Istanbul

In a highly anticipated meeting, delegations from Russia and Ukraine gathered face-to-face in Istanbul yesterday, marking their first direct talks in over three years. However, skepticism loomed large regarding the potential for meaningful progress. These concerns were amplified when Russia announced late Wednesday that a team of deputy ministers led by former Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky would represent them. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin—who initially called for these discussions to circumvent European…

The Resilience of Istanbul: A 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake and Its Aftermath On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday, what began as a routine day for millions of Istanbul's residents turned into a test of endurance and quick decision-making when a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the city. The seismic tremors, which originated in the Silivri district at approximately 12:49 PM local time (09:49 GMT), reverberated across the bustling metropolis that is home to over 15 million individuals, sending waves of panic through…

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has firmly declared that he will not be intimidated, despite a court ruling that has placed him under arrest pending trial in a corruption investigation. "Together, we will stand united against this blow, this dark mark on our democracy... I remain resolute; I will not be subdued," Mr. İmamoğlu stated in a recent post on X. This ruling came just four days after his detention ignited the worst civil unrest Turkey has seen in over a decade. Currently, Mr. İmamoğlu is among 100 individuals being…

The Arrest of Imamoglu: A Nation's Reaction and a Glimpse of Justice In a world where political landscapes shift as swiftly as the tides, Turkey stands at a precipice of significant transformation. The arrest of Imamoglu, alongside more than a hundred other figures including politicians, journalists, and businessmen this past Wednesday, marks a pivotal moment in Turkey's contemporary history. One might ask, amidst this chaos, what lies beneath the surface? "This may seem like a fleeting moment to some, but to many, it's…

The dawn of a new day was overshadowed by unexpected events as Istanbul's Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, found himself in the center of a political storm. Just as the city began to stir, the news of his arrest rippled through the streets, igniting a fervor that refused to be dampened. What spurred this predawn arrest that has now sprawled into widespread protests across Türkiye, capturing the attention of many? The streets of Istanbul, a city that seamlessly blends the past with the present, bore witness once again to the voices…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has urged the Somali diaspora to engage more actively in fostering economic prosperity and regional stability. This appeal was made during the 10th International Somali Diaspora Conference held in Istanbul.The assembly saw representatives from the Somali diaspora meet with international allies. IGAD's Health and Social Development Director, Fathia Alwan, highlighted the vital role of remittances in supporting the economies of IGAD member nations.…

Istanbul (AX) — The 10th Annual International Conference of the Global Somali Diaspora (GSD) kicked off in Istanbul on Saturday, honing in on the crucial part the Somali diaspora plays in the nation's rejuvenation and development. Fathudin Ospite, the Somali Ambassador to Turkey, spotlighted the significance of this gathering. The event has drawn several ministers from the Somali federal government and esteemed delegates worldwide. He stated, "A substantial Somali community, primarily students, lives in Turkey, cementing…