Turkey's electoral authorities have denied the newly elected mayor from a pro- Kurdish political party the right to hold office in an eastern city and replaced him with his runner up in the race a contestant from Turkish President Erdogan's ruling party. Watch in for more details!

Turkey denies newly elected pro-Kurdish mayor

Turkey replaces Kurdish mayor with government candidate two days after vote

Turkey elections: Turkiye denies post to newly elected pro-kurdish mayor

Turkey recently went through its polls and the political opposition logged victory over President Erdogan's party in local elections. In this, the Turkey market reacted a little differently. Turkey's Lira gained and stocks wobbled on Monday.

Turkish Lira gains after opposition win

At least 29 people have been killed and around 13 others were injured after a fire broke out at a nightclub in central Istanbul, on Tuesday (Apr 2), said the city governor’s office. The incident reportedly took place around the afternoon when the building was undergoing renovations and five people will be detained for questioning. As per reports,&nbsp;five people, including the managers of the nightclub, were detained for questioning.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The death toll rose from 15 which was reported earlier by the city mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, following a series of statements issued by the Istanbul governor’s office.&nbsp;

The fire reportedly broke out during daytime renovation and repair work at the 16-storey building in Istanbul’s Besiktas.&nbsp;

Out of the 13 injured, seven were reportedly seriously wounded during the fire at a Masquerade nightclub which occupies two floors underneath a 16-storey residential building in the city’s Gayrettepe district.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-school-shooting-three-minors-injured-suspect-arrested-706828">One killed, two injured in Finland school shooting near capital; 12-year-old suspect detained</a>

The fire broke out at around 12:47 pm (local time), said the Istanbul Governorship, in a statement, due to some renovation work in the entertainment centre which was operating in the basement of the 16-storey building.&nbsp;

Images from the site show flames and a column of thick smoke emitting from the upper floors of the building. The officials said that the fire has since been extinguished and those injured have been taken to nearby hospitals.&nbsp;

<h2>Response to the fire</h2>

Firefighters responded with 31 vehicles and 86 personnel after the blaze was reported, said the governor’s office.&nbsp;

Governor of Istanbul Davut Gul told reporters at the scene that the cause of the fire was under investigation and the victims are believed to be involved in the renovation work.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-netanyahu-speaks-on-aid-workers-death-in-gaza-after-getting-discharged-in-excellent-condition-706934">‘Such accidents happen in wartime’: Netanyahu on death of aid workers in Gaza; released from hospital</a>

The authorities also issued arrest warrants for five people for questioning, including managers of the club and one person in charge of the renovations, said Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc, according to the state media. Additionally, Tunc said three prosecutors are investigating the blaze.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the mayor of Istanbul said authorities were inspecting the entire building to assess its safety.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 29 people have been killed and around 13 others were injured after a fire broke out at a nightclub in central Istanbul, on Tuesday (Apr 2), said the city governor’s office.

At least 29 people have been killed and around 13 others were injured after a fire broke out at a nightclub in central Istanbul, on Tuesday (Apr 2), said the city governor’s office. The incident reportedly took place around the afternoon when the building was undergoing renovations and five people will be detained for questioning. As per reports, five people, including the managers of the nightclub, were detained for questioning. What happened? The death toll rose from 15 which was reported earlier by the city mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, following a series of statements issued by the Istanbul governor’s office. The fire reportedly broke out during daytime renovation and repair work at the 16-storey building in Istanbul’s Besiktas. Out of the 13 injured, seven were reportedly seriously wounded during the fire at a Masquerade nightclub which occupies two floors underneath a 16-storey residential building in the city’s Gayrettepe district. Also Read | One killed, two injured in Finland school shooting near capital; 12-year-old suspect detained The fire broke out at around 12:47 pm (local time), said the Istanbul Governorship, in a statement, due to some renovation work in the entertainment centre which was operating in the basement of the 16-storey building. Images from the site show flames and a column of thick smoke emitting from the upper floors of the building. The officials said that the fire has since been extinguished and those injured have been taken to nearby hospitals. Response to the fire Firefighters responded with 31 vehicles and 86 personnel after the blaze was reported, said the governor’s office. Governor of Istanbul Davut Gul told reporters at the scene that the cause of the fire was under investigation and the victims are believed to be involved in the renovation work. Also Read | ‘Such accidents happen in wartime’: Netanyahu on death of aid workers in Gaza; released from hospital The authorities also issued arrest warrants for five people for questioning, including managers of the club and one person in charge of the renovations, said Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc, according to the state media. Additionally, Tunc said three prosecutors are investigating the blaze. Meanwhile, the mayor of Istanbul said authorities were inspecting the entire building to assess its safety. (With inputs from agencies)

Fire at Istanbul nightclub kills at least 29, several others injured; five detained for questioning

Bruised and fractured by Recep Tayyip Erdogan's victory in 2023 general elections, Turkey's opposition aims to land a blow in Sunday's local polls, with the future of its biggest hope, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, tied to the outcome.

