Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan led backlash against French President Macron for cracking down on Extremism but now protests of a different kind have come knocking at his door.

Turkish youth has been protesting against their president. Hundreds of university student have been protesting in Istanbul for three days. This a rare sight in a country that has a history of crushing anti-govt demonstration within hours.

But these protests have continued for over 72 hours. The Turkish police tried to crack down but it only made the situation worse. The students with the support of their professors have refused to cede ground.

They say they will fight until the end.

"I am proud that my friends and I were able to meet up in such numbers and fight for what we want in such a context, I was also very happy to see the support of our professors yesterday. I’m also glad I can participate in this gathering in Kadikoy. I believe we will fight until the end." said Cinar Cifter, a recent graduate of Bogazici University.

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These students are demonstrating against the appointment of an Erdogan loyalist as the rector of their university.

The Bogazici University in Istanbul is the most prestigious university in Turkey with a long-standing reputation for tolerance and intellectual independence.

The university was established as Robert College in 1863. To this day it follows the American higher education system. Erdogan sees this university as a threat. And that's why he wants to Turkicise it.

He appointed Melih Bulu as the university's new rector. He is a longtime Erdogan loyalist. He even contested elections on party ticket.

Erdogan issued a presidential decree on January 1 and appointed Bulu as the new rector. He is the first to be chosen from outside the university's community since the 1980 military coup.

The decision has been met with outrage. Students and faculty members at the university say that the appointment was made to curtail academic freedom. They say the university's liberal atmosphere and open-mindedness will be destroyed by this appointment.

"As you know, for a long time now, the AKP has increasingly consolidated its hold on the universities. The easiest way to do this is by appointing rectors. This has happened in many universities across our country, today is Bogazici university’s turn, but the students of Bogazici have come out to speak against this today," said Cihan Cicek, a student from Istanbul University.&nbsp;

So the protests continue.&nbsp;

Turkish police on Monday tried to clear protesters. They clashed with them and arrested dozens. But they failed to put an end to protests. It's been 3 days and the numbers are swelling. Students from other universities in Istanbul are converging to the protest site.

It's an awakening of sorts driven by the youth of Turkey. The result of almost a year of Erdogan trying to suppress threats and perceived threats. Now he has tried to target academic institutions. And he is feeling the heat. 
&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan led backlash against French President Macron for cracking down on Extremism but now protests of a different kind have come knocking at his door.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan led backlash against French President Macron for cracking down on Extremism but now protests of a different kind have come knocking at his door. Turkish youth has been protesting against their president. Hundreds of university student have been protesting in Istanbul for three days. This a rare sight in a country that has a history of crushing anti-govt demonstration within hours. But these protests have continued for over 72 hours. The Turkish police tried to crack down but it only made the situation worse. The students with the support of their professors have refused to cede ground. They say they will fight until the end. "I am proud that my friends and I were able to meet up in such numbers and fight for what we want in such a context, I was also very happy to see the support of our professors yesterday. I’m also glad I can participate in this gathering in Kadikoy. I believe we will fight until the end." said Cinar Cifter, a recent graduate of Bogazici University. WATCH| × These students are demonstrating against the appointment of an Erdogan loyalist as the rector of their university. The Bogazici University in Istanbul is the most prestigious university in Turkey with a long-standing reputation for tolerance and intellectual independence. The university was established as Robert College in 1863. To this day it follows the American higher education system. Erdogan sees this university as a threat. And that's why he wants to Turkicise it. He appointed Melih Bulu as the university's new rector. He is a longtime Erdogan loyalist. He even contested elections on party ticket. Erdogan issued a presidential decree on January 1 and appointed Bulu as the new rector. He is the first to be chosen from outside the university's community since the 1980 military coup. The decision has been met with outrage. Students and faculty members at the university say that the appointment was made to curtail academic freedom. They say the university's liberal atmosphere and open-mindedness will be destroyed by this appointment. "As you know, for a long time now, the AKP has increasingly consolidated its hold on the universities. The easiest way to do this is by appointing rectors. This has happened in many universities across our country, today is Bogazici university’s turn, but the students of Bogazici have come out to speak against this today," said Cihan Cicek, a student from Istanbul University. So the protests continue. Turkish police on Monday tried to clear protesters. They clashed with them and arrested dozens. But they failed to put an end to protests. It's been 3 days and the numbers are swelling. Students from other universities in Istanbul are converging to the protest site. It's an awakening of sorts driven by the youth of Turkey. The result of almost a year of Erdogan trying to suppress threats and perceived threats. Now he has tried to target academic institutions. And he is feeling the heat.

