Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday (April 30) praised his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for his victory in the election in Paris.

He told Hurriyet daily that "To put it correctly, the elimination and defeat of extremist ends in French elections is, in my opinion, a win because whatever we suffer is because of extremism."&nbsp;

According to Erdogan, far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen's defeat in the French election was a ''win''.

"God willing, with the result of this election, our relations will be in a much better position," he added.

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Macron had defeated Le Pen and achieved a historic score of 41.5 percent in the second round of the French presidential election.

Erdogan is in Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit, Erdogan met Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

"I believe my visit will herald a new era in the ties between our two countries. We have demonstrated our common will to enhance ties," he said.

"We agreed with Saudi Arabia to reactivate a great economic potential through organisations that will bring our investors together."&nbsp;

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/french-presidential-debate-turning-points-in-political-history-471617">French presidential debate: Turning points in political history</a>

"We announced that we, as Turkey, would support them in their bid to host EXPO 2030 in Riyadh," he added.

Erdogan and Macron have been at loggerheads with head other after the former criticised the French president's crackdown on Islamist extremism and called him "trouble for France."

Macron had slammed Erdogan due to Turkey's aggressive stance and tensions in the eastern Mediterranean and the contested &nbsp;Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Watch WION's live TV:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday (April 30) praised his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for his victory in the election in Paris. He told Hurriyet daily that "To put it correctly, the elimination and defeat of extremist ends in French elections is, in my opinion, a win because whatever we suffer is because of extremism.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday (April 30) praised his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for his victory in the election in Paris. He told Hurriyet daily that "To put it correctly, the elimination and defeat of extremist ends in French elections is, in my opinion, a win because whatever we suffer is because of extremism." According to Erdogan, far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen's defeat in the French election was a ''win''. "God willing, with the result of this election, our relations will be in a much better position," he added. Macron had defeated Le Pen and achieved a historic score of 41.5 percent in the second round of the French presidential election. Erdogan is in Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit, Erdogan met Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. "I believe my visit will herald a new era in the ties between our two countries. We have demonstrated our common will to enhance ties," he said. "We agreed with Saudi Arabia to reactivate a great economic potential through organisations that will bring our investors together." Also see | French presidential debate: Turning points in political history "We announced that we, as Turkey, would support them in their bid to host EXPO 2030 in Riyadh," he added. Erdogan and Macron have been at loggerheads with head other after the former criticised the French president's crackdown on Islamist extremism and called him "trouble for France." Macron had slammed Erdogan due to Turkey's aggressive stance and tensions in the eastern Mediterranean and the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region. Watch WION's live TV: (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls Le Pen's defeat in the French election a 'win'

A Turkish court on Monday convicted a prominent opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of trying to violently overthrow the government and sentenced him to life in prison without parole, in a case that has been denounced by human rights organizations and has heightened tensions with the West.

In a crowded and stuffy Istanbul courtroom the man, Osman Kavala, a well-known philanthropist, was convicted on charges related to popular protests in 2013 against Erdogan, which the president still sees as among the most significant challenges to his power.

The court also sentenced seven other defendants to 18 years in prison for aiding in an attempt to overthrow the government and ordered them to be immediately arrested. Among the seven is Mucella Yapici, a well known architect and urban rights activist.

The case, which involved more than a dozen individuals, was among the most high-profile in the president’s wider crackdown on the opposition after a coup attempt six years ago. The defendants can appeal.

Kavala and other defendants were charged and later acquitted, but were put on trial again despite the absence of new evidence, according to their lawyers. Prosecutors said Kavala orchestrated and financed the protests with money from billionaire investor George Soros.

Erdogan has also said Kavala financed “terrorists” and participated in the 2016 coup attempt. Kavala has denied all of the charges.

Nine other defendants were charged, but the court declined to issue verdicts against them because they were not in custody. One of them, Henri Barkey, an American academic, is accused of being in touch with Kavala at the time of the failed coup, an event Barkey has denied any involvement in.

A 64-year-old businessman, Kavala is a well-known figure in Turkey’s civil society. Among his more prominent work to cultivate the intellectual and civil rights landscape of Turkey was the foundation of Anadolu Kultur, an organization that aims to provide wider access to the artistic and cultural heritage of ethnic and religious minority groups.

The refusal to release Kavala and the decision to renew his prosecution prompted the Council of Europe, the continent’s main institution governing human rights, to officially begin infringement proceedings against Turkey in February.

Turkey, a member of the council since 1950, is obligated to accept the authority of the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled that Kavala was being held unlawfully. Infringement is a rare action that could lead to Turkey’s suspension from the council, which oversees the court.

Turkey has said that the Council of Europe process was “prejudiced and politically motivated.” Legal professionals have said that many of the judges in Turkey are fearful of running afoul of the government after widespread post-coup purges.

The government’s pursuit of Kavala and the other defendants, appeared to be motivated by their civil society work, which it viewed as a threat, especially after the 2013 protests turned into a nationwide reaction against Erdogan’s rule. Yapici, for instance, has been one of the most vocal critics of the construction boom that Erdogan’s party has relied on to fuel economic growth during the past decade.

Erdogan’s rule has become increasingly authoritarian since the failed but deadly coup in 2016. Thousands of people have been arrested, many more were removed from their public jobs, and others felt they had no choice but to leave the country before they were caught up in the president’s dragnet.

Erdogan pushed through a constitutional referendum in 2017 that cemented some of his expanded authority, establishing a type of presidential system that gave him sweeping powers.

For the president, the 2013 protests have come to represent one in of a series of serious challenges to his leadership. He continues to degrade the demonstrations, which he regards as a foreign-inspired coup attempt against him.

Publicly known as the Gezi protests after the park they were intended to save, the demonstrations quickly spread to almost the entire country, drawing mostly young people from various backgrounds. Erdogan wanted to turn the park, in the heart of Istanbul, into a shopping mall, but the project has since been shelved.

In his eyes, local groups instigated by foreign entities continued to try to undermine him after the park protests, pushing for anticorruption raids against his allies later that year that eventually led to the coup attempt in July 2016.

A Turkish court on Monday convicted a prominent opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of trying to violently overthrow the government and sentenced him to life in prison without parole, in a case that has been denounced by human rights organizations and has heightened tensions with the West.

A Turkish court on Monday convicted a prominent opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of trying to violently overthrow the government and sentenced him to life in prison without parole, in a case that has been denounced by human rights organizations and has heightened tensions with the West. In a crowded and stuffy Istanbul courtroom the man, Osman Kavala, a well-known philanthropist, was convicted on charges related to popular protests in 2013 against Erdogan, which the president still sees as among the most significant challenges to his power. The court also sentenced seven other defendants to 18 years in prison for aiding in an attempt to overthrow the government and ordered them to be immediately arrested. Among the seven is Mucella Yapici, a well known architect and urban rights activist. The case, which involved more than a dozen individuals, was among the most high-profile in the president’s wider crackdown on the opposition after a coup attempt six years ago. The defendants can appeal. Kavala and other defendants were charged and later acquitted, but were put on trial again despite the absence of new evidence, according to their lawyers. Prosecutors said Kavala orchestrated and financed the protests with money from billionaire investor George Soros. Erdogan has also said Kavala financed “terrorists” and participated in the 2016 coup attempt. Kavala has denied all of the charges. Nine other defendants were charged, but the court declined to issue verdicts against them because they were not in custody. One of them, Henri Barkey, an American academic, is accused of being in touch with Kavala at the time of the failed coup, an event Barkey has denied any involvement in. A 64-year-old businessman, Kavala is a well-known figure in Turkey’s civil society. Among his more prominent work to cultivate the intellectual and civil rights landscape of Turkey was the foundation of Anadolu Kultur, an organization that aims to provide wider access to the artistic and cultural heritage of ethnic and religious minority groups. The refusal to release Kavala and the decision to renew his prosecution prompted the Council of Europe, the continent’s main institution governing human rights, to officially begin infringement proceedings against Turkey in February. Turkey, a member of the council since 1950, is obligated to accept the authority of the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled that Kavala was being held unlawfully. Infringement is a rare action that could lead to Turkey’s suspension from the council, which oversees the court. Turkey has said that the Council of Europe process was “prejudiced and politically motivated.” Legal professionals have said that many of the judges in Turkey are fearful of running afoul of the government after widespread post-coup purges. The government’s pursuit of Kavala and the other defendants, appeared to be motivated by their civil society work, which it viewed as a threat, especially after the 2013 protests turned into a nationwide reaction against Erdogan’s rule. Yapici, for instance, has been one of the most vocal critics of the construction boom that Erdogan’s party has relied on to fuel economic growth during the past decade. Erdogan’s rule has become increasingly authoritarian since the failed but deadly coup in 2016. Thousands of people have been arrested, many more were removed from their public jobs, and others felt they had no choice but to leave the country before they were caught up in the president’s dragnet. Erdogan pushed through a constitutional referendum in 2017 that cemented some of his expanded authority, establishing a type of presidential system that gave him sweeping powers. For the president, the 2013 protests have come to represent one in of a series of serious challenges to his leadership. He continues to degrade the demonstrations, which he regards as a foreign-inspired coup attempt against him. Publicly known as the Gezi protests after the park they were intended to save, the demonstrations quickly spread to almost the entire country, drawing mostly young people from various backgrounds. Erdogan wanted to turn the park, in the heart of Istanbul, into a shopping mall, but the project has since been shelved. In his eyes, local groups instigated by foreign entities continued to try to undermine him after the park protests, pushing for anticorruption raids against his allies later that year that eventually led to the coup attempt in July 2016.

Prominent Erdogan critic is convicted and sentenced to life over protests

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is approaching the one month mark. What does Vladimir Putin want from Ukraine? Reports claim the Russian President shared his demands with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: What does Putin want from Ukraine?

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday his campaign in Ukraine was going according to plan and would not end until Kyiv stopped fighting, as efforts to evacuate the heavily bombarded city of Mariupol failed for the second day in a row.

He made the comments in a phone call with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who appealed for a ceasefire in the conflict that the United Nations says has created the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War Two.

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Putin "drew attention to the fact that Kyiv still does not fulfil agreements reached on this acute humanitarian issue," according to a statement from the Kremlin, after two agreements to evacuate Mariupol fell though following allegations of ceasefire breaches.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">He told Erdogan he was ready for dialogue with Ukraine and foreign partners but any attempt to draw out negotiation would fail, a Kremlin statement said.&nbsp;</div>

Putin earlier listed “demilitarisation” and “denazification” of Ukraine, recognition of Crimea as part of Russia, and recognition of the separatist regions in eastern Ukraine as independent states as the Kremlin’s main demands.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-does-aftermath-of-russian-invasion-look-like-for-ukraine-459414" hreflang="en">What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine?</a>

Ukraine's Interior Ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko said the planned evacuations were halted because of an ongoing assault by Russian troops.

“There can be no ‘green corridors’ because only the sick brain of the Russians decides when to start shooting and at whom,“ Gerashchenko said on Telegram.

The news dashed hopes of progress in easing, much less ending, the war in Ukraine, which is now in its 11 day and has caused 1.5 million people to flee the country.&nbsp;

Russian troops have already taken control of the Zaporizhzhia plant in Ukraine, as well as Chernobyl, the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putins-strategy-in-ukraine-invasion-has-stumped-us-defence-experts-459291">Also read |&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy in Ukraine invasion has stumped US defence experts</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated a request for foreign protectors to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine, which NATO so far has ruled out because of concerns such an action would draw the West into the war.

“The world is strong enough to close our skies,” Zelensky said in a video address on Sunday.

The strength of Ukrainian resistance continues to surprise Russian forces, and they have responded by targeting populated areas, including the cities of Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Mariupol, the UK Ministry of Defense said in its daily intelligence briefing.

British military officials on Sunday compared Russia’s tactics in Ukraine to those used in Chechnya and Syria, where surrounded cities were pummeled with airstrikes and artillery after Russian forces faced unexpected resistance.

