 
 
A spokesman for Turkish Airlines said flights had now returned to their normal schedule from Europe&#39;s third largest hub, though delays were to be expected. 
 
Turkish budget carrier Pegasus said its flights were also experiencing minor delays. 
 
The closure of Istanbul&#39;s Ataturk airport late on Friday had caused the diversion of 35 airplanes and cancelled 32 flights, Turkish Airlines chairman Ilker Ayci told broadcaster CNN Turk. 
 
Lebanon&#39;s Middle East Airlines said it would resume twice daily flights to Ataturk from Sunday. 
 
British Airways said in a statement it was halting all flights to Turkey on Saturday and one on Sunday as a precaution. 
 
&quot;The safety and security of our customers and crew are always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.&quot; 
 
More than 2,500,000 British nationals visit Turkey every year according to the foreign and commonwealth office. 
 
EasyJet said its advice from British authorities was to continue flying, but it was monitoring developments. 
 
The attempted coup follows a series of bombings that hit Turkey this year, including a suicide attack in June that killed 45 people at Istanbul&#39;s main airport. They have weighed on international travel to the country. 
 
The number of foreign visitors to Turkey fell by 28 per cent in April, data showed on Friday, the biggest drop in 17 years. 
 
The decline signals more pain for Turkey&#39;s economy, which is smarting from slowing exports and weak investment. Some economists have forecast that tourism revenue will drop by a quarter this year, costing around $8 billion. 
 
German airline Lufthansa cancelled all its flights to Istanbul and Ankara today and pared back the number flights to holiday destinations Bodrum and Antalya. 
 
TUI travel and tourism company which owns the Thomson and First Choice holiday companies, said its flights to Dalaman, Antalya and Izmir were operating as normal. 
 
Tour operator Thomas Cook said most German guests who had booked a holiday to Antalya or Bodrum had taken their flights today. It said flights from the UK were operating as normal but, given the circumstances, free cancellations or amendments were possible for customers due to fly to Turkey this weekend. 
 
Russia also suspended passenger flights to the country on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, TASS news agency said. 
 
Turkish and Russian officials had met this week to discuss the restarting of charter flights between the two countries and tourism security after relations soured following Turkey&#39;s downing of a Russian jet last year. 
 
State airline EgyptAir also cancelled all flights today to Istanbul, the company said in a statement. The company, which has 14 flights to Istanbul per week, did not say when they were expected to resume. 
 
All flights from Istanbul to Sofia for today had been cancelled, according to Sofia airport&#39;s website. 
 
(Reuters)

Turkish Airlines resumed schedule, but said flights will be delayed while some foreign carriers cancelled weekend flights

Turkish Airlines resumed flights from Istanbul's international airport today following a failed coup attempt while some foreign carriers cancelled weekend flights. Forces loyal to Turkey's government fought today to crush the last remnants of a military coup attempt. Television images late Friday had shown tanks parked in front of the airport. A spokesman for Turkish Airlines said flights had now returned to their normal schedule from Europe's third largest hub, though delays were to be expected. Turkish budget carrier Pegasus said its flights were also experiencing minor delays. The closure of Istanbul's Ataturk airport late on Friday had caused the diversion of 35 airplanes and cancelled 32 flights, Turkish Airlines chairman Ilker Ayci told broadcaster CNN Turk. Lebanon's Middle East Airlines said it would resume twice daily flights to Ataturk from Sunday. British Airways said in a statement it was halting all flights to Turkey on Saturday and one on Sunday as a precaution. "The safety and security of our customers and crew are always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so." More than 2,500,000 British nationals visit Turkey every year according to the foreign and commonwealth office. EasyJet said its advice from British authorities was to continue flying, but it was monitoring developments. The attempted coup follows a series of bombings that hit Turkey this year, including a suicide attack in June that killed 45 people at Istanbul's main airport. They have weighed on international travel to the country. The number of foreign visitors to Turkey fell by 28 per cent in April, data showed on Friday, the biggest drop in 17 years. The decline signals more pain for Turkey's economy, which is smarting from slowing exports and weak investment. Some economists have forecast that tourism revenue will drop by a quarter this year, costing around $8 billion. German airline Lufthansa cancelled all its flights to Istanbul and Ankara today and pared back the number flights to holiday destinations Bodrum and Antalya. TUI travel and tourism company which owns the Thomson and First Choice holiday companies, said its flights to Dalaman, Antalya and Izmir were operating as normal. Tour operator Thomas Cook said most German guests who had booked a holiday to Antalya or Bodrum had taken their flights today. It said flights from the UK were operating as normal but, given the circumstances, free cancellations or amendments were possible for customers due to fly to Turkey this weekend. Russia also suspended passenger flights to the country on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, TASS news agency said. Turkish and Russian officials had met this week to discuss the restarting of charter flights between the two countries and tourism security after relations soured following Turkey's downing of a Russian jet last year. State airline EgyptAir also cancelled all flights today to Istanbul, the company said in a statement. The company, which has 14 flights to Istanbul per week, did not say when they were expected to resume. All flights from Istanbul to Sofia for today had been cancelled, according to Sofia airport's website. (Reuters)

Istanbul's airport reopens, flights resume after coup attempt

Seven people were killed and eight injured when a helicopter carrying Turkish military personnel, their wives and children crashed in the Black Sea region of northeast Turkey on Tuesday, the Turkish armed forces said. 
 
The cause of the Sikorsky helicopter&#39;s crash, as it returned to the town of Giresun from a visit to military outposts in the area, could not immediately be determined, a statement on the military&#39;s website said. 
 
However, the Prime Minister and one of his deputies said poor weather was responsible, rather than a militant attack. The Turkish armed forces are involved in a conflict with Kurdish militants focussed in the country&#39;s southeast. 
 
Those on board, who according to media reports included a brigadier general, had been visiting military personnel and their families at gendarmerie outposts to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. 
 