Turkey elections: Voting ends, oppn declares victory in pivotal Istanbul vote

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu led a challenger from President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party in local elections on Sunday, an initial count showed, in a potential boost for the Turkish opposition's effort to reassert itself as a political force.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu led a challenger from President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party in local elections on Sunday, an initial count showed, in a potential boost for the Turkish opposition's effort to reassert itself as a political force. In another blow to Erdogan, in the nation's second-largest city Ankara, incumbent opposition mayor Mansur Yavas declared victory over his AK Party (AKP) challenger less than three hours after polls closed in the nationwide municipal vote. Turkey on Sunday (Mar 31) began voting in the high-stakes municipal elections focused on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's bid to reclaim control of Istanbul from rival Ekrem Imamoglu. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the results of the elections could now reinforce Erdogan's control of Turkey, or signal change in the major emerging economy's divided political landscape. While Imamoglu's victory in the election will fuel expectations of him becoming a future national leader. Reuters reported that polling stations opened at 7 am local time in eastern Turkey and elsewhere at 8 am. Voting will end at 5 pm and results are expected to be announced by 10 pm. More than 61 people are registered to vote in these elections. A tight race in Istanbul A tight race is expected in Istanbul, a city that drives the country's economy, as Imamoglu faces a challenge from the ruling AK Party (AKP) candidate Murat Kurum, a former government minister. Polls show that Imamoglu has a slight edge over Kurum. Also read | Turkey's economic overhaul earns Fitch upgrade amid policy shift While an Istanbul victory is crucial for President Erdogan, he also seeks to win back the capital Ankara. In the previous local elections in 2019, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) won Istanbul and Ankara and ended more than 20 years of rule by the AKP and its Islamist predecessors. Also watch | Turkey opposition aims to hit back at Erdogan in local elections × Meanwhile, Imamoglu has become the opposition's main alternative to Erdogan. If he wins a second mayoral term, he would very likely run in the next presidential vote, analysts say. As per the existing constitution, the presidency is limited to two terms. Erdogan secured a third term last year thanks to a legal loophole resulting from the transition to a presidential system in 2018, as his initial term was served under the previous system. (With inputs from agencies)

Voting ends in Turkey's high-stakes municipal elections, Erdogan's rival leads

Turkey elections: Imamoglu's CHP reclaims Ankara

Bruised and fractured by Recep Tayyip Erdogan's victory in 2023 general elections, Turkey's opposition aims to land a blow in Sunday's local polls, with the future of its biggest hope, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, tied to the outcome. Watch to know more!

Turkey elections: Turkey opposition declares victory in pivotal Istanbul vote

Turkey elections: Turkiye local elections results

Turkey elections: Opposition sweeps Turkiye local polls

Turkey elections: Voting ends in high-stakes elections, three killed in poll-related violence

Turkey local elections: Voting marred by violent incidents; fierce contest for Istabul, Ankara

Turkey local elections: Voting ends in high-stakes elections, three killed in poll-related violence

Millions of Voters in Turkey will head to the polls today across 81 provinces to elect Mayors and administrators in local elections. The polls are important for Turkish president Erdogan's party as it aims to reclaim cities it lost in 2019.

Turkiye's high stakes municipal elections

Turkey Municipal Elections: Fierce contest for Istanbul, Ankara

Bruised and fractured by Tayyip Erdogan's victory in 2023 general elections, Turkey's opposition aims to land a blow in Sunday's local polls, with the future of its biggest hope, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, tied to the outcome.

