US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who was accused by Ankara of organising a failed 2016 coup, has died in exile in the United States, aged 83, his movement and the Turkish government said Monday.

Turkish-born Gulen, who had lived in the United States since 1999, was once a close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan before the two became bitter enemies.

"Our intelligence sources confirm the death of the leader of the FETO organisation," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a press conference, using Turkey's term for Gulen's once-influential Hizmet movement.

Turkey's TRT public television said the preacher, who had lived in Pennsylvania for a quarter of a century and was stripped of his Turkish nationality in 2017, died in hospital overnight.

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In a message on X, Gulen's website, Herkul, which is banned in Turkey, said he died on "October 20", pledging to share details about his funeral.

Gulen moved to Pennsylvania in 1999, ostensibly for health reasons, and from there he ran Hizmet, which, at the time, had a sprawling network of public schools on every continent.

In 2013, he had a major falling out with Erdogan and three years later, the Turkish strongman accused him of plotting to overthrow him, dubbing Hizmet "the Fethullah Terror Organisation" (FETO).

Some 250 people died on July 15, 2016 when a rogue military faction tried to overthrow Turkey's government using warplanes and tanks, with Erdogan blaming Gulen supporters within the military.

"This organisation has become a threat rarely seen in the history of our nation," Fidan said, accusing its followers of "being used as a weapon against their own country".

Despite Gulen's death, Turkey would continue "the fight against this organisation, which poses a national security problem", Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc wrote on X.

<h2>- Ally turned enemy -</h2>

Once an ally who helped Erdogan when he became prime minister in the early 2000s, Gulen's ties with him became strained in 2010.

Three years later, Gulen became persona non grata when a corruption scandal engulfed the Turkish premier's inner circle.

Erdogan blamed Gulen, and later began accusing him of terror links, although the preacher repeatedly insisted his movement was merely a network of charitable and business institutions.

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Things worsened after the coup, with the authorities prosecuting more than 700,000 people and handing a life sentence to some 3,000 Gulen followers for their alleged involvement in the putsch.

Bayram Balci, a researcher at the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences-Po) told AFP the death of the once-charismatic preacher would have little impact in Turkey.

"Since the break with Erdogan in 2010 and especially after the attempted coup in 2016, Gulen's image has been very bad. Few people hold him in high esteem," he told AFP.

There was no chance Ankara would allow Gulen's body to be repatriated for burial, and he would likely be buried near his home in Pennsylvania, he said.

Hizmet is "no longer the big movement that it once was" with its influence much reduced and its vast network of schools now only mainly operating in Germany, the United States, Nigeria and South Africa.

Turkey still regularly rounds up Gulen followers and demands their extradition from countries where his network is active.

Turkish security sources quoted by the private NTV broadcaster said very few people were expected to attend Gulen's funeral and that his body would likely be buried in the US at a location that would be kept secret.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who was accused by Ankara of organising a failed 2016 coup, has died in exile in the United States, aged 83, his movement and the Turkish government said Monday.

US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who was accused by Ankara of organising a failed 2016 coup, has died in exile in the United States, aged 83, his movement and the Turkish government said Monday. Turkish-born Gulen, who had lived in the United States since 1999, was once a close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan before the two became bitter enemies. "Our intelligence sources confirm the death of the leader of the FETO organisation," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a press conference, using Turkey's term for Gulen's once-influential Hizmet movement. Turkey's TRT public television said the preacher, who had lived in Pennsylvania for a quarter of a century and was stripped of his Turkish nationality in 2017, died in hospital overnight. Also Read | Shocking new evidence suggests more infants harmed under Letby’s care In a message on X, Gulen's website, Herkul, which is banned in Turkey, said he died on "October 20", pledging to share details about his funeral. Gulen moved to Pennsylvania in 1999, ostensibly for health reasons, and from there he ran Hizmet, which, at the time, had a sprawling network of public schools on every continent. In 2013, he had a major falling out with Erdogan and three years later, the Turkish strongman accused him of plotting to overthrow him, dubbing Hizmet "the Fethullah Terror Organisation" (FETO). Some 250 people died on July 15, 2016 when a rogue military faction tried to overthrow Turkey's government using warplanes and tanks, with Erdogan blaming Gulen supporters within the military. "This organisation has become a threat rarely seen in the history of our nation," Fidan said, accusing its followers of "being used as a weapon against their own country". Despite Gulen's death, Turkey would continue "the fight against this organisation, which poses a national security problem", Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc wrote on X. - Ally turned enemy - Once an ally who helped Erdogan when he became prime minister in the early 2000s, Gulen's ties with him became strained in 2010. Three years later, Gulen became persona non grata when a corruption scandal engulfed the Turkish premier's inner circle. Erdogan blamed Gulen, and later began accusing him of terror links, although the preacher repeatedly insisted his movement was merely a network of charitable and business institutions. Also Read | World’s first TV station run for and by people with learning disabilities Things worsened after the coup, with the authorities prosecuting more than 700,000 people and handing a life sentence to some 3,000 Gulen followers for their alleged involvement in the putsch. Bayram Balci, a researcher at the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences-Po) told AFP the death of the once-charismatic preacher would have little impact in Turkey. "Since the break with Erdogan in 2010 and especially after the attempted coup in 2016, Gulen's image has been very bad. Few people hold him in high esteem," he told AFP. There was no chance Ankara would allow Gulen's body to be repatriated for burial, and he would likely be buried near his home in Pennsylvania, he said. Hizmet is "no longer the big movement that it once was" with its influence much reduced and its vast network of schools now only mainly operating in Germany, the United States, Nigeria and South Africa. Turkey still regularly rounds up Gulen followers and demands their extradition from countries where his network is active. Turkish security sources quoted by the private NTV broadcaster said very few people were expected to attend Gulen's funeral and that his body would likely be buried in the US at a location that would be kept secret. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Turkish president Erdogan's rival Fethullah Gulen dies in exile at 83

The suspected ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)&nbsp;chief has been killed in Syria in an operation carried out by Turkey's MIT intelligence agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday.

"The suspected leader of Daesh, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, has been neutralised in an operation carried out yesterday (Saturday) by the MIT in Syria," Erdogan said on broadcast.&nbsp;

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On November 30, ISIS announced the death of its former leader, Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi. The outfit then appointed Abu Hussein al-Qurashi as his replacement.

Turkish intelligence operatives and local military police in Jindires, in the northwest area of Afrin, shut off a zone on Saturday, according to an AFP journalist in northern Syria.

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Locals informed AFP that a farm that had been abandoned was being utilised as an Islamic school. This is where the operation was carried out which subsequently resulted in the killing of the suspected ISIS chief.&nbsp;

Turkey has soldiers stationed in northern Syria since 2020, and with the assistance of Syrian auxiliary forces, controls large zones.