&quot;Unfortunately, seven people among our comrades in arms, their wives and children lost their lives and the eight injured people were immediately sent to hospitals in the region,&quot; the army said, without specifying who had died. 
 
Rescue teams and ambulances rushed to the site of the crash, but local residents arrived first. Video broadcast by CNN Turk showed locals helping the wounded down a hillside and taking them in their vehicles to nearby hospitals. 
 
The helicopter crashed at around 5:15 pm (1415 GMT) near Tohumluk village in the Alucra district of Giresun province, the military said. 
 
As well as a brigadier general, on board were two colonels and other officers, along with four of their wives and three children, the private news agency Dogan reported. 
 
Earlier, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the crash, which occurred in the highlands of Giresun province, appeared to be an accident caused by bad weather. 
 
&quot;It is understood to be an accident resulting purely from poor weather conditions,&quot; Yildirim told reporters in televised comments. 
 
Deputy prime minister Nurettin Canikli, who travelled to the area of the crash, later echoed Yildirim&#39;s words in comments to reporters and ruled out the possibility that an attack could have been responsible. 
 
In May, the army said a military helicopter that had crashed a week earlier may have been brought down by Kurdish militants with a ground-to-air missile. 
 
(Reuters)

The accident appears to be caused purely by bad weather, though has not been immediately determined

Seven people were killed and eight injured when a helicopter carrying Turkish military personnel, their wives and children crashed in the Black Sea region of northeast Turkey on Tuesday, the Turkish armed forces said. The cause of the Sikorsky helicopter's crash, as it returned to the town of Giresun from a visit to military outposts in the area, could not immediately be determined, a statement on the military's website said. However, the Prime Minister and one of his deputies said poor weather was responsible, rather than a militant attack. The Turkish armed forces are involved in a conflict with Kurdish militants focussed in the country's southeast. Those on board, who according to media reports included a brigadier general, had been visiting military personnel and their families at gendarmerie outposts to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. "Unfortunately, seven people among our comrades in arms, their wives and children lost their lives and the eight injured people were immediately sent to hospitals in the region," the army said, without specifying who had died. Rescue teams and ambulances rushed to the site of the crash, but local residents arrived first. Video broadcast by CNN Turk showed locals helping the wounded down a hillside and taking them in their vehicles to nearby hospitals. The helicopter crashed at around 5:15 pm (1415 GMT) near Tohumluk village in the Alucra district of Giresun province, the military said. As well as a brigadier general, on board were two colonels and other officers, along with four of their wives and three children, the private news agency Dogan reported. Earlier, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the crash, which occurred in the highlands of Giresun province, appeared to be an accident caused by bad weather. "It is understood to be an accident resulting purely from poor weather conditions," Yildirim told reporters in televised comments. Deputy prime minister Nurettin Canikli, who travelled to the area of the crash, later echoed Yildirim's words in comments to reporters and ruled out the possibility that an attack could have been responsible. In May, the army said a military helicopter that had crashed a week earlier may have been brought down by Kurdish militants with a ground-to-air missile. (Reuters)

7 killed, 8 injured in military helicopter crash in northern Turkey

A Turkish court jailed 17 suspects pending trial today in connection with last week&#39;s suicide bombing at Istanbul&#39;s main airport that killed 45 people and wounded hundreds, state media said. 
 
Eleven are foreigners among the arrested suspects, bringing the number of those remanded in custody over the attack to 30 after 13 were sent to jail on Sunday, state-run Anadolu Agency reported. 
 
The latest 17 to be held were accused of &quot;membership of an armed terrorist organisation&quot;, the private Dogan news agency said. 
 
Officials believe last Tuesday&#39;s triple suicide bombing at Istanbul Ataturk airport, the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings this year in Turkey, was carried out by the Islamic State terror outfit. 
 
Three attackers opened fire to create panic outside the airport before two of them got inside and blew themselves up. The third militant detonated his explosives outside at the entrance to the international arrivals terminal. 
 
Russian nationals have been identified as two of the suspected bombers, Anadolu reported last week. Turkish officials have not commented on the report, although one official had said the attackers were Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationals. 
 
(Reuters)

The suspects have been accused of being members of an armed terrorist organisation. In total, 30 remanded in custody over the attack

A Turkish court jailed 17 suspects pending trial today in connection with last week's suicide bombing at Istanbul's main airport that killed 45 people and wounded hundreds, state media said. Eleven are foreigners among the arrested suspects, bringing the number of those remanded in custody over the attack to 30 after 13 were sent to jail on Sunday, state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The latest 17 to be held were accused of "membership of an armed terrorist organisation", the private Dogan news agency said. Officials believe last Tuesday's triple suicide bombing at Istanbul Ataturk airport, the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings this year in Turkey, was carried out by the Islamic State terror outfit. Three attackers opened fire to create panic outside the airport before two of them got inside and blew themselves up. The third militant detonated his explosives outside at the entrance to the international arrivals terminal. Russian nationals have been identified as two of the suspected bombers, Anadolu reported last week. Turkish officials have not commented on the report, although one official had said the attackers were Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationals. (Reuters)

17 jailed over triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's Ataturk airport

The tourists are so scarce you can hear their footsteps clattering down the empty shopping street. Nearly a week after the deadly airport bombings, it is eerily quiet in Istanbul. 
 
The magic of Turkey&#39;s biggest city has been seducing visitors for centuries, from its array of historic mosques and palaces to its stunning views over the sparkling Bosphorus. 
 
But for people working in the once-thriving tourist trade, Tuesday&#39;s gun and suicide bomb spree represents one more nail in the coffin for an industry already reeling from a string of attacks this year. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s disastrous,&quot; said Orhan Sonmez as he stood hopelessly offering tours of the Hagia Sophia, the cavernous former mosque and church that is now a museum. 
 