Turkey local election 2024: Opposition aims to hit back at Erdogan

Turkey opposition aims to hit back at Erdogan in local elections

Turkish authorities have detained nearly 150 suspected Islamic State militants in nationwide raids after the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near the Russian capital city of Moscow on Friday (March 22) following reports that two of the alleged perpetrators entered Russia from Istanbul.&nbsp;

<h2>About the nationwide raids</h2>

The nationwide simultaneous raids were conducted in 30 cities, where the Turkish authorities detained 147 people with alleged links to the Islamic State group, said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, in a social media post, on Tuesday (Mar 26).

The Turkish official added that a “large amount” of foreign currency, organisational documents and digital material were confiscated during these raids.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-claims-radical-islamists-orchestrated-moscow-concert-attack-reasserts-ukraines-link-704241">Putin repeats Islamist, Ukraine link with Moscow concert attack</a>

The recent announcement also comes after Yerlikaya, on Sunday (Mar 24), said that Turkish officials detained 40 suspected ISIS militants across provinces in coordinated raids in recent days, reported Al-Monitor.&nbsp;

<h2>Two Moscow attack suspects travelled from Istanbul</h2>

Russian authorities detained 11 people in connection with the terrorist attack on Friday, which claimed the lives of at least 139 people. Two of those detained, Tajik nationals Rachabalizoda Saidakrami and Shamsidin Fariduni, reportedly travelled from Turkey.&nbsp;

The two “were able to travel freely between Russia and Turkey since there was no warrant for their arrest,” a Turkish official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

According to the report, the duo had spent time in Turkey shortly before the attack and entered Russia together on the same flight from Istanbul.&nbsp;

Fariduni, according to Turkish officials, entered Turkey on February 20 and returned to Russia via Istanbul airport on March 2.&nbsp;

This was after Fariduni, during the initial questioning admitted that he had to travel to Turkey because his visa in Russia had expired, the Turkish official told AFP.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-concert-hall-attack-more-than-one-isis-branch-likely-involved-in-rampage-says-report-703744">Moscow concert hall attack: More than one ISIS branch likely involved in rampage, says report</a>

Meanwhile, Saidakrami reportedly arrived in Istanbul on January 5 and returned to Moscow on March 2.&nbsp;

“We assess that both individuals became radicalised in Russia given the short amount of time they spent in Turkey,” the Turkish official told the news agency.&nbsp;

The responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Islamic State which also published graphic videos of the gunmen inside the venue.

However, it was not until Monday (Mar 25) that Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that “radical Islamists” were behind the attack, but continued to assert that they were linked to Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Turkish authorities have detained nearly 150 suspected Islamic State militants in nationwide raids after the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near the Russian capital city of Moscow on Friday (March 22) following reports that two of the alleged perpetrators entered Russia from Istanbul.

Turkish authorities have detained nearly 150 suspected Islamic State militants in nationwide raids after the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near the Russian capital city of Moscow on Friday (March 22) following reports that two of the alleged perpetrators entered Russia from Istanbul. About the nationwide raids The nationwide simultaneous raids were conducted in 30 cities, where the Turkish authorities detained 147 people with alleged links to the Islamic State group, said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, in a social media post, on Tuesday (Mar 26). The Turkish official added that a “large amount” of foreign currency, organisational documents and digital material were confiscated during these raids. Also Read | Putin repeats Islamist, Ukraine link with Moscow concert attack The recent announcement also comes after Yerlikaya, on Sunday (Mar 24), said that Turkish officials detained 40 suspected ISIS militants across provinces in coordinated raids in recent days, reported Al-Monitor. Two Moscow attack suspects travelled from Istanbul Russian authorities detained 11 people in connection with the terrorist attack on Friday, which claimed the lives of at least 139 people. Two of those detained, Tajik nationals Rachabalizoda Saidakrami and Shamsidin Fariduni, reportedly travelled from Turkey. The two “were able to travel freely between Russia and Turkey since there was no warrant for their arrest,” a Turkish official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. According to the report, the duo had spent time in Turkey shortly before the attack and entered Russia together on the same flight from Istanbul. Fariduni, according to Turkish officials, entered Turkey on February 20 and returned to Russia via Istanbul airport on March 2. This was after Fariduni, during the initial questioning admitted that he had to travel to Turkey because his visa in Russia had expired, the Turkish official told AFP. Also Read | Moscow concert hall attack: More than one ISIS branch likely involved in rampage, says report Meanwhile, Saidakrami reportedly arrived in Istanbul on January 5 and returned to Moscow on March 2. “We assess that both individuals became radicalised in Russia given the short amount of time they spent in Turkey,” the Turkish official told the news agency. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Islamic State which also published graphic videos of the gunmen inside the venue. However, it was not until Monday (Mar 25) that Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that “radical Islamists” were behind the attack, but continued to assert that they were linked to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey detains nearly 150 over alleged ISIS links after Moscow terror attack