Turkish President Erdogan feels the heat of student protests

Digital services taxes adopted by India, Italy and Turkey discriminate against U.S. companies and are inconsistent with international tax principles, the U.S. Trade Representative's office said on Wednesday, paving the way for potential retaliatory tariffs.

USTR slams India, Italy, Turkey on digital taxes but holds off on tariffs

Teachers at Istanbul's Bogazici University protested on Tuesday against the swearing-in of a new rector appointed by President Tayyip Erdogan, extending demonstrations started by students

Turkish university teachers protest against Erdogan-appointed rector

Gunners playmaker Mesut Ozil will reportedly be signed by Fenerbahce from Arsenal for three and a half years for an undisclosed fee, Turkey's private Demiroren news agency and other Turkish media reported on Wednesday.

Mesut Ozil has not played for the London-based club since before the first lockdown last year. He was not included in Arteta's squad for Premier League.&nbsp;

Ozil is one of the highest-paid players in Arsenal and has previously refused MLS clubs. However, the 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season.&nbsp; 
Fenerbahce Chairman Ali Koc said previously that signing Ozil, who has Turkish ancestry, was a "nice dream" for the club, who have suffered from financial woes in recent years. Koc had said Fenerbahce would need to offload players to make any transfers in January.

The German player fuelled the transfer speculation with the Turkish club after an Instagram post about Istanbul on Tuesday. The German has not played for Arsenal since March 2020 and was not named in the squad list for the first half of the current Premier League season.

He has long been linked with a move to Fenerbahce, Turkey's second most decorated club.

Last week, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had said the club would wait for the January transfer window to make a final call about the German national's fate. But the club is looking to offload players in January to trim the squad.

Arsenal are currently 11th in the standings on 23 points, while Fenerbahce are fifth in Turkey's top tier Super Lig on 29 points, two behind league leaders Gaziantep.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Gunners playmaker Mesut Ozil will reportedly be signed by Fenerbahce from Arsenal for three and a half years for an undisclosed fee, Turkey's private Demiroren news agency and other Turkish media reported on Wednesday.

Gunners playmaker Mesut Ozil will reportedly be signed by Fenerbahce from Arsenal for three and a half years for an undisclosed fee, Turkey's private Demiroren news agency and other Turkish media reported on Wednesday. Mesut Ozil has not played for the London-based club since before the first lockdown last year. He was not included in Arteta's squad for Premier League. Ozil is one of the highest-paid players in Arsenal and has previously refused MLS clubs. However, the 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season. Fenerbahce Chairman Ali Koc said previously that signing Ozil, who has Turkish ancestry, was a "nice dream" for the club, who have suffered from financial woes in recent years. Koc had said Fenerbahce would need to offload players to make any transfers in January. The German player fuelled the transfer speculation with the Turkish club after an Instagram post about Istanbul on Tuesday. The German has not played for Arsenal since March 2020 and was not named in the squad list for the first half of the current Premier League season. He has long been linked with a move to Fenerbahce, Turkey's second most decorated club. Last week, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had said the club would wait for the January transfer window to make a final call about the German national's fate. But the club is looking to offload players in January to trim the squad. Arsenal are currently 11th in the standings on 23 points, while Fenerbahce are fifth in Turkey's top tier Super Lig on 29 points, two behind league leaders Gaziantep. (Inputs from Reuters)

Mesut Ozil to move to Fenerbahce? Turkish media reports fuel speculations

Under the guidelines of Turkey’s Council of Higher Education (YOK), rectors are chosen from a pool of candidates with the highest votes following elections held within academic institutions.

Turkey: Students protest rector tapped to head top Turkish university

2021 has more troubles in store for Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey's trade deficit has surged beyond $45 billion. Lira's value has halved. The people of Turkey are calling for a change. Palki Sharma brings you a report

Gravitas: Turkey's surging trade deficit

The new year hasn't come with any ray of hope for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. His troubles are only mounting. Turkey's foreign trade deficit is the latest of his worries.

Turkey's trade gap has surged beyond USD 45 billion in 2020. The month of November saw a jump of 154 per cent year-on-year.&nbsp;

For November 2019, Turkey's trade deficit was USD 1.99 billion. At same time a year on, the trade deficit was USD 5.3 billion. Even when Wuhan virus pandemic impact is considered, how can foreign trade imbalance surge so much?