“This is likely to represent an effort to break Ukrainian morale,” the ministry said. “Russia has used similar tactics in Chechnya in 1999 and Syria in 2016, employing both air and ground-based munitions.”

The death toll of the conflict is difficult to measure. The UN&nbsp;human rights office said at least 351 civilians have been confirmed killed, but the true number is probably much higher. Russian and Ukrainian defense officials have not provided information on their military causalities.

Ukraine’s military is vastly outmatched by Russia’s, but its professional and volunteer forces have fought back with fierce tenacity.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday his campaign in Ukraine was going according to plan and would not end until Kyiv stopped fighting, as efforts to evacuate the heavily bombarded city of Mariupol failed for the second day in a row.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday his campaign in Ukraine was going according to plan and would not end until Kyiv stopped fighting, as efforts to evacuate the heavily bombarded city of Mariupol failed for the second day in a row. He made the comments in a phone call with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who appealed for a ceasefire in the conflict that the United Nations says has created the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War Two. Putin "drew attention to the fact that Kyiv still does not fulfil agreements reached on this acute humanitarian issue," according to a statement from the Kremlin, after two agreements to evacuate Mariupol fell though following allegations of ceasefire breaches. He told Erdogan he was ready for dialogue with Ukraine and foreign partners but any attempt to draw out negotiation would fail, a Kremlin statement said. Putin earlier listed “demilitarisation” and “denazification” of Ukraine, recognition of Crimea as part of Russia, and recognition of the separatist regions in eastern Ukraine as independent states as the Kremlin’s main demands. Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? Ukraine's Interior Ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko said the planned evacuations were halted because of an ongoing assault by Russian troops. “There can be no ‘green corridors’ because only the sick brain of the Russians decides when to start shooting and at whom,“ Gerashchenko said on Telegram. The news dashed hopes of progress in easing, much less ending, the war in Ukraine, which is now in its 11 day and has caused 1.5 million people to flee the country. Russian troops have already taken control of the Zaporizhzhia plant in Ukraine, as well as Chernobyl, the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster. Also read | Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy in Ukraine invasion has stumped US defence experts Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated a request for foreign protectors to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine, which NATO so far has ruled out because of concerns such an action would draw the West into the war. “The world is strong enough to close our skies,” Zelensky said in a video address on Sunday. The strength of Ukrainian resistance continues to surprise Russian forces, and they have responded by targeting populated areas, including the cities of Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Mariupol, the UK Ministry of Defense said in its daily intelligence briefing. British military officials on Sunday compared Russia’s tactics in Ukraine to those used in Chechnya and Syria, where surrounded cities were pummeled with airstrikes and artillery after Russian forces faced unexpected resistance. “This is likely to represent an effort to break Ukrainian morale,” the ministry said. “Russia has used similar tactics in Chechnya in 1999 and Syria in 2016, employing both air and ground-based munitions.” The death toll of the conflict is difficult to measure. The UN human rights office said at least 351 civilians have been confirmed killed, but the true number is probably much higher. Russian and Ukrainian defense officials have not provided information on their military causalities. Ukraine’s military is vastly outmatched by Russia’s, but its professional and volunteer forces have fought back with fierce tenacity. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin says his campaign in Ukraine will not end until Kyiv stops fighting

Turkish conglomerates are racing to add high-end apartment blocks and office towers to Istanbul’s rapidly-changing skyline, turning to one of the world’s most profitable real estate markets for quick returns as other parts of the economy suffer.

But now a rickety wooden scaffolding is blighting the iconic Suleymaniye Mosque. This has sparked fury on social media.

Ottoman architect Sinan’s 16th-century creations came to define the Ottoman Empire at its apogee, the Suleymaniye Mosque, built for Sultan Suleiman, part of Istanbul’s unmistakable skyline.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/protests-and-special-service-held-in-greece-over-conversion-of-hagia-sophia-315940">Also see |&nbsp;Protests and special service held in Greece over conversion of Hagia Sophia</a>

The latest row over Istanbul's skyline has seen opponents of the new building attack botched restoration work and calls for historical edifices to be protected.

"The disrespect, there is no recognition of any proportion or any limit," said Esin Koymen, head of the Istanbul Chamber of Architects.

"There's this talk that the new buildings betray Istanbul's silhouette but it's quite upsetting to see the continuing recklessness on a landmark historical compound," she said.

President Tayyip Erdogan has ambitious plans for Istanbul, which include digging a 45-km (30 mile) channel linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara to ease congestion in the Bosphorus Strait and filling in part of the sea to create an assembly ground big enough for 800,000 people.

He hopes, too, to bequeath Turkey a new constitution, replacing the version written after a 1980 military coup and in the process creating a powerful executive presidency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-reiterates-turkeys-determination-to-support-ukraines-territorial-integrity-450943">Also read |&nbsp;Erdogan reiterates Turkey's determination to support Ukraine's territorial integrity</a>

"We will make no concessions on preserving Istanbul's historical and spiritual values," Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu tweeted.&nbsp;

The Foundation for the Expansion of Knowledge, owner of the building and whose board of trustees' chairman is Erdogan's son Bilal, insisted the construction of a student dormitory was "not illegal".

However, the foundation was forced to take a step back after the rising block drew rebuke even from conservative quarters.

"We will not be involved in any action that goes against Suleymaniye's soul," the foundation's acting chairman Nurettin Alan told journalists in the mosque's courtyard last week.&nbsp;

"Suleymaniye is our soul, we'll protect it."

Moreover, Alan accused the Istanbul municipality of "politicising" the issue by locking up the building despite their decision to stop construction, which had reached nearly 16 metres.

Mahir Polat, cultural heritage director for Istanbul's municipality, said the building was six metres higher than the approved project.

"Compare the pictures from 2016 and 2022. Anyone who looks to the Bosphorus through the poetic domes of&nbsp;Suleymaniye&nbsp;knows (that building) was not there," Polat said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish conglomerates are racing to add high-end apartment blocks and office towers to Istanbul’s rapidly-changing skyline, turning to one of the world’s most profitable real estate markets for quick returns as other parts of the economy suffer.

Turkish conglomerates are racing to add high-end apartment blocks and office towers to Istanbul’s rapidly-changing skyline, turning to one of the world’s most profitable real estate markets for quick returns as other parts of the economy suffer. But now a rickety wooden scaffolding is blighting the iconic Suleymaniye Mosque. This has sparked fury on social media. Ottoman architect Sinan’s 16th-century creations came to define the Ottoman Empire at its apogee, the Suleymaniye Mosque, built for Sultan Suleiman, part of Istanbul’s unmistakable skyline. Also see | Protests and special service held in Greece over conversion of Hagia Sophia The latest row over Istanbul's skyline has seen opponents of the new building attack botched restoration work and calls for historical edifices to be protected. "The disrespect, there is no recognition of any proportion or any limit," said Esin Koymen, head of the Istanbul Chamber of Architects. "There's this talk that the new buildings betray Istanbul's silhouette but it's quite upsetting to see the continuing recklessness on a landmark historical compound," she said. President Tayyip Erdogan has ambitious plans for Istanbul, which include digging a 45-km (30 mile) channel linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara to ease congestion in the Bosphorus Strait and filling in part of the sea to create an assembly ground big enough for 800,000 people. He hopes, too, to bequeath Turkey a new constitution, replacing the version written after a 1980 military coup and in the process creating a powerful executive presidency. Also read | Erdogan reiterates Turkey's determination to support Ukraine's territorial integrity "We will make no concessions on preserving Istanbul's historical and spiritual values," Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu tweeted. The Foundation for the Expansion of Knowledge, owner of the building and whose board of trustees' chairman is Erdogan's son Bilal, insisted the construction of a student dormitory was "not illegal". However, the foundation was forced to take a step back after the rising block drew rebuke even from conservative quarters. "We will not be involved in any action that goes against Suleymaniye's soul," the foundation's acting chairman Nurettin Alan told journalists in the mosque's courtyard last week. "Suleymaniye is our soul, we'll protect it." Moreover, Alan accused the Istanbul municipality of "politicising" the issue by locking up the building despite their decision to stop construction, which had reached nearly 16 metres. Mahir Polat, cultural heritage director for Istanbul's municipality, said the building was six metres higher than the approved project. "Compare the pictures from 2016 and 2022. Anyone who looks to the Bosphorus through the poetic domes of Suleymaniye knows (that building) was not there," Polat said. (With inputs from agencies)

Istanbul skyline row: Rickety wooden scaffolding blighting iconic mosque sparks fury on social media

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the UAE, signalling the end of a bitter rivalry. Why is Erdogan courting the Arab world? What's in it for the UAE? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Erdogan in the UAE, first visit since 2013

It's a double whammy for bars struggling post-pandemic as Turkey hikes tax on liquor by 42% while the lira struggles amid high inflation. The liquor tax has now triggered bootlegging of alcohol.

42% hike in Turkey's alcohol tax amid inflation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sacked country's chief statistician after records and calculations revealed that tyhe country experienced record inflation rate last year. The inflation hit a 19-year high of 36.1 per cent.

The decree sacking head of state statistics agency was published on Saturday.

Sait Erdal Dincer was just the latest in a series of economic dismissals by Erdogan, who has sacked three central bank governors since July 2019.

Erdogan has railed against high interest rates, which he believes cause inflation -- the exact opposition of conventional economic thinking.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-warns-media-of-action-over-harmful-content-448731">Erdogan warns media of action over 'harmful' content</a>

The 2021 inflation figure released by Dincer angered both the pro-government and opposition camps. 
The opposition said it was underreported, claiming that the real cost of living increases were at least twice as high.

Erdogan meanwhile reportedly criticised the statistics agency in private for publishing data that he felt overstated the scale of Turkey's economic malaise.

Dincer seemed to sense his impending fate.

"I sit in this office now, tomorrow it will be someone else," he said in an interview with the business newspaper Dunya earlier this month.&nbsp;

"Never mind who is the chairman. Can you imagine that hundreds of my colleagues could stomach or remain quiet about publishing an inflation rate very different from what they had established?"&nbsp;

"I have a responsibility to 84 million people," he added.&nbsp;

Erdogan did not explain his decision to appoint Erhan Cetinkaya, who had served as vice-chair of Turkey's banking regulator, as the new state statistics chief.

"This will just increase concern about the reliability of the data, in addition to major concerns about economic policy settings," Timothy Ash of BlueBay Asset Management said in a note to clients.&nbsp;

The agency is due to publish January's inflation data on February 3.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sacked country's chief statistician after records and calculations revealed that tyhe country experienced record inflation rate last year.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sacked country's chief statistician after records and calculations revealed that tyhe country experienced record inflation rate last year. The inflation hit a 19-year high of 36.1 per cent. The decree sacking head of state statistics agency was published on Saturday. Sait Erdal Dincer was just the latest in a series of economic dismissals by Erdogan, who has sacked three central bank governors since July 2019. Erdogan has railed against high interest rates, which he believes cause inflation -- the exact opposition of conventional economic thinking. Also Read | Erdogan warns media of action over 'harmful' content The 2021 inflation figure released by Dincer angered both the pro-government and opposition camps. The opposition said it was underreported, claiming that the real cost of living increases were at least twice as high. Erdogan meanwhile reportedly criticised the statistics agency in private for publishing data that he felt overstated the scale of Turkey's economic malaise. Dincer seemed to sense his impending fate. "I sit in this office now, tomorrow it will be someone else," he said in an interview with the business newspaper Dunya earlier this month. "Never mind who is the chairman. Can you imagine that hundreds of my colleagues could stomach or remain quiet about publishing an inflation rate very different from what they had established?" "I have a responsibility to 84 million people," he added. Erdogan did not explain his decision to appoint Erhan Cetinkaya, who had served as vice-chair of Turkey's banking regulator, as the new state statistics chief. "This will just increase concern about the reliability of the data, in addition to major concerns about economic policy settings," Timothy Ash of BlueBay Asset Management said in a note to clients. The agency is due to publish January's inflation data on February 3. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey: Calculations reveal record inflation, Erdogan sacks statistician

Israel's president is all set to visit Turkey in February after years of frosty relations between the two countries. Why is Erdogan reaching out to Israel? How should Isreal see his overtures? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Israel's President to visit Turkey

Firing the latest salvo in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's economic war of independence, the central bank has cut interest rates once again, leading to a sharp fall in the Turkish currency Lira's value against the dollar.