In a move to counter skyrocketing inflation, Turkey's central bank has hiked its key interest rate to an unprecedented 50 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

According to a report by AP News, this unexpected decision aims to combat the severe economic challenges faced by households grappling with soaring prices for essential goods and services.<o:p></o:p>

The central bank's surprise rate hike comes as a response to the worsening inflation outlook, with annual consumer price inflation surging to&nbsp;67 per cent in February. <o:p></o:p>

The sharp increase in prices has put immense financial strain on many families, making it increasingly difficult for them to afford basic necessities such as food, rent, and utilities.<o:p></o:p>

The bank stated, “Tight monetary stance will be maintained until a significant and sustained decline in the underlying trend of monthly inflation is observed.” <o:p></o:p>

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, known for his unconventional economic theories advocating for lower interest rates to control inflation, has faced criticism for his policies. <o:p></o:p>

His strategy of slashing interest rates had initially led to double-digit inflation and a currency crisis. <o:p></o:p>

However, following his re-election last May, Erdogan changed course and appointed a new economic team, which subsequently raised the benchmark interest rate from 8.5 per cent in June to 45 per cent in January.<o:p></o:p>

Despite previous rate hikes, Bartosz Sawicki, a market analyst at Conotoxia, noted that the Turkish central bank was compelled to increase the one-week repo rate from 45 per cent to 50 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

“Although the end of the tightening cycle was declared in January, the Turkish central bank was forced to lift the one-week repo rate from 45 per cent to 50 per cent despite local elections looming,” AP News quoted Sawicki as saying.<o:p></o:p>

He further added that the rate hikes initiated since the 2023 presidential elections were insufficient to address the economic imbalances resulting from years of unorthodox policies.<o:p></o:p>

The Turkish lira, which has depreciated by approximately 40 per cent against the US dollar over the past year, showed signs of recovery following the central bank's latest decision. <o:p></o:p>

This rate hike aims to restore confidence in the currency and stabilise the financial market amid ongoing economic challenges.<o:p></o:p>

In a move to counter skyrocketing inflation, Turkey's central bank has hiked its key interest rate to an unprecedented 50 per cent. According to a report by AP News, this unexpected decision aims to combat the severe economic challenges faced by households grappling with soaring prices for essential goods and services.

In a move to counter skyrocketing inflation, Turkey's central bank has hiked its key interest rate to an unprecedented 50 per cent. According to a report by AP News, this unexpected decision aims to combat the severe economic challenges faced by households grappling with soaring prices for essential goods and services. The central bank's surprise rate hike comes as a response to the worsening inflation outlook, with annual consumer price inflation surging to 67 per cent in February. The sharp increase in prices has put immense financial strain on many families, making it increasingly difficult for them to afford basic necessities such as food, rent, and utilities. The bank stated, “Tight monetary stance will be maintained until a significant and sustained decline in the underlying trend of monthly inflation is observed.” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, known for his unconventional economic theories advocating for lower interest rates to control inflation, has faced criticism for his policies. His strategy of slashing interest rates had initially led to double-digit inflation and a currency crisis. However, following his re-election last May, Erdogan changed course and appointed a new economic team, which subsequently raised the benchmark interest rate from 8.5 per cent in June to 45 per cent in January. Despite previous rate hikes, Bartosz Sawicki, a market analyst at Conotoxia, noted that the Turkish central bank was compelled to increase the one-week repo rate from 45 per cent to 50 per cent. “Although the end of the tightening cycle was declared in January, the Turkish central bank was forced to lift the one-week repo rate from 45 per cent to 50 per cent despite local elections looming,” AP News quoted Sawicki as saying. He further added that the rate hikes initiated since the 2023 presidential elections were insufficient to address the economic imbalances resulting from years of unorthodox policies. The Turkish lira, which has depreciated by approximately 40 per cent against the US dollar over the past year, showed signs of recovery following the central bank's latest decision. This rate hike aims to restore confidence in the currency and stabilise the financial market amid ongoing economic challenges.

