The 1915 Canakkale Bridge, which is the world's longest road suspension bridge, was inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday (March 18). The stunning bridge has been built over the Dardanelles strait in northwestern Turkey. The bridge is the latest in a series of major infrastructure projects that Erdogan has prioritised during his two decades in power.&nbsp;

The bridge will reduce travel time between Asia and Europe to six minutes. Until now, vehicles travelling between Anatolia and the Gallipoli peninsula had to cross the Dardanelles in a one-hour ferry journey, which including waiting time amounted to as much as five hours. The journey will now take around six minutes.&nbsp;

1915 Canakkale Bridge is the fourth bridge linking the European and Asian shores in Turkey, alongside the three built in Istanbul.

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At an opening ceremony on the anniversary of a 1915 Ottoman naval victory against French and British forces in the Dardanelles during World War I, Erdogan said, "These works will continue to provide profit for the state for many years."&nbsp;

The Turkish leader, who uses such massive infrastructure projects as a means to drive economic growth, said, "These projects have a large share in putting our country ahead in investment, workforce and exports."&nbsp;

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The gigantic structure was designed by Tekfen and T-ingénierie COWI A/S and work on the Dardanelles bridge project was launched in March 2017, with more than 5,000 workers involved in the construction.&nbsp;

The 2,023 metres length of its midspan is an allusion to the Turkish Republic's 100th anniversary in 2023. On the other hand, the total height of the bridge's two towers is 318 metres tall, making it the second tallest bridge in Turkey, after the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, and the third tallest structure in the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The 1915 Canakkale Bridge, which is the world's longest road suspension bridge, was inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday (March 18). The stunning bridge has been built over the Dardanelles strait in northwestern Turkey.

The 1915 Canakkale Bridge, which is the world's longest road suspension bridge, was inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday (March 18). The stunning bridge has been built over the Dardanelles strait in northwestern Turkey. The bridge is the latest in a series of major infrastructure projects that Erdogan has prioritised during his two decades in power. The bridge will reduce travel time between Asia and Europe to six minutes. Until now, vehicles travelling between Anatolia and the Gallipoli peninsula had to cross the Dardanelles in a one-hour ferry journey, which including waiting time amounted to as much as five hours. The journey will now take around six minutes. 1915 Canakkale Bridge is the fourth bridge linking the European and Asian shores in Turkey, alongside the three built in Istanbul. ALSO READ | Physicists believe they have cracked Stephen Hawking’s black hole information paradox At an opening ceremony on the anniversary of a 1915 Ottoman naval victory against French and British forces in the Dardanelles during World War I, Erdogan said, "These works will continue to provide profit for the state for many years." The Turkish leader, who uses such massive infrastructure projects as a means to drive economic growth, said, "These projects have a large share in putting our country ahead in investment, workforce and exports." ALSO READ | Chinese researchers claim to develop satellite-killing weapon The gigantic structure was designed by Tekfen and T-ingénierie COWI A/S and work on the Dardanelles bridge project was launched in March 2017, with more than 5,000 workers involved in the construction. The 2,023 metres length of its midspan is an allusion to the Turkish Republic's 100th anniversary in 2023. On the other hand, the total height of the bridge's two towers is 318 metres tall, making it the second tallest bridge in Turkey, after the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, and the third tallest structure in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

1915 Canakkale Bridge: Turkey opens world's longest suspension bridge between Europe and Asia

After Israel & Turkey, South Africa has offered to mediate in the Ukraine Conflict. But South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has blamed the crisis on NATO'S expansion. How then can the country broker peace? Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Ukraine Conflict: South Africa, Israel and Turkey offer mediation

Turkey and Israel is acting as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. More and more countries are trying to solve the conflict, but the question remains same, 'can mediation help solve the Ukraine crisis' ?

Ukraine War update: Turkey & Israel offers to host Presidents of Ukraine and Russia

Turkey is acting as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The Russia-Ukraine talks were also held in Turkey. Now, Ukraine wants Turkey to offer security guarantees.

Ukraine wants Turkey to offer security guarantees amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict

&nbsp;Turkish President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;will discuss the war in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;with German Chancellor Olaf&nbsp;Scholz&nbsp;at&nbsp;talks&nbsp;in&nbsp;Ankara&nbsp;on Monday, his office said, as both countries press on with efforts to secure a ceasefire 19 days into Russia's invasion.

NATO member Turkey shares a maritime border with&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and Russia in the Black Sea and has good ties with both. It has said the invasion is unacceptable and voiced support for&nbsp;Ukraine, but has also opposed sanctions on Moscow, while offering to mediate.

Ukraine&nbsp;said on Sunday it was working with Turkey and Israel as mediators to set a place and framework for&nbsp;talks&nbsp;with Russia, after Turkey hosted the foreign ministers of the warring nations for the first high-level&nbsp;talks&nbsp;last week.

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Monday's visit will mark&nbsp;Scholz's first trip to Turkey since taking office in December 2021 and comes amid efforts by Germany to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end Moscow's invasion. Germany and France have taken leading roles within the European Union to end the war.

"Aside from bilateral ties, an exchange of views is expected to be held on other regional and international issues, primarily&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and Turkey-EU relations," the Turkish Presidency said.

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Turkey says it can facilitate peace&nbsp;talks&nbsp;between&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and Russia, but says that a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors are needed first.

Turkey says it has citizens in areas hit by the fighting and has asked Moscow for support in evacuating them while delivering humanitarian aid to&nbsp;Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

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Russia calls its operation a "special military operation" aimed at capturing what it regards as dangerous nationalists in&nbsp;Ukraine.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will discuss the war in Ukraine with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at talks in Ankara on Monday, his office said, as both countries press on with efforts to secure a ceasefire 19 days into Russia's invasion.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will discuss the war in Ukraine with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at talks in Ankara on Monday, his office said, as both countries press on with efforts to secure a ceasefire 19 days into Russia's invasion. NATO member Turkey shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea and has good ties with both. It has said the invasion is unacceptable and voiced support for Ukraine, but has also opposed sanctions on Moscow, while offering to mediate. Ukraine said on Sunday it was working with Turkey and Israel as mediators to set a place and framework for talks with Russia, after Turkey hosted the foreign ministers of the warring nations for the first high-level talks last week. Also read | In Pics | German flood victims receive tiny houses just before Christmas Monday's visit will mark Scholz's first trip to Turkey since taking office in December 2021 and comes amid efforts by Germany to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end Moscow's invasion. Germany and France have taken leading roles within the European Union to end the war. "Aside from bilateral ties, an exchange of views is expected to be held on other regional and international issues, primarily Ukraine and Turkey-EU relations," the Turkish Presidency said. Also read | Nepal FM Narayan Khadka to participate in Turkey’s Antalya diplomacy forum Turkey says it can facilitate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, but says that a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors are needed first. Turkey says it has citizens in areas hit by the fighting and has asked Moscow for support in evacuating them while delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Watch | Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine? Russia calls its operation a "special military operation" aimed at capturing what it regards as dangerous nationalists in Ukraine.