Experts believe&nbsp;that credit explosion is the reason. Some say the situation has arisen because interest rates were kept below the country's inflation.

Then there are other factors like the gold rush. Turkey's consumers stocked up on the precious metal courtesy a volatile Lira and high inflation. The rise in demand for gold led to an increase in gold imports.

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This increased Turkey's imports by 15.9 per cent to USD 21.1 billion year-on-year in November. It was driven by USD 2.66 billion in precious metal purchases including gold.

Meanwhile, the Lira lost 20 per cent against the dollar in 2020 alone. &nbsp;Its value- halved. It is expected to go down further.&nbsp;

More blows await Turkey's economy, from the European Union and the United States. The blows will come in the form of economic sanctions.

Erdogan is running from pillar to post. He has installed a new central bank governor, a new finance minister. But none of them seems to have a magic wand.

Experts say that Turkey's USD 760 billion economy may just narrowly avoid a contraction.

For citizens, borrowing costs have nearly doubled. Banks are now extending far less credit. There is debt, there is frustration. And there is a call for change.&nbsp;

2020 was a test of Erdogan's commitment to austerity and leadership. He seemed to have failed.

The new year hasn't come with any ray of hope for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. His troubles are only mounting. Turkey's foreign trade deficit is the latest of his worries.

The new year hasn't come with any ray of hope for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. His troubles are only mounting. Turkey's foreign trade deficit is the latest of his worries. Turkey's trade gap has surged beyond USD 45 billion in 2020. The month of November saw a jump of 154 per cent year-on-year. For November 2019, Turkey's trade deficit was USD 1.99 billion. At same time a year on, the trade deficit was USD 5.3 billion. Even when Wuhan virus pandemic impact is considered, how can foreign trade imbalance surge so much? Experts believe that credit explosion is the reason. Some say the situation has arisen because interest rates were kept below the country's inflation. Then there are other factors like the gold rush. Turkey's consumers stocked up on the precious metal courtesy a volatile Lira and high inflation. The rise in demand for gold led to an increase in gold imports. WATCH| × This increased Turkey's imports by 15.9 per cent to USD 21.1 billion year-on-year in November. It was driven by USD 2.66 billion in precious metal purchases including gold. Meanwhile, the Lira lost 20 per cent against the dollar in 2020 alone. Its value- halved. It is expected to go down further. More blows await Turkey's economy, from the European Union and the United States. The blows will come in the form of economic sanctions. Erdogan is running from pillar to post. He has installed a new central bank governor, a new finance minister. But none of them seems to have a magic wand. Experts say that Turkey's USD 760 billion economy may just narrowly avoid a contraction. For citizens, borrowing costs have nearly doubled. Banks are now extending far less credit. There is debt, there is frustration. And there is a call for change. 2020 was a test of Erdogan's commitment to austerity and leadership. He seemed to have failed.

Turkey's economic troubles mount as new year begins

China has made its Uighur extradition treaty with Turkey official. China now wants Turkey to extradite Uighurs directly without the involvement of 3rd parties. Will Recep Tayyip Erdogan betray Uighurs again? Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: China-Turkey extradition treaty

Turkey's civil society is under attack. On Sunday, the Turkish Parliament passed a new law that gives the government powers to appoint trustees to NGOs. The Turkish government can now even close NGOs at will. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you what is driving Erdogan's crackdown.

Gravitas: Erdogan gets the power to abolish NGOs

Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar has threaten to drive out Turkish troops from Libya by force if they do not leave by peaceful means.

Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar vows to drive out Turkish troops

Turkish parliament on Sunday approved a law that will allow Turkish interior ministers to replace members of organisations being investigated for terrorism charges. The law also empowers the ministry to seek halt to the group's activities via court appeal. The bill has been drafted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party which holds parliamentary majority with allies.

The law is being criticied for the possibility that it will be used against opponent organisations. Earlier this week, &nbsp;seven civil society organisations, including Human Rights Association and Amnesty said that terrorism charges in Turkey were arbitrary, adding the law violates the presumption of innocence and punishes those whose trials are not finalised.

Investigations based on terrorism charges have been launched against hundreds of thousands of people under a crackdown following a failed coup in 2016. Members of Amnesty and other civil society groups have been investigated and tried, while hundreds of foundations were also shut down with decrees.