Turkish lira plunges to new record low after Erdogan's latest rate cut

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Qatar on Wednesday as part of a Gulf tour, marking his first visit to the country after the two sides severed ties four years ago.

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut all links with Qatar in June 2017, alleging it backed radical Islamist groups and was too close to Riyadh's rival Tehran -- allegations Doha denied.

But relations were fully restored in January after a landmark summit in the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;desert city of Al-Ula.

Crown&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Mohammed was greeted by the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with whom he will hold talks, said the official&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Press Agency.

His tour comes while a flurry of diplomacy occurs to resolve regional disputes, especially with Iran and Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in Qatar this week for two days of talks.

Ankara and Doha had become economic and political partners in recent times, with Erdogan's government notably backing Doha during the&nbsp;Saudi-led boycott of Qatar.

Turkey -- which is reeling from a fresh economic crisis and is searching for foreign investment and trade -- has sought to rebuild relations with former rivals in the Gulf, including the UAE and&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia.

There have also been signs this year of a thaw between&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia and Iran, which have held several rounds of talks since April aimed at improving ties.

Simmering tensions between Ankara and Riyadh escalated after the 2018 killing of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

<h2>Khashoggi affair&nbsp;</h2>

The arrest of a man in Paris on Tuesday suspected of being involved in Khashoggi's murder had threatened to overshadow&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Mohammed's Gulf tour.

The&nbsp;crown&nbsp;prince's global image was tainted by the killing of Khashoggi, a critic of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;authorities, inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

But France on Wednesday released the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;man bearing a passport in the name of Khalid al-Otaibi after realising he was not the same individual wanted on an arrest warrant issued by Turkey.

Prince&nbsp;Mohammed arrived in Doha after a visit to the UAE, where he met with Abu Dhabi&nbsp;Crown&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Mohammed bin Zayed and attended the site of Expo 2020.

Security was tight at the Expo, where the lavish&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;pavilion was closed to visitors and a small crowd of onlookers, including women in black robes,&nbsp;gathered outside.

Saudi&nbsp;songs, including one with the lyrics "Welcome Mohammed", were playing on the loudspeaker at Al Wasl Plaza, the site's central venue.

The two countries released a joint statement on Wednesday, saying they were committed to "enhancing the unity and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council", which includes&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

The&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;prince&nbsp;had arrived in the UAE from Oman, where the two sides signed agreements potentially totalling $30 billion, and will also visit Bahrain on Thursday and then head to Kuwait.

Prince&nbsp;Mohammed has sought to position himself as a champion of modernisation and reform, even as his international reputation took a hit from Khashoggi's murder.

The&nbsp;crown&nbsp;prince&nbsp;has said he accepts&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's overall responsibility but denies a personal link, with the kingdom saying it was the work of agents who had gone "rogue".

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Qatar on Wednesday as part of a Gulf tour, marking his first visit to the country after the two sides severed ties four years ago.

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Qatar on Wednesday as part of a Gulf tour, marking his first visit to the country after the two sides severed ties four years ago. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut all links with Qatar in June 2017, alleging it backed radical Islamist groups and was too close to Riyadh's rival Tehran -- allegations Doha denied. But relations were fully restored in January after a landmark summit in the Saudi desert city of Al-Ula. Crown Prince Mohammed was greeted by the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with whom he will hold talks, said the official Saudi Press Agency. His tour comes while a flurry of diplomacy occurs to resolve regional disputes, especially with Iran and Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in Qatar this week for two days of talks. Ankara and Doha had become economic and political partners in recent times, with Erdogan's government notably backing Doha during the Saudi-led boycott of Qatar. Turkey -- which is reeling from a fresh economic crisis and is searching for foreign investment and trade -- has sought to rebuild relations with former rivals in the Gulf, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. There have also been signs this year of a thaw between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which have held several rounds of talks since April aimed at improving ties. Simmering tensions between Ankara and Riyadh escalated after the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. Khashoggi affair The arrest of a man in Paris on Tuesday suspected of being involved in Khashoggi's murder had threatened to overshadow Prince Mohammed's Gulf tour. The crown prince's global image was tainted by the killing of Khashoggi, a critic of Saudi authorities, inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. But France on Wednesday released the Saudi man bearing a passport in the name of Khalid al-Otaibi after realising he was not the same individual wanted on an arrest warrant issued by Turkey. Prince Mohammed arrived in Doha after a visit to the UAE, where he met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed and attended the site of Expo 2020. Security was tight at the Expo, where the lavish Saudi pavilion was closed to visitors and a small crowd of onlookers, including women in black robes, gathered outside. Saudi songs, including one with the lyrics "Welcome Mohammed", were playing on the loudspeaker at Al Wasl Plaza, the site's central venue. The two countries released a joint statement on Wednesday, saying they were committed to "enhancing the unity and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council", which includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. The Saudi prince had arrived in the UAE from Oman, where the two sides signed agreements potentially totalling $30 billion, and will also visit Bahrain on Thursday and then head to Kuwait. Prince Mohammed has sought to position himself as a champion of modernisation and reform, even as his international reputation took a hit from Khashoggi's murder. The crown prince has said he accepts Saudi Arabia's overall responsibility but denies a personal link, with the kingdom saying it was the work of agents who had gone "rogue".

Saudi prince lands in Qatar for first time since thaw in ties

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in Qatar for a 2-day visit. Within 24 hours, Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman will also reach Doha. While Erdogan sought a meeting with Prince Salman on a neutral ground, reports suggest that no meeting between the two leaders has been planned.

Turkish President Erdogan is in Qatar for a 2-day visit

Lines outside bread stores and gas stations; farmers defaulting on loans; impromptu street demonstrations. The signs of economic distress in Turkey are all too clear as the lira continues a dizzying slide.

Sporadic protests have broken out around Turkey and the opposition parties have called for a series of rallies to demand a change of government after the lira crashed sharply last week. The latest week of turmoil follows months of worsening economic conditions for Turkish citizens. The currency has lost more than 45% of its value this year, and nearly 20% in the last week, continuing its downward trend on Tuesday.

Economists have tied the currency crisis to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s direct interference in monetary policy and his determination to lower interest rates.

The latest crash in the currency came after Erdogan gave a speech last week outlining his determination to keep rates low as a way of promoting economic growth. He reaffirmed his opposition to raising rates again in comments to reporters aboard his plane as he returned from a visit to Turkmenistan on Monday.

“I have never defended raising interest rates, I don’t now and will not defend it,” he told the reporters. “I will never compromise on this issue.”

There are rumblings of public dissent, unusual for a country where only officially sanctioned demonstrations are permitted and the main television channels and newspapers follow the government line.

Scores of people have been detained for joining street protests. The police detained 70 people in several districts of Istanbul last Wednesday who were protesting the government’s management of the economy, after a record drop in the lira the day before.

The Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions issued a blunt statement on Wednesday. “That’s enough. We want to make ends meet,” it read. “Unemployment, high living costs, price increases, and bills are breaking our backs.”

Necla Sazak, an 80-year-old retired bank employee heading home with a bag of groceries, said she was surviving on credit cards.

“Our purchasing power dropped — our money has no value anymore,” she said.

Erdogan has promised that low interest rates will help kick start the economy within three to six months, but economists said they detected little confidence in his policies at this stage.

Lines outside bread stores and gas stations; farmers defaulting on loans; impromptu street demonstrations. The signs of economic distress in Turkey are all too clear as the lira continues a dizzying slide.

Lines outside bread stores and gas stations; farmers defaulting on loans; impromptu street demonstrations. The signs of economic distress in Turkey are all too clear as the lira continues a dizzying slide. Sporadic protests have broken out around Turkey and the opposition parties have called for a series of rallies to demand a change of government after the lira crashed sharply last week. The latest week of turmoil follows months of worsening economic conditions for Turkish citizens. The currency has lost more than 45% of its value this year, and nearly 20% in the last week, continuing its downward trend on Tuesday. Economists have tied the currency crisis to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s direct interference in monetary policy and his determination to lower interest rates. The latest crash in the currency came after Erdogan gave a speech last week outlining his determination to keep rates low as a way of promoting economic growth. He reaffirmed his opposition to raising rates again in comments to reporters aboard his plane as he returned from a visit to Turkmenistan on Monday. “I have never defended raising interest rates, I don’t now and will not defend it,” he told the reporters. “I will never compromise on this issue.” There are rumblings of public dissent, unusual for a country where only officially sanctioned demonstrations are permitted and the main television channels and newspapers follow the government line. Scores of people have been detained for joining street protests. The police detained 70 people in several districts of Istanbul last Wednesday who were protesting the government’s management of the economy, after a record drop in the lira the day before. The Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions issued a blunt statement on Wednesday. “That’s enough. We want to make ends meet,” it read. “Unemployment, high living costs, price increases, and bills are breaking our backs.” Necla Sazak, an 80-year-old retired bank employee heading home with a bag of groceries, said she was surviving on credit cards. “Our purchasing power dropped — our money has no value anymore,” she said. Erdogan has promised that low interest rates will help kick start the economy within three to six months, but economists said they detected little confidence in his policies at this stage.

‘Our money has no value’: Frustration rises in Turkey at lira crisis

The Turkish Lira sank to an all-time low this week. People of Turkey are suffering due to high inflation. President Erdogan's approval ratings have dropped. The opposition is calling for an early election. Palki Sharma tells you how Erdogan's empire is crumbling.

Gravitas: Recep Tayyip Erdogan's empire is crumbling

Several videos featuring Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gone viral in which the Turkish President appears sick. However, instead of addressing these concerns, Erdogan is going after those who are raising questions over his health.<o:p></o:p>

In a clip that went viral on Twitter recently, Erdogan seemed to be struggling to walk while leaving the hall. People on social media agree with this as some pointed out that he does not look well and some called for his resignation.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Erdoğan does not look well. <a href="https://t.co/WLqR4TT209">pic.twitter.com/WLqR4TT209</a>
— Kyle Orton (@KyleWOrton) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleWOrton/status/1455827176578854914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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His images have triggered a debate and a hashtag #olmus (#heisdead) is already trending in his home country, Turkey. The hashtag suggests that Erdogan has died. While this trend was misleading, questions about the Turkish President's health are serious.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

A series of videos, have surfaced this year and Erdogan doesn't look well in any of them. A video posted in February shows Erdogan descending the stairs and it looked like he needed assistance from his wife.

<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-recep-tayyip-erdogan-not-keeping-well-426516">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-recep-tayyip-erdogan-not-keeping-well-426516/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Another video which appeared in August showed Erdogan at Anıtkabir — the mausoleum of Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In that video, too, it seemed like he was struggling to walk.

<o:p></o:p>

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Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Yüksek Askeri Şura Toplantısı öncesi, YAŞ üyeleriyle birlikte Anıtkabir'i ziyaret etti. Erdoğan'ın Aslanlı yolda yürürken zorlanması sosyal medyada gündem oldu. <a href="https://t.co/dhhFs8AMgN">pic.twitter.com/dhhFs8AMgN</a>
— BOLD (@BOLDmedya) <a href="https://twitter.com/BOLDmedya/status/1422885675725201408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A lot of rumours are swirling about Erdogan's health.<o:p></o:p>

Some accounts say he has been forgetting things, complaining about breathing problems, feeling confused and vomiting. There is a report that says Erdogan received an internal defibrillator implant which is a device that stops abnormal heartbeats. Going by the same accounts, Erdogan now has more doctors around him than his staff, he has reduced his encounters with the press and he takes painkillers before public events.