Turkey's Erdogan, Germany's Scholz to hold talks in Ankara on Ukraine

Turkey has decided to mediate in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. For Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, this crisis presents an opportunity. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

Turkey is acting as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The Russia-Ukraine talks were also held in Turkey. But what's at stake for Turkey?

What's at stake for Turkey? Russia-Ukraine talks held in Turkey

Foreign ministers from Ukraine and Russia flew down to Turkey. The first high-level engagement since were since the war broke out and they laid out immediate priorities. They agreed to work together on humanitarian issues but these talks are yet to yield any kind of fruitful outcome.

No breakthrough in resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict after a high-level meeting between Lavrov & Kuleba in Turkey

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Foreign Ministers of Russia and Ukraine are all set to hold high-level talks in Turkey in a bid to defuse tensions.

Lavrov, Kuleba to hold high-level talks in Turkey amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

As War continues to rage on in Ukraine it looks like Turkey and Israel are focusing on bilateral relations. They are attempting to renew ties between the two states. These ties have been marked with tensions over the past decades of so, with Turkey criticizing Israel's policy in Palestinian. Israel has been upset with Turkey for supporting Hamas.

Israel-Turkey hope to renew ties; Turkey hopes to revive a troubled economy | Latest World News

Amid Russia-Ukraine conflict, the high level talks are underway between Kuleba and Lavrov. Well, Turkey President Erdogan will be speaking to President Biden today.

First high-level talks between Kuleba & Lavrov underway in Turkey amid the ongoing conflict

The Russian and the Ukrainian foreign Ministers have met their Turkish counterparts just a few moments ago. The leaders are all set for high level meeting since Moscow invaded into Ukraine. The Ankara hopes to marks over the turning point in the raging conflict.

Kuleba, Lavrov arrive in Turkey to hold high-level talks amid Russian invasion of Ukraine

Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka will be among the foreign leaders attending this year’s Antalya diplomacy forum (ADF). The participants will address a wide range of topics in international relations under the overarching theme of “Recoding Diplomacy”.

A delegation led by Minister Khadka will participate in this year’s forum to be held from March 11 to 13 in Turkey.&nbsp;

At the invitation of Foreign Minister of Turkey H. E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Nepal Foreign Minister Khadka is scheduled to share panels with participating Foreign Ministers in two separate sessions entitled ‘Democratic Governance and Security’ and ‘Asia Anew: For a Sustained Regional Growth’.

Over 50 Foreign Ministers, together with a cross-section of policymakers and experts are attending the event.&nbsp;

Announcing the decision, the Ministry in a statement said, "On March 9, the minister will meet with officials of NRN-Turkey and Nepali entrepreneurs based in Istanbul to discuss business opportunities and challenges as well as problems faced by Nepali diaspora. He is holding interactive sessions with members of economic chambers in Istanbul and Antalya.”

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On the sidelines of the forum, Khadka will hold a bilateral meeting with his Turkish counterpart. He will also meet with foreign ministers from different countries on the sidelines.

The visit is also expected to contribute to the growth of bilateral trade, investment, tourism, foreign employment and people-to-people contacts.

As per the ADF, diplomacy remains the core method of communication among leaders and states. “There is a whole set of other structural and systemic changes in the international environment that the diplomacy profession should respond to.”

Foreign Ministers of Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Taliban are also scheduled to participate in the ADF.&nbsp;

Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka will be among the foreign leaders attending this year’s Antalya diplomacy forum (ADF). The participants will address a wide range of topics in international relations under the overarching theme of “Recoding Diplomacy”.

Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka will be among the foreign leaders attending this year’s Antalya diplomacy forum (ADF). The participants will address a wide range of topics in international relations under the overarching theme of “Recoding Diplomacy”. A delegation led by Minister Khadka will participate in this year’s forum to be held from March 11 to 13 in Turkey. At the invitation of Foreign Minister of Turkey H. E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Nepal Foreign Minister Khadka is scheduled to share panels with participating Foreign Ministers in two separate sessions entitled ‘Democratic Governance and Security’ and ‘Asia Anew: For a Sustained Regional Growth’. Over 50 Foreign Ministers, together with a cross-section of policymakers and experts are attending the event. Announcing the decision, the Ministry in a statement said, "On March 9, the minister will meet with officials of NRN-Turkey and Nepali entrepreneurs based in Istanbul to discuss business opportunities and challenges as well as problems faced by Nepali diaspora. He is holding interactive sessions with members of economic chambers in Istanbul and Antalya.” Also read | Over 500 Nepalis leave Ukraine, others stranded in Kyiv await rescue On the sidelines of the forum, Khadka will hold a bilateral meeting with his Turkish counterpart. He will also meet with foreign ministers from different countries on the sidelines. The visit is also expected to contribute to the growth of bilateral trade, investment, tourism, foreign employment and people-to-people contacts. As per the ADF, diplomacy remains the core method of communication among leaders and states. “There is a whole set of other structural and systemic changes in the international environment that the diplomacy profession should respond to.” Foreign Ministers of Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Taliban are also scheduled to participate in the ADF.

Nepal FM Narayan Khadka to participate in Turkey’s Antalya diplomacy forum

In the&nbsp;breakaway&nbsp;statelet of northern&nbsp;Cyprus, people are grappling with a perfect economic storm -- spiking global commodity prices, hobbled tourism and, above all, the fallout&nbsp;from&nbsp;Turkey's financial crisis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Everything has become more expensive -- bread, milk, water, electricity bills," sighed Mehmet Cobe, a tailor in the self-declared&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;Republic of Northern&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;(TRNC).&nbsp;

Covering the northern third of the Mediterranean island, the tiny territory declared itself a state in 1983, nine years after Turkey invaded in response to a coup engineered by Athens that sought to annex the island to Greece.

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The so-called TRNC remains recognised only by Turkey, leaving the 300,000 residents highly dependent on the largesse -- and fortunes -- of Ankara.&nbsp;

On top of that, coronavirus restrictions have hit the crucial tourism industry which lures visitors with seaside resorts and casinos.

Turkey itself has been battered by a currency crisis that saw the&nbsp;lira&nbsp;lose nearly half its value against the dollar last year, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded interest rate cuts to spur growth, even while inflation shot up.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;lira's slide, alongside surging global energy and food prices, sent inflation in northern&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;skyrocketing to 46 percent last year.

"Two days after receiving my salary, I'm left with nothing," said a hotel worker who asked not to be named.

Despite holding down jobs at two separate hotels, the 6,000&nbsp;lira&nbsp;she brings home each month is now equivalent to barely 430 dollars, the worker said, leaving her dependent financially on her grown-up children.

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Aid-dependent

TRNC prime minister Faiz Sucuoglu said last week the economy was a "priority" for his government, a coalition of right-wing nationalists who want outright secession&nbsp;from&nbsp;Cyprus. &nbsp;

The plunging&nbsp;lira, soaring inflation and an unemployment rate of 10 percent have all fed into a disastrous economic performance, said Turgay Deniz, head of the TRNC's chamber of trade and industry.