Turkish central bank jumps interest rates to 50 pc amid surging inflation

Turkey's top Diplomat was in Baghdad for high-level meetings ahead of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's expected visit next month. it also comes ahead of a potential Turkish offensive against a Kurdish militant group that maintains bases in Iraq.

Turkiye's top diplomat in Baghdad for high level meetings

Turkey's top diplomat in Baghdad for high-level meetings

Turkey celebrated a significant milestone as Fitch upgrades its credit rating, lauding the country's shift towards orthodox economic policies on Saturday. Fitch's decision to elevate Turkey's credit rating to B+ from B, with a positive outlook, reflects growing confidence in the effectiveness of the government's economic reforms initiated since June 2023. This, according to reports is an indication that Turkey's tighter monetary policies at curbing inflationary pressures and enhancing macroeconomic stability, have proven successful.<o:p></o:p>

Government's praise for policy shift<o:p></o:p>

According to a report by Daily Sabah, top Turkish officials have commended the success of the country's policy overhaul, which paved the way for Fitch's credit rating upgrade. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek attributed the positive revision to the government's foresighted economic program. They expressed optimism for further upgrades in the foreseeable future, highlighting the efficacy of Turkey's proactive approach to economic management.<o:p></o:p>

Implications for economic outlook<o:p></o:p>

The upgrade signals a favourable outlook for Turkey's economic trajectory, with analysts anticipating sustained improvements in macroeconomic indicators. Fitch's positive outlook reflects expectations of a significant decline in inflation and continued reduction in external vulnerabilities. Turkey's adherence to international norms and rule-based policies has been recognised as instrumental in fostering economic stability and attracting investor confidence.<o:p></o:p>

Focus on monetary policy and reserves<o:p></o:p>

Following Fitch's decision to revise Turkey's rating outlook from negative to stable on September 9, the central bank has implemented significant monetary policy adjustments. According to Bloomberg, this included raising the policy rate by 2,000 basis points to reach 45 per cent and introducing additional measures aimed at addressing inflation, which has surged to nearly 70 per cent.<o:p></o:p>

As of March 1, the central bank's gross foreign currency reserves increased to $80.5 billion, compared to $56.5 billion recorded at the end of May. This surge in reserves follows President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's re-election, signalling a shift in policy direction. Increased demand for foreign money has put strain on reserves in recent weeks.<o:p></o:p>

Positive projections and reserve management<o:p></o:p>

Fitch's positive outlook extends beyond the immediate term, projecting a further increase in international reserves by the end of 2025. The agency anticipates a gradual improvement in external financing conditions and a reduction in current account deficits, bolstering Turkey's reserve coverage and overall economic resilience. The government's measures to phase out foreign exchange-protected deposit schemes align with broader efforts to promote financial stability and reduce reliance on external support.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Bloomberg)<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Turkey celebrated a significant milestone as Fitch upgrades its credit rating, lauding the country's shift towards orthodox economic policies on Saturday. Fitch's decision to elevate Turkey's credit rating to B+ from B, with a positive outlook, reflects growing confidence in the effectiveness of the government's economic reforms initiated since June 2023.

Turkey celebrated a significant milestone as Fitch upgrades its credit rating, lauding the country's shift towards orthodox economic policies on Saturday. Fitch's decision to elevate Turkey's credit rating to B+ from B, with a positive outlook, reflects growing confidence in the effectiveness of the government's economic reforms initiated since June 2023. This, according to reports is an indication that Turkey's tighter monetary policies at curbing inflationary pressures and enhancing macroeconomic stability, have proven successful. Government's praise for policy shift According to a report by Daily Sabah, top Turkish officials have commended the success of the country's policy overhaul, which paved the way for Fitch's credit rating upgrade. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek attributed the positive revision to the government's foresighted economic program. They expressed optimism for further upgrades in the foreseeable future, highlighting the efficacy of Turkey's proactive approach to economic management. Implications for economic outlook The upgrade signals a favourable outlook for Turkey's economic trajectory, with analysts anticipating sustained improvements in macroeconomic indicators. Fitch's positive outlook reflects expectations of a significant decline in inflation and continued reduction in external vulnerabilities. Turkey's adherence to international norms and rule-based policies has been recognised as instrumental in fostering economic stability and attracting investor confidence. Focus on monetary policy and reserves Following Fitch's decision to revise Turkey's rating outlook from negative to stable on September 9, the central bank has implemented significant monetary policy adjustments. According to Bloomberg, this included raising the policy rate by 2,000 basis points to reach 45 per cent and introducing additional measures aimed at addressing inflation, which has surged to nearly 70 per cent. As of March 1, the central bank's gross foreign currency reserves increased to $80.5 billion, compared to $56.5 billion recorded at the end of May. This surge in reserves follows President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's re-election, signalling a shift in policy direction. Increased demand for foreign money has put strain on reserves in recent weeks. Positive projections and reserve management Fitch's positive outlook extends beyond the immediate term, projecting a further increase in international reserves by the end of 2025. The agency anticipates a gradual improvement in external financing conditions and a reduction in current account deficits, bolstering Turkey's reserve coverage and overall economic resilience. The government's measures to phase out foreign exchange-protected deposit schemes align with broader efforts to promote financial stability and reduce reliance on external support. (With inputs from Bloomberg)