Speculation like this is dangerous for any country, especially one that is dealing with an economic crisis. The prospect of instability is bad news, and Erdogan's response isn't helping. Instead of proving he is fit for the job, he wants to punish those who are asking questions. The Turkish cyber police have launched an investigation and they will probe the tweets that question Erdogan's health. Nearly 30 individuals will face scrutiny. <o:p></o:p>

Ankara says the concerns around Erdogan's health are baseless. The Turkish government is engaging in a battle of narratives. Erdogan's aides are taking to social media and are posting videos that show Erdogan in good health. The clips shared by his Director of Communications shows the president walking normally.

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President Erdogan’s director of communications shares video below saying “Assurance to friends fear to foes” though Mr Erdogan is seen merely walking. This follows pix shot recently where his walking skills seemed fragile fueling rumours about his health <a href="https://t.co/q1VhmbYHNC">pic.twitter.com/q1VhmbYHNC</a>
— Selin Girit (@selingirit) <a href="https://twitter.com/selingirit/status/1455858341092200449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Before this, Ankara has put out another video which showed Erdogan playing basketball with his ministers. At a time when the government must instill confidence in its people, it is fighting a video war with them.

<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Several videos featuring Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gone viral in which the Turkish President appears sick. However, instead of addressing these concerns, Erdogan is going after those who are raising questions over his health.

Several videos featuring Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gone viral in which the Turkish President appears sick. However, instead of addressing these concerns, Erdogan is going after those who are raising questions over his health. In a clip that went viral on Twitter recently, Erdogan seemed to be struggling to walk while leaving the hall. People on social media agree with this as some pointed out that he does not look well and some called for his resignation. Erdoğan does not look well. pic.twitter.com/WLqR4TT209 — Kyle Orton (@KyleWOrton) November 3, 2021 × His images have triggered a debate and a hashtag #olmus (#heisdead) is already trending in his home country, Turkey. The hashtag suggests that Erdogan has died. While this trend was misleading, questions about the Turkish President's health are serious. A series of videos, have surfaced this year and Erdogan doesn't look well in any of them. A video posted in February shows Erdogan descending the stairs and it looked like he needed assistance from his wife. WATCH | Another video which appeared in August showed Erdogan at Anıtkabir — the mausoleum of Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In that video, too, it seemed like he was struggling to walk. Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Yüksek Askeri Şura Toplantısı öncesi, YAŞ üyeleriyle birlikte Anıtkabir'i ziyaret etti. Erdoğan'ın Aslanlı yolda yürürken zorlanması sosyal medyada gündem oldu. pic.twitter.com/dhhFs8AMgN — BOLD (@BOLDmedya) August 4, 2021 × A lot of rumours are swirling about Erdogan's health. Some accounts say he has been forgetting things, complaining about breathing problems, feeling confused and vomiting. There is a report that says Erdogan received an internal defibrillator implant which is a device that stops abnormal heartbeats. Going by the same accounts, Erdogan now has more doctors around him than his staff, he has reduced his encounters with the press and he takes painkillers before public events. Speculation like this is dangerous for any country, especially one that is dealing with an economic crisis. The prospect of instability is bad news, and Erdogan's response isn't helping. Instead of proving he is fit for the job, he wants to punish those who are asking questions. The Turkish cyber police have launched an investigation and they will probe the tweets that question Erdogan's health. Nearly 30 individuals will face scrutiny. Ankara says the concerns around Erdogan's health are baseless. The Turkish government is engaging in a battle of narratives. Erdogan's aides are taking to social media and are posting videos that show Erdogan in good health. The clips shared by his Director of Communications shows the president walking normally. President Erdogan’s director of communications shares video below saying “Assurance to friends fear to foes” though Mr Erdogan is seen merely walking. This follows pix shot recently where his walking skills seemed fragile fueling rumours about his health pic.twitter.com/q1VhmbYHNC — Selin Girit (@selingirit) November 3, 2021 × Before this, Ankara has put out another video which showed Erdogan playing basketball with his ministers. At a time when the government must instill confidence in its people, it is fighting a video war with them.

Is Recep Tayyip Erdogan unwell? Social media users to be punished by Turkey for claiming President is dead

US President Joe Biden met his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Biden told Erdogan his request for F-16 fighter jets had to go through a process in the United States and expressed a desire to handle disagreements between the two countries effectively.

Biden discuss F-16 fighter jets, raises human rights issue with Turkey's Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stepped back from a threat to expel the ambassadors of 10 Western nations over their support for a jailed activist, defusing a potential diplomatic crisis.

Turkish Prez Erdogan lifts threat to expel Western envoys for supporting jailed activist

Slumbering amid olive and pistachio groves on a hot plain near the Syrian border, Kilis was for many decades a quiet backwater, surviving, but hardly prospering, on cross-border trade and smuggling.

Then, 10 years ago, war broke out in Syria, refugees began fleeing across the border and Kilis was changed beyond all recognition. Over the next decade, 3.6 million Syrians settled in Turkey, and Kilis doubled in size to about 200,000 people.

Even as the influx of refugees put a heavy burden on Kilis, it also delivered a welcome jolt of energy to the formerly sleepy city.

“After the Syrians arrived, our lives changed quite a lot,” said Kadir Peker, a Turk who had to rebuild his minicab business after it collapsed with the onset of the war. “They benefited us in many ways. We are living together.”

Urged by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to treat Syrians escaping the war as guests, Turkish citizens widely accepted the newcomers — at least at first. Yet in many places, the welcome has waned, and the long-term presence of Syrian refugees has become a bitterly contentious issue in the political arena.

Opposition parties have started openly to call for sending home Syrian refugees and recently warned Erdogan against admitting a wave of Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban takeover. This summer, the mayor of a small town in central Turkey publicly called for Syrians to leave, complaining they could not integrate culturally and disrupted the economy.

Kilis is a notable exception to the increasingly toxic tone, a beacon of ethnic harmony where Turks and Syrians speak well of each other and men from the two groups settled a minor traffic accident in the city center recently with smiles.

One reason for the warmth of the welcome here is geographic. Many people in this region, just 30 miles north of the Syrian city of Aleppo, had relations with Syrians before the war.

Kilis’ own history of ethnic diversity, hardship and dislocation may also have fostered an openness to the refugees. It has a large number of Kurds, whose culture and political aspirations have long been suppressed in Turkey. The local population was mainly Jewish and Armenian until the upheavals of the 20th century led to an exodus and decimation of both communities, some of the oldest residents recalled.

An ethnic Kurd himself, Peker used to drive taxis across the border and speaks Kurdish and Arabic as well as Turkish.

For all they have suffered as refugees, many Syrians — now almost half the population of Kilis province — say they have been more welcomed here than in other Turkish cities.

“To be honest, we received a lot of help from the Turkish community here,” said Muhammad, a Syrian refugee who asked that only his first name be published in case it affected his application for Turkish citizenship. “We always hear there is a lot of racism, but I learned Turkish, and I never had a problem,” he added, saying he had found work in Turkish restaurants and businesses.

Still, even in Kilis, Syrians were cautious about discussing their lives in Turkey, where the police are quick to deport anyone without legal documents. Those who did speak pointed out that both sides have benefited, with Syrians finding safety and Kilis getting a much-needed infusion of energy.

“It was a miserable town when we arrived,” Muhammad said. “Everyone was asleep by 6 in the evening, and at night you would only see ghosts.”

The Syrians’ affinity for late nights was one of the cultural differences that irritated Turks, but Syrians have become more mindful of local mores, both communities said.

“It was better before; it was a quieter town,” said a restaurant owner, Murat Aygun, 40, who was born and raised in Kilis. “The culture changed. The city expanded.”

One of the first cultural shifts to emerge was in food. Syrians opened bakeries making the flatbread they ate back home and introduced roast chicken restaurants. Turks, who have always favored grilled meat, kebabs and meatballs, abstained at first but now have adopted the new fare as their own. Syrian favorites such as hummus and falafel have expanded Turkish menus.

Aygun’s two-story restaurant now caters to a multiethnic clientele, and he said he employs as many Syrians as Turks, adding, “They taught us Arabic, and we taught them Turkish.”

His staff members were cheerful about the diversity.

“Now I even eat falafel for breakfast,” Yalcin Ozkir, 37, a Turkish chef, said with a laugh.

Just as the benefits have extended both ways, so, however, have some hardships.

The refugees’ arrival brought a demand for housing, and rents soared beyond the means of many Turks. The war also cut off the cross-border trade that had provided a livelihood for many townspeople.

But the arrival of the Syrians also set off a building boom and brought investment that has transformed the city.

“The buildings started rising after the Syrians came,” Muhammad said of his fellow refugees. “They made a revolution in this town.”

Syrians renovated much of the old city center, opening small shops and businesses and greatly expanding the open-air markets for fruit, vegetables and livestock.

“Half this street was closed and rundown,” said Muhammad Waki, 19, a pastry chef in a Syrian sweet shop in the old town. “Seventy percent has changed. We renovated all these shops.”

There has been sporadic violence against refugees in Turkey but only one instance in Kilis, in 2015, when a crowd smashed the windows of Syrian-owned shops and cars, said Abdurahman Abu Jamil, 30, whose family operates several businesses in northern Syria and Kilis. He noted that his Turkish neighbor protected his shop from the mob.

“In Turkey, if you respect their rights, they will respect yours,” he said. “They respect us, and if you respect them, you preserve your dignity.”

A key turning point came five years ago, when the government integrated Syrian children into Turkish schools, said Omar al-Haji, administrator of the Kilis branch of an educational charity.

“Before, Syrians were going to temporary Syrian schools,” he said. “They could not study well, and they were not even learning Arabic well. But when they decided to take the children into Turkish schools, it helped merge the communities together.”

Authorities also ended the practice of waiving university fees for Syrians, which had fueled local resentment, al-Haji said.

“Hostility between the Turkish and Syrian people decreased because the two peoples started understanding each other, and the problems of the Syrians decreased a lot,” he said.

Intermarriage was another initial friction point, with parts of both communities at first upset when Turkish men started marrying Syrian women as second wives under religious law. But intermarriage has become increasingly common, many residents said, and the two communities have come to socialize together.

On a recent summer’s evening, Peker’s family held a street party to celebrate the circumcision of their son, Poyaz. Prominent among their guests: a refugee couple, a Syrian dentist and his wife, a teacher, who rent an apartment from them.

“I don’t see any difference,” said Nurdan Peker, Peker’s wife. “I don’t see people as Arab or Turkish. I just see them as human.”

Slumbering amid olive and pistachio groves on a hot plain near the Syrian border, Kilis was for many decades a quiet backwater, surviving, but hardly prospering, on cross-border trade and smuggling.