Critics say Erdogan’s government has used the coup attempt as a pretext to quash dissent. The government says the measures are necessary given the security threats facing Turkey.

(With Reuters inputs)

Turkish parliament on Sunday approved a law that will allow Turkish interior ministers to replace members of organisations being investigated for terrorism charges.

Turkish parliament on Sunday approved a law that will allow Turkish interior ministers to replace members of organisations being investigated for terrorism charges. The law also empowers the ministry to seek halt to the group's activities via court appeal. The bill has been drafted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party which holds parliamentary majority with allies. The law is being criticied for the possibility that it will be used against opponent organisations. Earlier this week, seven civil society organisations, including Human Rights Association and Amnesty said that terrorism charges in Turkey were arbitrary, adding the law violates the presumption of innocence and punishes those whose trials are not finalised. Investigations based on terrorism charges have been launched against hundreds of thousands of people under a crackdown following a failed coup in 2016. Members of Amnesty and other civil society groups have been investigated and tried, while hundreds of foundations were also shut down with decrees. Critics say Erdogan’s government has used the coup attempt as a pretext to quash dissent. The government says the measures are necessary given the security threats facing Turkey. (With Reuters inputs)

Turkish parliament passes law that critics say will stifle NGOs

Putting their foot down, Turkey's defence minister has said any attack by the eastern Libyan strongman will be met with force now.

Targeting the strongman&nbsp;Khalifa Haftar directly in an address to the Turkish troops,&nbsp;Hulusi Akar labelled Haftar as a murderer and issued a warning to him and his supporters. "A war criminal, murderer Haftar and his supporters must know that they will be seen as a legitimate target in case of any attack on Turkish forces," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-wants-to-establish-better-ties-with-israel-but-palestine-policy-is-unacceptable-erdogan-352378">Turkey wants to establish better ties with Israel, but Palestine policy is 'unacceptable': Erdogan</a>

His statement has come a few days after Haftar boasted about his plans and said his forces will "prepare to drive out the occupier by faith, will and weapons". His comments were directed towards the Turkish forces that are supporting the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA).&nbsp;

Haftar's statement was not appreciated by the Turkish government who have now warned him against his violent plans. "If they take such a step, they will be unable to find any place to flee to," Akar warned. "Everyone should come to their senses."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-hit-by-55-magnitude-earthquake-352723">Turkey hit by 5.5 magnitude earthquake</a>

The exchange of statements has come as Turkey has been working with the GNA to stop the violent attacks by Haftar, the recent being a 14-month offensive against the capital by Haftar, who is backed by Russia, Egypt and United Arab Emirates.

This has also come a day after the local media reported that Akar made an unscheduled visit to Tripoli to discuss military cooperation between Ankara and the GNA. "What matters here is that everyone should contribute to a political solution. Any action other than that would be wrong," he said, adding there will be "no peace in the presence of a coloniser on our land."

Putting their foot down, Turkey's defence minister has said any attack by the eastern Libyan strongman will be met with force now. Targeting the strongman Khalifa Haftar directly in an address to the Turkish troops, Hulusi Akar labelled Haftar as a murderer and issued a warning to him and his supporters.

Putting their foot down, Turkey's defence minister has said any attack by the eastern Libyan strongman will be met with force now. Targeting the strongman Khalifa Haftar directly in an address to the Turkish troops, Hulusi Akar labelled Haftar as a murderer and issued a warning to him and his supporters. "A war criminal, murderer Haftar and his supporters must know that they will be seen as a legitimate target in case of any attack on Turkish forces," he said. Also read| Turkey wants to establish better ties with Israel, but Palestine policy is 'unacceptable': Erdogan His statement has come a few days after Haftar boasted about his plans and said his forces will "prepare to drive out the occupier by faith, will and weapons". His comments were directed towards the Turkish forces that are supporting the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA). Haftar's statement was not appreciated by the Turkish government who have now warned him against his violent plans. "If they take such a step, they will be unable to find any place to flee to," Akar warned. "Everyone should come to their senses." Also read| Turkey hit by 5.5 magnitude earthquake The exchange of statements has come as Turkey has been working with the GNA to stop the violent attacks by Haftar, the recent being a 14-month offensive against the capital by Haftar, who is backed by Russia, Egypt and United Arab Emirates. This has also come a day after the local media reported that Akar made an unscheduled visit to Tripoli to discuss military cooperation between Ankara and the GNA. "What matters here is that everyone should contribute to a political solution. Any action other than that would be wrong," he said, adding there will be "no peace in the presence of a coloniser on our land."