&quot;All my life I&#39;ve been a tour guide. Most of us have come to a turning point where we don`t know if we can go on. It&#39;s tragic.&quot; 
 
Restaurants sit empty in the Sultanahmet tourist district, and five-star hotel rooms can be booked for bargain prices. 
 
In happier years the queues outside the Hagia Sophia might have stretched an hour or longer at this time of year, today you can walk straight in and share the place with just a smattering of other visitors. 
 
To add to the ghost town feel, many Istanbulites have left the city for Bayram, a nine-day nationwide holiday that began Saturday. Nineteen foreigners were among the 45 people killed at Ataturk airport by suspected Islamic State jihadists, and analysts say the attack may have been a deliberate attempt to weaken the Turkish state by hitting its tourist industry. 
 
The group had already been blamed for a January suicide blast that killed 12 German tourists in Sultanahmet, while three Israelis and an Iranian died in another on the Istiklal shopping street in March. 
 
The Teyr?baz?n Azadiya Kurdistan (TAK) , a radical Kurdish group that has carried out several attacks in Turkey this year, also warned foreign tourists to stay away after it killed 11 people in an Istanbul car bombing in June. 
 
The United States, Germany and several other countries have warned their nationals against threats in Turkey, which is a candidate to join the European Union. 
 
Those still arriving say they are enjoying the peace and quiet, while taking a philosophical approach at a time when jihadist attacks have gone global. 
 
&quot;This could happen in any city, it`s an unlucky lottery,&quot; said Irish visitor Nessa Feehan, perusing Sultanhamet`s empty shops as she whiled away a stopover on her way to India. 
 
&quot;The people are really friendly, and I really think I&#39;ll come back and spend some more time here.&quot;In May, Turkey suffered its worst drop-off in visits in 22 years, down 35 per cent from a year ago as an industry which ordinarily brings in 30 billion Euros ($33.2 billion) went into free fall. 
 
This was partly a result of a Russian ban on Turkish package holidays that Moscow had slapped on Ankara over a bitter diplomatic row. 
 
That ban was lifted last week as the two countries made up -- cause for celebration in the resort province of Antalya, where Russians traditionally come to sun themselves in their droves. 
 
That will be a boost for the tourist industry as a whole, but Russians tend to plump for all-inclusive deals on Turkey&#39;s turquoise coast rather than heading to Istanbul to soak up history. 
 
&quot;If it goes on like this, many shops will close,&quot; said Ismail Celebi, worrying at a string of prayer beads in one hand as he sat at the gleaming counter of his jewellery shop.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I&#39;m thinking of moving to America. I can&#39;t make money here.&quot; 
 
The large Chinese tour groups still arriving are about the only bright spot on the horizon, said Celebi, adding that they spend &quot;crazy money&quot;. 
 
&quot;But it&#39;s not enough,&quot; he said. &quot;We need Americans, we need Europeans.&quot; 
 
His shop is just a stone&#39;s throw from the scene of the Sultanahmet bombing that left a dozen Germans dead six months ago -- and Celebi said he didn&#39;t blame people for not wanting to come. 
 
&quot;Even I&#39;m afraid to come to work here,&quot; he said. 
 
(AFP)

Restaurants sit empty in the Sultanahmet tourist district, and five-star hotel rooms can be booked for bargain prices

The tourists are so scarce you can hear their footsteps clattering down the empty shopping street. Nearly a week after the deadly airport bombings, it is eerily quiet in Istanbul. The magic of Turkey's biggest city has been seducing visitors for centuries, from its array of historic mosques and palaces to its stunning views over the sparkling Bosphorus. But for people working in the once-thriving tourist trade, Tuesday's gun and suicide bomb spree represents one more nail in the coffin for an industry already reeling from a string of attacks this year. "It's disastrous," said Orhan Sonmez as he stood hopelessly offering tours of the Hagia Sophia, the cavernous former mosque and church that is now a museum. "All my life I've been a tour guide. Most of us have come to a turning point where we don`t know if we can go on. It's tragic." Restaurants sit empty in the Sultanahmet tourist district, and five-star hotel rooms can be booked for bargain prices. In happier years the queues outside the Hagia Sophia might have stretched an hour or longer at this time of year, today you can walk straight in and share the place with just a smattering of other visitors. To add to the ghost town feel, many Istanbulites have left the city for Bayram, a nine-day nationwide holiday that began Saturday. Nineteen foreigners were among the 45 people killed at Ataturk airport by suspected Islamic State jihadists, and analysts say the attack may have been a deliberate attempt to weaken the Turkish state by hitting its tourist industry. The group had already been blamed for a January suicide blast that killed 12 German tourists in Sultanahmet, while three Israelis and an Iranian died in another on the Istiklal shopping street in March. The Teyr?baz?n Azadiya Kurdistan (TAK) , a radical Kurdish group that has carried out several attacks in Turkey this year, also warned foreign tourists to stay away after it killed 11 people in an Istanbul car bombing in June. The United States, Germany and several other countries have warned their nationals against threats in Turkey, which is a candidate to join the European Union. Those still arriving say they are enjoying the peace and quiet, while taking a philosophical approach at a time when jihadist attacks have gone global. "This could happen in any city, it`s an unlucky lottery," said Irish visitor Nessa Feehan, perusing Sultanhamet`s empty shops as she whiled away a stopover on her way to India. "The people are really friendly, and I really think I'll come back and spend some more time here."In May, Turkey suffered its worst drop-off in visits in 22 years, down 35 per cent from a year ago as an industry which ordinarily brings in 30 billion Euros ($33.2 billion) went into free fall. This was partly a result of a Russian ban on Turkish package holidays that Moscow had slapped on Ankara over a bitter diplomatic row. That ban was lifted last week as the two countries made up -- cause for celebration in the resort province of Antalya, where Russians traditionally come to sun themselves in their droves. That will be a boost for the tourist industry as a whole, but Russians tend to plump for all-inclusive deals on Turkey's turquoise coast rather than heading to Istanbul to soak up history. "If it goes on like this, many shops will close," said Ismail Celebi, worrying at a string of prayer beads in one hand as he sat at the gleaming counter of his jewellery shop. "I'm thinking of moving to America. I can't make money here." The large Chinese tour groups still arriving are about the only bright spot on the horizon, said Celebi, adding that they spend "crazy money". "But it's not enough," he said. "We need Americans, we need Europeans." His shop is just a stone's throw from the scene of the Sultanahmet bombing that left a dozen Germans dead six months ago -- and Celebi said he didn't blame people for not wanting to come. "Even I'm afraid to come to work here," he said. (AFP)