Midway through April, the United States conducted a helicopter raid in northern Syria on the grounds that ISIS had been preparing assaults in the Middle East and Europe.

ISIS member Abd-al Hadi Mahmud al-Haji Ali was reportedly killed in the operation, according to US Central Command.

On April 16 in Syria, suspected ISIS militants killed at least 41 persons, 24 of them were civilians.

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US forces, in the first week of April, claimed to have assassinated Khalid Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri, an ISIS senior who was in charge of plotting strikes in Europe.

ISIS has carried out several terrorist attacks in Europe in recent years, primarily between 2014 and 2017. Some of the major attacks include November 2015 Paris attacks, March 2016 Brussels bombings, July 2016 Nice truck attack, December 2016 Berlin truck attack and May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.&nbsp;

These attacks, and others like them, have sparked widespread fear and concern about the threat of terrorism in Europe and the ability of security forces to prevent such attacks.&nbsp;

Despite ISIS losing much of its territorial control in Iraq and Syria, the group's global network of affiliates and its ability to inspire lone-wolf attacks means that the threat of terrorism remains high.

In October 2019, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a US military operation in northwestern Syria. His death was seen as a major blow to ISIS, although the group has continued to carry out terrorist attacks and maintain its global network of affiliates.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The suspected ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) chief has been killed in Syria in an operation carried out by Turkey's MIT intelligence agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday.

The suspected ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) chief has been killed in Syria in an operation carried out by Turkey's MIT intelligence agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday. "The suspected leader of Daesh, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, has been neutralised in an operation carried out yesterday (Saturday) by the MIT in Syria," Erdogan said on broadcast. Also Read | At least 18 dead, dozens injured as tourist bus in Mexico plunges into ravine On November 30, ISIS announced the death of its former leader, Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi. The outfit then appointed Abu Hussein al-Qurashi as his replacement. Turkish intelligence operatives and local military police in Jindires, in the northwest area of Afrin, shut off a zone on Saturday, according to an AFP journalist in northern Syria. Also Read | Sudan conflict: UN chief sending envoy to nation as fighting continues Locals informed AFP that a farm that had been abandoned was being utilised as an Islamic school. This is where the operation was carried out which subsequently resulted in the killing of the suspected ISIS chief. Turkey has soldiers stationed in northern Syria since 2020, and with the assistance of Syrian auxiliary forces, controls large zones. Midway through April, the United States conducted a helicopter raid in northern Syria on the grounds that ISIS had been preparing assaults in the Middle East and Europe. ISIS member Abd-al Hadi Mahmud al-Haji Ali was reportedly killed in the operation, according to US Central Command. On April 16 in Syria, suspected ISIS militants killed at least 41 persons, 24 of them were civilians. Watch | Experts predict AI to be the forefront of 2024 US election campaign × US forces, in the first week of April, claimed to have assassinated Khalid Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri, an ISIS senior who was in charge of plotting strikes in Europe. ISIS has carried out several terrorist attacks in Europe in recent years, primarily between 2014 and 2017. Some of the major attacks include November 2015 Paris attacks, March 2016 Brussels bombings, July 2016 Nice truck attack, December 2016 Berlin truck attack and May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. These attacks, and others like them, have sparked widespread fear and concern about the threat of terrorism in Europe and the ability of security forces to prevent such attacks. Despite ISIS losing much of its territorial control in Iraq and Syria, the group's global network of affiliates and its ability to inspire lone-wolf attacks means that the threat of terrorism remains high. In October 2019, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a US military operation in northwestern Syria. His death was seen as a major blow to ISIS, although the group has continued to carry out terrorist attacks and maintain its global network of affiliates. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Suspected ISIS chief, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, killed in Syria: Turkey president

Sweden is confident that Turkey will approve its application to join the NATO military alliance, but it will not meet all the conditions that Ankara has set for its support, Sweden’s prime minister has said.

Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO

It is day 2 of the SCO Summit and the world leaders have arrived at Samarkand, Uzbekistan for the meet. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan just a few moments ago. This is their meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.

SCO Summit 2022: Indian PM Modi meets Turkish President

During talks in Tehran on Tuesday (July 19), Russian President Vladimir Putin was kept awkwardly waiting for his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to arrive. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with the Russian president while he was in Iran. The Russian president was seen in the meeting video shuffling his feet and sucking his cheeks while he waited nearly a minute for his counterpart to arrive.

Putin is travelling abroad for the second time since he invaded Ukraine. Although he apparently pays close attention to coronavirus risks, he wasn't wearing a mask or acting in a socially awkward manner.

The incident was compared in the media to past times when Putin left world leaders to cool their heels, most notably in Moscow in 2020, when Erdogan was kept waiting for almost two minutes before a meeting by the Russian leader. "Was it revenge?" read the headline on the T24 website in Turkey.

Since his nation invaded Ukraine in late February, Putin's first meeting with a NATO alliance president took place in Iran. Before Erdogan entered the room, Putin was seen in a video released by the Turkish presidency standing in front of his chair and the two national flags of the two countries with his hands clasped, his mouth moving, and his demeanour altering. Putin next positions his hands at his sides.

Hello, and how are you today? Erdogan said as they shook hands and smiled at one another.

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Earlier, Vladim Putin suggested that Europe would once again receive gas through a key pipeline, but he also issued a warning that flows would be severely constrained unless a dispute over parts that had been sanctioned was resolved. Europe is anxiously awaiting the conclusion of Thursday's scheduled maintenance on the Nord Stream pipeline to learn whether gas shipments will resume. The most direct threat so far came from Putin, who stated that Moscow plans to restart at least some flows.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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During talks in Tehran on Tuesday (July 19), Russian President Vladimir Putin was kept awkwardly waiting for his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to arrive.

During talks in Tehran on Tuesday (July 19), Russian President Vladimir Putin was kept awkwardly waiting for his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to arrive. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with the Russian president while he was in Iran. The Russian president was seen in the meeting video shuffling his feet and sucking his cheeks while he waited nearly a minute for his counterpart to arrive. Putin is travelling abroad for the second time since he invaded Ukraine. Although he apparently pays close attention to coronavirus risks, he wasn't wearing a mask or acting in a socially awkward manner. The incident was compared in the media to past times when Putin left world leaders to cool their heels, most notably in Moscow in 2020, when Erdogan was kept waiting for almost two minutes before a meeting by the Russian leader. "Was it revenge?" read the headline on the T24 website in Turkey. Since his nation invaded Ukraine in late February, Putin's first meeting with a NATO alliance president took place in Iran. Before Erdogan entered the room, Putin was seen in a video released by the Turkish presidency standing in front of his chair and the two national flags of the two countries with his hands clasped, his mouth moving, and his demeanour altering. Putin next positions his hands at his sides. Hello, and how are you today? Erdogan said as they shook hands and smiled at one another. WATCH: Russian President Vladimir Putin was left waiting and fidgeting for 50 seconds by Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan ahead of talks in Tehran https://t.co/XLLfDw8DMc pic.twitter.com/SDrsyqVZ7L — Reuters Asia (@ReutersAsia) July 20, 2022 × Earlier, Vladim Putin suggested that Europe would once again receive gas through a key pipeline, but he also issued a warning that flows would be severely constrained unless a dispute over parts that had been sanctioned was resolved. Europe is anxiously awaiting the conclusion of Thursday's scheduled maintenance on the Nord Stream pipeline to learn whether gas shipments will resume. The most direct threat so far came from Putin, who stated that Moscow plans to restart at least some flows. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch: Turkish President Erdogan keeps Vladimir Putin waiting ahead of talks in Iran

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

The Turkish currency lira hai weakened to an all-time low against the USD. 1$ is approximately 10 Lira. The depreciation of the Turkish Lira hai gained pace over the last 2 months due to the monetary policy of Turkey's central bank.