After the economy contracted by 16.2 percent in 2020, output last year "continued to fall," Deniz said, drawing on estimates for 2021 that are yet to be finalised.&nbsp;

The dependence of northern&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;on Turkey is stark, because no other country recognises the&nbsp;breakaway&nbsp;entity.

"The TRNC can only sign agreements with Turkey," which funds 15 percent of the budget, said Deniz.&nbsp;Other sources indicate that the statelet depends on Ankara for up to a third of its spending.

Northern&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;is an "aid-dependent economy," said Mustafa Besim, an economist at the publicly funded Eastern Mediterranean University in Famagusta.&nbsp;

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"The only source of external funding for&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;Cypriots is financial support&nbsp;from&nbsp;Turkey," which provides an annual package, he added.

But only half of the amount promised for 2021 was delivered, owing to "the economic problems in Turkey", leaving infrastructure projects and businesses short of money they had counted on, Besim said.

Eyes on tourism

The TRNC has watched on powerlessly&nbsp;from&nbsp;the sidelines as Turkey's central bank has taken policy decisions that put the&nbsp;lira&nbsp;into freefall.

The&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;currency "is a parameter that we can't control," said Vargin Varer, managing director of freight transport company Armen Shipping.&nbsp;

It "is controlled by the&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;government -- or even the&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;president, we should say," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Amid Omicron surge, Deltacron discovered in Cyprus

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The plunge in the value of the&nbsp;lira&nbsp;has made imports, upon which the TRNC is enormously dependent, much more expensive. &nbsp;

Looking to the future, Varer pointed at one potential bright spot: the tourism industry, which accounted for more than a fifth of northern&nbsp;Cyprus's economic output before the pandemic.&nbsp;

The rising plausibility of "free travel this summer", if the pandemic eases off, should pull in foreign tourists looking for cheap holidays, he said.

In the breakaway statelet of northern Cyprus, people are grappling with a perfect economic storm -- spiking global commodity prices, hobbled tourism and, above all, the fallout from Turkey's financial crisis.

In the breakaway statelet of northern Cyprus, people are grappling with a perfect economic storm -- spiking global commodity prices, hobbled tourism and, above all, the fallout from Turkey's financial crisis. "Everything has become more expensive -- bread, milk, water, electricity bills," sighed Mehmet Cobe, a tailor in the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Covering the northern third of the Mediterranean island, the tiny territory declared itself a state in 1983, nine years after Turkey invaded in response to a coup engineered by Athens that sought to annex the island to Greece. Also read | Turkey's opposition leader looks to emerge from Tayyip Erdogan's shadow The so-called TRNC remains recognised only by Turkey, leaving the 300,000 residents highly dependent on the largesse -- and fortunes -- of Ankara. On top of that, coronavirus restrictions have hit the crucial tourism industry which lures visitors with seaside resorts and casinos. Turkey itself has been battered by a currency crisis that saw the lira lose nearly half its value against the dollar last year, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded interest rate cuts to spur growth, even while inflation shot up. The lira's slide, alongside surging global energy and food prices, sent inflation in northern Cyprus skyrocketing to 46 percent last year. "Two days after receiving my salary, I'm left with nothing," said a hotel worker who asked not to be named. Despite holding down jobs at two separate hotels, the 6,000 lira she brings home each month is now equivalent to barely 430 dollars, the worker said, leaving her dependent financially on her grown-up children. Also read | Erdogan says Turkey continuing 'positive dialogue' with Saudi Arabia Aid-dependent TRNC prime minister Faiz Sucuoglu said last week the economy was a "priority" for his government, a coalition of right-wing nationalists who want outright secession from Cyprus. The plunging lira, soaring inflation and an unemployment rate of 10 percent have all fed into a disastrous economic performance, said Turgay Deniz, head of the TRNC's chamber of trade and industry. After the economy contracted by 16.2 percent in 2020, output last year "continued to fall," Deniz said, drawing on estimates for 2021 that are yet to be finalised. The dependence of northern Cyprus on Turkey is stark, because no other country recognises the breakaway entity. "The TRNC can only sign agreements with Turkey," which funds 15 percent of the budget, said Deniz. Other sources indicate that the statelet depends on Ankara for up to a third of its spending. Northern Cyprus is an "aid-dependent economy," said Mustafa Besim, an economist at the publicly funded Eastern Mediterranean University in Famagusta. Also read | Leukemia patient from Turkey tests Covid positive 78 times in over a year "The only source of external funding for Turkish Cypriots is financial support from Turkey," which provides an annual package, he added. But only half of the amount promised for 2021 was delivered, owing to "the economic problems in Turkey", leaving infrastructure projects and businesses short of money they had counted on, Besim said. Eyes on tourism The TRNC has watched on powerlessly from the sidelines as Turkey's central bank has taken policy decisions that put the lira into freefall. The Turkish currency "is a parameter that we can't control," said Vargin Varer, managing director of freight transport company Armen Shipping. It "is controlled by the Turkish government -- or even the Turkish president, we should say," he said. Watch | Gravitas: Amid Omicron surge, Deltacron discovered in Cyprus The plunge in the value of the lira has made imports, upon which the TRNC is enormously dependent, much more expensive. Looking to the future, Varer pointed at one potential bright spot: the tourism industry, which accounted for more than a fifth of northern Cyprus's economic output before the pandemic. The rising plausibility of "free travel this summer", if the pandemic eases off, should pull in foreign tourists looking for cheap holidays, he said.

Breakaway north Cyprus reels from Turkish lira collapse

A veteran Turkish political&nbsp;leader&nbsp;who has struggled for years to have President Tayyip Erdogan voted out of office says it is "very clear" that his dream is drawing nearer, even as doubts remain about whether he will be the main&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;candidate at presidential elections set for 2023.

In an interview, Kemal Kilicdaroglu,&nbsp;leader&nbsp;of the main&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;Republican People's Party (CHP), confidently predicted victory at the polls as Turkey suffers economic hardships brought on by&nbsp;Erdogan's&nbsp;unorthodox monetary policies.

The comments reinforce expectations Kilicdaroglu, 73, will be the presidential candidate of a six-party alliance in elections due by June 2023, though polls show several other&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;figures winning more support.&nbsp;

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"Of course, five party&nbsp;leaders pronouncing me as candidate would be an honour. It also means they have trust," he told Reuters in his office on the 12th floor of the CHP's headquarters on the outskirts of Ankara.

The six anti-Erdogan party&nbsp;leaders would discuss their candidate later, but first need to agree on economic, social and other policies for their joint platform. It is "very obvious and very clear" that whoever they choose will become president, he said.

Kilicdaroglu said he saw no reason for&nbsp;Turkey's&nbsp;purchase of Russian S-400 missiles that caused a rift with Washington. He also said he would overhaul the central bank's&nbsp;leadership if elected.

