Turkey is coordinating an extensive prisoner swap between Russia and Belarus on one side and the United States, Germany and Slovenia on the other. US reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US marine Paul Whelan are among 26 prisoners released.

26 prisoners exchanged between Russia & west

As the first dolphin fin surfaced from the Bosphorus, a ripple of excitement went round passengers on a free boat ride to see one of Istanbul's most graceful sights. Watch in for more details!

Dolphins escort ships over Turkey's coastal waters

Can Israel turn Turkish President Erdogan into Saddam Hussein?’ This comparison by the Israeli Foreign Minister underscores the severe implications of the current geopolitical climate that threatens a potential regional war in West Asia. Lebanon has denied responsibility for the attack on Israel's Golan Heights that claimed the lives of 12 people. Israel's security cabinet is yet to decide on the response while Iran has cautioned Israel against attacking Lebanon. Amidst all this Turkish president has threatened to enter Israel and help Palestinians evoking a response from the Israeli foreign minister.

Israel foreign minister's harsh threat: Turkey's Erdogan will end like Saddam Hussain

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatens to invade Israel. Erdogan is giving solidarity with Palestinians as a reason for the invasion. The possibility of military action against Israel comes amid ongoing conflict with the Iranian proxy group Hezbollah.

Turkey issues open threat to invade Israel over war in Gaza

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey might enter Israel as it had done in the past in Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Erdogan warns, 'Turkey might enter Israel to help Palestinians'

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey might enter Israel as it had done in the past in Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh. A fierce critic of operations in Gaza, Turkey's President Erdogan has issued open threat to enter Israel. Erdogan cited earlier instance of intervention in Karabakh and Libya to make a case that Turkey won't hesitate doing the same if the situation demands.

Turkish President Erdogan warns, 'Turkiye might enter Israel to help Palestinians'

Greek Cypriots mourned and Turkish Cypriots rejoiced on Saturday, the 50th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of part of the island after a brief Greek inspired coup, with the chances of reconciliation as elusive as ever. Watch in for more details!

50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation

Cyprus on Saturday marked 50 years since Turkish troops invaded the Mediterranean island, with comments from the Turkish and Cypriot leaders demonstrating the stark divide that remains.

Cyprus on Saturday marked 50 years since Turkish troops invaded the Mediterranean island, with comments from the Turkish and Cypriot leaders demonstrating the stark divide that remains. The Greek-Cypriot president of Cyprus, who seeks a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation under a UN framework, said there was no other option but reunification. But in an address at about the same time on the other side of a UN-patrolled buffer zone, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rejected a federal solution and said he saw no point in continuing UN-led negotiations on the island's future. As dawn broke in the internationally recognised south of the island, sirens wailed at 5:30 am (0230 GMT), the time that Operation Atilla began in 1974. The invasion led to the conquering of one-third of Cyprus and displacement of about 40 per cent of the population. The buffer zone, where abandoned buildings crumble, cuts across the island with border controls separating Greek Cypriots in the south from Turkish Cypriots in the north. The United Nations says around 40,000 Turkish soldiers also remain in the north. Decades of UN-backed talks have failed to reunify the island, and the last round collapsed in 2017 after meetings in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. "We believe that a federal solution is not possible in Cyprus. It is of no benefit to anyone to say let's continue negotiations where we left off in Switzerland years ago," Erdogan said in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is only recognised by Ankara. "The Turkish Cypriot side should sit at the table as equals with the Greek Cypriot side. We are ready to negotiate and achieve lasting peace and a solution," he said before watching a parade that included marching bands and armoured military vehicles. Turkish and TRNC flags flew side-by-side. Watch | Gravitas: New base in Cyprus can influence global trade, military movements × Tears flow, decades on On the other side of Nicosia, the world's last divided capital, President Nikos Christodoulides unveiled busts of officers killed in the fighting. He also laid a wreath at a war memorial where ceremonial gunfire sounded. "Whatever Mr Erdogan and his representatives in the occupied areas do or say, Turkey, 50 years later, continues to be responsible for the violation of human rights of the entire Cypriot people and for the violation of international law," Christodoulides told reporters. Decades on, fresh tears flowed for those who died during the invasion. Under a hot sun at the war memorial, a mother clad in black cried over the tomb of her son. She ran her hand gently over a photo of the young man attached to a marble cross. Other women wiped their eyes nearby. Greek flags waved on graves that stretched out in rows around them as mourners placed flowers and incense. More than 750 Greek Cypriots and almost 200 Turkish Cypriots remain missing, says the bi-communal Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus which tries to find and return their remains to loved ones. Before the anniversary, some Greek Cypriot veterans of the fight against the invasion told AFP they saw no hope for reunification. "Perhaps, what was completely broken in 1974, cannot be fixed," the English-language Cyprus Mail newspaper wrote in an editorial Saturday. "They probably consider reunification too big a risk to take," it said, and most people on both sides "have no experience other than that of a divided country." A United Nations envoy, Colombian diplomat Maria Angela Holguin, wrote in an open letter this month of a need to "move away" from past solutions and to "think differently". Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was set to visit Cyprus on Saturday evening to attend the commemorations alongside Christodoulides. Mitsotakis in May visited Erdogan in Ankara, the latest sign of warming ties between the NATO neighbours. Also read | Cyprus' oldest temple excavated. It houses a mysterious monolith, skeleton of a woman 'Long overdue' On the eve of the anniversary, Turkey's parliament adopted a resolution calling for an "end to the inhumane isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots". The European Union -- to which Cyprus belongs -- stressed the need for all parties to seek a peaceful resolution "on the basis of relevant UN Security Council resolutions." Irfan Siddiq, Britain's high commissioner to Cyprus, said on social media platform X that, "Too many opportunities for re-unification have been missed." In a similar vein, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a report this month to the Security Council, said "resolution of the Cyprus issue is long overdue". Guterres regretted "the gradual militarisation that is under way on the island". The invasion was triggered by a coup in Nicosia backed by the military junta in Athens and aimed at uniting Cyprus with Greece. The treaty that granted Cyprus independence from Britain in 1960 banned union with Greece or Turkey as well as partition and made London, Athens and Ankara guarantors of Cyprus's independence, territorial integrity and security. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'No other option': Cyprus prez bats for reunification 50 years after island split in two