Ghost town: Eerie silence stalks Istanbul as tourists stay away

The suicide attackers who launched a deadly Istanbul airport assault were planning to take dozens of passengers hostage, Turkish media reported today, as CCTV images of the bombers&#39; faces emerged. 
 
Turkish officials have pointed fingers at the Islamic State for Tuesday night&#39;s gun and bomb attack at Ataturk airport, which left 44 people dead including 19 foreigners. 
 
The private NTV network reported that Istanbul police had detained 11 suspected IS militants over the attack, in addition to 13 rounded up on Thursday and another nine arrested in the western port city of Izmir. 
 
Officials say the men behind the latest in a series of deadly attacks to hit Turkey were of Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationalities. 
 
Turkish media identified the mastermind of the airport attack as Akhmet Chatayev, a Chechen, adding that he had led an IS cell in Istanbul and found accommodation for the bombers.&nbsp; 
 
Chatayev allegedly organised two deadly bombings this year in the heart of the city&#39;s Sultanahmet tourist district and the busy Istiklal shopping street, the Hurriyet newspaper said. 
 
The pro-government Sabah newspaper reported that the attackers scouted the scene and planned to take dozens of passengers hostage before carrying out a massacre. 
 
However, they began the assault early after attracting suspicion, Sabah said. 
 
CCTV images released by the police show the three alleged attackers arriving in dark coats over their suicide vests - clothing that was much too heavy for a hot summer night. 
 
More images show a plainclothes police officer confronting one of the men by an elevator and asking to see his identification. The attacker pulls out a gun and shoots him. Turkey has been rocked by a series of attacks in the past year. IS jihadists or Kurdish rebels have been blamed. 
 
The attack sparked global condemnation, with consuls from a dozen countries around Europe and beyond gathering at the airport today to lay flowers in memory of the victims. 
 
Hundreds of mourners also gathered in Istanbul on Thursday for the funeral of popular 28-year-old teacher Huseyin Tunc, who was at the airport to welcome a friend. 
 
&quot;We still can&#39;t believe it,&quot; one of his pupils, Batuhan Karabey, said, adding, &quot;He was more than a teacher to us - he was like a big brother, helping us a lot. Really, I can&#39;t believe it&#39;s true.&quot; 
 
The Hurriyet newspaper reported that the bombers had rented a flat in Istanbul&#39;s Fatih district, home to many Syrians and other Arabs, and paid 24,000 Turkish Lira (7,500 Euros) in advance for a year&#39;s rent. 
 
The police raided the apartment after the attack, according to a neighbour, who said the bombers kept the curtains drawn. She never saw the attackers, but she heard them, and complained to local neighbourhood officials about a strange smell. 
 
&quot;A very weird, chemical smell,&quot; she told Hurriyet, adding, &quot;Police came after the bombing... I lived on top of the bomb.&quot; 
 
Hurriyet also quoted a local plumber, identified only by his initials ES, who says one of the attackers came to his shop to ask if he could fix their tap. 
 
&quot;He spoke in broken Turkish. He took me home,&quot; the plumber said. 
 
&quot;I changed the tap. I saw three people inside. They looked like bandits. One always stood by me. I left after changing the tap. They paid me 20 Turkish Lira,&quot; ES said. 
 
(AFP)

Turkish officials say the 3 bombers were a Russian, an Uzbek and a Kyrgyz national

The suicide attackers who launched a deadly Istanbul airport assault were planning to take dozens of passengers hostage, Turkish media reported today, as CCTV images of the bombers' faces emerged. Turkish officials have pointed fingers at the Islamic State for Tuesday night's gun and bomb attack at Ataturk airport, which left 44 people dead including 19 foreigners. The private NTV network reported that Istanbul police had detained 11 suspected IS militants over the attack, in addition to 13 rounded up on Thursday and another nine arrested in the western port city of Izmir. Officials say the men behind the latest in a series of deadly attacks to hit Turkey were of Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationalities. Turkish media identified the mastermind of the airport attack as Akhmet Chatayev, a Chechen, adding that he had led an IS cell in Istanbul and found accommodation for the bombers. Chatayev allegedly organised two deadly bombings this year in the heart of the city's Sultanahmet tourist district and the busy Istiklal shopping street, the Hurriyet newspaper said. The pro-government Sabah newspaper reported that the attackers scouted the scene and planned to take dozens of passengers hostage before carrying out a massacre. However, they began the assault early after attracting suspicion, Sabah said. CCTV images released by the police show the three alleged attackers arriving in dark coats over their suicide vests - clothing that was much too heavy for a hot summer night. More images show a plainclothes police officer confronting one of the men by an elevator and asking to see his identification. The attacker pulls out a gun and shoots him. Turkey has been rocked by a series of attacks in the past year. IS jihadists or Kurdish rebels have been blamed. The attack sparked global condemnation, with consuls from a dozen countries around Europe and beyond gathering at the airport today to lay flowers in memory of the victims. Hundreds of mourners also gathered in Istanbul on Thursday for the funeral of popular 28-year-old teacher Huseyin Tunc, who was at the airport to welcome a friend. "We still can't believe it," one of his pupils, Batuhan Karabey, said, adding, "He was more than a teacher to us - he was like a big brother, helping us a lot. Really, I can't believe it's true." The Hurriyet newspaper reported that the bombers had rented a flat in Istanbul's Fatih district, home to many Syrians and other Arabs, and paid 24,000 Turkish Lira (7,500 Euros) in advance for a year's rent. The police raided the apartment after the attack, according to a neighbour, who said the bombers kept the curtains drawn. She never saw the attackers, but she heard them, and complained to local neighbourhood officials about a strange smell. "A very weird, chemical smell," she told Hurriyet, adding, "Police came after the bombing... I lived on top of the bomb." Hurriyet also quoted a local plumber, identified only by his initials ES, who says one of the attackers came to his shop to ask if he could fix their tap. "He spoke in broken Turkish. He took me home," the plumber said. "I changed the tap. I saw three people inside. They looked like bandits. One always stood by me. I left after changing the tap. They paid me 20 Turkish Lira," ES said. (AFP)