Turkey: Lira depreciation gained pace in last 2 months

Is Recep Tayyip Erdogan not keeping well? The Turkish President appears unwell in several viral videos. Ankara has launched a probe against 30 people for suggesting Erdogan has died. What's the truth about Erdogan's health? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Is Recep Tayyip Erdogan not keeping well?

After calling Israelis 'blood-suckers' & 'people with killing in their nature' Erdogan has changed his tune. The Turkish President now wants 'dialogue' & 'stable ties' with Israel. What explains the shift?

Gravitas: Turkish President changes tune on Israel

Turkey’s state-controlled top religious authority has conditionally endorsed usury in a ruling that is likely to fuel debate about the concept of Islamic finance and could weaken President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s efforts to garner religious soft power by projecting Turkey as a leader defending Muslim causes.

The ruling issued by the Directorate of Religious Affairs or Diyanet that is part of Mr. Erdogan’s office stated that interest-based home loans were exempted from the 1,400-year-old ban on interest as a form of usury, provided they were extended by a Turkish state bank for the purchase of real estate in a government housing project.

The ruling is widely being seen as serving the interests of Mr. Erdogan’s government rather than a reform of Islam.

“The fatwa is likely to be a hot discussion for a number of weeks or months… We’ll have to see if the fatwa will really increase Islamic mortgage markets. I assume that is the main reason why they made such a controversial fatwa… It will strengthen those opposed to Islamic finance,” said Indonesian Islamic finance scholar Fauziah Rizki Yuniarti.

The fatwa was issued in the wake of reports that Mr. Erdogan had pressured commercial banks to continue granting cheap loans to boost the construction industry. Responsible for the construction of affordable housing, the government’s Housing Development Administration has become an important driver of the Turkish economy that has fuelled an increase in home sales.

The fatwa came days before Mr. Erdogan rattled financial markets by reverting for the first time in two months to his tirade against high interest rates that he asserts bankrupt businesses and fuel inflation.&nbsp;

In a surprise move, Mr. Erdogan appointed in November a new central bank governor and promised to adhere to more orthodox monetary policies that would include higher interest rates in a bid to stem the slide of the Turkish lira.

The fatwa, much like Mr. Erdogan’s hesitancy to criticise China’s brutal crackdown on Turkic Muslims in its north-western province of Xinjiang is likely to cast doubt on Turkey's religious soft power efforts that involve not only voicing support for Muslim causes but also the construction of mosques in far-flung places across the globe as well as efforts to shape the religious and political beliefs of Turkish diaspora communities in Europe.

Turkish diplomats are likely to use the fatwa to counter mounting criticism in Europe from French President Emmanuel Macron and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz who have been leading a crackdown on political Islam and pointing fingers at Turkey because it supports groups like the Muslim Brotherhood.

After swiping insults in recent months, Messrs. Macron and Erdogan have sought to dial down tensions. Mr. Macron last week responded positively to a New Year message in which Mr. Erdogan expressed condolences for several violent attacks in France last year.

The message was part of Turkish efforts to take the sharp edge off its multiple regional disputes that involve European nations as well as Israel and Saudi Arabia. The moves were in anticipation of US President-elect Joe Biden taking office and in advance of European Union and NATO summits that could censor Turkey.

“Turkey is an ally, that in many ways... is not acting as an ally should and this is a very, very significant challenge for us and we’re very clear-eyed about it,” said Anthony Blinken, Mr. Biden’s nominee for Secretary of State, during his Senate confirmation hearing on Monday.

A Turkish plan to open three schools in Germany has run into opposition from conservative and left-wing politicians. Turkey argues that the schools would be responding to community demands that students have an opportunity to opt for Turkish as an elective alongside other foreign languages.

Markus Blume, general secretary of the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU), the sister party of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU), asserted that “we don’t want Erdogan schools in Germany.”

Left Party member of parliament Sevim Dagdelen charged that “it is fatal for the government to negotiate the opening of private schools in Germany while the Turkish autocrat drives the critical intelligentsia of his country into prison or exile.”

The school controversy came amid a heated debate about a plan to train imams of the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DITIB), one of Germany’s largest Muslim associations that maintains close ties to Mr. Erdogan’s religious affairs directorate.

The training would compete with a similar course at the University of Osnabruck that has been endorsed by Germany’s Council of Muslims whose 15-20,000 members include Muslims of German and Arab as well as Turkish descent.

The government has pressured DITIB, which operates close to 900 of Germany’s 2,600 mosques and employs 1,100 Turkish-funded and trained imams, to opt for German-educated clerics who in contrast to their Turkish counterparts are fluent in German.

The government stopped subsidizing DITIB in 2018 while Germany’s intelligence service, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, reclassified the group as a nationalist rather than a religious organisation.

It will take more than a fatwa on interest to counter increasingly deep-seated Western distrust of Mr. Erdogan even if Western elites may read the ruling as an indication that the Turkish president potentially is mellowing.

Mr. Erdogan may, however, have to explain his apparent willingness to opportunistically break with religious norms to a Muslim world in which he ranks as one of the most popular figures despite widespread elite hostility towards him.

A podcast version of this story is available on Soundcloud, Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spreaker, Pocket Casts, Tumblr, Podbean, Audecibel, Patreon and Castbox.

Dr. James M. Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore and the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute. 
&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.)

Turkey’s state-controlled top religious authority has conditionally endorsed usury in a ruling that is likely to fuel debate about the concept of Islamic finance and could weaken President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s efforts to garner religious soft power by projecting Turkey as a leader defending Muslim causes.