Turkey will retaliate against any attack by 'murderer' Libya strongman: Defence Minister

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey on Sunday, the US Geological Survey said, with initial reports indicating no immediate casualties.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said there were no reports of material damage or casualties so far.&nbsp;

The USGS said the quake was registered in the Sivrice district in Elazig province at 0637 GMT and struck at a depth of 10 kilometres.&nbsp;

The Turkish government's disaster agency AFAD reported a lower magnitude of 5.3 for the quake.

Turkey is situated in one of the world's most active earthquake zones.

A magnitude 6.8 quake hit Elazig in January, killing more than 40 people.

In November, a powerful 7.0 magnitude quake hit the Aegean Sea, killing 114 people and wounding more than 1,000.

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey on Sunday, the US Geological Survey said, with initial reports indicating no immediate casualties. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said there were no reports of material damage or casualties so far.

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey on Sunday, the US Geological Survey said, with initial reports indicating no immediate casualties. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said there were no reports of material damage or casualties so far. The USGS said the quake was registered in the Sivrice district in Elazig province at 0637 GMT and struck at a depth of 10 kilometres. The Turkish government's disaster agency AFAD reported a lower magnitude of 5.3 for the quake. Turkey is situated in one of the world's most active earthquake zones. A magnitude 6.8 quake hit Elazig in January, killing more than 40 people. In November, a powerful 7.0 magnitude quake hit the Aegean Sea, killing 114 people and wounding more than 1,000.

Turkey hit by 5.5 magnitude earthquake

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said that Ankara wants to establish better ties with Israel, but slammed the Jewish state's policy on Palestine, calling it "unacceptable".

Speaking with reporters, Erdogan also said that Turkey is engaging with Israel at intelligence level, but said Israel's Palestine approach is a "red line" for Ankara.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"Regarding this matter, our talks with Israel at intelligence level have not been halted. It continues," Erdogan was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters. &nbsp;

"And there is also Israel's Palestine policy which is our red line."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-imposes-another-lockdown-after-detecting-new-covid-19-strain-352107">Israel imposes another lockdown after detecting new COVID-19 strain</a>

He also said Turkey is facing some trouble with Israel at the top level, and if that would not have been the case their bilateral ties could have been "very different".&nbsp;

Both countries share strong commercial ties, but their relations took a hit in recent years and in 2018 both nations expelled each other's envoys.&nbsp;

Ankara has also been critical of Israel's occupation in the West Bank and the manner in which the Jewish state treats the Palestinians.&nbsp;

Erdogan also said that it is "impossible" for Turkey to accept Israel's policy on Palestine, and said Israel's "merciless" acts and stance on Palestine is unacceptable.&nbsp;

"It is impossible for us to accept Israel's Palestine policies. It is impossible for us to accept Israel's stance against our Palestinian brothers. Their merciless acts there and their stance on Palestinian territory are unacceptable," said the Turkish president.&nbsp;

Israel has this year established ties with four Muslim nations and said on Wednesday that it is working to add another Muslim state in the list.

Previously, Ankara has criticised US-brokered peace deal of Israel with UAE, Morocco, Sudan and Bahrain this year. 
&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said that Ankara wants to establish better ties with Israel, but slammed the Jewish state's policy on Palestine, calling it "unacceptable".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said that Ankara wants to establish better ties with Israel, but slammed the Jewish state's policy on Palestine, calling it "unacceptable". Speaking with reporters, Erdogan also said that Turkey is engaging with Israel at intelligence level, but said Israel's Palestine approach is a "red line" for Ankara. Watch | "Regarding this matter, our talks with Israel at intelligence level have not been halted. It continues," Erdogan was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters. "And there is also Israel's Palestine policy which is our red line." Also read | Israel imposes another lockdown after detecting new COVID-19 strain He also said Turkey is facing some trouble with Israel at the top level, and if that would not have been the case their bilateral ties could have been "very different". Both countries share strong commercial ties, but their relations took a hit in recent years and in 2018 both nations expelled each other's envoys. Ankara has also been critical of Israel's occupation in the West Bank and the manner in which the Jewish state treats the Palestinians. Erdogan also said that it is "impossible" for Turkey to accept Israel's policy on Palestine, and said Israel's "merciless" acts and stance on Palestine is unacceptable. "It is impossible for us to accept Israel's Palestine policies. It is impossible for us to accept Israel's stance against our Palestinian brothers. Their merciless acts there and their stance on Palestinian territory are unacceptable," said the Turkish president. Israel has this year established ties with four Muslim nations and said on Wednesday that it is working to add another Muslim state in the list. Previously, Ankara has criticised US-brokered peace deal of Israel with UAE, Morocco, Sudan and Bahrain this year.