Istanbul airport bombers planned to take hostages

The three suicide bombers who carried out an attack on Istanbul&#39;s main airport that killed 42 people were of Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationality, a Turkish official said on Thursday. 
 
Police detained 13 people, three of them foreigners, in raids across Istanbul in connection with Tuesday&#39;s attack on Europe&#39;s third-busiest airport, the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings in Turkey this year.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters) 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

According to a Turkish official the three suicide bombers are of Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationality

The three suicide bombers who carried out an attack on Istanbul's main airport that killed 42 people were of Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationality, a Turkish official said on Thursday. Police detained 13 people, three of them foreigners, in raids across Istanbul in connection with Tuesday's attack on Europe's third-busiest airport, the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings in Turkey this year. (Reuters)

Nationalities of the three suicide bombers in Istanbul airport attack identified: Official

The suicide assault on Istanbul&#39;s &nbsp;Ataturk airport bears the &quot;hallmark&quot; of an Islamic State group attack, CIA director John Brennan said on Wednesday. 
 
No group has claimed responsibility for Tuesday&#39;s attack, which killed 41 people and wounded 239 more. 
 
&quot;The despicable attacks in Istanbul International airport yesterday that killed dozens and injured many more certainly bears the hallmark of ISIL&#39;s depravity,&quot; Brennan said, using an acronym for the IS group. 
 
Witnesses described scenes of terror and panic as the attackers began shooting indiscriminately and then blew themselves up at the entrance to Ataturk airport, one of Europe&#39;s &nbsp;busiest hubs. 
 
The attack followed coordinated IS group suicide bombings in March at the international airport and a metro station in Brussels that left 32 people dead. 
 
The IS group typically does not claim responsibility for attacks in Turkey in order to send messages to the government without alienating potential future recruits in the country, Brennan said. 
 
The IS group may well be planning a similar attack in the United States, America&#39;s &nbsp;top spy added. 
 
&quot;If anyone believes that the US homeland is hermetically sealed... I would guard against that,&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
 
Earlier this month, a gunman killed 49 people at a Florida gay nightclub in the deadliest terror attack on US soil since September 11, 2001. 
 
The shooter, US-born Omar Mateen, pledged allegiance to the IS group while carrying out the attack. 
 
Speaking in Washington at the council on foreign relations think-tank, Brennan opened his remarks by saying the intelligence-sharing partnership between Britain and the United States would not be affected by the United Kingdom&#39;s decision to leave the European Union. 
 
&quot;The bonds of friendship and cooperation between (US and UK spy) services are only destined to grow stronger in the years ahead,&quot; Brennan said. 
 
Still, he noted, Britain&#39;s momentous decision may pose the greatest challenge the European bloc has ever faced. 
 
(AFP)

The group typically does not claim responsibility for attacks in Turkey so as not to alienate potential future recruits, he added

The suicide assault on Istanbul's Ataturk airport bears the "hallmark" of an Islamic State group attack, CIA director John Brennan said on Wednesday. No group has claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack, which killed 41 people and wounded 239 more. "The despicable attacks in Istanbul International airport yesterday that killed dozens and injured many more certainly bears the hallmark of ISIL's depravity," Brennan said, using an acronym for the IS group. Witnesses described scenes of terror and panic as the attackers began shooting indiscriminately and then blew themselves up at the entrance to Ataturk airport, one of Europe's busiest hubs. The attack followed coordinated IS group suicide bombings in March at the international airport and a metro station in Brussels that left 32 people dead. The IS group typically does not claim responsibility for attacks in Turkey in order to send messages to the government without alienating potential future recruits in the country, Brennan said. The IS group may well be planning a similar attack in the United States, America's top spy added. "If anyone believes that the US homeland is hermetically sealed... I would guard against that," he said. Earlier this month, a gunman killed 49 people at a Florida gay nightclub in the deadliest terror attack on US soil since September 11, 2001. The shooter, US-born Omar Mateen, pledged allegiance to the IS group while carrying out the attack. Speaking in Washington at the council on foreign relations think-tank, Brennan opened his remarks by saying the intelligence-sharing partnership between Britain and the United States would not be affected by the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union. "The bonds of friendship and cooperation between (US and UK spy) services are only destined to grow stronger in the years ahead," Brennan said. Still, he noted, Britain's momentous decision may pose the greatest challenge the European bloc has ever faced. (AFP)

Istanbul airport attack bears IS 'hallmark', says CIA director

Three suicide bombers opened fire before blowing themselves up in the main international airport in Istanbul on Tuesday night, killing 36 people and wounding close to 150, officials said. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that initial indications point at Islamic State as being responsible for the attack. 
 