Slumbering amid olive and pistachio groves on a hot plain near the Syrian border, Kilis was for many decades a quiet backwater, surviving, but hardly prospering, on cross-border trade and smuggling. Then, 10 years ago, war broke out in Syria, refugees began fleeing across the border and Kilis was changed beyond all recognition. Over the next decade, 3.6 million Syrians settled in Turkey, and Kilis doubled in size to about 200,000 people. Even as the influx of refugees put a heavy burden on Kilis, it also delivered a welcome jolt of energy to the formerly sleepy city. “After the Syrians arrived, our lives changed quite a lot,” said Kadir Peker, a Turk who had to rebuild his minicab business after it collapsed with the onset of the war. “They benefited us in many ways. We are living together.” Urged by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to treat Syrians escaping the war as guests, Turkish citizens widely accepted the newcomers — at least at first. Yet in many places, the welcome has waned, and the long-term presence of Syrian refugees has become a bitterly contentious issue in the political arena. Opposition parties have started openly to call for sending home Syrian refugees and recently warned Erdogan against admitting a wave of Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban takeover. This summer, the mayor of a small town in central Turkey publicly called for Syrians to leave, complaining they could not integrate culturally and disrupted the economy. Kilis is a notable exception to the increasingly toxic tone, a beacon of ethnic harmony where Turks and Syrians speak well of each other and men from the two groups settled a minor traffic accident in the city center recently with smiles. One reason for the warmth of the welcome here is geographic. Many people in this region, just 30 miles north of the Syrian city of Aleppo, had relations with Syrians before the war. Kilis’ own history of ethnic diversity, hardship and dislocation may also have fostered an openness to the refugees. It has a large number of Kurds, whose culture and political aspirations have long been suppressed in Turkey. The local population was mainly Jewish and Armenian until the upheavals of the 20th century led to an exodus and decimation of both communities, some of the oldest residents recalled. An ethnic Kurd himself, Peker used to drive taxis across the border and speaks Kurdish and Arabic as well as Turkish. For all they have suffered as refugees, many Syrians — now almost half the population of Kilis province — say they have been more welcomed here than in other Turkish cities. “To be honest, we received a lot of help from the Turkish community here,” said Muhammad, a Syrian refugee who asked that only his first name be published in case it affected his application for Turkish citizenship. “We always hear there is a lot of racism, but I learned Turkish, and I never had a problem,” he added, saying he had found work in Turkish restaurants and businesses. Still, even in Kilis, Syrians were cautious about discussing their lives in Turkey, where the police are quick to deport anyone without legal documents. Those who did speak pointed out that both sides have benefited, with Syrians finding safety and Kilis getting a much-needed infusion of energy. “It was a miserable town when we arrived,” Muhammad said. “Everyone was asleep by 6 in the evening, and at night you would only see ghosts.” The Syrians’ affinity for late nights was one of the cultural differences that irritated Turks, but Syrians have become more mindful of local mores, both communities said. “It was better before; it was a quieter town,” said a restaurant owner, Murat Aygun, 40, who was born and raised in Kilis. “The culture changed. The city expanded.” One of the first cultural shifts to emerge was in food. Syrians opened bakeries making the flatbread they ate back home and introduced roast chicken restaurants. Turks, who have always favored grilled meat, kebabs and meatballs, abstained at first but now have adopted the new fare as their own. Syrian favorites such as hummus and falafel have expanded Turkish menus. Aygun’s two-story restaurant now caters to a multiethnic clientele, and he said he employs as many Syrians as Turks, adding, “They taught us Arabic, and we taught them Turkish.” His staff members were cheerful about the diversity. “Now I even eat falafel for breakfast,” Yalcin Ozkir, 37, a Turkish chef, said with a laugh. Just as the benefits have extended both ways, so, however, have some hardships. The refugees’ arrival brought a demand for housing, and rents soared beyond the means of many Turks. The war also cut off the cross-border trade that had provided a livelihood for many townspeople. But the arrival of the Syrians also set off a building boom and brought investment that has transformed the city. “The buildings started rising after the Syrians came,” Muhammad said of his fellow refugees. “They made a revolution in this town.” Syrians renovated much of the old city center, opening small shops and businesses and greatly expanding the open-air markets for fruit, vegetables and livestock. “Half this street was closed and rundown,” said Muhammad Waki, 19, a pastry chef in a Syrian sweet shop in the old town. “Seventy percent has changed. We renovated all these shops.” There has been sporadic violence against refugees in Turkey but only one instance in Kilis, in 2015, when a crowd smashed the windows of Syrian-owned shops and cars, said Abdurahman Abu Jamil, 30, whose family operates several businesses in northern Syria and Kilis. He noted that his Turkish neighbor protected his shop from the mob. “In Turkey, if you respect their rights, they will respect yours,” he said. “They respect us, and if you respect them, you preserve your dignity.” A key turning point came five years ago, when the government integrated Syrian children into Turkish schools, said Omar al-Haji, administrator of the Kilis branch of an educational charity. “Before, Syrians were going to temporary Syrian schools,” he said. “They could not study well, and they were not even learning Arabic well. But when they decided to take the children into Turkish schools, it helped merge the communities together.” Authorities also ended the practice of waiving university fees for Syrians, which had fueled local resentment, al-Haji said. “Hostility between the Turkish and Syrian people decreased because the two peoples started understanding each other, and the problems of the Syrians decreased a lot,” he said. Intermarriage was another initial friction point, with parts of both communities at first upset when Turkish men started marrying Syrian women as second wives under religious law. But intermarriage has become increasingly common, many residents said, and the two communities have come to socialize together. On a recent summer’s evening, Peker’s family held a street party to celebrate the circumcision of their son, Poyaz. Prominent among their guests: a refugee couple, a Syrian dentist and his wife, a teacher, who rent an apartment from them. “I don’t see any difference,” said Nurdan Peker, Peker’s wife. “I don’t see people as Arab or Turkish. I just see them as human.”

Turkey sours on Syrians, but not in this sleepy town, jolted awake

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again raised the Kashmir issue at the UN. India has responded in kind, by calling world leaders to respect UN resolutions on the Cyprus dispute. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas US Edition: Erdogan raises Kashmir again at United Nations

As the US and other European troops pull out of Afghanistan, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that he is not entirely sure Turkey wants to control the Kabul airport.<o:p></o:p>

Turkey had been planning to help secure and run the Kabul airport, which has become a target area for the ISIS in the past few days. However, the Turkish leader seems to have trashed the idea now as the country started withdrawing its 500 non-combat forces from Afghanistan.

<o:p>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/best-dad-pregnant-wife-of-us-marine-killed-in-kabul-pays-emotional-tribute-409184">&nbsp;'Best dad': Pregnant wife of US Marine killed in Kabul pays emotional tribute</a></o:p>

The chances of Turkey securing and running the most popular and only safe way out of Afghanistan are very less now, as per the statements issued by Erdogan.<o:p></o:p>

Erdogan took this decision after holding first talks with the Taliban in Kabul. "What does the Taliban say with regard to the airport issue? They say 'give us the security but you operate it'," Erdogan said in comments published by the official Anadolu news agency and other media outlets. "Let's say you took over the security but how would we explain to the world if another bloodbath takes place there? It's not an easy job." <o:p></o:p>

He also announced that the Turkish embassy in Kabul is now moving back to the designated building in the capital city of Afghanistan. For more than a week, the Turkish officials had been operating out of the Kabul airport as the Taliban took control of the country.

"They returned to our embassy building in the city centre the other day and they are continuing their activities from here," Erdogan was quoted saying by a local broadcaster NTV. "Our plan now is to maintain our diplomatic presence in this way. We are continuously updating our plans according to developments regarding the security situation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-the-taliban-to-announce-new-cabinet-in-2-weeks-409207">WATCH |</a>

<o:p></o:p>

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Meanwhile, Turkey's&nbsp;Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said the country cannot welcome take the burden of a new refugee wave incoming from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"As Turkey, we have sufficiently carried out our moral and humanitarian responsibilities regarding migration,"&nbsp;Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with&nbsp;German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.&nbsp;"It is out of the question for us to take an additional refugee burden."

This news has come as the US carried out an airstrike claiming that it successfully hit active suicide bombers of ISIS-K who were planning to attack the Kabul airport.

The airstrike came a few days after the ISIS-K carried out bomb attacks near the Kabul airport which took more than 160 lives of civilians, 13 US troops and injured several others. The US, however, claims it has managed to kill the planner of the attack and another ISIS member through drone strikes.<o:p></o:p>

As the US and other European troops pull out of Afghanistan, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that he is not entirely sure Turkey wants to control the Kabul airport.

As the US and other European troops pull out of Afghanistan, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that he is not entirely sure Turkey wants to control the Kabul airport. Turkey had been planning to help secure and run the Kabul airport, which has become a target area for the ISIS in the past few days. However, the Turkish leader seems to have trashed the idea now as the country started withdrawing its 500 non-combat forces from Afghanistan. Also read | 'Best dad': Pregnant wife of US Marine killed in Kabul pays emotional tribute The chances of Turkey securing and running the most popular and only safe way out of Afghanistan are very less now, as per the statements issued by Erdogan. Erdogan took this decision after holding first talks with the Taliban in Kabul. "What does the Taliban say with regard to the airport issue? They say 'give us the security but you operate it'," Erdogan said in comments published by the official Anadolu news agency and other media outlets. "Let's say you took over the security but how would we explain to the world if another bloodbath takes place there? It's not an easy job." He also announced that the Turkish embassy in Kabul is now moving back to the designated building in the capital city of Afghanistan. For more than a week, the Turkish officials had been operating out of the Kabul airport as the Taliban took control of the country. "They returned to our embassy building in the city centre the other day and they are continuing their activities from here," Erdogan was quoted saying by a local broadcaster NTV. "Our plan now is to maintain our diplomatic presence in this way. We are continuously updating our plans according to developments regarding the security situation." WATCH | Meanwhile, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said the country cannot welcome take the burden of a new refugee wave incoming from Afghanistan. "As Turkey, we have sufficiently carried out our moral and humanitarian responsibilities regarding migration," Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. "It is out of the question for us to take an additional refugee burden." This news has come as the US carried out an airstrike claiming that it successfully hit active suicide bombers of ISIS-K who were planning to attack the Kabul airport. The airstrike came a few days after the ISIS-K carried out bomb attacks near the Kabul airport which took more than 160 lives of civilians, 13 US troops and injured several others. The US, however, claims it has managed to kill the planner of the attack and another ISIS member through drone strikes.

Turkey's Erdogan pulls back from plans of running Kabul airport

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said Turkey has held its first talks with the Taliban in Kabul, adding that Ankara was still assessing the Islamist group's offer to run the Afghan capital's airport.

The Turkish leader said the talks were held at a military section of the Kabul airport where the Turkish embassy is temporarily stationed.&nbsp;

"We have held our first talks with the Taliban, which lasted 3.5 hours," Erdogan told reporters. "If necessary, we will have the opportunity to hold such talks again."

Responding to domestic criticism over Turkey's engagement with the insurgent group, Erdogan said Ankara had "no luxury" to stand idly by in the volatile region.

"You cannot know what their expectations are or what our expectations are without talking. What's diplomacy, my friend? This is diplomacy," Erdogan said.&nbsp;

Turkey had been planning to help secure and run Kabul's strategic airport, but on Wednesday, it started pulling troops out of Afghanistan -- an apparent sign of Ankara's abandoning this goal.&nbsp;

Erdogan said the Taliban now wanted to oversee security at the airport, while offering Ankara the option of running its logistics.

But he said the suicide bombs that killed at least 85 people, including 13 US troops, outside the airport during in the last days of urgent evacuation effort Thursday showed the importance of knowing the details of how the air hub will be secured.

"They said: 'We will ensure the security, you operate (the airport'. We have not made any decision on this issue yet," Erdogan said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said Turkey has held its first talks with the Taliban in Kabul, adding that Ankara was still assessing the Islamist group's offer to run the Afghan capital's airport.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said Turkey has held its first talks with the Taliban in Kabul, adding that Ankara was still assessing the Islamist group's offer to run the Afghan capital's airport. The Turkish leader said the talks were held at a military section of the Kabul airport where the Turkish embassy is temporarily stationed. "We have held our first talks with the Taliban, which lasted 3.5 hours," Erdogan told reporters. "If necessary, we will have the opportunity to hold such talks again." Responding to domestic criticism over Turkey's engagement with the insurgent group, Erdogan said Ankara had "no luxury" to stand idly by in the volatile region. "You cannot know what their expectations are or what our expectations are without talking. What's diplomacy, my friend? This is diplomacy," Erdogan said. Turkey had been planning to help secure and run Kabul's strategic airport, but on Wednesday, it started pulling troops out of Afghanistan -- an apparent sign of Ankara's abandoning this goal. Erdogan said the Taliban now wanted to oversee security at the airport, while offering Ankara the option of running its logistics. But he said the suicide bombs that killed at least 85 people, including 13 US troops, outside the airport during in the last days of urgent evacuation effort Thursday showed the importance of knowing the details of how the air hub will be secured. "They said: 'We will ensure the security, you operate (the airport'. We have not made any decision on this issue yet," Erdogan said.

Turkey holds first talks with the Taliban in Kabul: Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan&nbsp;has said regional rivals Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have made progress in relations after holding&nbsp;rare talks with a visiting delegation.

The two sides have suffered from years of difficult relations, backing opposing sides in the conflict in Libya and sparring on other regional issues.