Turkey wants to establish better ties with Israel, but Palestine policy is 'unacceptable': Erdogan

High profile exits, mass defections and a dip in popularity has put Recep Tayyip Erdogan's position as Turkey's President on shaky ground. WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how the Turkish President is losing friends - both at home and abroad.

Gravitas: Erdogan's ruling party is splintering in Turkey

Will Erdogan dreams drive his downfall? Turkey's President has knit his personal ambitions into the country's foreign policy. Hitler, Mussolini and Saddam Hussein made the same mistake. Their regimes fell. Erdogan may not be an exception. WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why.

Gravitas: Will Erdogan's dreams drive his downfall?

The Turkish Lira witnessed a record decline in its value this year. Turkey's central bank spent billions to defend the currency. Allegedly, a large chunk of the money spent was borrowed from banks. WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how Turkey's central bank owes more than what it owns.

Gravitas: The Hidden Economic Disaster of Turkey

Preisident&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-fights-for-survival-amid-party-defections-sliding-opinion-poll-351887">Erdogan</a>&nbsp;had waged his fights abroad betting on the Turkish economy. He hoped the Turkish economy will be able to foot the bills of his battles but it cannot.

The Turkish economy was considered a regional success story, however, problems have been piling up. Turkey's central bank used borrowed money to save the Lira.

Now, it has a deficit, that could run into billions of dollars.

The Turkish economy has been unravelling. In November, Turkey's inflation rate soared to a little more than 14 per cent which is a 15-month high and it hurts the people of Turkey directly.

Consumer prices have risen by 2.3 per cent. It's limiting what people can afford to buy as day-to-day expenses have gone up with food, beverages and transport becoming costlier.

Turkey's currency, the Lira has tanked since the beginning of this year. The Lira has lost nearly 30 per cent of its value against the dollar and more than 30 per cent against the Euro.

According to reports, Turkey is spending far beyond its means. The pandemic has widened the cracks in the Turkish economy. It has exposed a $25 billion hole that the Erdogan government was trying to hide.

In March, Turkey's foreign currency reserves were propped up by short term borrowing as the Lira began to slide. Turkey's central bank spent billions of dollars to stop the bleeding which were borrowed from domestic banks.

By August, Turkey owed more foreign currency to banks than what it had in its coffers. The central bank owed $54 billion to Turkey's banks. According to an estimate, the Turkish central bank ended up spending around $65 billion by August more than what it had borrowed.

The central bank ended up $25 billion short and by September end the situation worsened. Turkey's foreign reserves are said to be in "deep negative territory". One estimates put the deficit at $50 billion.

Turkey only has Erdogan and his family to blame for the crisis. The international press has pointed fingers at Berat Albayrak, the president's son-in-law who suddenly resigned this year from the post of Turkey's finance minister. Albayrak is said to have been the brain behind the plan to rescue the Lira by pumping more money - a plan that cost Turkey $140 billion in two years.

Now, difficult choices lie ahead for Erdogan as a steep decline in the Lira could potentially bankrupt Turkish banks. The other option is a steep interest rate hike. It will stabilise the lira but throw the Turkish economy into a deeper recession.

The Turkish president finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Preisident Erdogan had waged his fights abroad betting on the Turkish economy. He hoped the Turkish economy will be able to foot the bills of his battles but it cannot.