&quot;According to assessments so far, 36 people have lost their lives and there were also many wounded,&quot; Yildirim told reporters at the site of the attack on Europe&#39;s third-busiest airport. The attack took place shortly before 10 pm local time when two gunmen opened fire at a security checkpoint at Ataturk airport, The New York Times quoted officials. 
 
Police fired shots to try to stop two of the attackers just before they reached a security checkpoint at the arrivals hall at Ataturk airport, but they detonated their explosives, one of the officials said. 
 
Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin said authorities believed there were three suicide bombers, an account corroborated by witnesses. 
 
A Turkish official said the vast majority of those killed were Turkish nationals, but foreigners were also among the dead. 
 
&quot;There was a huge explosion, extremely loud. The roof came down. Inside the airport it is terrible, you can&#39;t recognise it, the damage is big,&quot; said Ali Tekin, who was at the arrivals hall waiting for a guest when the attack took place. 
 
A woman named Duygu, who was at passport control having just arrived from Germany, said she threw herself onto the floor with the sound of the explosion. Several witnesses also reported hearing gunfire shortly before the attacks. 
 
&quot;Everyone started running away. Everywhere was covered with blood and body parts. I saw bullet holes on the doors,&quot; she said outside the airport. 
 
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest in a string of suicide bombings in Turkey this year, but the Dogan news agency said initial indications suggested Islamic State may have been responsible, citing police sources. 
 
A Turkish official said it was too soon to assign blame. 
 
The attack bore some similarities to a suicide bombing by Islamic State militants at Brussels airport in March which killed 16 people. A coordinated attack also targeted a rush-hour metro train, killing a further 16 people in the Belgian capital. 
 
Paul Roos, 77, described seeing one of the attackers &quot;randomly shooting&quot; on the departures floor of the terminal. 
 
&quot;He was just firing at anyone coming in front of him. He was wearing all black. His face was not masked. I was 50 metres (55 yards) away from him,&quot; said Roos, a South African on his way back to Cape Town with his wife after a holiday in southern Turkey. 
 
&quot;We ducked behind a counter but I stood up and watched him. Two explosions went off shortly after one another. By that time he had stopped shooting,&quot; Roos told Reuters. 
 
&quot;He turned around and started coming towards us. He was holding his gun inside his jacket. He looked around anxiously to see if anyone was going to stop him and then went down the escalator ... We heard some more gunfire and then another explosion, and then it was over.&quot; 
 
&quot;Could have been anywhere&quot; 
 
President Tayyip Erdogan said the attack should serve as a turning point in the global fight against militant groups. 
 
&quot;The attack, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, shows that terrorism strikes with no regard for faith and values,&quot; he said in a statement. 
 
&quot;The bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city around the world,&quot; he said, urging all governments to join forces against terrorism. 
 
Speaking in Parliament earlier, Turkish justice minister Bekir Bozdag said initial reports suggested one attacker had initially opened fire with a Kalashnikov then detonated explosives. 
 
Ataturk is Turkey&#39;s largest airport and a major transport hub for international travellers. Pictures posted on social media from the site showed wounded people lying on the ground inside and outside one of the terminal buildings. 
 
A helicopter buzzed overhead as police evacuated the building. Dozens of passengers walked back down access roads with their luggage, trying to hail cabs. The US embassy urged US citizens to avoid the area. 
 
Flights halted 
 
Authorities halted the take-off of scheduled flights from the airport and passengers were transferred to hotels, a Turkish Airlines official said. Earlier an airport official said some flights to the airport had been diverted. 
 
The airport will be closed for up to 48 hours, Turkey told one foreign government. 
 
In the United States, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reacted to the explosions by putting armed, high-visibility patrols at the three main airports in the New York metropolitan region. 
 
Turkey has suffered a spate of bombings this year, including two suicide attacks in tourist areas of Istanbul blamed on Islamic State, and two car bombings in the capital, Ankara, which were claimed by a Kurdish militant group. 
 
In the most recent attack, a car bomb ripped through a police bus in central Istanbul during the morning rush hour, killing 11 people and wounding 36 near the main tourist district, a major university and the mayor&#39;s office. 
 
Turkey, which is part of the US-led coalition against Islamic State, is also fighting Kurdish militants in its largely Kurdish southeast. 
 
One person was killed on December 23, 2015, when an explosion hit Istanbul&#39;s second airport, Sabiha Gokcen, located on the Asian side of the city. That attack was claimed by a Kurdish militant group. 
 
(Agencies)

Three gunmen with suspected links to IS fired indiscriminately in Turkey's international airport before blowing themselves up