Turkey’s state-controlled top religious authority has conditionally endorsed usury in a ruling that is likely to fuel debate about the concept of Islamic finance and could weaken President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s efforts to garner religious soft power by projecting Turkey as a leader defending Muslim causes. The ruling issued by the Directorate of Religious Affairs or Diyanet that is part of Mr. Erdogan’s office stated that interest-based home loans were exempted from the 1,400-year-old ban on interest as a form of usury, provided they were extended by a Turkish state bank for the purchase of real estate in a government housing project. The ruling is widely being seen as serving the interests of Mr. Erdogan’s government rather than a reform of Islam. “The fatwa is likely to be a hot discussion for a number of weeks or months… We’ll have to see if the fatwa will really increase Islamic mortgage markets. I assume that is the main reason why they made such a controversial fatwa… It will strengthen those opposed to Islamic finance,” said Indonesian Islamic finance scholar Fauziah Rizki Yuniarti. The fatwa was issued in the wake of reports that Mr. Erdogan had pressured commercial banks to continue granting cheap loans to boost the construction industry. Responsible for the construction of affordable housing, the government’s Housing Development Administration has become an important driver of the Turkish economy that has fuelled an increase in home sales. The fatwa came days before Mr. Erdogan rattled financial markets by reverting for the first time in two months to his tirade against high interest rates that he asserts bankrupt businesses and fuel inflation. In a surprise move, Mr. Erdogan appointed in November a new central bank governor and promised to adhere to more orthodox monetary policies that would include higher interest rates in a bid to stem the slide of the Turkish lira. The fatwa, much like Mr. Erdogan’s hesitancy to criticise China’s brutal crackdown on Turkic Muslims in its north-western province of Xinjiang is likely to cast doubt on Turkey's religious soft power efforts that involve not only voicing support for Muslim causes but also the construction of mosques in far-flung places across the globe as well as efforts to shape the religious and political beliefs of Turkish diaspora communities in Europe. Turkish diplomats are likely to use the fatwa to counter mounting criticism in Europe from French President Emmanuel Macron and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz who have been leading a crackdown on political Islam and pointing fingers at Turkey because it supports groups like the Muslim Brotherhood. After swiping insults in recent months, Messrs. Macron and Erdogan have sought to dial down tensions. Mr. Macron last week responded positively to a New Year message in which Mr. Erdogan expressed condolences for several violent attacks in France last year. The message was part of Turkish efforts to take the sharp edge off its multiple regional disputes that involve European nations as well as Israel and Saudi Arabia. The moves were in anticipation of US President-elect Joe Biden taking office and in advance of European Union and NATO summits that could censor Turkey. “Turkey is an ally, that in many ways... is not acting as an ally should and this is a very, very significant challenge for us and we’re very clear-eyed about it,” said Anthony Blinken, Mr. Biden’s nominee for Secretary of State, during his Senate confirmation hearing on Monday. A Turkish plan to open three schools in Germany has run into opposition from conservative and left-wing politicians. Turkey argues that the schools would be responding to community demands that students have an opportunity to opt for Turkish as an elective alongside other foreign languages. Markus Blume, general secretary of the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU), the sister party of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU), asserted that “we don’t want Erdogan schools in Germany.” Left Party member of parliament Sevim Dagdelen charged that “it is fatal for the government to negotiate the opening of private schools in Germany while the Turkish autocrat drives the critical intelligentsia of his country into prison or exile.” The school controversy came amid a heated debate about a plan to train imams of the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DITIB), one of Germany’s largest Muslim associations that maintains close ties to Mr. Erdogan’s religious affairs directorate. The training would compete with a similar course at the University of Osnabruck that has been endorsed by Germany’s Council of Muslims whose 15-20,000 members include Muslims of German and Arab as well as Turkish descent. The government has pressured DITIB, which operates close to 900 of Germany’s 2,600 mosques and employs 1,100 Turkish-funded and trained imams, to opt for German-educated clerics who in contrast to their Turkish counterparts are fluent in German. The government stopped subsidizing DITIB in 2018 while Germany’s intelligence service, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, reclassified the group as a nationalist rather than a religious organisation. It will take more than a fatwa on interest to counter increasingly deep-seated Western distrust of Mr. Erdogan even if Western elites may read the ruling as an indication that the Turkish president potentially is mellowing. Mr. Erdogan may, however, have to explain his apparent willingness to opportunistically break with religious norms to a Muslim world in which he ranks as one of the most popular figures despite widespread elite hostility towards him. A podcast version of this story is available on Soundcloud, Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spreaker, Pocket Casts, Tumblr, Podbean, Audecibel, Patreon and Castbox. Dr. James M. Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore and the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute. (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.)

Opinion: When is usury usury? Turkish fatwa casts doubt on Erdogan’s religious soft power drive

A record number of people including children have been prosecuted for insulting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reports Al Arabiya.

According to the statistics released by the Turkish Justice Ministry, a total of 128,872 probes were launched over six years for "insulting" the president.

Prosecutors have evaluated 36,066 complaints and launched criminal cases for 11,371 of them, in 2019 alone, Al Arabiya adds.

Reports have shown that 903 minors, including 264 children aged between 12 and 14, stood trial for "insulting" Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over six years.

There has been a dramatic uptick in the number of cases filed for "insulting" the president during Erdogan's tenure.

Those convicted of insulting the president may be imprisoned for a period of between one and four years. The sentence is likely to be increased by one-sixth if the act is committed explicitly.

(With inputs from agencies)

A record number of people including children have been prosecuted for insulting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reports Al Arabiya. According to the statistics released by the Turkish Justice Ministry, a total of 128,872 probes were launched over six years for "insulting" the president.

A record number of people including children have been prosecuted for insulting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reports Al Arabiya. According to the statistics released by the Turkish Justice Ministry, a total of 128,872 probes were launched over six years for "insulting" the president. Prosecutors have evaluated 36,066 complaints and launched criminal cases for 11,371 of them, in 2019 alone, Al Arabiya adds. Reports have shown that 903 minors, including 264 children aged between 12 and 14, stood trial for "insulting" Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over six years. There has been a dramatic uptick in the number of cases filed for "insulting" the president during Erdogan's tenure. Those convicted of insulting the president may be imprisoned for a period of between one and four years. The sentence is likely to be increased by one-sixth if the act is committed explicitly. (With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of children stood trial for ‘insulting’ Turkish President Erdogan

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that almost 5,000 people have died in more than 3 weeks of fighting between Armenia-Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Russian President Putin: Almost 5,000 lives lost in more than 3 weeks of Armenia-Azerbaijan fighting

The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia had been invited to take part in talks in Moscow. “The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia are being invited to Moscow on October 9,” Russia President Vladimir Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin.

WION Dispatch: France, US and Russia meet on Nagorno-Karabakh, seek ceasefire

Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes intensify, Russia invites to Moscow for peace talks

Clashes between Armenia-Azerbaijan continued for yet another day, this as France, Russia and US stepped up to mediate. Watch report.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: International mediators head to Geneva

As world leaders urge restraint, Erdogan is on a warpath. The Turkish President has decided to jump into the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan. What explains the Turkish president's move that risks Putin's wrath? WION's Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Armenia - Azerbaijan clash: Erdogan wades into the dispute

Major General S B Asthana (Retd) sheds light on why Turkish president is seeking a leadership of the Muslim world, and what it implies for the rest of the world.