A former economist and civil servant who lacks the president's fiery charisma, Kilicdaroglu has lingered in&nbsp;Erdogan's&nbsp;shadow&nbsp;as the CHP, which he has chaired since 2010, suffered repeated defeats.&nbsp;

Erdogan's&nbsp;favourite target, he has stoically absorbed near-daily criticism and even scorns&nbsp;from&nbsp;the man who has dominated the country for nearly two decades.

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Yet Kilicdaroglu and other critics of the country's authoritarian and Islamist drift sense their time may have come.

Erdogan's&nbsp;polls have slid to multi-year lows after his unorthodox interest rate cuts sparked a currency crisis late last year, which in turn sent living costs soaring and deepened poverty, especially among the president's working-class base.

The&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;bloc includes nationalists, liberals and conservatives - though not parliament's third-biggest party, the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party.

Can Selcuki of Istanbul-based pollster Turkiye Raporu said Kilicdaroglu has grown "bolder and more aggressive", showing his determination to be the bloc's candidate.

But he remains the "weakest nominee" of the&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;hopefuls and unless his support grows, Selcuki predicted he could still pull out before the vote.

Bespectacled and low-key, Kilicdaroglu earned the nickname "Gandhi Kemal" for his style, and for strategies such as his vow this month not to pay electricity bills in protest at price hikes in the face of near 50% inflation.

CHP parliamentarian Utku Cakirozer said Kilicdaroglu's ability to build alliances was key to broadening the&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;platform. "He is open to building bridges with different parts of society," he said.

Though the&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;bloc has not named a presidential candidate, surveys by Metropoll show Kilicdaroglu is far less popular, at 28.5%, than three other possible names and than Erdogan himself, who 37.9% said they preferred in December.

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Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, both of the CHP, had popularity of 60.4% and 50.7% respectively, while IYI Party&nbsp;leader&nbsp;and alliance bloc member Meral Aksener had 38.5%. A previous Metropoll survey showed Kilicdaroglu was the only potential candidate whom Erdogan would beat.

"These surveys are of no importance for today," Kilicdaroglu said, adding that Yavas and Imamoglu would continue running the country's two biggest cities.

Soaring prices recently - including 50% increases for electricity and 55% for food - have pushed more Turks into poverty.

The central bank is widely seen to have bowed to Erdogan after he replaced its monetary policy committee with like-minded members. Asked whether he would replace the committee to give it independence, Kilicdaroglu said: "We would do exactly that."

RUSSIAN S-400S, SYRIA

Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 land-to-air defences badly strained U.S. relations, prompting Washington to sanction&nbsp;Turkey's&nbsp;defence industries and oust it&nbsp;from&nbsp;an F-35 production scheme.

"Who will we use the S-400s for? We haven't received the answer to this question yet," Kilicdaroglu said. "A large amount of money was paid, and they are currently waiting in storage."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How Erdogan is pushing Turkey towards an implosion

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Erdogan has said Turkey is keeping the missiles despite U.S. objections and the possibility of selling them.

Turkey will send home the millions of Syrian refugees it hosts and re-establish diplomatic ties with President Bashar al-Assad if the&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;alliance wins the elections, Kilicdaroglu said.

"If needed the United Nations needs to get involved, a 100% guarantee should be received&nbsp;from&nbsp;Assad. That guarantee needs to be tied to international accords, that he will not attack them, that their material and life security will be preserved," he said.

A veteran Turkish political leader who has struggled for years to have President Tayyip Erdogan voted out of office says it is "very clear" that his dream is drawing nearer, even as doubts remain about whether he will be the main opposition candidate at presidential elections set for 2023.

A veteran Turkish political leader who has struggled for years to have President Tayyip Erdogan voted out of office says it is "very clear" that his dream is drawing nearer, even as doubts remain about whether he will be the main opposition candidate at presidential elections set for 2023. In an interview, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), confidently predicted victory at the polls as Turkey suffers economic hardships brought on by Erdogan's unorthodox monetary policies. The comments reinforce expectations Kilicdaroglu, 73, will be the presidential candidate of a six-party alliance in elections due by June 2023, though polls show several other opposition figures winning more support. Also read | Erdogan says Turkey continuing 'positive dialogue' with Saudi Arabia "Of course, five party leaders pronouncing me as candidate would be an honour. It also means they have trust," he told Reuters in his office on the 12th floor of the CHP's headquarters on the outskirts of Ankara. The six anti-Erdogan party leaders would discuss their candidate later, but first need to agree on economic, social and other policies for their joint platform. It is "very obvious and very clear" that whoever they choose will become president, he said. Kilicdaroglu said he saw no reason for Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missiles that caused a rift with Washington. He also said he would overhaul the central bank's leadership if elected. A former economist and civil servant who lacks the president's fiery charisma, Kilicdaroglu has lingered in Erdogan's shadow as the CHP, which he has chaired since 2010, suffered repeated defeats. Erdogan's favourite target, he has stoically absorbed near-daily criticism and even scorns from the man who has dominated the country for nearly two decades. Also read | Leukemia patient from Turkey tests Covid positive 78 times in over a year Yet Kilicdaroglu and other critics of the country's authoritarian and Islamist drift sense their time may have come. Erdogan's polls have slid to multi-year lows after his unorthodox interest rate cuts sparked a currency crisis late last year, which in turn sent living costs soaring and deepened poverty, especially among the president's working-class base. The opposition bloc includes nationalists, liberals and conservatives - though not parliament's third-biggest party, the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party. Can Selcuki of Istanbul-based pollster Turkiye Raporu said Kilicdaroglu has grown "bolder and more aggressive", showing his determination to be the bloc's candidate. But he remains the "weakest nominee" of the opposition hopefuls and unless his support grows, Selcuki predicted he could still pull out before the vote. Bespectacled and low-key, Kilicdaroglu earned the nickname "Gandhi Kemal" for his style, and for strategies such as his vow this month not to pay electricity bills in protest at price hikes in the face of near 50% inflation. CHP parliamentarian Utku Cakirozer said Kilicdaroglu's ability to build alliances was key to broadening the opposition platform. "He is open to building bridges with different parts of society," he said. Though the opposition bloc has not named a presidential candidate, surveys by Metropoll show Kilicdaroglu is far less popular, at 28.5%, than three other possible names and than Erdogan himself, who 37.9% said they preferred in December. Also read | Erdogan reiterates Turkey's determination to support Ukraine's territorial integrity Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, both of the CHP, had popularity of 60.4% and 50.7% respectively, while IYI Party leader and alliance bloc member Meral Aksener had 38.5%. A previous Metropoll survey showed Kilicdaroglu was the only potential candidate whom Erdogan would beat. "These surveys are of no importance for today," Kilicdaroglu said, adding that Yavas and Imamoglu would continue running the country's two biggest cities. Soaring prices recently - including 50% increases for electricity and 55% for food - have pushed more Turks into poverty. The central bank is widely seen to have bowed to Erdogan after he replaced its monetary policy committee with like-minded members. Asked whether he would replace the committee to give it independence, Kilicdaroglu said: "We would do exactly that." RUSSIAN S-400S, SYRIA Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 land-to-air defences badly strained U.S. relations, prompting Washington to sanction Turkey's defence industries and oust it from an F-35 production scheme. "Who will we use the S-400s for? We haven't received the answer to this question yet," Kilicdaroglu said. "A large amount of money was paid, and they are currently waiting in storage." Watch | Gravitas: How Erdogan is pushing Turkey towards an implosion Erdogan has said Turkey is keeping the missiles despite U.S. objections and the possibility of selling them. Turkey will send home the millions of Syrian refugees it hosts and re-establish diplomatic ties with President Bashar al-Assad if the opposition alliance wins the elections, Kilicdaroglu said. "If needed the United Nations needs to get involved, a 100% guarantee should be received from Assad. That guarantee needs to be tied to international accords, that he will not attack them, that their material and life security will be preserved," he said.