Three suicide bombers opened fire before blowing themselves up in the main international airport in Istanbul on Tuesday night, killing 36 people and wounding close to 150, officials said. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that initial indications point at Islamic State as being responsible for the attack. "According to assessments so far, 36 people have lost their lives and there were also many wounded," Yildirim told reporters at the site of the attack on Europe's third-busiest airport. The attack took place shortly before 10 pm local time when two gunmen opened fire at a security checkpoint at Ataturk airport, The New York Times quoted officials. Police fired shots to try to stop two of the attackers just before they reached a security checkpoint at the arrivals hall at Ataturk airport, but they detonated their explosives, one of the officials said. Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin said authorities believed there were three suicide bombers, an account corroborated by witnesses. A Turkish official said the vast majority of those killed were Turkish nationals, but foreigners were also among the dead. "There was a huge explosion, extremely loud. The roof came down. Inside the airport it is terrible, you can't recognise it, the damage is big," said Ali Tekin, who was at the arrivals hall waiting for a guest when the attack took place. A woman named Duygu, who was at passport control having just arrived from Germany, said she threw herself onto the floor with the sound of the explosion. Several witnesses also reported hearing gunfire shortly before the attacks. "Everyone started running away. Everywhere was covered with blood and body parts. I saw bullet holes on the doors," she said outside the airport. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest in a string of suicide bombings in Turkey this year, but the Dogan news agency said initial indications suggested Islamic State may have been responsible, citing police sources. A Turkish official said it was too soon to assign blame. The attack bore some similarities to a suicide bombing by Islamic State militants at Brussels airport in March which killed 16 people. A coordinated attack also targeted a rush-hour metro train, killing a further 16 people in the Belgian capital. Paul Roos, 77, described seeing one of the attackers "randomly shooting" on the departures floor of the terminal. "He was just firing at anyone coming in front of him. He was wearing all black. His face was not masked. I was 50 metres (55 yards) away from him," said Roos, a South African on his way back to Cape Town with his wife after a holiday in southern Turkey. "We ducked behind a counter but I stood up and watched him. Two explosions went off shortly after one another. By that time he had stopped shooting," Roos told Reuters. "He turned around and started coming towards us. He was holding his gun inside his jacket. He looked around anxiously to see if anyone was going to stop him and then went down the escalator ... We heard some more gunfire and then another explosion, and then it was over." "Could have been anywhere" President Tayyip Erdogan said the attack should serve as a turning point in the global fight against militant groups. "The attack, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, shows that terrorism strikes with no regard for faith and values," he said in a statement. "The bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city around the world," he said, urging all governments to join forces against terrorism. Speaking in Parliament earlier, Turkish justice minister Bekir Bozdag said initial reports suggested one attacker had initially opened fire with a Kalashnikov then detonated explosives. Ataturk is Turkey's largest airport and a major transport hub for international travellers. Pictures posted on social media from the site showed wounded people lying on the ground inside and outside one of the terminal buildings. A helicopter buzzed overhead as police evacuated the building. Dozens of passengers walked back down access roads with their luggage, trying to hail cabs. The US embassy urged US citizens to avoid the area. Flights halted Authorities halted the take-off of scheduled flights from the airport and passengers were transferred to hotels, a Turkish Airlines official said. Earlier an airport official said some flights to the airport had been diverted. The airport will be closed for up to 48 hours, Turkey told one foreign government. In the United States, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reacted to the explosions by putting armed, high-visibility patrols at the three main airports in the New York metropolitan region. Turkey has suffered a spate of bombings this year, including two suicide attacks in tourist areas of Istanbul blamed on Islamic State, and two car bombings in the capital, Ankara, which were claimed by a Kurdish militant group. In the most recent attack, a car bomb ripped through a police bus in central Istanbul during the morning rush hour, killing 11 people and wounding 36 near the main tourist district, a major university and the mayor's office. Turkey, which is part of the US-led coalition against Islamic State, is also fighting Kurdish militants in its largely Kurdish southeast. One person was killed on December 23, 2015, when an explosion hit Istanbul's second airport, Sabiha Gokcen, located on the Asian side of the city. That attack was claimed by a Kurdish militant group. (Agencies)

Istanbul airport suicide attack: 41 dead, 239 wounded, Turkish PM says initial findings point to Islamic State

Passengers who had witnessed the multiple suicide bombs and gunshots that rocked Turkey&#39;s largest airport in Istanbul on Tuesday night recounted the deadly attack to China Central Television (CCTV). 
 
Ataturk airport partially opened early today morning. 
 
Several witnesses recalled what happened during the moments of chaos during a bombing attack that, according to Turkish officials, caused 36 deaths and wounded 150 others. 
 
&quot;I was waiting for my boarding pass at the counter of Turkish Airlines when I heard the first gunshot. And many passengers looked in the direction of the gunshot sound, and began to run for safety after the second gunshot. I threw all my belongings to the ground and lay down following the others. After arriving at a safe place, we found many people already there - the elderly, kids and passengers from different countries. Then we heard more gunshots and a blast, the only blast we heard. After about 10 minutes, the airport staff came and brought us to an emergency shelter or something like that. It was kind of like a dining room but drinking water and quilts were all transferred there for emergency use. We stayed there for about one-and-a half hour before getting out. We saw a lot of blood on the way out. There were shards of broken glass from the foreign currency exchange counter and bodies on the ground as well,&quot; said a witness from China. 
 
&quot;We were queuing up in the terminal when the first gunshot came. We didn&#39;t think much at first, but saw many people running towards our direction. We all lay down at once and saw someone entering the terminal, firing, and the police fired as well. Then the first blast occurred and the second blast was only three meters away from us,&quot; said another Chinese witness. 
 
A third witness corroborated the many accounts of two explosions along with gunshots, and said that after a few minutes, he was led to a basement, where he and others stayed for about an hour. 
 
Police manning a checkpoint at the airport&rsquo;s international terminal shot at two of the attackers as they approached, a Turkish official said, adding that a third bomber detonated explosives in the nearby parking lot. 
 
Turkey&rsquo;s Prime Minister, Binali Yildirim, blamed the Islamic State group for the assault, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility. 
 
All three bombers were killed. 
 
(Reuters)

A Chinese passenger recounted seeing a 'lot of blood... shards of glass from the foreign currency exchange counter and bodies on the ground'

Passengers who had witnessed the multiple suicide bombs and gunshots that rocked Turkey's largest airport in Istanbul on Tuesday night recounted the deadly attack to China Central Television (CCTV). Ataturk airport partially opened early today morning. Several witnesses recalled what happened during the moments of chaos during a bombing attack that, according to Turkish officials, caused 36 deaths and wounded 150 others. "I was waiting for my boarding pass at the counter of Turkish Airlines when I heard the first gunshot. And many passengers looked in the direction of the gunshot sound, and began to run for safety after the second gunshot. I threw all my belongings to the ground and lay down following the others. After arriving at a safe place, we found many people already there - the elderly, kids and passengers from different countries. Then we heard more gunshots and a blast, the only blast we heard. After about 10 minutes, the airport staff came and brought us to an emergency shelter or something like that. It was kind of like a dining room but drinking water and quilts were all transferred there for emergency use. We stayed there for about one-and-a half hour before getting out. We saw a lot of blood on the way out. There were shards of broken glass from the foreign currency exchange counter and bodies on the ground as well," said a witness from China. "We were queuing up in the terminal when the first gunshot came. We didn't think much at first, but saw many people running towards our direction. We all lay down at once and saw someone entering the terminal, firing, and the police fired as well. Then the first blast occurred and the second blast was only three meters away from us," said another Chinese witness. A third witness corroborated the many accounts of two explosions along with gunshots, and said that after a few minutes, he was led to a basement, where he and others stayed for about an hour. Police manning a checkpoint at the airport’s international terminal shot at two of the attackers as they approached, a Turkish official said, adding that a third bomber detonated explosives in the nearby parking lot. Turkey’s Prime Minister, Binali Yildirim, blamed the Islamic State group for the assault, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility. All three bombers were killed. (Reuters)