Turkiye’s wealth per adult surged by over 157% between 2022 and 2023, outpacing all other countries, according to UBS’s global wealth report 2024.

Turkiye leads world in wealth growth

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Thursday against conflict between NATO and Russia, telling an alliance summit aimed at bolstering Ukraine that diplomacy must also be an option.

The summit in Washington produced announcements including F-16 transfers to Ukraine and a US plan to deploy long-range missiles in Germany, with Russia warning of a response to the "very serious threat" from NATO.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/howler-after-howler-biden-introduces-zelensky-as-president-putin-misidentifies-vp-kamala-harris-as-trump-740060">Biden introduces Zelensky as ‘President Putin’; misidentifies VP Kamala Harris</a>

"I shared my views candidly here that NATO should never be allowed to be a party to the war in Ukraine," Erdogan told a news conference after the 75th anniversary summit.

Erdogan said that Turkey, a rare NATO member not to join sanctions on Russia, supported the "territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine."

"I also emphasized that diplomacy should not be excluded and that negotiations do not necessarily mean surrendering," he said.

White House candidate Donald Trump, who in his previous term forged a close if complicated relationship with Erdogan, has spoken of forcing a settlement on Ukraine if he defeats President Joe Biden in November.

Biden used the summit to rally Western allies to defend Ukraine through a steady flow of weapons and promises of a path for Kyiv to join NATO -- a prospect that is anathema to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in comments published by Russian news agencies, said that NATO was now "fully involved in the conflict over Ukraine."

<h2>- Balancing act -</h2>

Turkey has sought to balance ties between its two Black Sea neighbors Russia and Ukraine since Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Ankara has sent drones to Ukraine but shied away from Western-led sanctions on Moscow.

Last year, Erdogan said Ukraine "undoubtedly" deserved NATO membership when he met President Volodymyr Zelensky.

On Thursday, Erdogan also played down the influence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional bloc that Moscow and Beijing have promoted as a counterweight to US hegemony.

"We do not think that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an alternative to NATO," Erdogan said.

Turkey has been an SCO dialogue partner since 2012 and Erdogan said at its summit earlier this month he wanted full membership.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-vows-of-response-angered-by-us-plan-to-deploy-long-range-missiles-in-germany-740067">Russia vows of response, angered by US plan to deploy missiles in Germany</a>

Namik Tan, a lawmaker for the opposition CHP party who previously served as Turkey's ambassador to the United States, called out the government for its friendly relations with Russia.

"We were the only NATO country that attended the 24th SCO Summit last week," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"Isn't it a contradiction?"&nbsp;

Erdogan, who has roots in political Islam and is an outspoken critic of Israel, also called for more NATO involvement in the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

"Israel's threats and attempts to spread the conflict must come to an end," he said.&nbsp;

"Otherwise, our region will face the risk of deeper conflicts and even a war."

(Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Thursday against conflict between NATO and Russia, telling an alliance summit aimed at bolstering Ukraine that diplomacy must also be an option.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Thursday against conflict between NATO and Russia, telling an alliance summit aimed at bolstering Ukraine that diplomacy must also be an option. The summit in Washington produced announcements including F-16 transfers to Ukraine and a US plan to deploy long-range missiles in Germany, with Russia warning of a response to the "very serious threat" from NATO. Also read: Biden introduces Zelensky as ‘President Putin’; misidentifies VP Kamala Harris "I shared my views candidly here that NATO should never be allowed to be a party to the war in Ukraine," Erdogan told a news conference after the 75th anniversary summit. Erdogan said that Turkey, a rare NATO member not to join sanctions on Russia, supported the "territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine." "I also emphasized that diplomacy should not be excluded and that negotiations do not necessarily mean surrendering," he said. White House candidate Donald Trump, who in his previous term forged a close if complicated relationship with Erdogan, has spoken of forcing a settlement on Ukraine if he defeats President Joe Biden in November. Biden used the summit to rally Western allies to defend Ukraine through a steady flow of weapons and promises of a path for Kyiv to join NATO -- a prospect that is anathema to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in comments published by Russian news agencies, said that NATO was now "fully involved in the conflict over Ukraine." - Balancing act - Turkey has sought to balance ties between its two Black Sea neighbors Russia and Ukraine since Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022. Ankara has sent drones to Ukraine but shied away from Western-led sanctions on Moscow. Last year, Erdogan said Ukraine "undoubtedly" deserved NATO membership when he met President Volodymyr Zelensky. On Thursday, Erdogan also played down the influence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional bloc that Moscow and Beijing have promoted as a counterweight to US hegemony. "We do not think that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an alternative to NATO," Erdogan said. Turkey has been an SCO dialogue partner since 2012 and Erdogan said at its summit earlier this month he wanted full membership. Also read: Russia vows of response, angered by US plan to deploy missiles in Germany Namik Tan, a lawmaker for the opposition CHP party who previously served as Turkey's ambassador to the United States, called out the government for its friendly relations with Russia. "We were the only NATO country that attended the 24th SCO Summit last week," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Isn't it a contradiction?" Erdogan, who has roots in political Islam and is an outspoken critic of Israel, also called for more NATO involvement in the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. "Israel's threats and attempts to spread the conflict must come to an end," he said. "Otherwise, our region will face the risk of deeper conflicts and even a war." (Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Turkey's Erdogan issues warning against NATO-Russia conflict

Turkish police detained nearly 500 people after anti-Syrian riots rocked several cities. The spreading unrest was sparked late on 30th June in the central city of Kayseri, after social media reports emerged of a Syrian man sexually abusing a female child relative. Properties and vehicles owned by Syrians were vandalised and set ablaze in Kayseri, and soon after, violence spread to several other provinces, including Istanbul.

Severe backlash in rebel-held northwest Syria

Turkey will extend an invitation to Syrian President Bashar Assad "any time" for possible talks to restore relations between the two neighbours, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.

Erdogan to invite Assad for talks to restore Turkey-Syria ties

Turkey & Syria to hit refresh button, Erdogan to invite Assad for talks to restore Syria-Turkey ties

Tukriye's Merih Demiral has been banned for two matches due to his 'wolf salute' during the Euro 2024 last-16 clash against Austria. The ban has sparked a diplomatic confrontation between Turkiye and Germany.

Gravitas: The 'Wolf Salute' that sparked a political storm

Riots erupted in Turkey after allegations that a Syrian man harassing a child came to light. Angered Syrians clashed with Turkish forces. What went down? Watch this report.

Turkish police detains over 400 rioters

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received a warm welcome on Tuesday during his first visit to Turkey since he took office in 2022. The prince was hosted by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and pledged to boost Saudi-Turkish defense ties.

Saudi defence minister pledges to boost ties with Turkey

State-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) announced early on Thursday it signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Turkish companies to "support the localisation of defence industries" in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia-Turkiye to boost defence ties

The Turkish inflation smelt the scent of trending down for the first time in eight months, giving some relief from surging living costs that saw price hikes above 75 per cent.

A Bloomberg survey of economists says the data due Wednesday will show annual inflation declined in June to 72.6 per cent. Monthly price growth, the central bank’s preferred gauge, probably eased to 2.2 per cent, the lowest for more than a year.

Authorities are quite optimistic that this slowdown might be a harbinger of relentless disinflation. This comes after a spate of aggressive interest rate hikes totalling more than 40 percentage points to 50 per cent within less than a year.

Despite this, most economists forecast that inflation will be above 38 per cent of the central bank's target by year-end. Expecting a sharp deceleration in July and August, mostly driven by the statistical effect of a high base from 2023.

“Inflation has reached the peak, and we expect strong disinflation over the upcoming months — thanks to slowing domestic demand,” Deutsche Bank AG analysts, including Christian Wietoska, said in a report. The headline rate is set to reach 'the low 50s' by the end of August, they said.

The evolution will be closely watched by investors who have recently poured money into Turkish assets. That will also determine how soon policymakers could think about reverting to an easing policy after having time and again stressed their commitment to seeing a sustained decline in the underlying trends of inflation before any monetary policy easing is undertaken.

According to Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, the necessity to drive inflation below 42 per cent is not open for a negotiation-in fact; it forms the top end of the central bank's forecasts toward the end of the year. This goal remains way above the official target for the rate of inflation at 5 per cent.

In summary, while in Turkiye, there has been a slowing-down factor in the new series, the prospects remain confusing because of the persistent economic challenges. How effectively inflation can be managed will become a crucial factor not only for the stabilisation of living costs but also in guiding future monetary policy decisions.

The Turkish inflation smelt the scent of trending down for the first time in eight months, giving some relief from surging living costs that saw price hikes above 75 per cent.