Turkey's opposition leader looks to emerge from Tayyip Erdogan's shadow

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

Lake Cildir freezes over during the winter months and it's a delight for both the locals and tourists!

Visitors enjoy sleigh rides on frozen Turkish lake

Turkey&nbsp;is&nbsp;continuing&nbsp;a "positive dialogue" with&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;and wants to take concrete steps in the coming days to improve ties, President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;was cited as saying on Wednesday, amid a regional charm offensive by&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;to mend strained relations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/leukemia-patient-from-turkey-tests-covid-positive-78-times-in-over-a-year-453642">Leukemia patient from Turkey tests Covid positive 78 times in over a year</a>

Ties between Ankara and Riyadh have been troubled since the 2018 killing of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;journalist Jamal Khashoggi by a&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;hit squad at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul. Following Turkish demands for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other officials to be prosecuted, Riyadh imposed an unofficial boycott on goods from&nbsp;Turkey.

In 2020,&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;jailed eight people for between seven and 20 years for Khashoggi's murder. At the time Ankara said the verdict fell short of expectations, but has since softened its tone as part of a broader attempt to repair ties with the Gulf, even going as far as saying it has no problems with Riyadh.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Erdogan in the UAE, first visit since 2013

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"We are&nbsp;continuing&nbsp;our&nbsp;positive dialogue&nbsp;with&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia. We want to continue by taking concrete steps in the coming period. We want to develop the process in a positive direction,"&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;told reporters on a flight back from the United Arab Emirates.

Turkey is continuing a "positive dialogue" with Saudi Arabia and wants to take concrete steps in the coming days to improve ties, President Tayyip Erdogan was cited as saying on Wednesday, amid a regional charm offensive by Turkey to mend strained relations.

Turkey is continuing a "positive dialogue" with Saudi Arabia and wants to take concrete steps in the coming days to improve ties, President Tayyip Erdogan was cited as saying on Wednesday, amid a regional charm offensive by Turkey to mend strained relations. Also read | Leukemia patient from Turkey tests Covid positive 78 times in over a year Ties between Ankara and Riyadh have been troubled since the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi by a Saudi hit squad at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul. Following Turkish demands for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other officials to be prosecuted, Riyadh imposed an unofficial boycott on goods from Turkey. In 2020, Saudi Arabia jailed eight people for between seven and 20 years for Khashoggi's murder. At the time Ankara said the verdict fell short of expectations, but has since softened its tone as part of a broader attempt to repair ties with the Gulf, even going as far as saying it has no problems with Riyadh. Watch | Gravitas: Erdogan in the UAE, first visit since 2013 "We are continuing our positive dialogue with Saudi Arabia. We want to continue by taking concrete steps in the coming period. We want to develop the process in a positive direction," Erdogan told reporters on a flight back from the United Arab Emirates.

Erdogan says Turkey continuing 'positive dialogue' with Saudi Arabia

When Turkish finance minister Nureddin Nebati this week announced plans to encourage households to convert their gold holdings into Turkish liras in a bid to shore up Turkish central bank reserves, he was targeting people like Esra G.

Ms. G., whose last name has been abbreviated to preserve her anonymity, has had a life-long troubled relationship with gold. When she was barely three years old, her distaste for it as an adornment was already so strong that she dumped all her gold rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings into the Bosporus.

Nonetheless, Ms. G. grew up to be an avid collector of gold, including an assortment of five- and 10-gram Credit Suisse coins. As a young woman, Ms. G. preferred antique silver jewelry and wouldn’t wear gold but kept her gold collection under her pillow.

"Gold is a tradition. It grows out of a deep-seated distrust of governments and currencies and has been handed down from generation to generation. They didn't take money. They took gold," she said. "I'm a child of that system. ... I want the gold where I can touch it and feel it."

It is the many people like Ms. G. that Mr. Nebati is targeting. The minister told investors in London this week that he hoped his scheme would convert 10 percent of the estimated US$250-300 billion worth of gold squirreled away in the homes and back yards of Turkey, much of it by women.

Ayse Esen, head of a leading Turkish gold refinery, shared Mr. Nebati's estimate. "We are aware of the fact that there is around 3,000-5,000 tonnes of gold saved under mattresses, which amounts to an informal economy with a size of $200-300 billion," Ms. Esen, CEO of Istanbul Gold Refinery (IAR), said.

According to the World Gold Council, official Turkish gold reserves dropped from a high of 583 tonnes in July 2020 to 392 tonnes a year later.

Speaking to Sabah, a pro-government daily, Ms. Esen, probably unwittingly, suggested that convincing Turks to convert their gold could prove to be an uphill battle. She noted that a program launched ten years ago by the refinery and commercial banks had so far netted a mere 100 tonnes of hidden gold.

Lack of confidence in the government is only part of the problem. As important is the fact that much of Turkey's gold hoard is non-negotiable because it is held in the form of jewelry. Turkey's 40,000 jewelers turn approximately 150 tonnes of gold into jewelry a year.

Mr. Nebati reportedly told investors that some 30,000 gold shops would purchase privately held jewelry as part of his scheme and sell it to one of five government-contracted refineries that are believed to include IAR. The refineries would convert the jewelry into bullion that could be added to the central bank’s reserves.

It's not clear why Mr. Nebati believes his scheme would work this time around when earlier attempts failed. One such effort involved creating a facility that allowed holders of gold to deposit it with banks in exchange for gold certificates that would have been negotiable on a gold exchange.

Ms. G., the woman who doesn't like gold jewelry, vowed already decades ago that she would never trust a bank with her gold, even though she doesn't hesitate to deposit money in a bank.

She, like many Turks, is historically suspicious of authority, and many of them see hoarding gold not only as a safe investment but also as a reserve that can't be taken away from them. It also doesn't violate the Islamic ban on interest.