Video Opinion: Turkish leadership and the free world

Turkey's parliament has passed a bill that allows the Erdogan government to reduce internet bandwidth and cut access to Twitter Facebook, and Youtube, if they do not abide by censorship orders.

Gravitas: Erdogan pushes law to censor social media in Turkey

Turkey’s parliament approved a law early on July 29 that gives authorities greater power to regulate social media despite concerns of growing censorship. Watch report.

Govt to regulate social media in Turkey: Fears on curbs on freedom of speech

After 86 years an all-faiths museum once again echoed to the sound of Islamic prayers in Turkey. For Turkish Islamists, the&nbsp;re-conversion is a landmark moment as it was a long-awaited restoration of the symbol of Ottoman might.

However, for many others in Turkey and around the world, it&nbsp;is a setback to one of the world's greatest cultural landmarks.

The Hagia Sophia has nothing to do with religion, or Jesus Christ or Prophet Muhammad. It is revered by Christians and Muslims alike, but is not sacred to either of them.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-friday-prayers-held-at-hagia-sophia-315819/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The structure was constructed by one sovereign as a church and was then converted into a mosque by another sovereign. The process went on for centuries as there were crusades and wars.

While it is a symbol of religious pride and of the conquest mentality, there is nothing particularly sacred about this monument's heritage.

In a picture posted on Instagram of TRT World of the cathedral of Cordoba, the caption read, "Over the centuries, hundreds of mosques across Europe have been turned into churches as part of an attempt to erase the Muslim identity."

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDAyfCMKU-g/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Over the centuries, hundreds of mosques across Europe have been turned into churches. As a part of an attempt to erase the Muslim identity, several components such as domes and arches reflecting Islamic or Turkish architecture were purposely destroyed or altered, says architect Mehmet Emin Yilmaz. Yilmaz, who explored the Turkish architectural works in the lands dominated by the Ottoman Empire by travelling country by country, determined that 329 Turkish architectural works such as mosques, lodges and tombs were converted into churches across 18 countries. Swipe for some of the mosques that have been converted into churches around Europe. Photos: @mimaremin and Getty ∙ #Conversion #Architecture #GreatMosqueofCordoba #MezquitaCatedral #Europe #Greece #Bulgaria #Mosque #Church</a>

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The cathedral, popularly known as&nbsp;the cathedral of our lady of the assumption, is located in Cordoba, Spain. It was previously&nbsp;an Islamic place of worship, but was converted into a cathedral the 13th century.

The caption on the picture&nbsp;reads, "An attempt to erase Muslim identity".&nbsp;This media network is using a 13th century conquest to justify Erdogan's current decision. The post used one wrong to justify another and is&nbsp;trying to blur the lines between ancient empires and modern-day republics.

Although, it&nbsp;expected from the TRT World as the media house is considered to be Erdogan's propaganda arm.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-turks-mark-hagia-sophias-first-friday-prayers-post-reconversion-315781">Have a look:&nbsp;How Turkey marked Hagia Sophia's first Friday prayers post reconversion</a>

However, what TRT World does not highlight is Erdogan's&nbsp;authoritarianism.

Not once did Erdogan consult any of the stakeholders in the Turkish parliament before taking this decision and&nbsp;did not allow any deliberation on his decision.

In&nbsp;doing so, he has reversed the very secular and democratic credentials of Turkey. His&nbsp;country anyway does not have an impressive record of tolerance for Christians, and&nbsp;most of them have escaped to Europe. Only about a hundred thousand Christians are said to be living in the Turkey,&nbsp;as of today.

This decision carries the danger of causing more frictions between the Christian and Islamic communities as critics believe that&nbsp;Erdogan is using the Hagia Sophia as a tool to legitimise his ambitions.

After 86 years an all-faiths museum once again echoed to the sound of Islamic prayers in Turkey. For Turkish Islamists, the re-conversion is a landmark moment as it was a long-awaited restoration of the symbol of Ottoman might.

After 86 years an all-faiths museum once again echoed to the sound of Islamic prayers in Turkey. For Turkish Islamists, the re-conversion is a landmark moment as it was a long-awaited restoration of the symbol of Ottoman might. However, for many others in Turkey and around the world, it is a setback to one of the world's greatest cultural landmarks. The Hagia Sophia has nothing to do with religion, or Jesus Christ or Prophet Muhammad. It is revered by Christians and Muslims alike, but is not sacred to either of them. The structure was constructed by one sovereign as a church and was then converted into a mosque by another sovereign. The process went on for centuries as there were crusades and wars. While it is a symbol of religious pride and of the conquest mentality, there is nothing particularly sacred about this monument's heritage. In a picture posted on Instagram of TRT World of the cathedral of Cordoba, the caption read, "Over the centuries, hundreds of mosques across Europe have been turned into churches as part of an attempt to erase the Muslim identity." View this post on Instagram Over the centuries, hundreds of mosques across Europe have been turned into churches. As a part of an attempt to erase the Muslim identity, several components such as domes and arches reflecting Islamic or Turkish architecture were purposely destroyed or altered, says architect Mehmet Emin Yilmaz. Yilmaz, who explored the Turkish architectural works in the lands dominated by the Ottoman Empire by travelling country by country, determined that 329 Turkish architectural works such as mosques, lodges and tombs were converted into churches across 18 countries. Swipe for some of the mosques that have been converted into churches around Europe. Photos: @mimaremin and Getty ∙ #Conversion #Architecture #GreatMosqueofCordoba #MezquitaCatedral #Europe #Greece #Bulgaria #Mosque #Church A post shared by TRT World (@trtworld) on Jul 23, 2020 at 10:00pm PDT × The cathedral, popularly known as the cathedral of our lady of the assumption, is located in Cordoba, Spain. It was previously an Islamic place of worship, but was converted into a cathedral the 13th century. The caption on the picture reads, "An attempt to erase Muslim identity". This media network is using a 13th century conquest to justify Erdogan's current decision. The post used one wrong to justify another and is trying to blur the lines between ancient empires and modern-day republics. Although, it expected from the TRT World as the media house is considered to be Erdogan's propaganda arm. Have a look: How Turkey marked Hagia Sophia's first Friday prayers post reconversion However, what TRT World does not highlight is Erdogan's authoritarianism. Not once did Erdogan consult any of the stakeholders in the Turkish parliament before taking this decision and did not allow any deliberation on his decision. In doing so, he has reversed the very secular and democratic credentials of Turkey. His country anyway does not have an impressive record of tolerance for Christians, and most of them have escaped to Europe. Only about a hundred thousand Christians are said to be living in the Turkey, as of today. This decision carries the danger of causing more frictions between the Christian and Islamic communities as critics believe that Erdogan is using the Hagia Sophia as a tool to legitimise his ambitions.