The Turkish inflation smelt the scent of trending down for the first time in eight months, giving some relief from surging living costs that saw price hikes above 75 per cent. A Bloomberg survey of economists says the data due Wednesday will show annual inflation declined in June to 72.6 per cent. Monthly price growth, the central bank’s preferred gauge, probably eased to 2.2 per cent, the lowest for more than a year. Authorities are quite optimistic that this slowdown might be a harbinger of relentless disinflation. This comes after a spate of aggressive interest rate hikes totalling more than 40 percentage points to 50 per cent within less than a year. Despite this, most economists forecast that inflation will be above 38 per cent of the central bank's target by year-end. Expecting a sharp deceleration in July and August, mostly driven by the statistical effect of a high base from 2023. “Inflation has reached the peak, and we expect strong disinflation over the upcoming months — thanks to slowing domestic demand,” Deutsche Bank AG analysts, including Christian Wietoska, said in a report. The headline rate is set to reach 'the low 50s' by the end of August, they said. The evolution will be closely watched by investors who have recently poured money into Turkish assets. That will also determine how soon policymakers could think about reverting to an easing policy after having time and again stressed their commitment to seeing a sustained decline in the underlying trends of inflation before any monetary policy easing is undertaken. According to Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, the necessity to drive inflation below 42 per cent is not open for a negotiation-in fact; it forms the top end of the central bank's forecasts toward the end of the year. This goal remains way above the official target for the rate of inflation at 5 per cent. In summary, while in Turkiye, there has been a slowing-down factor in the new series, the prospects remain confusing because of the persistent economic challenges. How effectively inflation can be managed will become a crucial factor not only for the stabilisation of living costs but also in guiding future monetary policy decisions.

Turkiye’s inflation shows signs of slowing amid economic challenges

Turkish authorities on Tuesday (Jul 2) detained over 470 people following anti-Syrian riots in several cities. The riots sparked after a Syrian man was accused of harassing a child. Tensions escalated Sunday (Jun 30) in the Syrian city of Kayseri as large crowds targeted Syrian businesses and properties.

Some videos emerged on social media, showing a Turkish man saying, "We don’t want any more Syrians! We don’t want any more foreigners.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Riots in Turkey! 
 
People are out on streets after a Syrian refugee sexually abused a child in Kayseri! 
 
The police trying to scatter angered people protesting against Syrian people in Turkey. 
 
<a href="https://t.co/zOBasqwJsm">pic.twitter.com/zOBasqwJsm</a>
— Azat Alsalem (@AzzatAlsaalem) <a href="https://twitter.com/AzzatAlsaalem/status/1807541915329708322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Interior minister Ali Yerlikaya informed on X that 474 people were detained on Tuesday for their "provocative actions." “474 people were detained after the provocative actions,” he wrote. The riots damaged "houses, workplaces, and vehicles belonging to Syrian nationals”, added the minister.

Earlier on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the opposition of fuelling tensions in the country and condemned the violence against Syrians as “unacceptable.”

“It is unacceptable to burn houses, vandalise and set streets on fire,” he said on Monday of the violence. “Nothing can be achieved by fuelling xenophobia and hatred of refugees in society,” he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjg7rKcw4iHAxWFTmwGHbYTAq4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-welcomes-turkeys-interest-in-brics-says-putin-fully-supports-turkeys-aspirations-731021" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-welcomes-turkeys-interest-in-brics-says-putin-fully-supports-turkeys-aspirations-731021&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjg7rKcw4iHAxWFTmwGHbYTAq4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Russia 'welcomes' Turkey's interest in BRICS, says 'Putin fully supports Turkey's aspirations'</a>

Several cities across the country saw anti-Syrian protests even as the president and authorities called for calm.

In the face of rising tensions, Turkish police said they were boosting security around the Syrian consulate in Istanbul by deploying an armoured truck and patrolling vehicles.

Notably, Turkey is home to more than 3.5 million Syrians, most of whom sought refuge in the nation after the civil war erupted in Syria in 2011.

Watch: Turkiye's economic tightrope amid soaring prices

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Most Syrians live under “temporary protection” status and many subsequently became Turkish citizens.

Anti-Syrian sentiments have risen in Turkey over the last years amid a dwindling economy and political chaos.

Such anti-Syrian riots had erupted in the nation in 2021 as well when a Turkish teenager was killed in a fight with a group of Syrian nationals in the capital Ankara. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish authorities on Tuesday (Jul 2) detained over 470 people following anti-Syrian riots in several cities. The riots sparked after a Syrian man was accused of harassing a child.