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President <a href="https://twitter.com/RTErdogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RTErdogan</a> received the UAE's National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Presidential Complex. <a href="https://t.co/qe9yejUYhB">pic.twitter.com/qe9yejUYhB</a>
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The talks marked the latest move by Ankara to ease tensions with several Arab powers over the conflict in Libya, internal Gulf disputes, and rival claims to Eastern Mediterranean waters.

Erdogan held talks in Ankara on Wednesday with UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan which also focused on economic cooperation.

"In this meeting we discussed what type of investment could be made in which areas," Erdogan said in a television interview.

The two countries, which backed rival sides in Libya's conflict, have been bitter rivals for regional influence.

Turkey last year accused the United Arab Emirates of bringing chaos to the Middle East through its interventions in Libya and Yemen, while the UAE and several other countries criticised Turkey's military actions.

"For several months ... beginning with our intelligence unit, by holding some talks with the administration of Abu Dhabi, we have arrived at a certain point," Erdogan said.

He said he hoped to talk with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, de facto leader of the United Arab Emirates, and hoped for closer economic ties.

"They have a very serious investment target, an investment plan," Erdogan said, adding that the heads of Turkey's Wealth Fund and investment support agency would pursue the talks.

"If they continue in a good way with their counterparts, I believe the United Arab Emirates will make serious investments in our country in a very short time," he said.

The meeting came after similar overtures this year by Ankara towards Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The overtures were aimed at overcoming tensions that have impacted Turkey's economy, which has been struggling with high inflation, a weak lira, and limited foreign investment.

The UAE is also supporting Greece's energy claims in disputed eastern Mediterranean waters that Turkey pushed into searching for new natural gas deposits last year.

But Erdogan has made efforts to reach out to a range of regional rivals, including Egypt, as he tries to break out of a growing diplomatic isolation that has cooled foreign investors in Turkey's fragile economy.

Already-strained relations with Saudi Arabia collapsed after the killing by Saudi agents of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul,&nbsp;a killing that Erdogan said had been ordered at the highest level in Riyadh.

Turkey's ties with Cairo have been poor since the military overthrew Egypt's first democratically elected president, Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, following protests against his rule.

Erdogan, whose ruling AK Party is rooted in political Islam, had been a strong supporter of Mursi.

As part of their push to rebuild fractured relations, the two countries held talks in May over their differences on the conflicts in Libya and Syria and the security situation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said regional rivals Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have made progress in relations after holding rare talks with a visiting delegation.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said regional rivals Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have made progress in relations after holding rare talks with a visiting delegation. The two sides have suffered from years of difficult relations, backing opposing sides in the conflict in Libya and sparring on other regional issues. President @RTErdogan received the UAE's National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Presidential Complex. pic.twitter.com/qe9yejUYhB — Turkish Presidency (@trpresidency) August 18, 2021 × The talks marked the latest move by Ankara to ease tensions with several Arab powers over the conflict in Libya, internal Gulf disputes, and rival claims to Eastern Mediterranean waters. Erdogan held talks in Ankara on Wednesday with UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan which also focused on economic cooperation. "In this meeting we discussed what type of investment could be made in which areas," Erdogan said in a television interview. The two countries, which backed rival sides in Libya's conflict, have been bitter rivals for regional influence. Turkey last year accused the United Arab Emirates of bringing chaos to the Middle East through its interventions in Libya and Yemen, while the UAE and several other countries criticised Turkey's military actions. "For several months ... beginning with our intelligence unit, by holding some talks with the administration of Abu Dhabi, we have arrived at a certain point," Erdogan said. He said he hoped to talk with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, de facto leader of the United Arab Emirates, and hoped for closer economic ties. "They have a very serious investment target, an investment plan," Erdogan said, adding that the heads of Turkey's Wealth Fund and investment support agency would pursue the talks. "If they continue in a good way with their counterparts, I believe the United Arab Emirates will make serious investments in our country in a very short time," he said. The meeting came after similar overtures this year by Ankara towards Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The overtures were aimed at overcoming tensions that have impacted Turkey's economy, which has been struggling with high inflation, a weak lira, and limited foreign investment. The UAE is also supporting Greece's energy claims in disputed eastern Mediterranean waters that Turkey pushed into searching for new natural gas deposits last year. But Erdogan has made efforts to reach out to a range of regional rivals, including Egypt, as he tries to break out of a growing diplomatic isolation that has cooled foreign investors in Turkey's fragile economy. Already-strained relations with Saudi Arabia collapsed after the killing by Saudi agents of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, a killing that Erdogan said had been ordered at the highest level in Riyadh. Turkey's ties with Cairo have been poor since the military overthrew Egypt's first democratically elected president, Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, following protests against his rule. Erdogan, whose ruling AK Party is rooted in political Islam, had been a strong supporter of Mursi. As part of their push to rebuild fractured relations, the two countries held talks in May over their differences on the conflicts in Libya and Syria and the security situation in the Eastern Mediterranean. (With inputs from agencies)

After rare meeting, Erdogan says regional rivals Turkey and UAE making progress

India has condemned Turkey's move to reopen Varosha, an abandoned city in Cyprus. A 1984 UN resolution prohibits any resettlement of Varosha by outsiders. So why is Erdogan pushing ahead with his plan? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India rejects Turkish designs on Cyprus ghost city

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visit to the self-declared Republic of Northern Cyprus has escalated tensions in the mediterranean. Watch this report to know more.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Northern Cyprus escalate tensions

Turkey&nbsp;on Thursday formally exited a treaty combating femicide and domestic abuse, in a controversial move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that was condemned by the West and rights groups.

Erdogan sparked outrage in March by pulling out from the world's first binding treaty to prevent and combat violence against women, known as the Istanbul Convention.

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The 2011 pact, signed by 45 countries and the European Union, requires governments to adopt legislation linked to the prosecution of crimes including marital rape and female genital mutilation.

Erdogan's move came as he clings onto support from conservative and nationalist groups to maintain his 18-year rule.

Justifying the decision, Erdogan's top press aide Fahrettin Altun said the treaty's references to gender-based abuses had been "hijacked by people attempting to normalise homosexuality".

The LGBTQ movement is "incompatible" with&nbsp;Turkey's social and family values, Altun said.

Major Turkish cities were convulsed earlier this year by student-led protests supporting broader rights.

Homosexuality has been legal in&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;since the Ottoman Empire. But women's rights groups accuse Ankara of withdrawing from the treaty to appease conservatives at a time when Erdogan's ruling party is recording lower levels of support.

"We will continue our struggle," Canan Gullu, president of the Federation of Turkish Women's Associations, said on Wednesday. "Turkey&nbsp;is shooting itself in the foot with this decision."

She said that since March, women and other vulnerable groups had been more reluctant to ask for help and less likely to receive it, with COVID-19 fuelled economic difficulties causing a dramatic increase in violence against them.

The withdrawal was condemned by the European Union and the United States.

Turkey's highest administrative court on Tuesday rejected an attempt to annul the withdrawal, saying that Erdogan had the "authority" to make the decision.

Rights organisations say Erdogan's decision will put women at greater risk of violence when femicide is already prevalent in&nbsp;Turkey.

Last year, 300 women were murdered in the country, according to the rights group We Will Stop Femicide Platform, while 189 have been killed so far this year.

"The withdrawal sends a reckless and dangerous message to perpetrators who abuse, maim and kill: that they can carry on doing so with impunity," said Amnesty International's secretary-general, Agnes Callamard.

There are protests planned for Thursday evening across&nbsp;Turkey, with a large rally in Istanbul to start at 1600 GMT.

Femicide has surged in&nbsp;Turkey, with one monitoring group logging roughly one per day in the last five years.&nbsp;Proponents of the convention and related legislation say more stringent implementation is needed.

Turkey on Thursday formally exited a treaty combating femicide and domestic abuse, in a controversial move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that was condemned by the West and rights groups.

Turkey on Thursday formally exited a treaty combating femicide and domestic abuse, in a controversial move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that was condemned by the West and rights groups. Erdogan sparked outrage in March by pulling out from the world's first binding treaty to prevent and combat violence against women, known as the Istanbul Convention. The 2011 pact, signed by 45 countries and the European Union, requires governments to adopt legislation linked to the prosecution of crimes including marital rape and female genital mutilation. Erdogan's move came as he clings onto support from conservative and nationalist groups to maintain his 18-year rule. Justifying the decision, Erdogan's top press aide Fahrettin Altun said the treaty's references to gender-based abuses had been "hijacked by people attempting to normalise homosexuality". The LGBTQ movement is "incompatible" with Turkey's social and family values, Altun said. Major Turkish cities were convulsed earlier this year by student-led protests supporting broader rights. Homosexuality has been legal in Turkey since the Ottoman Empire. But women's rights groups accuse Ankara of withdrawing from the treaty to appease conservatives at a time when Erdogan's ruling party is recording lower levels of support. "We will continue our struggle," Canan Gullu, president of the Federation of Turkish Women's Associations, said on Wednesday. "Turkey is shooting itself in the foot with this decision." She said that since March, women and other vulnerable groups had been more reluctant to ask for help and less likely to receive it, with COVID-19 fuelled economic difficulties causing a dramatic increase in violence against them. The withdrawal was condemned by the European Union and the United States. Turkey's highest administrative court on Tuesday rejected an attempt to annul the withdrawal, saying that Erdogan had the "authority" to make the decision. Rights organisations say Erdogan's decision will put women at greater risk of violence when femicide is already prevalent in Turkey. Last year, 300 women were murdered in the country, according to the rights group We Will Stop Femicide Platform, while 189 have been killed so far this year. "The withdrawal sends a reckless and dangerous message to perpetrators who abuse, maim and kill: that they can carry on doing so with impunity," said Amnesty International's secretary-general, Agnes Callamard. There are protests planned for Thursday evening across Turkey, with a large rally in Istanbul to start at 1600 GMT. Femicide has surged in Turkey, with one monitoring group logging roughly one per day in the last five years. Proponents of the convention and related legislation say more stringent implementation is needed.

Turkey quits treaty to prevent violence against women

When Sedat Peker, a convicted Turkish mob boss, began posting videos on social media earlier this month in which he made uncorroborated claims of corruption, murder and drug running against top politicians, millions of Turks tuned in to watch.

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Son zamanların en iyi videosu bu bence :) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SedatPeker?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SedatPeker</a> <a href="https://t.co/UbeT2TEjsw">pic.twitter.com/UbeT2TEjsw</a>
— Arif Kocabıyık (@Arif_Ilave) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arif_Ilave/status/1396928002571767814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The seven videos Peker has posted so far have been viewed more than 56 million times on YouTube.

Some Turks see them as an embarrassment for President Tayyip Erdogan's government, which has ruled Turkey for nearly two decades and vaunted its success in breaking ties between the state and mafia.

Opposition parties have called for the resignation of Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, the main target of Peker's rambling monologues, in which he speaks from behind a desk in a mixture of street jargon and political rhetoric.

"You cannot handle this by going on screens and blathering," said IYI Party leader Meral Aksener.

Soylu has rejected accusations against him, which include extending Peker's police protection after he left jail and warning him of a crackdown on his organisation, calling them "disgusting lies" and a plot against the country.

Soylu filed a criminal complaint against Peker and said he was being targeted because of his fight against organised crime.

Asked in a televised interview why millions had watched the videos, Soylu snapped back that millions also watched child pornography.

Erdogan weighed into the issue on Wednesday and implied support for Soylu, telling parliament the government was chasing criminal gang members "no matter where in the world they run to."

Peker, 49, rose to prominence in the 1990s as a mob figure and was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2007 for crimes including forming and leading a criminal gang. He has served several sentences in Turkey and has said he is now in Dubai.

The Anadolu state news agency said&nbsp;Peker&nbsp;was now also suspected of involvement in a terror group led by a US-based Muslim preacher that Turkey blames for a failed coup against Erdogan in 2016.

The accusations thrown by&nbsp;Peker&nbsp;at Erdogan's allies,&nbsp;including a former prime minister, top officials and their relatives,&nbsp;range from corruption and drug trafficking to rape and assassinations.