In the early 19th century, Turks hoarded gold to evade Ottoman taxes, which were based on what taxpayers physically possessed when the tax collector came around. As a result, Ottoman subjects bought gold and buried it not to be counted and taxed. Despite the Ottomans' later introduction of paper money, Ottoman subjects continued to view gold as their most secure form of investment because of inflation.

"People did not trust it,” said a gold trader. "The certificate had no relationship to the gold. It was devalued by inflation, and people have distrusted paper money ever since. . . . Gold has become a symbol of distrust of the state."

"I've been in this business for decades and have seen a lot of change. One thing never changes, and that is gold. Our money is worthless; gold is much better. Besides that, gold is part of our history," added a jewelry repair shop owner.

Trust as much as tradition may prove to be Mr. Nebati’s Achilles heel.

By attracting hidden gold, Mr. Nebati aims to help the government stop the freefall of the Turkish lira, which lost more than 40 percent of its value last year and halt the spiralling out of control of inflation that last month hit 36.1 per cent.

Many blame the crisis on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s idiosyncratic push to cut interest rates based on his unorthodox belief that this would lower consumer prices.

As a result, a whopping 75 per cent of respondents in a survey in December by Metropoll, a Turkish polling company Metropoll, said their trust in the government’s economic policies had decreased. More than half of those polled said they disapproved of Mr. Erdogan’s performance.

Mr. Erdogan has undermined the independence of the Central Bank, fired three of its governors and other officials opposed to his interest cuts in the last two years, changed finance ministers four times since 2018, and spun conspiracy theories by blaming a mysterious foreign interest cabal for Turkey’s economic plight.

Public distrust recently manifested itself further in a wave of protests over massive electricity price hikes as millions struggle to pay ballooning bills and inflation threatens to force businesses into bankruptcy.

Mr. Erdogan has recently suggested that he would halt or slow down the lowering of interest rates as a series of emergency measures helped the lira recover some of its value against the dollar.

The measures pushed Mr. Erdogan’s approval rating up by two points to 40.7 per cent in January, still far behind the 54.4 per cent who evaluate the president’s performance negatively.

Polls show that Mr. Erdogan would lose to Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu - both from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Iyi (Good) Party Chairwoman Meral Aksener, at the next elections.

Mr. Erdogan’s numbers hardly project the degree of confidence that Mr. Nebati is likely to need to persuade his intrinsically skeptical compatriots from parting with their precious gold.

Said a former Istanbul banker: “People are unlikely to put their holdings at risk for a scheme that does not guarantee their ability to preserve whatever wealth they have. Certainly not at a time of economic turmoil and a widening gap in trust.”

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

When Turkish finance minister Nureddin Nebati this week announced plans to encourage households to convert their gold holdings into Turkish liras in a bid to shore up Turkish central bank reserves, he was targeting people like Esra G.

When Turkish finance minister Nureddin Nebati this week announced plans to encourage households to convert their gold holdings into Turkish liras in a bid to shore up Turkish central bank reserves, he was targeting people like Esra G. Ms. G., whose last name has been abbreviated to preserve her anonymity, has had a life-long troubled relationship with gold. When she was barely three years old, her distaste for it as an adornment was already so strong that she dumped all her gold rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings into the Bosporus. Nonetheless, Ms. G. grew up to be an avid collector of gold, including an assortment of five- and 10-gram Credit Suisse coins. As a young woman, Ms. G. preferred antique silver jewelry and wouldn’t wear gold but kept her gold collection under her pillow. "Gold is a tradition. It grows out of a deep-seated distrust of governments and currencies and has been handed down from generation to generation. They didn't take money. They took gold," she said. "I'm a child of that system. ... I want the gold where I can touch it and feel it." It is the many people like Ms. G. that Mr. Nebati is targeting. The minister told investors in London this week that he hoped his scheme would convert 10 percent of the estimated US$250-300 billion worth of gold squirreled away in the homes and back yards of Turkey, much of it by women. Ayse Esen, head of a leading Turkish gold refinery, shared Mr. Nebati's estimate. "We are aware of the fact that there is around 3,000-5,000 tonnes of gold saved under mattresses, which amounts to an informal economy with a size of $200-300 billion," Ms. Esen, CEO of Istanbul Gold Refinery (IAR), said. According to the World Gold Council, official Turkish gold reserves dropped from a high of 583 tonnes in July 2020 to 392 tonnes a year later. Speaking to Sabah, a pro-government daily, Ms. Esen, probably unwittingly, suggested that convincing Turks to convert their gold could prove to be an uphill battle. She noted that a program launched ten years ago by the refinery and commercial banks had so far netted a mere 100 tonnes of hidden gold. Lack of confidence in the government is only part of the problem. As important is the fact that much of Turkey's gold hoard is non-negotiable because it is held in the form of jewelry. Turkey's 40,000 jewelers turn approximately 150 tonnes of gold into jewelry a year. Mr. Nebati reportedly told investors that some 30,000 gold shops would purchase privately held jewelry as part of his scheme and sell it to one of five government-contracted refineries that are believed to include IAR. The refineries would convert the jewelry into bullion that could be added to the central bank’s reserves. It's not clear why Mr. Nebati believes his scheme would work this time around when earlier attempts failed. One such effort involved creating a facility that allowed holders of gold to deposit it with banks in exchange for gold certificates that would have been negotiable on a gold exchange. Ms. G., the woman who doesn't like gold jewelry, vowed already decades ago that she would never trust a bank with her gold, even though she doesn't hesitate to deposit money in a bank. She, like many Turks, is historically suspicious of authority, and many of them see hoarding gold not only as a safe investment but also as a reserve that can't be taken away from them. It also doesn't violate the Islamic ban on interest. In the early 19th century, Turks hoarded gold to evade Ottoman taxes, which were based on what taxpayers physically possessed when the tax collector came around. As a result, Ottoman subjects bought gold and buried it not to be counted and taxed. Despite the Ottomans' later introduction of paper money, Ottoman subjects continued to view gold as their most secure form of investment because of inflation. "People did not trust it,” said a gold trader. "The certificate had no relationship to the gold. It was devalued by inflation, and people have distrusted paper money ever since. . . . Gold has become a symbol of distrust of the state." "I've been in this business for decades and have seen a lot of change. One thing never changes, and that is gold. Our money is worthless; gold is much better. Besides that, gold is part of our history," added a jewelry repair shop owner. Trust as much as tradition may prove to be Mr. Nebati’s Achilles heel. By attracting hidden gold, Mr. Nebati aims to help the government stop the freefall of the Turkish lira, which lost more than 40 percent of its value last year and halt the spiralling out of control of inflation that last month hit 36.1 per cent. Many blame the crisis on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s idiosyncratic push to cut interest rates based on his unorthodox belief that this would lower consumer prices. As a result, a whopping 75 per cent of respondents in a survey in December by Metropoll, a Turkish polling company Metropoll, said their trust in the government’s economic policies had decreased. More than half of those polled said they disapproved of Mr. Erdogan’s performance. Mr. Erdogan has undermined the independence of the Central Bank, fired three of its governors and other officials opposed to his interest cuts in the last two years, changed finance ministers four times since 2018, and spun conspiracy theories by blaming a mysterious foreign interest cabal for Turkey’s economic plight. Public distrust recently manifested itself further in a wave of protests over massive electricity price hikes as millions struggle to pay ballooning bills and inflation threatens to force businesses into bankruptcy. Mr. Erdogan has recently suggested that he would halt or slow down the lowering of interest rates as a series of emergency measures helped the lira recover some of its value against the dollar. The measures pushed Mr. Erdogan’s approval rating up by two points to 40.7 per cent in January, still far behind the 54.4 per cent who evaluate the president’s performance negatively. Polls show that Mr. Erdogan would lose to Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu - both from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Iyi (Good) Party Chairwoman Meral Aksener, at the next elections. Mr. Erdogan’s numbers hardly project the degree of confidence that Mr. Nebati is likely to need to persuade his intrinsically skeptical compatriots from parting with their precious gold. Said a former Istanbul banker: “People are unlikely to put their holdings at risk for a scheme that does not guarantee their ability to preserve whatever wealth they have. Certainly not at a time of economic turmoil and a widening gap in trust.” (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Turkish gold conversion plan likely to falter on lack of public trust