Turkish authorities on Tuesday (Jul 2) detained over 470 people following anti-Syrian riots in several cities. The riots sparked after a Syrian man was accused of harassing a child. Tensions escalated Sunday (Jun 30) in the Syrian city of Kayseri as large crowds targeted Syrian businesses and properties. Some videos emerged on social media, showing a Turkish man saying, "We don’t want any more Syrians! We don’t want any more foreigners.” Riots in Turkey! People are out on streets after a Syrian refugee sexually abused a child in Kayseri! The police trying to scatter angered people protesting against Syrian people in Turkey. pic.twitter.com/zOBasqwJsm — Azat Alsalem (@AzzatAlsaalem) June 30, 2024 × Interior minister Ali Yerlikaya informed on X that 474 people were detained on Tuesday for their "provocative actions." “474 people were detained after the provocative actions,” he wrote. The riots damaged "houses, workplaces, and vehicles belonging to Syrian nationals”, added the minister. Earlier on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the opposition of fuelling tensions in the country and condemned the violence against Syrians as “unacceptable.” “It is unacceptable to burn houses, vandalise and set streets on fire,” he said on Monday of the violence. “Nothing can be achieved by fuelling xenophobia and hatred of refugees in society,” he added. Also read: Russia 'welcomes' Turkey's interest in BRICS, says 'Putin fully supports Turkey's aspirations' Several cities across the country saw anti-Syrian protests even as the president and authorities called for calm. In the face of rising tensions, Turkish police said they were boosting security around the Syrian consulate in Istanbul by deploying an armoured truck and patrolling vehicles. Notably, Turkey is home to more than 3.5 million Syrians, most of whom sought refuge in the nation after the civil war erupted in Syria in 2011. Watch: Turkiye's economic tightrope amid soaring prices × Most Syrians live under “temporary protection” status and many subsequently became Turkish citizens. Anti-Syrian sentiments have risen in Turkey over the last years amid a dwindling economy and political chaos. Such anti-Syrian riots had erupted in the nation in 2021 as well when a Turkish teenager was killed in a fight with a group of Syrian nationals in the capital Ankara. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey witnesses massive anti-Syrian riots, 470 detained for 'provocative actions'

Turkish animal rights groups and experts have criticised the government’s new draft law on animal rights which propose euthanasia as a measure to curb the growing number of stray dogs.

Mass extermination of stray dogs bill proposed in Turkiye

Turkey reached the knockout phase at a major tournament for the first time in 16 years after a bad-tempered 2-1 win over a battling 10-man Czech Republic at&nbsp;Euro&nbsp;2024 on Wednesday. Vincenzo Montella's Turkey finished second in Group F behind Portugal to progress, as the Czechs were eliminated despite a brave performance on a sweltering night in Hamburg.

"Tonight we just want to celebrate, we deserve it," said Italian Montella. "But starting tomorrow we want to continue to make history."

Georgia also went through as one of the best third-placed teams after a stunning 2-0 win over Portugal in the group's other final game, eliminating Hungary.

Turkey will face Austria in the last 16 in Leipzig on Tuesday, their first major tournament knockout match since the&nbsp;Euro&nbsp;2008 semi-finals, when they were beaten by Germany.

The Czechs were reduced to 10 men in the 20th minute when Antonin Barak was given the earliest red card in&nbsp;Euros&nbsp;history, beating the unwanted record set by France's Eric Abidal in 2008. Barak's pair of bookings were two of 18 yellow cards shown in total, with Tomas Chory also shown red after the final whistle in ugly scenes.

Hakan Calhanoglu powered Turkey into a 51st-minute lead, but Tomas Soucek lashed in an equaliser midway through the second half.

A frantic finale to the game ensued as the Czech Republic pushed for the winner that would take them through, but Cenk Tosun ended their hopes on the counter-attack in added time.

There were ugly scenes at the final whistle as fans ran onto the pitch, with Czech forward Chory brandished a red card in the aftermath. "We are upset, everyone wanted to advance, we had the right mindset," said Soucek.

"It was terribly hard with 10 men, we didn't want to concede, then we did, we levelled and pushed them until the last minute but then we conceded another."

The Czechs started strongly despite the tens of thousands of Turkey fans jeering their every touch, with Lukas Provod forcing Mert Gunok into an early save with a deflected shot. They were especially dangerous from Vladimir Coufal's long throw-ins, one of which Robin Hranac headed over when unmarked.

But Turkey were given a huge boost as midfielder Barak caught Salih Ozcan by the halfway line and was shown a soft second yellow card. Key Czech striker Patrik Schick could only feature among the substitutes after picking up an injury in the draw with Georgia last week.

He was given a yellow card for protesting from the bench after Provod was felled by a flying challenge.

<h2>- Tempers fray -</h2>

Turkey winger Kenan Yildiz was fortunate to stay on the pitch, only receiving a yellow for a nasty tackle on Hranac before elbowing Coufal in the face without punishment as tempers threatened to boil over.

Montella's side were struggling to break down their opponents despite the man advantage and almost fell behind when David Jurasek was denied by Gunok after a quick counter-attack.

Knowing defeat could send them home with Georgia leading Portugal, Turkey started brightly after the break and released the pressure on themselves with a crucial opening goal.

Yildiz had an effort brilliantly saved by Jindrich Stanek, but the Czech keeper suffered an arm injury in making the stop, and with him struggling to get back into position, Calhanoglu drilled the ball into the bottom corner.