The videos have focused heavily on Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, whom&nbsp;Peker&nbsp;alleges had offered him protection and then tipped him off about new impending charges, allowing him to flee abroad.

None of the allegations has been proven and those involved have protested their innocence.

But the political scandal sparked by the videos comes at an inopportune time for Erdogan, who is losing ground in opinion polls because of a depreciating currency and runaway inflation.

Addressing the allegations directly for the first time on Wednesday, Erdogan vowed to stand "side by side" with Soylu, a nationalist who is seen as one of Turkey's most popular and powerful officials.

"We have crushed criminal organisations one by one for 19 years," Erdogan said Wednesday.

"We follow criminal gang members wherever they may flee to in the world."

(With inputs from agencies)

When Sedat Peker, a convicted Turkish mob boss, began posting videos on social media earlier this month in which he made uncorroborated claims of corruption, murder and drug running against top politicians, millions of Turks tuned in to watch.

When Sedat Peker, a convicted Turkish mob boss, began posting videos on social media earlier this month in which he made uncorroborated claims of corruption, murder and drug running against top politicians, millions of Turks tuned in to watch. Son zamanların en iyi videosu bu bence :) #SedatPeker pic.twitter.com/UbeT2TEjsw — Arif Kocabıyık (@Arif_Ilave) May 24, 2021 × The seven videos Peker has posted so far have been viewed more than 56 million times on YouTube. Some Turks see them as an embarrassment for President Tayyip Erdogan's government, which has ruled Turkey for nearly two decades and vaunted its success in breaking ties between the state and mafia. Opposition parties have called for the resignation of Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, the main target of Peker's rambling monologues, in which he speaks from behind a desk in a mixture of street jargon and political rhetoric. "You cannot handle this by going on screens and blathering," said IYI Party leader Meral Aksener. Soylu has rejected accusations against him, which include extending Peker's police protection after he left jail and warning him of a crackdown on his organisation, calling them "disgusting lies" and a plot against the country. Soylu filed a criminal complaint against Peker and said he was being targeted because of his fight against organised crime. Asked in a televised interview why millions had watched the videos, Soylu snapped back that millions also watched child pornography. Erdogan weighed into the issue on Wednesday and implied support for Soylu, telling parliament the government was chasing criminal gang members "no matter where in the world they run to." Peker, 49, rose to prominence in the 1990s as a mob figure and was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2007 for crimes including forming and leading a criminal gang. He has served several sentences in Turkey and has said he is now in Dubai. The Anadolu state news agency said Peker was now also suspected of involvement in a terror group led by a US-based Muslim preacher that Turkey blames for a failed coup against Erdogan in 2016. The accusations thrown by Peker at Erdogan's allies, including a former prime minister, top officials and their relatives, range from corruption and drug trafficking to rape and assassinations. The videos have focused heavily on Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, whom Peker alleges had offered him protection and then tipped him off about new impending charges, allowing him to flee abroad. None of the allegations has been proven and those involved have protested their innocence. But the political scandal sparked by the videos comes at an inopportune time for Erdogan, who is losing ground in opinion polls because of a depreciating currency and runaway inflation. Addressing the allegations directly for the first time on Wednesday, Erdogan vowed to stand "side by side" with Soylu, a nationalist who is seen as one of Turkey's most popular and powerful officials. "We have crushed criminal organisations one by one for 19 years," Erdogan said Wednesday. "We follow criminal gang members wherever they may flee to in the world." (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Video of Turkish mobster targeting top politicians goes viral

Turkish prosecutors have launched an investigation into Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu over his "disrespectful" behaviour during a visit to a shrine, officials said on Tuesday.

Imamoglu, who is a potential election challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from the main opposition CHP party, was pictured with his hands folded behind his back during a visit to a tomb of an Ottoman sultan last year.

He was attending a ceremony marking the anniversary of Istanbul's conquest from the Byzantine Empire in 1453.&nbsp;

Interior ministry spokesman Ismail Catakli said the probe was opened by city prosecutors over allegations that the mayor was "disrespectful to the tomb of Fatih the Conqueror".

He did not explain how Imamoglu may have disrespected the shrine.

Prosecutors were also investigating separate claims that Imamoglu had visited the co-chairs of the pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Catakli said.

Prosecutors are now trying to dissolve the party,&nbsp;the third-largest in parliament, over its alleged ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is listed as a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies.

Imamoglu's spokesman Murat Ongun tweeted that the mayor has been asked to give a statement for an investigation "which lacks any explanation".

Imamoglu, who embarrassed Erdogan's ruling AKP party by winning a controversy-filled Istanbul election in 2019 that had to be re-run because of allegations of fraud, is no stranger to government probes.

He is also being investigated for his opposition to Erdogan's flagship project creating an alternative to the Bosphorus strait, a major world shipping lane, which is expected to break ground in June.

Imamoglu is one of several potential candidates from the main opposition party in a presidential election slated for 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish prosecutors have launched an investigation into Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu over his "disrespectful" behaviour during a visit to a shrine, officials said on Tuesday.

Turkish prosecutors have launched an investigation into Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu over his "disrespectful" behaviour during a visit to a shrine, officials said on Tuesday. Imamoglu, who is a potential election challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from the main opposition CHP party, was pictured with his hands folded behind his back during a visit to a tomb of an Ottoman sultan last year. He was attending a ceremony marking the anniversary of Istanbul's conquest from the Byzantine Empire in 1453. Interior ministry spokesman Ismail Catakli said the probe was opened by city prosecutors over allegations that the mayor was "disrespectful to the tomb of Fatih the Conqueror". He did not explain how Imamoglu may have disrespected the shrine. Prosecutors were also investigating separate claims that Imamoglu had visited the co-chairs of the pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Catakli said. Prosecutors are now trying to dissolve the party, the third-largest in parliament, over its alleged ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is listed as a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies. Imamoglu's spokesman Murat Ongun tweeted that the mayor has been asked to give a statement for an investigation "which lacks any explanation". Imamoglu, who embarrassed Erdogan's ruling AKP party by winning a controversy-filled Istanbul election in 2019 that had to be re-run because of allegations of fraud, is no stranger to government probes. He is also being investigated for his opposition to Erdogan's flagship project creating an alternative to the Bosphorus strait, a major world shipping lane, which is expected to break ground in June. Imamoglu is one of several potential candidates from the main opposition party in a presidential election slated for 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey launches probe against opposition mayor for being 'disrespectful'

Boasting azure waters and white sands, a Turkish lake that NASA thinks hides secrets about Mars threatens to become too popular for its own good.

Lake Salda gained international renown when US scientists began poking around in preparation for the Perseverance rover mission, which has been beaming back videos from the Red Planet since February.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory even posted a picture of the pristine lake on its site before touchdown, saying it might resemble what an "aqueous" Mars looked like billions of years ago.

Now, the 4,370-hectare (16.9-square mile) lake in Turkey's southwest has been picked by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as part of a project to create more green spaces for public use.

The news spells disaster for local activists and lawyers, who fear that the twin blows of NASA and Erdogan's interest could open the floodgates to tourists.

Splashing around in its waters, the sea of humanity could destroy the very ecosystem that made the lake special in the first place, campaigners warn.

"The future of the lake is at risk if millions of people come," said Lake Salda Preservation Association head Gazi Osman Sakar.

The lake is most famous for the White Islands area with the brilliant sands, as well as endemic flora and fauna such as the Salda seaweed fish.

There are also minerals of different origin. NASA thinks one of them, hydromagnesite, is similar to the carbonate minerals detected at Jezero Crater -- a former lake on Mars that the rover is now exploring.

The hydromagnesite sediments along Lake Salda's shoreline "are thought to have eroded from large mounds called 'microbialites',&nbsp;rocks formed with the help of microbes," NASA said.

This all folds into the mystery about possible life on Mars, in some microbial form a very long time ago.

There are many tectonic lakes like Salda across the world.

But what makes Salda unique, geology engineer Servet Cevni said, is the lake's transformation into a closed ecosystem with its own living mechanism.

"Because it's alive, it's so sensitive to outside interventions," Cevni said.

Yet that intervention is already on its way in the form of nine small buildings that have appeared near a planned People's Garden by the lake.

Sakar said some of the white sand has already been moved from the White Islands area to another called People's Beach for road construction.

"The project should be cancelled," Sakar said. "The lake cannot be protected while it's used."

Swimming is forbidden at the White Islands but people are still able to take a dip in other parts.

Sakar's association wants the lake off limits entirely for swimming to preserve its ecosystem. Instead, he proposes creating observation posts for visitors to see the lake.

"If single-cell organisms die, Salda is finished," the engineer Cevni agreed. "Those White Islands won't be renewed, that white structure won't come together."&nbsp;

The damage thus far can be recovered in 150 to 200 years if people do not destroy it further, Cevni said, adding: "If we do, it won't ever recover."

The Lake Salda Preservation Association has seen its legal bid to cancel the green spaces project rejected in court.

Sakar is appealing the ruling and also campaigning for UNESCO to put Salda on the world heritage list.

"Salda is dying," Sakar said.

But campaigners are not the only ones expressing concern.

Aysel Cig, a goat-herder who lives in a village close to the lake, said things were more pleasant before Salda gained its fame.

"Our lake, our village was much cleaner three, five years ago," she said.

But besides dirt and foreign organisms, tourists also bring cash, which the locals around Lake Salda welcome.

Suleyman Kilickan, 60, worked in a cafe with plenty of outdoor seating by the lake that employed 30 people before the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Interest in the lake rose considerably with the NASA mission, Kilickan said, noting that most of his visitors were foreigners who appeared to be respectful of the lake.

"If there's tourism, there's life," Kilickan said.

"I would encourage tourism," he said, emphasising the importance of ensuring visitors act responsibly.

The environment ministry said last month it would limit the number of visitors to the White Islands area to 570,000 a year.

Nearly 1.5 million people visited the lake in 2019, and 800,000 came last year during lulls in coronavirus restrictions.

But Nazli Oral Erkan, of the Burdur Bar Association's Environment Committee, said the proposed cap was not enough to protect the lake.

"Salda is like a natural museum," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Boasting azure waters and white sands, a Turkish lake that NASA thinks hides secrets about Mars threatens to become too popular for its own good. Lake Salda gained international renown when US scientists began poking around in preparation for the Perseverance rover mission, which has been beaming back videos from the Red Planet since February.