Preisident Erdogan had waged his fights abroad betting on the Turkish economy. He hoped the Turkish economy will be able to foot the bills of his battles but it cannot. The Turkish economy was considered a regional success story, however, problems have been piling up. Turkey's central bank used borrowed money to save the Lira. Now, it has a deficit, that could run into billions of dollars. The Turkish economy has been unravelling. In November, Turkey's inflation rate soared to a little more than 14 per cent which is a 15-month high and it hurts the people of Turkey directly. Consumer prices have risen by 2.3 per cent. It's limiting what people can afford to buy as day-to-day expenses have gone up with food, beverages and transport becoming costlier. Turkey's currency, the Lira has tanked since the beginning of this year. The Lira has lost nearly 30 per cent of its value against the dollar and more than 30 per cent against the Euro. According to reports, Turkey is spending far beyond its means. The pandemic has widened the cracks in the Turkish economy. It has exposed a $25 billion hole that the Erdogan government was trying to hide. In March, Turkey's foreign currency reserves were propped up by short term borrowing as the Lira began to slide. Turkey's central bank spent billions of dollars to stop the bleeding which were borrowed from domestic banks. By August, Turkey owed more foreign currency to banks than what it had in its coffers. The central bank owed $54 billion to Turkey's banks. According to an estimate, the Turkish central bank ended up spending around $65 billion by August more than what it had borrowed. The central bank ended up $25 billion short and by September end the situation worsened. Turkey's foreign reserves are said to be in "deep negative territory". One estimates put the deficit at $50 billion. Turkey only has Erdogan and his family to blame for the crisis. The international press has pointed fingers at Berat Albayrak, the president's son-in-law who suddenly resigned this year from the post of Turkey's finance minister. Albayrak is said to have been the brain behind the plan to rescue the Lira by pumping more money - a plan that cost Turkey $140 billion in two years. Now, difficult choices lie ahead for Erdogan as a steep decline in the Lira could potentially bankrupt Turkish banks. The other option is a steep interest rate hike. It will stabilise the lira but throw the Turkish economy into a deeper recession. The Turkish president finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Erdogan's Turkey spends beyond its means as Lira loses value

In Turkey, 903 children have faced trial for 'insulting' Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the last 6 years. The youngest to be prosecuted was 12 years old. WION's Palki Sharma #Upadhyay tells you more about the 21st century Turkey.

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Minors have been jailed for insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey. Insulting the President in Turkey is punishable by upto 4 years in jail.

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At least nine coronavirus patients died in a fire at a hospital in southeastern Turkey. As per the information by Turkey's health ministry, the fire started when an oxygen tank exploded. The hospital is located in Gaziantep. The fire started in the intensive care ward.

"We are profoundly saddened by this tragedy," Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said before a planned visit to the hospital.

All the victims were patients who had been hospitalised with the coronavirus. Other patients affected by the fire were transferred to other hospitals.

Turkey has recorded more than 1.9 million cases of Covid-19 and more than 17,600 deaths since the pandemic began a year ago.

Faced with a surge in cases, Turkey strengthened restrictions put in place at the end of November with a total curfew during the weekend and partial one during the week.

(With AFP inputs)

At least nine coronavirus patients died in a fire at a hospital in southeastern Turkey. As per the information by Turkey's health ministry, the fire started when an oxygen tank exploded.

At least nine coronavirus patients died in a fire at a hospital in southeastern Turkey. As per the information by Turkey's health ministry, the fire started when an oxygen tank exploded. The hospital is located in Gaziantep. The fire started in the intensive care ward. "We are profoundly saddened by this tragedy," Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said before a planned visit to the hospital. All the victims were patients who had been hospitalised with the coronavirus. Other patients affected by the fire were transferred to other hospitals. Turkey has recorded more than 1.9 million cases of Covid-19 and more than 17,600 deaths since the pandemic began a year ago. Faced with a surge in cases, Turkey strengthened restrictions put in place at the end of November with a total curfew during the weekend and partial one during the week. (With AFP inputs)

Turkey: Fire in hospital kills 9 coronavirus patient

During his recent visit to Baku, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that Azerbaijan’s struggle with Armenia was not over yet. He said: “the fight carried out in the political and military areas will continue from now on many other fronts.”&nbsp;

Erdogan was attending a military parade that Azerbaijan had organised to mark its victory over Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh war.&nbsp;

On display were weapons seized from Armenia as well as Turkish drones which gave Azerbaijan an upper hand in the fighting which has claimed over 5,000 lives.&nbsp;

It will be an understatement to say that Baku would not have been able to win without Turkish help.&nbsp;

While Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, it has been dominated by ethnic Armenians.&nbsp;

Erdogan openly supported oil-rich Azerbaijan as other world leaders called for a ceasefire amid rising military and civilian casualties on both sides.&nbsp;

Syrian fighters also played a decisive role in the conflict. Turkey denied that it recruited mercenaries to fight for Azerbaijan but many reports have indicated that they were present on the ground.&nbsp;

Armenia also accused Turkey of sending its military commanders to help Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