Stanek was immediately replaced by back-up Matej Kovar as part of a triple change. The Czechs became increasingly stretched as they went in search of the two goals they needed to stay in the tournament, and Turkey's teenage star Arda Guler failed to convert from barely three yards out.

But Soucek gave the Czechs hope when he fired home after Gunok spilt the ball following another Coufal hurl into the box. The goal survived a long VAR review for a possible foul on the embarrassed keeper and a handball, before being eventually awarded to set up a thrilling finish.

Ivan Hasek's Czech Republic threw as many players forward as possible but could not find a moment of magic.Instead, Turkey hit them on the break and substitute Tosun struck a fine finish into the far corner, before the match ended in fiery fashion.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/euro-2024-ukraine-crash-out-after-goalless-draw-against-belgium-735468">Euro 2024: Ukraine crash out after goalless draw against Belgium</a>

<h2>GEORGIA MAKE HISTORY, STUN PORTUGAL TO PROCEED AHEAD</h2>

Georgia are through to the last 16 of&nbsp;Euro&nbsp;2024 after Wednesday's 2-0 win over Portugal, a historic triumph in the former Soviet Republic's first appearance at a major international tournament. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's fine finish with less than two minutes on the clock in Gelsenkirchen and Georges Mikautadze's 57th-minute penalty ensured Georgia would claim the greatest football victory in the Black Sea nation's history.

Georgia's players celebrated with their delirious fans long after the final whistle, after inflicting a first defeat since the 2022 World Cup on Portugal, and being rewarded for the sheer fun they have brought to the tournament.&nbsp;

Willy Sagnol's team qualify from Group F as one of the four best third-placed finishers and face a daunting clash with Spain, who won all their group games, on Sunday.

"We just made history, nobody would have believed that we would have made it happen by beating Portugal, but this is why we are&nbsp;a strong team," Kvaratskhelia told reporters. "If there is even one percent chance you can make it happen if you believe."

Portugal had already qualified for the next round as group winners and coach Roberto Martinez made eight changes from the team which swept Turkey aside to guarantee first place last weekend.

However, his team were on top for most of the match and looked likely to equalise before Antonio Silva, who gave the ball away for the first goal, was harshly penalised for light contact with Luka Lochoshvili to give away the decisive penalty.

"We were low intensity, we conceded early which is what Georgia needed and after that we weren't clear headed in our passing or finishing," Martinez told reporters.&nbsp; "We tried to score but couldn't, that gave Georgia heart and in the end it was a deserved win."

Regardless Portugal will face Slovenia on Monday and, saving any injuries, Martinez will have a mostly rested first XI to call upon.

Turkey reached the knockout phase at a major tournament for the first time in 16 years after a bad-tempered 2-1 win over a battling 10-man Czech Republic at Euro 2024 on Wednesday.