Boasting azure waters and white sands, a Turkish lake that NASA thinks hides secrets about Mars threatens to become too popular for its own good. Lake Salda gained international renown when US scientists began poking around in preparation for the Perseverance rover mission, which has been beaming back videos from the Red Planet since February. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory even posted a picture of the pristine lake on its site before touchdown, saying it might resemble what an "aqueous" Mars looked like billions of years ago. Now, the 4,370-hectare (16.9-square mile) lake in Turkey's southwest has been picked by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as part of a project to create more green spaces for public use. The news spells disaster for local activists and lawyers, who fear that the twin blows of NASA and Erdogan's interest could open the floodgates to tourists. Splashing around in its waters, the sea of humanity could destroy the very ecosystem that made the lake special in the first place, campaigners warn. "The future of the lake is at risk if millions of people come," said Lake Salda Preservation Association head Gazi Osman Sakar. The lake is most famous for the White Islands area with the brilliant sands, as well as endemic flora and fauna such as the Salda seaweed fish. There are also minerals of different origin. NASA thinks one of them, hydromagnesite, is similar to the carbonate minerals detected at Jezero Crater -- a former lake on Mars that the rover is now exploring. The hydromagnesite sediments along Lake Salda's shoreline "are thought to have eroded from large mounds called 'microbialites', rocks formed with the help of microbes," NASA said. This all folds into the mystery about possible life on Mars, in some microbial form a very long time ago. There are many tectonic lakes like Salda across the world. But what makes Salda unique, geology engineer Servet Cevni said, is the lake's transformation into a closed ecosystem with its own living mechanism. "Because it's alive, it's so sensitive to outside interventions," Cevni said. Yet that intervention is already on its way in the form of nine small buildings that have appeared near a planned People's Garden by the lake. Sakar said some of the white sand has already been moved from the White Islands area to another called People's Beach for road construction. "The project should be cancelled," Sakar said. "The lake cannot be protected while it's used." Swimming is forbidden at the White Islands but people are still able to take a dip in other parts. Sakar's association wants the lake off limits entirely for swimming to preserve its ecosystem. Instead, he proposes creating observation posts for visitors to see the lake. "If single-cell organisms die, Salda is finished," the engineer Cevni agreed. "Those White Islands won't be renewed, that white structure won't come together." The damage thus far can be recovered in 150 to 200 years if people do not destroy it further, Cevni said, adding: "If we do, it won't ever recover." The Lake Salda Preservation Association has seen its legal bid to cancel the green spaces project rejected in court. Sakar is appealing the ruling and also campaigning for UNESCO to put Salda on the world heritage list. "Salda is dying," Sakar said. But campaigners are not the only ones expressing concern. Aysel Cig, a goat-herder who lives in a village close to the lake, said things were more pleasant before Salda gained its fame. "Our lake, our village was much cleaner three, five years ago," she said. But besides dirt and foreign organisms, tourists also bring cash, which the locals around Lake Salda welcome. Suleyman Kilickan, 60, worked in a cafe with plenty of outdoor seating by the lake that employed 30 people before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Interest in the lake rose considerably with the NASA mission, Kilickan said, noting that most of his visitors were foreigners who appeared to be respectful of the lake. "If there's tourism, there's life," Kilickan said. "I would encourage tourism," he said, emphasising the importance of ensuring visitors act responsibly. The environment ministry said last month it would limit the number of visitors to the White Islands area to 570,000 a year. Nearly 1.5 million people visited the lake in 2019, and 800,000 came last year during lulls in coronavirus restrictions. But Nazli Oral Erkan, of the Burdur Bar Association's Environment Committee, said the proposed cap was not enough to protect the lake. "Salda is like a natural museum," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish lake with likely clues to Mars gains unwanted fame

Turkish citizens are asking their President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to show them the money.&nbsp;They want to know where the government spent $128 million from its forex reserves.

Opposition parties say this sum was sold at foreign exchange markets to keep the sinking Turkish currency stable.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-of-turkey-choose-human-rights-as-erdogan-prefers-silence-376556">People of Turkey choose Human Rights as Erdogan prefers silence</a>

However, Erdogan denies the charge. He says those levelling it should be charged with treason. It is not helping his case, though as hundreds of posters and billboards have emerged in Istanbul asking one question: Where are the $128 billion dollars?

This question has turned into a political slogan in Turkey. It is emblazoned on posters and billboards in Istanbul and is imprinted on the masks of many Turkish citizens.

The Republican People's Party in Turkey says the state banks used this sum from Turkish forex reserves and sold them to support the sinking Turkish lira in foreign exchange markets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-erdogan-cornered-on-missing-128-billion-379609">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-erdogan-cornered-on-missing-128-billion-379609/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

They claim this corrupt policy began around the 2019 municipal elections and was ramped up in 2020 when the pandemic laid bare the lira's vulnerability.

What's worse is that this alleged foul play coincided with the tenure of Berat Albayrak, the former finance minister of Turkey and the son-in-law of the Turkish president.

Albayrak resigned in November 2020 citing health reasons. However, opposition leaders say the resignation was a political stunt to save the first family's reputation.

The Turkish government has literally launched a counter-attack. It has ordered the Turkish police to take down all banners in questioning the government’s actions.

Erdogan has gone as far as to call the campaign as 'outright treason’. He even offered a clarification in the country's parliament.

"Since there is no real desire to understand what happened to the $128 billion, of all the talk, there is nothing accurate. Neither the sum in question, nor the explanation of the sum, nor the campaign around it. From beginning to end, it is all lies and mistakes," he said. "Let our people be reassured. The 128 billion dollars of this country have neither been given as a gift to anyone nor wasted."

However, Istanbul has also acknowledged that the questions need answers from the right people. So the finance minister of Turkey has allowed the country's central bank to publish all data regarding foreign exchange transactions.

This is a welcome step from a government that rarely owns up to its mistakes. It is also an indication that every leader, even Erdogan who has ruled Turkey for 18 years, can be vulnerable to political and public pressure.

Turkish citizens are asking their President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to show them the money. They want to know where the government spent $128 million from its forex reserves.

Turkish citizens are asking their President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to show them the money. They want to know where the government spent $128 million from its forex reserves. Opposition parties say this sum was sold at foreign exchange markets to keep the sinking Turkish currency stable. Also read | People of Turkey choose Human Rights as Erdogan prefers silence However, Erdogan denies the charge. He says those levelling it should be charged with treason. It is not helping his case, though as hundreds of posters and billboards have emerged in Istanbul asking one question: Where are the $128 billion dollars? This question has turned into a political slogan in Turkey. It is emblazoned on posters and billboards in Istanbul and is imprinted on the masks of many Turkish citizens. The Republican People's Party in Turkey says the state banks used this sum from Turkish forex reserves and sold them to support the sinking Turkish lira in foreign exchange markets. Watch | They claim this corrupt policy began around the 2019 municipal elections and was ramped up in 2020 when the pandemic laid bare the lira's vulnerability. What's worse is that this alleged foul play coincided with the tenure of Berat Albayrak, the former finance minister of Turkey and the son-in-law of the Turkish president. Albayrak resigned in November 2020 citing health reasons. However, opposition leaders say the resignation was a political stunt to save the first family's reputation. The Turkish government has literally launched a counter-attack. It has ordered the Turkish police to take down all banners in questioning the government’s actions. Erdogan has gone as far as to call the campaign as 'outright treason’. He even offered a clarification in the country's parliament. "Since there is no real desire to understand what happened to the $128 billion, of all the talk, there is nothing accurate. Neither the sum in question, nor the explanation of the sum, nor the campaign around it. From beginning to end, it is all lies and mistakes," he said. "Let our people be reassured. The 128 billion dollars of this country have neither been given as a gift to anyone nor wasted." However, Istanbul has also acknowledged that the questions need answers from the right people. So the finance minister of Turkey has allowed the country's central bank to publish all data regarding foreign exchange transactions. This is a welcome step from a government that rarely owns up to its mistakes. It is also an indication that every leader, even Erdogan who has ruled Turkey for 18 years, can be vulnerable to political and public pressure.

'Where are $128 billion?', Turkey questions Erdogan about forex money

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday denounced US President Joe Biden's recognition of the Armenian genocide as "groundless". He said that the recognition was harmful to bilateral ties.

Erdogan had issued a carefully-worded statement moments before Biden made his landmark announcement on Saturday at a ceremony commemorating the tragic 1915-17 events.

But the Turkish president did not hold back his anger in a televised address. He also used the moment to point out the US history of slavery and persecution of Native Americans.

"The US president has made comments that are groundless and unfair," Erdogan said.

"We believe that these comments were included in the declaration following pressure from radical Armenian groups and anti-Turkish circles. But this situation does not reduce the destructive impact of these comments."

The Armenians -- supported by historians and scholars -- say 1.5 million of their people died in a genocide committed under the Ottoman Empire during World War I.&nbsp;

Turkey says that both, Armenians and Turks died in huge numbers as Ottoman forces fought tsarist Russia. But it vehemently denies a deliberate policy of genocide and notes that the term had not been legally defined at the time.

Biden tried to temper the inevitable Turkish anger by calling Erdogan for the first time since taking office in January.

The two leaders agreed in Friday's phone call to meet on the sidelines of a NATO summit in June.

But Erdogan said on Monday that Biden needed "to look in the mirror" when calling the century-old events a genocide.

"We can also talk about what happened to Native Americans, Blacks and in Vietnam," Erdogan said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday denounced US President Joe Biden's recognition of the Armenian genocide as "groundless". He said that the recognition was harmful to bilateral ties.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday denounced US President Joe Biden's recognition of the Armenian genocide as "groundless". He said that the recognition was harmful to bilateral ties. Erdogan had issued a carefully-worded statement moments before Biden made his landmark announcement on Saturday at a ceremony commemorating the tragic 1915-17 events. But the Turkish president did not hold back his anger in a televised address. He also used the moment to point out the US history of slavery and persecution of Native Americans. "The US president has made comments that are groundless and unfair," Erdogan said. "We believe that these comments were included in the declaration following pressure from radical Armenian groups and anti-Turkish circles. But this situation does not reduce the destructive impact of these comments." The Armenians -- supported by historians and scholars -- say 1.5 million of their people died in a genocide committed under the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Turkey says that both, Armenians and Turks died in huge numbers as Ottoman forces fought tsarist Russia. But it vehemently denies a deliberate policy of genocide and notes that the term had not been legally defined at the time. Biden tried to temper the inevitable Turkish anger by calling Erdogan for the first time since taking office in January. The two leaders agreed in Friday's phone call to meet on the sidelines of a NATO summit in June. But Erdogan said on Monday that Biden needed "to look in the mirror" when calling the century-old events a genocide. "We can also talk about what happened to Native Americans, Blacks and in Vietnam," Erdogan said.

Erdogan calls Biden genocide recognition 'destructive'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday announced a full lockdown from April 29 to May 17 to fight a surging third wave of coronavirus infections.

Turkey&nbsp;logged 37,312 new COVID-19 infections and 353 deaths in the last 24 hours, health ministry data showed, sharply down from mid-April but still the world's fourth highest number of cases and the worst on a per-capita basis among major nations.

Turkey's 37,312 new infections reported on Monday were the highest in Europe but still down from the peak of nearly 60,000 reported earlier this month.

"We must quickly reduce the number of cases to less than 5,000 a day," Erdogan said in a televised address.

He said&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;would enter "a full closure" that requires people to stay indoors without a valid reason and sees all non-essential businesses closed.

Travel between regions will be restricted and supermarkets will also be closed on Sundays for the first time.

The measures appear to be designed to avoid another spike around the time of traditional family gatherings and celebrations that take place when the holy month of Ramadan ends in mid May.

The new restrictions come with&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;falling considerably behind its planned inoculation schedule after a quick start in mid-January.

It has provided two jabs to eight million people and is pushing China to speed up the delivery of Sinovac's CoronaVac vaccine after securing a deal for 100 million doses.

Turkey&nbsp;has also received its first deliveries of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and has reached a deal with Russia to start producing Sputnik V locally.

Turkey's official death toll from the virus now stands at 37,312.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday announced a full lockdown from April 29 to May 17 to fight a surging third wave of coronavirus infections. Turkey logged 37,312 new COVID-19 infections and 353 deaths in the last 24 hours, health ministry data showed, sharply down from mid-April but still the world's fourth highest number of cases and the worst on a per-capita basis among major nations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday announced a full lockdown from April 29 to May 17 to fight a surging third wave of coronavirus infections. Turkey logged 37,312 new COVID-19 infections and 353 deaths in the last 24 hours, health ministry data showed, sharply down from mid-April but still the world's fourth highest number of cases and the worst on a per-capita basis among major nations. Turkey's 37,312 new infections reported on Monday were the highest in Europe but still down from the peak of nearly 60,000 reported earlier this month. "We must quickly reduce the number of cases to less than 5,000 a day," Erdogan said in a televised address. He said Turkey would enter "a full closure" that requires people to stay indoors without a valid reason and sees all non-essential businesses closed. Travel between regions will be restricted and supermarkets will also be closed on Sundays for the first time. The measures appear to be designed to avoid another spike around the time of traditional family gatherings and celebrations that take place when the holy month of Ramadan ends in mid May. The new restrictions come with Turkey falling considerably behind its planned inoculation schedule after a quick start in mid-January. It has provided two jabs to eight million people and is pushing China to speed up the delivery of Sinovac's CoronaVac vaccine after securing a deal for 100 million doses. Turkey has also received its first deliveries of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and has reached a deal with Russia to start producing Sputnik V locally. Turkey's official death toll from the virus now stands at 37,312. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey announces full lockdown from April 29 to curb COVID-19 spread

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