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

The wave of inflation-fuelled discontent has spread across Turkey. The surge in energy prices has raised the cost of living for citizens, who are already struggling to make ends meet due to a currency crash in December led by President Tayyip Erdogan's low-interest rates policy.

Inflation jumps 50% as Turkey protests against hiked energy prices

Anxiety rose after an assistant doctor died last fall when she plowed her car into the back of a truck after a long shift.

Then there were the growing cases of violence. An assistant doctor abandoned his career after a patient stabbed him in the stomach and hand. A pregnant nurse was hospitalised after being kicked in the belly.

The worsening economy and soaring inflation, which has reduced some doctors’ salaries close to the level of the minimum wage, has brought many to a tipping point, driving them in growing numbers to search for better opportunities abroad.

Their departures are a sad indictment of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who burnished his own reputation by expanding universal health care over his 18 years in power. It was one of his signature achievements. For many of his supporters, that action alone remains their main reason to support him.

But the strains of those overhauls wrought by Erdogan, in addition to those brought by the pandemic — and now galloping inflation — have undermined the very professionals on whom the health system depends.

Doctors complain of a grinding workload, diminishing returns for their work, a drastic loss of respect for the profession under Erdogan, and an increase in physical violence from their own patients.

More than 1,400 Turkish doctors left their posts to work abroad last year, and 4,000 over the past decade, according to the Turkish Medical Association, the largest association of medical professionals in the country. Many more are preparing applications and have requested certificates of good standing from the organisation, officials said.

“This is a result of long-accumulating issues,” said Bulent Kilic, a professor of public health at Dokuz Eylul University in the western city of Izmir. “In the last 20 years, there have been serious changes in the name of reform, and I think the heavy workload in the pandemic was the final straw.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dumping-plastic-in-waterways-is-criminal-claims-pope-francis-451322">Also read |&nbsp;Dumping plastic in waterways is 'criminal', claims Pope Francis</a>

For a long time, the changes that Erdogan introduced bore fruit. Turkey has long prided itself on the quality of its medical schools and its medical professionals, and in recent years, it has developed a thriving private health industry catering to thousands of international as well as Turkish patients. Fifteen new large city hospitals were built to expand the health service while access was broadened for the public.

The health minister recently praised the president’s foresight, saying the system held up well during the worst days of the pandemic and facilities were never overwhelmed.

But the system is no doubt stressed, leaving doctors feeling overburdened and underpaid. The steady erosion of their income and status has been too much for many doctors to bear.

“Three years ago, I would have said the salary was fair, but now it is not,” said Dr. Furkan Cagri Koral, 26, a junior doctor who left Turkey only two years after graduating. “Doctors in Turkey are working at the level of slave labor considering the workload and the risks they are taking.”

He went to Germany, where, after 11 months of language training, he found a job as an assistant doctor in the town of Chemnitz and is preparing to take an equivalency exam that will allow him to practice. Koral said he was already encouraging colleagues and his sister, a medical student, to follow suit.

“It is not only low salaries” driving health professionals away, said Dr. Sebnem Korur Fincanci, the chairwoman of the Turkish Medical Association. “It is the devaluation of the profession, over many years, since the beginning of the rule of the AKP,” she said, referring to Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party.

The opening up of access to all hospitals on demand, without a referral system, overloaded them, while hospitals were encouraged to raise patient numbers and financial returns. At the same time, Fincanci said, Erdogan embraced a policy of privatisation of health care and a performance pay system that has led to a focus on quantity rather than quality.

“There were too many appointments, too many operations, some not necessary,” she said. Patients were happy at first, but the open-access system was not sustainable. Hospitals began raising their prices and shortening appointments. A centralized system allows only 10 minutes for appointments, and in some cases only 5 minutes, which creates tensions all around.

Violence against medical professionals has risen sharply in the past two years — mostly in emergency departments — often in an explosion of anger at the system. More than 13,000 health professionals lodged complaints that they had been subjected to violence at work in 2020, according to the Turkish Medical Association.

“People are not tolerant enough,” Fincanci said.

“Since they are unhappy in their workplace and houses, and values are deteriorating, violence becomes a problem,” she added.

Other issues, including gender discrimination, nepotism and cronyism in management and an increase in lawsuits against medical practitioners, have made doctors lose hope, she said.

“They do not think the situation will change,” Fincanci said. “It is not only the health system, but the general environment.”

There are ways to remedy the health system, Kilic, of Dokuz Eylul University, said, including raising budgetary expenditure on health and increasing the proportion of spending on preventive care. Turks also need to be weaned off their high level of visits to hospitals and use of tests, he added.

But retaining doctors and other medical personnel is equally vital, he said, because Turkey has a far lower level of trained professionals in proportion to its population than most European countries.

Erdogan and Dr. Fahrettin Koca, Turkey’s health minister, have both acknowledged the problem of Turkey’s brain drain but have offered little practical respite. “Don’t forget, our physicians are the best-trained physicians, and the richest countries have their eyes on them,” Koca told Parliament in a speech in December.

Parliament recently raised the penalties for violence committed against health workers, and Koca appealed to the assembly in December to consider salaries and other rights of health sector workers.

For Dr. Dogan Can Celik, 29, who works at a public hospital in Istanbul, it is not enough. He is planning to leave for Britain as soon as he completes his residency in about six months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-ukraine-defence-chief-says-russia-could-seize-any-city-in-ukraine-but-will-it-plan-full-scale-invasion-451199">Also read |&nbsp;Ex-Ukraine defence chief says Russia could seize any city in Ukraine. But will it plan full-scale invasion?</a>

“I love my country, and especially Istanbul, but in the last four years, it really changed,” he said. He said the working hours and poor remuneration were his main reasons for leaving. “When I see our professors and mentors, I think I don’t want to be in their situation because after 40 years as a professor, they get really low salaries.”