Turkey reached the knockout phase at a major tournament for the first time in 16 years after a bad-tempered 2-1 win over a battling 10-man Czech Republic at Euro 2024 on Wednesday. Vincenzo Montella's Turkey finished second in Group F behind Portugal to progress, as the Czechs were eliminated despite a brave performance on a sweltering night in Hamburg. "Tonight we just want to celebrate, we deserve it," said Italian Montella. "But starting tomorrow we want to continue to make history." Georgia also went through as one of the best third-placed teams after a stunning 2-0 win over Portugal in the group's other final game, eliminating Hungary. Turkey will face Austria in the last 16 in Leipzig on Tuesday, their first major tournament knockout match since the Euro 2008 semi-finals, when they were beaten by Germany. The Czechs were reduced to 10 men in the 20th minute when Antonin Barak was given the earliest red card in Euros history, beating the unwanted record set by France's Eric Abidal in 2008. Barak's pair of bookings were two of 18 yellow cards shown in total, with Tomas Chory also shown red after the final whistle in ugly scenes. Hakan Calhanoglu powered Turkey into a 51st-minute lead, but Tomas Soucek lashed in an equaliser midway through the second half. A frantic finale to the game ensued as the Czech Republic pushed for the winner that would take them through, but Cenk Tosun ended their hopes on the counter-attack in added time. There were ugly scenes at the final whistle as fans ran onto the pitch, with Czech forward Chory brandished a red card in the aftermath. "We are upset, everyone wanted to advance, we had the right mindset," said Soucek. "It was terribly hard with 10 men, we didn't want to concede, then we did, we levelled and pushed them until the last minute but then we conceded another." The Czechs started strongly despite the tens of thousands of Turkey fans jeering their every touch, with Lukas Provod forcing Mert Gunok into an early save with a deflected shot. They were especially dangerous from Vladimir Coufal's long throw-ins, one of which Robin Hranac headed over when unmarked. But Turkey were given a huge boost as midfielder Barak caught Salih Ozcan by the halfway line and was shown a soft second yellow card. Key Czech striker Patrik Schick could only feature among the substitutes after picking up an injury in the draw with Georgia last week. He was given a yellow card for protesting from the bench after Provod was felled by a flying challenge. - Tempers fray - Turkey winger Kenan Yildiz was fortunate to stay on the pitch, only receiving a yellow for a nasty tackle on Hranac before elbowing Coufal in the face without punishment as tempers threatened to boil over. Montella's side were struggling to break down their opponents despite the man advantage and almost fell behind when David Jurasek was denied by Gunok after a quick counter-attack. Knowing defeat could send them home with Georgia leading Portugal, Turkey started brightly after the break and released the pressure on themselves with a crucial opening goal. Yildiz had an effort brilliantly saved by Jindrich Stanek, but the Czech keeper suffered an arm injury in making the stop, and with him struggling to get back into position, Calhanoglu drilled the ball into the bottom corner. Stanek was immediately replaced by back-up Matej Kovar as part of a triple change. The Czechs became increasingly stretched as they went in search of the two goals they needed to stay in the tournament, and Turkey's teenage star Arda Guler failed to convert from barely three yards out. But Soucek gave the Czechs hope when he fired home after Gunok spilt the ball following another Coufal hurl into the box. The goal survived a long VAR review for a possible foul on the embarrassed keeper and a handball, before being eventually awarded to set up a thrilling finish. Ivan Hasek's Czech Republic threw as many players forward as possible but could not find a moment of magic.Instead, Turkey hit them on the break and substitute Tosun struck a fine finish into the far corner, before the match ended in fiery fashion. Also read: Euro 2024: Ukraine crash out after goalless draw against Belgium GEORGIA MAKE HISTORY, STUN PORTUGAL TO PROCEED AHEAD Georgia are through to the last 16 of Euro 2024 after Wednesday's 2-0 win over Portugal, a historic triumph in the former Soviet Republic's first appearance at a major international tournament. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's fine finish with less than two minutes on the clock in Gelsenkirchen and Georges Mikautadze's 57th-minute penalty ensured Georgia would claim the greatest football victory in the Black Sea nation's history. Georgia's players celebrated with their delirious fans long after the final whistle, after inflicting a first defeat since the 2022 World Cup on Portugal, and being rewarded for the sheer fun they have brought to the tournament. Willy Sagnol's team qualify from Group F as one of the four best third-placed finishers and face a daunting clash with Spain, who won all their group games, on Sunday. "We just made history, nobody would have believed that we would have made it happen by beating Portugal, but this is why we are a strong team," Kvaratskhelia told reporters. "If there is even one percent chance you can make it happen if you believe." Portugal had already qualified for the next round as group winners and coach Roberto Martinez made eight changes from the team which swept Turkey aside to guarantee first place last weekend. However, his team were on top for most of the match and looked likely to equalise before Antonio Silva, who gave the ball away for the first goal, was harshly penalised for light contact with Luka Lochoshvili to give away the decisive penalty. "We were low intensity, we conceded early which is what Georgia needed and after that we weren't clear headed in our passing or finishing," Martinez told reporters. "We tried to score but couldn't, that gave Georgia heart and in the end it was a deserved win." Regardless Portugal will face Slovenia on Monday and, saving any injuries, Martinez will have a mostly rested first XI to call upon.

Euro 2024: Turkey edge into last 16 with tense win over Czechs, Georgia stun Portugal to go ahead

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Türkiye's 19-year-old sensation Arda Guler thumped a wonder goal from outside the box to flatten Georgia 3-1 in front of a boisterous crowd,&nbsp;dominated by tens of thousands of&nbsp;Türkiye supporters at the&nbsp;Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund on Tuesday (Jun 18)

Mert Muldur gave Türkiye a first-half lead with a thunderous volley from the edge of the box. Georges Mikautadze quickly equalised. In the second half, Guler whipped in a curling effort before Kerem Akturkoglu added a late third on the counter after Georgia had hit the woodwork.

Georgia were dangerous after Georges Mikautadze levelled Mert Muldur's 25th-minute opener for Türkiye just after the half-hour mark, and were denied a second equaliser by the woodwork and a series of saves and blocks.

But Akturkoglu made sure Türkiye would top the group ahead of Portugal's opening match with the Czech Republic later on Tuesday.

Türkiye took the cue from their fervent support and went at Georgia from the off, pressuring their inexperienced opposition high up the pitch as a huge din came rolling down the stands.

Kaan Ayhan and Abdulkerim Bardakci both went close with headers from corners inside the first 10 minutes before Ayhan crashed a low drive off the inside of the post.

And in a breathless opening period Anzor Mekvabishvili almost gave Georgia a shock lead in the 11th minute when his wildly deflected shot was well saved by Mert Gunok.

But Muldur sparked wild celebrations in the stands in the 25th minute with a stunning volley after Ferdi Kadioglu's cross was cleared to him on the edge of the area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/euro-2024-slovakia-cause-first-tournament-upset-with-win-over-belgium-732629">Also read |&nbsp;Euro 2024: Slovakia cause first tournament upset with win over Belgium</a>

<h2>Brave Georgia</h2>

The roars from Muldur's goal had barely subsided when Kenan Yildiz poked home what he thought was Türkiye's second, only for the goal to be ruled out for the Juventus attacker's toes straying offside before he tapped home.