Second blast was just 3 metres from us: Chinese witnesses recount Ataturk airport attack in Istanbul

Passengers, who arrived to JFK airport in New York from Istanbul, said on Tuesday they were shocked to learn about an attack on the Turkish airport that killed 36 and injured 150 more, but they were lucky to have missed the incident. 
 
Three suicide bombers opened fire then blew themselves up at Istanbul international airport on Tuesday in what Turkey&#39;s Prime Minister said appeared to have been an attack by Islamic State militants. 
 
One attacker opened fire in the departure hall with an automatic rifle, sending passengers diving for cover and trying to flee, before all three blew themselves up in or around the arrival hall a floor below, witnesses and officials said. 
 
Passengers said they learned about the attacks in flight, a short time after they passed through the same areas of the airport. 
 
&quot;I can&#39;t believe it that, you know, I feel like, how are we alive? If the flight was delayed two hours, we would have been exactly on that spot. Looking at the pictures, we were right there. So, it&#39;s just horrific. It&#39;s just unbelievable, and, just speechless really. It keeps happening and happening. It just happened in Belgium. It just happened just now in Istanbul, so I can&#39;t even fly anymore. I&#39;m like so scared. Everybody in flight - the same way. I mean, it&#39;s just disbelief. I mean we&#39;re so lucky we got away with it, it looks like,&quot; a passenger named Adam told NBC. 
 
Three women, who were travelling together from Barcelona, said they could have been caught in the attacks had they missed their connection in Istanbul. 
 
&quot;We were running from Barcelona, got to Istanbul, got there pretty late, almost missed the flight, got a little nervous about almost missing the flight, and then saw the news on the plane, and you know it... we&#39;re really happy to be home,&quot; one of the women said. 
 
One of her travelling companions said she thought security in Istanbul&#39;s Ataturk airport was thorough. 
 
&quot;From a connecting flight on an international flight - we went through two additional checkpoints just to get to our gate,&quot; she said. 
 
&quot;We went through metal detectors, our bags went through, then our passports were checked.... the security seemed good,&quot; she said. 
 
Turkish police fired shots to try to stop two of the attackers just before they reached a security checkpoint at the arrivals hall, but they detonated their explosives, a Turkish official said. 
 
Istanbul&#39;s Ataturk airport partially opened early today morning. 
 
Passengers traveling outbound from Istanbul are being allowed to enter the airport after undertaking security checks. However, the international arrivals section in the lower part of the airport remains closed, as several emergency vehicles maintain a security presence outside the terminal building. 
 
The information board inside the airport showed that about one third of scheduled flights have been canceled with a host of others delayed. 
 
(Reuters)

Istanbul's Ataturk airport partially opened today morning. However, the international arrivals section remained closed

Passengers, who arrived to JFK airport in New York from Istanbul, said on Tuesday they were shocked to learn about an attack on the Turkish airport that killed 36 and injured 150 more, but they were lucky to have missed the incident. Three suicide bombers opened fire then blew themselves up at Istanbul international airport on Tuesday in what Turkey's Prime Minister said appeared to have been an attack by Islamic State militants. One attacker opened fire in the departure hall with an automatic rifle, sending passengers diving for cover and trying to flee, before all three blew themselves up in or around the arrival hall a floor below, witnesses and officials said. Passengers said they learned about the attacks in flight, a short time after they passed through the same areas of the airport. "I can't believe it that, you know, I feel like, how are we alive? If the flight was delayed two hours, we would have been exactly on that spot. Looking at the pictures, we were right there. So, it's just horrific. It's just unbelievable, and, just speechless really. It keeps happening and happening. It just happened in Belgium. It just happened just now in Istanbul, so I can't even fly anymore. I'm like so scared. Everybody in flight - the same way. I mean, it's just disbelief. I mean we're so lucky we got away with it, it looks like," a passenger named Adam told NBC. Three women, who were travelling together from Barcelona, said they could have been caught in the attacks had they missed their connection in Istanbul. "We were running from Barcelona, got to Istanbul, got there pretty late, almost missed the flight, got a little nervous about almost missing the flight, and then saw the news on the plane, and you know it... we're really happy to be home," one of the women said. One of her travelling companions said she thought security in Istanbul's Ataturk airport was thorough. "From a connecting flight on an international flight - we went through two additional checkpoints just to get to our gate," she said. "We went through metal detectors, our bags went through, then our passports were checked.... the security seemed good," she said. Turkish police fired shots to try to stop two of the attackers just before they reached a security checkpoint at the arrivals hall, but they detonated their explosives, a Turkish official said. Istanbul's Ataturk airport partially opened early today morning. Passengers traveling outbound from Istanbul are being allowed to enter the airport after undertaking security checks. However, the international arrivals section in the lower part of the airport remains closed, as several emergency vehicles maintain a security presence outside the terminal building. The information board inside the airport showed that about one third of scheduled flights have been canceled with a host of others delayed. (Reuters)

Passengers arriving at JFK from Turkey horrified by suicide attack at airport

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