Is Hagia Sophia a new tool for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to turn the iconic Hagia Sophia into a mosque again. Russia says this move would be unacceptable. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why this move has triggered a major controversy.

Gravitas: Politics over Istanbul's Hagia Sophia

India has asked Turkey not to interfere in India's internal matters. But President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently vows to support Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. After which India strictly responds.

Turkish President vows to support Pakistan on Kashmir, India strictly responds

Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants leadership of the Muslim world. For his grand domination plans, the Turkish President has struck up an alliance with Malaysia and Pakistan.

WION Edit: Erdogan's plans to dominate the Muslim world

Turkey will increase its military support to the internationally recognised government of Libya if necessary and will evaluate ground, air and marine options, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, after the two signed a military cooperation accord last month.

Turkey backs Fayez al-Serraj's Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya, which has been torn by factional conflict since 2011, and has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a report by U.N. experts seen by Reuters last month.

Turkey has also said it could deploy troops to Libya if the GNA makes such a request. The GNA has been fighting a months-long offensive by Khalifa Haftar's forces based in the east of the country. Haftar's forces have received support from Russia, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking in the northern province of Kocaeli, Erdogan said Turkey had recently provided "very serious" support to the GNA, adding Libya was a country Turkey would support "with its life".

"They are supporting an illegal warlord, who is the pawn of certain nations, instead of the U.N.-recognised government," Erdogan said, in an apparent reference to Haftar and the countries who support him.

"If necessary, we will increase the military aspect of our support to Libya, and evaluate all our options, from the ground, air and sea," he said.

Speaking before Erdogan, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Turkey will stand by Libya's government until peace, stability and security are established in the country.

Maritime accord

Last month, Turkey and the GNA signed an accord to boost military cooperation and a separate deal on maritime boundaries, which has enraged Greece. Ankara and Athens have been at odds over hydrocarbon resources off the coast of the divided island of Cyprus.

While Greece has said the accord violates international law, Turkey has rejected those accusations, saying it aims to protect its rights in the eastern Mediterranean. On Sunday, Erdogan said Turkey will "absolutely" not turn back from its agreements with Libya.

"Nobody should come to us with attempts to exclude us, trap us in our own shores or steal our economic interests," Erdogan said. "We have no intention of starting conflicts with anyone for no reason, or robbing anyone of their rights," he said.

"Those who oppose us have no sense of rights, law, justice, ethics or mercy," Erdogan said, referring to Greece, Israel and Egypt, who have opposed the maritime accord.

In an interview with Greek daily To Vima on Sunday, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the accord with Libya was in line with international law, adding Ankara may consider granting exploration licenses in areas determined by Turkey and Libya.

"It would be the exercise of our sovereign rights in our continental shelf in the region," Cavusoglu said. "The exercise of our sovereign rights also and naturally includes our right to deploy research vessels in the area," he was cited as saying.

In a first reaction from the United States on the agreement, a senior US&nbsp;State Department official said the maritime accord was "unhelpful" and "provocative."

Turkey will increase its military support to the internationally recognised government of Libya if necessary and will evaluate ground, air and marine options, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, after the two signed a military cooperation accord last month.

Turkey will increase its military support to the internationally recognised government of Libya if necessary and will evaluate ground, air and marine options, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, after the two signed a military cooperation accord last month. Turkey backs Fayez al-Serraj's Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya, which has been torn by factional conflict since 2011, and has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a report by U.N. experts seen by Reuters last month. Turkey has also said it could deploy troops to Libya if the GNA makes such a request. The GNA has been fighting a months-long offensive by Khalifa Haftar's forces based in the east of the country. Haftar's forces have received support from Russia, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Speaking in the northern province of Kocaeli, Erdogan said Turkey had recently provided "very serious" support to the GNA, adding Libya was a country Turkey would support "with its life". "They are supporting an illegal warlord, who is the pawn of certain nations, instead of the U.N.-recognised government," Erdogan said, in an apparent reference to Haftar and the countries who support him. "If necessary, we will increase the military aspect of our support to Libya, and evaluate all our options, from the ground, air and sea," he said. Speaking before Erdogan, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Turkey will stand by Libya's government until peace, stability and security are established in the country. Maritime accord Last month, Turkey and the GNA signed an accord to boost military cooperation and a separate deal on maritime boundaries, which has enraged Greece. Ankara and Athens have been at odds over hydrocarbon resources off the coast of the divided island of Cyprus. While Greece has said the accord violates international law, Turkey has rejected those accusations, saying it aims to protect its rights in the eastern Mediterranean. On Sunday, Erdogan said Turkey will "absolutely" not turn back from its agreements with Libya. "Nobody should come to us with attempts to exclude us, trap us in our own shores or steal our economic interests," Erdogan said. "We have no intention of starting conflicts with anyone for no reason, or robbing anyone of their rights," he said. "Those who oppose us have no sense of rights, law, justice, ethics or mercy," Erdogan said, referring to Greece, Israel and Egypt, who have opposed the maritime accord. In an interview with Greek daily To Vima on Sunday, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the accord with Libya was in line with international law, adding Ankara may consider granting exploration licenses in areas determined by Turkey and Libya. "It would be the exercise of our sovereign rights in our continental shelf in the region," Cavusoglu said. "The exercise of our sovereign rights also and naturally includes our right to deploy research vessels in the area," he was cited as saying. In a first reaction from the United States on the agreement, a senior US State Department official said the maritime accord was "unhelpful" and "provocative."

Erdogan says Turkey will increase military support to Libya if necessary

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated his warning to the Kurdish forces. Watch this video to know more.

Turkish President reiterates warning to Kurdish forces

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Friday warned that Ankara would restart its operation against Kurdish forces in Syria on Tuesday evening if they did not withdraw from a "safe zone".

Turkey has agreed to suspend its offensive for five days in northern Syria while Kurdish fighters withdraw from the area, after high stake talks with US Vice President Mike Pence in Ankara.

"If the promises are kept until Tuesday evening, the safe zone issue will be resolved. If it fails, the operation... will start the minute 120 hours are over," Erdogan told reporters during a foreign media briefing in Istanbul.

He said Turkish armed forces would remain in the region "because the security there requires this", adding that the agreement was holding and there had been no issues so far.

But the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Friday there had been Turkish air strikes on the village of Bab al-Kheir, east of Ras al-Ain on the border. The war monitor said 14 civilians were killed.

Turkey launched the cross-border incursion on October 9 after repeatedly threatening to clear the border area from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia.

The Turkish forces are supporting Syrian rebel fighters under the "Syrian National Army" banner but the proxies have been accused by Amnesty International of committing "war crimes" including summary executions.