While Turkey considers Azerbaijan a brotherly nation, it has had strained relations with Armenia.&nbsp;

They don’t have diplomatic ties. A major issue between the two neighbours is Ankara’s denial to recognise the mass killing of Armenians during the Ottoman rule in the 20th century, as genocide.&nbsp;

The relations only deteriorated as Turkey put its weight behind Azerbaijan. &nbsp;

Fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh erupted on September 27 and was marked by multiple ceasefire violations, before ending in a Russia-brokered truce on November 9.&nbsp;

Russia has enjoyed good relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan which are former Soviet nations.&nbsp;

As part of the peace agreement, Armenia returned territories to Azerbaijan that it seized in the 1990s.&nbsp;

Over 2,000 Russian troops are overseeing the handover and the resettlement of Azeris in Karabakh.&nbsp;

But peace remains elusive. Despite the truce, there have been clashes. According to reports, Azeri forces have captured Armenian soldiers in a raid.&nbsp;

While the Moscow-brokered deal ended the fighting, it left Nagorno-Karabakh's political status in limbo.&nbsp;

Russian troops have been stationed in the region for a period of five years which can be renewed.&nbsp;

All these factors leave scope for negotiation between Armenia and Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

This is where Ankara’s increasing involvement in Karabakh further complicates the situation. Azerbaijan which has gained military superiority due to Turkish support may not be very open to a diplomatic solution.&nbsp;

Armenia is also unlikely to join a peace process involving Turkey, due to tensions between the two nations and also because of Ankara’s unanimous support for Baku.&nbsp;

(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)

During his recent visit to Baku, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that Azerbaijan’s struggle with Armenia was not over yet. He said: “the fight carried out in the political and military areas will continue from now on many other fronts.

During his recent visit to Baku, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that Azerbaijan’s struggle with Armenia was not over yet. He said: “the fight carried out in the political and military areas will continue from now on many other fronts.” Erdogan was attending a military parade that Azerbaijan had organised to mark its victory over Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh war. On display were weapons seized from Armenia as well as Turkish drones which gave Azerbaijan an upper hand in the fighting which has claimed over 5,000 lives. It will be an understatement to say that Baku would not have been able to win without Turkish help. While Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, it has been dominated by ethnic Armenians. Erdogan openly supported oil-rich Azerbaijan as other world leaders called for a ceasefire amid rising military and civilian casualties on both sides. Syrian fighters also played a decisive role in the conflict. Turkey denied that it recruited mercenaries to fight for Azerbaijan but many reports have indicated that they were present on the ground. Armenia also accused Turkey of sending its military commanders to help Azerbaijan. While Turkey considers Azerbaijan a brotherly nation, it has had strained relations with Armenia. They don’t have diplomatic ties. A major issue between the two neighbours is Ankara’s denial to recognise the mass killing of Armenians during the Ottoman rule in the 20th century, as genocide. The relations only deteriorated as Turkey put its weight behind Azerbaijan. Fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh erupted on September 27 and was marked by multiple ceasefire violations, before ending in a Russia-brokered truce on November 9. Russia has enjoyed good relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan which are former Soviet nations. As part of the peace agreement, Armenia returned territories to Azerbaijan that it seized in the 1990s. Over 2,000 Russian troops are overseeing the handover and the resettlement of Azeris in Karabakh. But peace remains elusive. Despite the truce, there have been clashes. According to reports, Azeri forces have captured Armenian soldiers in a raid. While the Moscow-brokered deal ended the fighting, it left Nagorno-Karabakh's political status in limbo. Russian troops have been stationed in the region for a period of five years which can be renewed. All these factors leave scope for negotiation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This is where Ankara’s increasing involvement in Karabakh further complicates the situation. Azerbaijan which has gained military superiority due to Turkish support may not be very open to a diplomatic solution. Armenia is also unlikely to join a peace process involving Turkey, due to tensions between the two nations and also because of Ankara’s unanimous support for Baku. (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)

Turkey’s role complicates Nagorno-Karabakh peace process

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday U.S. sanctions imposed on Turkey over its purchase of Russian defence systems were a "hostile attack" on its sovereign rights and defence industry, and the move was bound to fail.

Erdogan says US sanctions an attack on ally Turkey's rights

46 days before Donald trump leaves office, his govt has finally imposed sanctions on Turkey. All export licenses & loan credits to Turkey's military procurement agency has been banned.

Gravitas: The US imposes sanctions on Turkey

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