And Mikautadze stunned what was effectively the home crowd in the 32nd minute by sweeping home Giorgi Kochorashvili's low cross after brilliant play down the right.

The small but loud Georgian contingent had their heads in their hands shortly afterwards when Mikautadze look certain to put their team ahead but dragged a great opportunity wide.

Türkiye again started in the front foot after the break but Georgia held their own and Mikautadze was in the thick of it again in the 52nd minute when Bardakci blocked his effort after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's burst down the left.

Kvaratskhelia, who was below-par throughout, then poked a good chance wide in the 62nd minute and only moments later Guler took aim from distance and arrowed in an unstoppable shot past the despairing Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Georgia pushed for another equaliser and came desperately close five minutes after Guler's strike when Kochorashvili skipped past a couple of weak challenges only to see his shot rattle the crossbar.

But Kochorashvili and Zuriko Davitashvili were both unfortunate not to level in added time as Mamardashvili pushed forward for one last effort and Akturkoglu charged home on the break to seal a thrilling win.

Türkiye's 19-year-old sensation Arda Guler thumped a wonder goal from outside the box to flatten Georgia 3-1 in front of a boisterous crowd, dominated by tens of thousands of Türkiye supporters at the Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund on Tuesday (Jun 18) Mert Muldur gave Türkiye a first-half lead with a thunderous volley from the edge of the box.

Türkiye's 19-year-old sensation Arda Guler thumped a wonder goal from outside the box to flatten Georgia 3-1 in front of a boisterous crowd, dominated by tens of thousands of Türkiye supporters at the Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund on Tuesday (Jun 18) Mert Muldur gave Türkiye a first-half lead with a thunderous volley from the edge of the box. Georges Mikautadze quickly equalised. In the second half, Guler whipped in a curling effort before Kerem Akturkoglu added a late third on the counter after Georgia had hit the woodwork. Georgia were dangerous after Georges Mikautadze levelled Mert Muldur's 25th-minute opener for Türkiye just after the half-hour mark, and were denied a second equaliser by the woodwork and a series of saves and blocks. But Akturkoglu made sure Türkiye would top the group ahead of Portugal's opening match with the Czech Republic later on Tuesday. Türkiye took the cue from their fervent support and went at Georgia from the off, pressuring their inexperienced opposition high up the pitch as a huge din came rolling down the stands. Kaan Ayhan and Abdulkerim Bardakci both went close with headers from corners inside the first 10 minutes before Ayhan crashed a low drive off the inside of the post. And in a breathless opening period Anzor Mekvabishvili almost gave Georgia a shock lead in the 11th minute when his wildly deflected shot was well saved by Mert Gunok. But Muldur sparked wild celebrations in the stands in the 25th minute with a stunning volley after Ferdi Kadioglu's cross was cleared to him on the edge of the area. Also read | Euro 2024: Slovakia cause first tournament upset with win over Belgium Brave Georgia The roars from Muldur's goal had barely subsided when Kenan Yildiz poked home what he thought was Türkiye's second, only for the goal to be ruled out for the Juventus attacker's toes straying offside before he tapped home. And Mikautadze stunned what was effectively the home crowd in the 32nd minute by sweeping home Giorgi Kochorashvili's low cross after brilliant play down the right. The small but loud Georgian contingent had their heads in their hands shortly afterwards when Mikautadze look certain to put their team ahead but dragged a great opportunity wide. Türkiye again started in the front foot after the break but Georgia held their own and Mikautadze was in the thick of it again in the 52nd minute when Bardakci blocked his effort after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's burst down the left. Kvaratskhelia, who was below-par throughout, then poked a good chance wide in the 62nd minute and only moments later Guler took aim from distance and arrowed in an unstoppable shot past the despairing Giorgi Mamardashvili. Georgia pushed for another equaliser and came desperately close five minutes after Guler's strike when Kochorashvili skipped past a couple of weak challenges only to see his shot rattle the crossbar. But Kochorashvili and Zuriko Davitashvili were both unfortunate not to level in added time as Mamardashvili pushed forward for one last effort and Akturkoglu charged home on the break to seal a thrilling win.

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A political crisis is unfolding in Turkiye. Lawmakers from the ruling AK party and the Pro-Kurdish dem party brawled over the removal of a mayor. Kurds are out on the streets, voicing their opinion against mayor's jail sentence.

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The China's Xinjiang region and Turkey have agreed to bolster counterterrorism joint efforts, this comes as the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited the capital of Xinjiang for the first time in 12 years. Watch in for more details!

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Turkey wildfire forces Helicopter douse flames in Northwestern Bursa province

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According to a report, Turkish police have arrested 3 Pakistanis on charges of kidnapping an Indian citizen. Another report says 2 Pakistani men who kidnapped 2 Indian nationals have been arrested in Cambodia. Molly Gambhir tells you more!

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