Turkey's economic overhaul earns Fitch upgrade amid policy shift

After two decades in power the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is all set to step down from his post and this comes as Erdogan is now announced the local elections that are slated for later this month will be his last elections. Watch to know more!

Turkey President Erdogan to step down from his post, expresses desire to leave office

Archaeologists have found the oldest known break in Turkey, dating back to 6600 BC. They found a destroyed oven structure in an area called Mekan 66. According to Turkey's Necmettin Erbakan University of Science and Technology Research and Application Center (BITAM), the archaeological site of Çatalhöyük in the southern Turkish province of Konya had adjoining mudbrick houses.

Archaeologists have found the oldest known break in Turkey, dating back to 6600 BC. They found a destroyed oven structure in an area called Mekan 66. According to Turkey's Necmettin Erbakan University of Science and Technology Research and Application Center (BITAM), the archaeological site of Çatalhöyük in the southern Turkish province of Konya had adjoining mudbrick houses. The research team found wheat, barley, pea seeds, and a palm-sized, round, "spongy" residue around the oven. After analysis, the archaeologists found that the organic residue was 8,600-year-old uncooked, fermented bread. Archaeologist Ali Umut Türkcan, head of the Excavation Delegation and an associate professor at Anadolu University in Turkey, told Turkish state news outlet Anadolu Agency, "We can say that this finds at Çatalhöyük is the oldest bread in the world." "It is a smaller version of a loaf of bread. It has a finger pressed in the center, it has not been baked, but it has been fermented and has survived to the present day with the starches inside. There is no similar example of something like this to date," he added. ALSO READ | Scientists develop recyclable ‘water batteries’ that never explode Biologist Salih Kavak, a lecturer at Gaziantep University in Turkey, said air spaces in the sample with the sighting of starch grains, found after scanning electron microscope images, eliminated their suspicions. "It is an exciting discovery for Turkey and the world," Kavak said. According to Türkcan, the organic matter, wood and bread were preserved by thin clay, covering the structure. Fossilised trees dating 390 million years are the world's oldest in Çatalhöyük. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where around 8.000 people resided during the Neolithic period between 10,000 BC and 2,000 BC. According to BITAM, it is one of the world's first places of urbanisation. Several studies have revealed that the well-preserved site has unique housing layouts and extensive characteristics like wall paintings. According to the UNESCO website, it is one of the "most significant human settlements documenting early settled agricultural life of a Neolithic community." "Çatalhöyük was already the center of many firsts. The world's first weavings were already in Çatalhöyük when it was excavated. Wooden artifacts were also in Çatalhöyük. Wall paints and paintings were added to this. Konya and Turkey are very lucky in this sense," Türkcan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists discover ‘world’s oldest bread,’ dating back 8,600 years, in Turkey

Turkey's long-standing leader Erdogan to step aside after 2 decades in power

Male has inked a $37 million deal with a Turkish company for military drones, TB2, for patrolling and the drones have arrived in the country.

Maldives to use Turkish drones, TB2, for patrol, drones delivered in March

Maldives receives Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey to patrol maritime area

Ukrainian President Zelensky met with his Turkish counterpart Erdogan in Istanbul on Friday. The meeting comes at a time when Moscow is escalating its offensive and Kyiv is facing difficulties on the front line.

Ukraine President Zelesnky hols talk with Egypt counterpart Erdogan, discuss peace formula for war

turkey

Turkey, News on Turkey, stories on Turkey, articles on Turkey, Turkey stories at Wion, Turkey news, Turkey latest news