Unlike previous waves of Turkish workers heading to Europe, those emigrating these days have little intention of returning and are leaving to give their children better opportunities, according to several people working in the business of relocating doctors.

Ekin Ay set up a business teaching medical German to Turkish doctors five years ago and has seen demand double in the past two years. One-fifth of her students are over 40, and some are over 50, she said. “They are not leaving for economic reasons but because of their families,” she said.

Dr. Cemal Altuntas moved to Germany three years ago and plans to start working full time as a consultant for relocating doctors. He said there had been a huge increase in requests from doctors in the past six months.

“It’s not a luxurious life that we want,” he said. “We want the normal life that we deserve.”

Anxiety rose after an assistant doctor died last fall when she plowed her car into the back of a truck after a long shift. Then there were the growing cases of violence.

Anxiety rose after an assistant doctor died last fall when she plowed her car into the back of a truck after a long shift. Then there were the growing cases of violence. An assistant doctor abandoned his career after a patient stabbed him in the stomach and hand. A pregnant nurse was hospitalised after being kicked in the belly. The worsening economy and soaring inflation, which has reduced some doctors’ salaries close to the level of the minimum wage, has brought many to a tipping point, driving them in growing numbers to search for better opportunities abroad. Their departures are a sad indictment of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who burnished his own reputation by expanding universal health care over his 18 years in power. It was one of his signature achievements. For many of his supporters, that action alone remains their main reason to support him. But the strains of those overhauls wrought by Erdogan, in addition to those brought by the pandemic — and now galloping inflation — have undermined the very professionals on whom the health system depends. Doctors complain of a grinding workload, diminishing returns for their work, a drastic loss of respect for the profession under Erdogan, and an increase in physical violence from their own patients. More than 1,400 Turkish doctors left their posts to work abroad last year, and 4,000 over the past decade, according to the Turkish Medical Association, the largest association of medical professionals in the country. Many more are preparing applications and have requested certificates of good standing from the organisation, officials said. “This is a result of long-accumulating issues,” said Bulent Kilic, a professor of public health at Dokuz Eylul University in the western city of Izmir. “In the last 20 years, there have been serious changes in the name of reform, and I think the heavy workload in the pandemic was the final straw.” Also read | Dumping plastic in waterways is 'criminal', claims Pope Francis For a long time, the changes that Erdogan introduced bore fruit. Turkey has long prided itself on the quality of its medical schools and its medical professionals, and in recent years, it has developed a thriving private health industry catering to thousands of international as well as Turkish patients. Fifteen new large city hospitals were built to expand the health service while access was broadened for the public. The health minister recently praised the president’s foresight, saying the system held up well during the worst days of the pandemic and facilities were never overwhelmed. But the system is no doubt stressed, leaving doctors feeling overburdened and underpaid. The steady erosion of their income and status has been too much for many doctors to bear. “Three years ago, I would have said the salary was fair, but now it is not,” said Dr. Furkan Cagri Koral, 26, a junior doctor who left Turkey only two years after graduating. “Doctors in Turkey are working at the level of slave labor considering the workload and the risks they are taking.” He went to Germany, where, after 11 months of language training, he found a job as an assistant doctor in the town of Chemnitz and is preparing to take an equivalency exam that will allow him to practice. Koral said he was already encouraging colleagues and his sister, a medical student, to follow suit. “It is not only low salaries” driving health professionals away, said Dr. Sebnem Korur Fincanci, the chairwoman of the Turkish Medical Association. “It is the devaluation of the profession, over many years, since the beginning of the rule of the AKP,” she said, referring to Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party. The opening up of access to all hospitals on demand, without a referral system, overloaded them, while hospitals were encouraged to raise patient numbers and financial returns. At the same time, Fincanci said, Erdogan embraced a policy of privatisation of health care and a performance pay system that has led to a focus on quantity rather than quality. “There were too many appointments, too many operations, some not necessary,” she said. Patients were happy at first, but the open-access system was not sustainable. Hospitals began raising their prices and shortening appointments. A centralized system allows only 10 minutes for appointments, and in some cases only 5 minutes, which creates tensions all around. Violence against medical professionals has risen sharply in the past two years — mostly in emergency departments — often in an explosion of anger at the system. More than 13,000 health professionals lodged complaints that they had been subjected to violence at work in 2020, according to the Turkish Medical Association. “People are not tolerant enough,” Fincanci said. “Since they are unhappy in their workplace and houses, and values are deteriorating, violence becomes a problem,” she added. Other issues, including gender discrimination, nepotism and cronyism in management and an increase in lawsuits against medical practitioners, have made doctors lose hope, she said. “They do not think the situation will change,” Fincanci said. “It is not only the health system, but the general environment.” There are ways to remedy the health system, Kilic, of Dokuz Eylul University, said, including raising budgetary expenditure on health and increasing the proportion of spending on preventive care. Turks also need to be weaned off their high level of visits to hospitals and use of tests, he added. But retaining doctors and other medical personnel is equally vital, he said, because Turkey has a far lower level of trained professionals in proportion to its population than most European countries. Erdogan and Dr. Fahrettin Koca, Turkey’s health minister, have both acknowledged the problem of Turkey’s brain drain but have offered little practical respite. “Don’t forget, our physicians are the best-trained physicians, and the richest countries have their eyes on them,” Koca told Parliament in a speech in December. Parliament recently raised the penalties for violence committed against health workers, and Koca appealed to the assembly in December to consider salaries and other rights of health sector workers. For Dr. Dogan Can Celik, 29, who works at a public hospital in Istanbul, it is not enough. He is planning to leave for Britain as soon as he completes his residency in about six months. Also read | Ex-Ukraine defence chief says Russia could seize any city in Ukraine. But will it plan full-scale invasion? “I love my country, and especially Istanbul, but in the last four years, it really changed,” he said. He said the working hours and poor remuneration were his main reasons for leaving. “When I see our professors and mentors, I think I don’t want to be in their situation because after 40 years as a professor, they get really low salaries.” Unlike previous waves of Turkish workers heading to Europe, those emigrating these days have little intention of returning and are leaving to give their children better opportunities, according to several people working in the business of relocating doctors. Ekin Ay set up a business teaching medical German to Turkish doctors five years ago and has seen demand double in the past two years. One-fifth of her students are over 40, and some are over 50, she said. “They are not leaving for economic reasons but because of their families,” she said. Dr. Cemal Altuntas moved to Germany three years ago and plans to start working full time as a consultant for relocating doctors. He said there had been a huge increase in requests from doctors in the past six months. “It’s not a luxurious life that we want,” he said. “We want the normal life that we deserve.”

Turkey’s doctors are leaving, the latest casualty of spiralling inflation

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Amid tensions between Ukraine and Russia, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, all to help diffuse the crisis. Erdogan has reaffirmed his offer to host a Russia-Ukraine peace summit.

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