Erdogan also condemned the abuses that some Syrian proxies are accused of having committed during the offensive.&nbsp;

"Whoever commits such an act is no different from (the Islamic State group). We cannot accept such a thing," he said, adding that the army was investigating the claims.

Kurdish authorities in northeastern Syria also accused Turkey of resorting to banned weapons such as napalm and white phosphorus munitions, a charge Erdogan denied.

"There are certainly no chemical weapons in the inventory of our armed forces. This is all slander against our armed forces," he added.

He accused the YPG of freeing nearly 750 IS extremists including 150 Turks but said 195 of them had been caught.

Erdogan said Ankara was not bothered by the Syrian regime's control of the areas cleared from the Kurdish fighters.

"The regime's control is not a source of concern to us. What matters to us is that terror groups leave the safe zone."

'No intention to stay'

While US President Donald Trump appeared to initially greenlight the offensive, he made repeated threats against Turkey, often in tweets, following international outrage.

He then sent Pence and the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with other US officials to Ankara to thrash out a deal, which was announced on Thursday after hours of talks.

Erdogan said the proposed "safe zone" would be 32 kilometres (20 miles) deep, and 444 kilometres in length, and patrolled by Turkey.

He added that the region between the border towns of Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ain had been cleared, "but this is not over. The process is ongoing".

Pointing to a map, he said 12 observation posts would be set up to monitor the zone.

But, he said, "We have no intention to stay there. This is out of the question."

Just hours before the US-Turkey talks, a letter seen by many as bizarre appeared in the US media from Trump to Erdogan, in which the US leader urged Erdogan not to be a "fool" and warned his Turkish counterpart that history risked branding him a "devil."

Erdogan said Friday the letter was not in line with "political and diplomatic courtesy... but our mutual love and respect does not allow us to keep it on the agenda".

He also said he hoped the deal would become a "milestone" and "new beginning" in Turkish-US relations fraught by a series of issues including American support for the Kurdish militants in Syria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Friday warned that Ankara would restart its operation against Kurdish forces in Syria on Tuesday evening if they did not withdraw from a "safe zone".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Friday warned that Ankara would restart its operation against Kurdish forces in Syria on Tuesday evening if they did not withdraw from a "safe zone". Turkey has agreed to suspend its offensive for five days in northern Syria while Kurdish fighters withdraw from the area, after high stake talks with US Vice President Mike Pence in Ankara. "If the promises are kept until Tuesday evening, the safe zone issue will be resolved. If it fails, the operation... will start the minute 120 hours are over," Erdogan told reporters during a foreign media briefing in Istanbul. He said Turkish armed forces would remain in the region "because the security there requires this", adding that the agreement was holding and there had been no issues so far. But the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Friday there had been Turkish air strikes on the village of Bab al-Kheir, east of Ras al-Ain on the border. The war monitor said 14 civilians were killed. Turkey launched the cross-border incursion on October 9 after repeatedly threatening to clear the border area from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia. The Turkish forces are supporting Syrian rebel fighters under the "Syrian National Army" banner but the proxies have been accused by Amnesty International of committing "war crimes" including summary executions. Erdogan also condemned the abuses that some Syrian proxies are accused of having committed during the offensive. "Whoever commits such an act is no different from (the Islamic State group). We cannot accept such a thing," he said, adding that the army was investigating the claims. Kurdish authorities in northeastern Syria also accused Turkey of resorting to banned weapons such as napalm and white phosphorus munitions, a charge Erdogan denied. "There are certainly no chemical weapons in the inventory of our armed forces. This is all slander against our armed forces," he added. He accused the YPG of freeing nearly 750 IS extremists including 150 Turks but said 195 of them had been caught. Erdogan said Ankara was not bothered by the Syrian regime's control of the areas cleared from the Kurdish fighters. "The regime's control is not a source of concern to us. What matters to us is that terror groups leave the safe zone." 'No intention to stay' While US President Donald Trump appeared to initially greenlight the offensive, he made repeated threats against Turkey, often in tweets, following international outrage. He then sent Pence and the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with other US officials to Ankara to thrash out a deal, which was announced on Thursday after hours of talks. Erdogan said the proposed "safe zone" would be 32 kilometres (20 miles) deep, and 444 kilometres in length, and patrolled by Turkey. He added that the region between the border towns of Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ain had been cleared, "but this is not over. The process is ongoing". Pointing to a map, he said 12 observation posts would be set up to monitor the zone. But, he said, "We have no intention to stay there. This is out of the question." Just hours before the US-Turkey talks, a letter seen by many as bizarre appeared in the US media from Trump to Erdogan, in which the US leader urged Erdogan not to be a "fool" and warned his Turkish counterpart that history risked branding him a "devil." Erdogan said Friday the letter was not in line with "political and diplomatic courtesy... but our mutual love and respect does not allow us to keep it on the agenda". He also said he hoped the deal would become a "milestone" and "new beginning" in Turkish-US relations fraught by a series of issues including American support for the Kurdish militants in Syria.

Erdogan threatens to restart Syria operation Tuesday if deal not respected

Trump and Erdogan held a bilateral at the G20 summit. Turkish President says S-400 to be delivered in 10 days. Washington earlier warned Turkey of sanctions. Erdogan is confident about resolving dispute with U.S. Watch this video to know more.

Turkish President: S-400 to be delivered within 10 days

Former German international football Mesut&nbsp;Ozil&nbsp;was married in Istanbul on Friday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as his best man.

The 30-year-old&nbsp;Ozil, who has Turkish family roots, sparked controversy last year when he was photographed with Erdogan, raising questions about the footballer's loyalty to Germany on the eve of their disastrous 2018 World Cup campaign.

The Turkish leader arrived in the early evening for Friday's ceremony at a luxury hotel on the banks of the Bosphorus to see the former Arsenal midfielder marry his fiancee, former Miss Turkey Amine Gulse.

A smiling Erdogan and his wife Emine were seen standing next to the young couple as their marriage was formalised.

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Mrs. &amp; Mr. Özil 👰🏻❤🤵🏻 <a href="https://t.co/DxJdla17pE">pic.twitter.com/DxJdla17pE</a>
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) <a href="https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088/status/1137104930974646273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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After 92 appearances for Germany, including a key role in the 2014 World Cup victory,&nbsp;Ozil&nbsp;suddenly quit the national squad last July, accusing German football officials of racism.

Ozil&nbsp;announced in March that he had asked Erdogan to be his best man.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief of staff was part of a chorus of criticism of the invitation.&nbsp;

Helge Braun, a CDU told the Bild newspaper then that it "makes one sad" that&nbsp;Ozilwould make a such a move despite having already been sharply criticised by the German public over his first meeting with Erdogan.&nbsp;

Ozil&nbsp;has dated Gulse since 2017 and the couple announced their engagement in June 2018.

The footballer, a third-generation German, whipped up a political storm when he was pictured alongside Erdogan last May.

Criticism intensified after the red-faced defending champions crashed out of the first round of the World Cup in Russia.

In the wake of the World Cup fiasco,&nbsp;Ozil&nbsp;announced his resignation from the national squad, saying: "I am German when we win, an immigrant when we lose".

Erdogan often attends marriages in Turkey of celebrities, whom he particularly seeks out during election campaigns.

His presence at&nbsp;Ozil's marriage comes ahead of a mayoral election in Istanbul on June 23, required after the original voting in March was annulled following a narrow victory for the main opposition Republican People's Party.

Former German international football Mesut Ozil was married in Istanbul on Friday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as his best man. The 30-year-old Ozil, who has Turkish family roots, sparked controversy last year when he was photographed with Erdogan, raising questions about the footballer's loyalty to Germany on the eve of their disastrous 2018 World Cup campaign.

Former German international football Mesut Ozil was married in Istanbul on Friday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as his best man. The 30-year-old Ozil, who has Turkish family roots, sparked controversy last year when he was photographed with Erdogan, raising questions about the footballer's loyalty to Germany on the eve of their disastrous 2018 World Cup campaign. The Turkish leader arrived in the early evening for Friday's ceremony at a luxury hotel on the banks of the Bosphorus to see the former Arsenal midfielder marry his fiancee, former Miss Turkey Amine Gulse. A smiling Erdogan and his wife Emine were seen standing next to the young couple as their marriage was formalised. Mrs. & Mr. Özil 👰🏻❤🤵🏻 pic.twitter.com/DxJdla17pE — Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) June 7, 2019 × After 92 appearances for Germany, including a key role in the 2014 World Cup victory, Ozil suddenly quit the national squad last July, accusing German football officials of racism. Ozil announced in March that he had asked Erdogan to be his best man. German Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief of staff was part of a chorus of criticism of the invitation. Helge Braun, a CDU told the Bild newspaper then that it "makes one sad" that Ozilwould make a such a move despite having already been sharply criticised by the German public over his first meeting with Erdogan. Ozil has dated Gulse since 2017 and the couple announced their engagement in June 2018. The footballer, a third-generation German, whipped up a political storm when he was pictured alongside Erdogan last May. Criticism intensified after the red-faced defending champions crashed out of the first round of the World Cup in Russia. In the wake of the World Cup fiasco, Ozil announced his resignation from the national squad, saying: "I am German when we win, an immigrant when we lose". Erdogan often attends marriages in Turkey of celebrities, whom he particularly seeks out during election campaigns. His presence at Ozil's marriage comes ahead of a mayoral election in Istanbul on June 23, required after the original voting in March was annulled following a narrow victory for the main opposition Republican People's Party.

Mesut Ozil marries in Istanbul, with Turkish President Erdogan as best man

New York Knicks center Enes Kanter says he will not go to London for a game with his NBA team because he fears he could be assassinated for criticizing Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

Kanter, who is Turkish, expressed his fear after the Knicks' victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. A video of his remarks was posted on Twitter.

The Knicks are scheduled to play the Washington Wizards in London on Jan. 17.

“There is a chance I could get killed out there,” Kanter, a longtime critic of Erdogan, told reporters.

“It’s pretty sad that all the stuff affects my career and basketball because I want to be out there and help my team win."

A Knicks official later said that Kanter was not traveling to London because of a visa issue, the New York Times reported.

Turkey has revoked Kanter's passport, and a Turkish court has declared him a fugitive for his support of U.S-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara accuses of orchestrating an attempted coup in July 2016 - an accusation Gulen denies.

Since the putsch attempt, more than 50,000 people have been jailed in Turkey pending trial and 150,000 state workers including teachers, judges and soldiers have been suspended or dismissed in a crackdown on alleged supporters of Gulen.

The Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency reported in December 2017 that a Turkish prosecutor had asked for Kanter to be jailed for up to four years for insulting Erdogan.

Kanter holds a U.S. green card that allows him to live and work in the country on a permanent basis.

New York Knicks center Enes Kanter says he will not go to London for a game with his NBA team because he fears he could be assassinated for criticizing Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

New York Knicks center Enes Kanter says he will not go to London for a game with his NBA team because he fears he could be assassinated for criticizing Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. Kanter, who is Turkish, expressed his fear after the Knicks' victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. A video of his remarks was posted on Twitter. The Knicks are scheduled to play the Washington Wizards in London on Jan. 17. “There is a chance I could get killed out there,” Kanter, a longtime critic of Erdogan, told reporters. “It’s pretty sad that all the stuff affects my career and basketball because I want to be out there and help my team win." A Knicks official later said that Kanter was not traveling to London because of a visa issue, the New York Times reported. Turkey has revoked Kanter's passport, and a Turkish court has declared him a fugitive for his support of U.S-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara accuses of orchestrating an attempted coup in July 2016 - an accusation Gulen denies. Since the putsch attempt, more than 50,000 people have been jailed in Turkey pending trial and 150,000 state workers including teachers, judges and soldiers have been suspended or dismissed in a crackdown on alleged supporters of Gulen. The Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency reported in December 2017 that a Turkish prosecutor had asked for Kanter to be jailed for up to four years for insulting Erdogan. Kanter holds a U.S. green card that allows him to live and work in the country on a permanent basis.

NBA: Knicks' Kanter to miss London game, says he fears for his life

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on Turks on Saturday to convert their dollar and euro savings into lira, as he sought to bolster the ailing currency which has lost some 20 per cent of its value against the US&nbspcurrency this year.

"My brothers who have dollars or euros under their pillow. Go and convert your money into lira. We will thwart this game together," Erdogan said at a rally in the eastern city of Erzurum ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections on June 24.

'My brothers who have dollars or euros under their pillow. Go and convert your money into lira. We will thwart this game together,' Erdogan said at a rally in the eastern city of Erzurum ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections on June 24

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on Turks on Saturday to convert their dollar and euro savings into lira, as he sought to bolster the ailing currency which has lost some 20 per cent of its value against the US&nbspcurrency this year. "My brothers who have dollars or euros under their pillow. Go and convert your money into lira. We will thwart this game together," Erdogan said at a rally in the eastern city of Erzurum ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections on June 24.

Turkish President calls on Turks to convert dollar, euros into lira

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that United State&#39;s president Donald Trump&#39;s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital would throw the region into a &quot;ring of fire&quot;.&nbsp;

The decision completely disregarded a 1980 United Nations resolution regarding the status of the city.

He was speaking to supporters at the airport in Ankara before departing to Greece for an official visit.

Erdogan also said the decision would throw the region into a "ring of fire".

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that United State's president Donald Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital would throw the region into a "ring of fire". The decision completely disregarded a 1980 United Nations resolution regarding the status of the city. He was speaking to supporters at the airport in Ankara before departing to Greece for an official visit.

Turkish President says US decision on Jerusalem disregards United Nations

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