Workers rally across Europe on May Day May 2, 2009
In Turkey, which only last week declared the international labour day a public holiday, riot police used tear gas and water cannons to prevent hundreds from marching on an Istanbul square. Several people were detained, private CNN-Turk television reported. (Globe and Mail)
Recession fuels rallies May 2, 2009
In Turkey, several hundred demonstrators battled riot police in central Istanbul, with protestors chanting "hand in hand against fascism", "repression won't stop us" and "long live the revolution and socialism". Turkish riot police staged three charges against hundreds of demonstrators in the Sisli district of the city who had hurled rocks at security forces. (iAfrica.com)
May Day riots erupt May 2, 2009
Several hundred demonstrators battled riot police in central Istanbul ... On 1 May 1977 suspected extreme right wing snipers opened fire on May Day demonstrators in the Taksim Square in Istanbul, killing 34 people. (iAfrica.com)
A capital idea for Afghanistan Apr 30, 2009
It is situated on an important transportation route stretching from India to Istanbul, and this makes it an ideal commercial or international trading hub. Still, Kabul suffers as a capital from a geographical standpoint, and this disadvantage translates into very difficult politics. (Asia Times Online)
Istanbul's Lush Life Apr 28, 2009
Joan Juliet Buck succumbs to Istanbul's potent persuasions. Eleven-forty on a hot July night in the Dervis Caf; on the top of the first hill of Istanbul, halfway between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque ... But something about Istanbul terrified me. (Concierge.com)
Forget the recession, live like a rock star Apr 28, 2009
Fuller also owns and runs the Embassy Hotel, an exclusive nightclub in the upmarket London suburb of Mayfair which he plans to franchise in Dubai, Istanbul and Abu Dhabi. The partners in his new hotel venture ooze rock credential: Iron Maiden co-managers Rod Smallwood and Andy Taylor. (CNN -- International)
Istanbul siege leaves three dead Apr 28, 2009
Three people, including a policeman and a suspected left-wing militant leader, have been killed in a raid on a flat in Istanbul, Turkish officials have said ... Smoke billowed from the block of flats in Istanbul during the raid on Monday ... Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler said three police officers had been injured when a grenade thrown by the militant had exploded nearby. (BBC News -- Europe)
World 3, Obama 0 Apr 20, 2009
He met with that country s political and religious leaders and visited Istanbul s Imperial Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, called the Blue Mosque ... He met with young people assembled in Istanbul s Tophane-I-Amire Hall, an old exhibition hall. (Human Events Online)
Tourists try to combat the 'ugly American' Apr 19, 2009
Americans traveling to sites around the world like the Blue Mosque in Istanbul should be respectful ... " Such behavior, while seemingly harmless, can help to cement the moniker of "the ugly American," which came to refer to loud, rude and thoughtless behavior of U.S. citizens abroad. The term came about as a result of the book "The Ugly American," and more than 50 years after its publication, those from the United States continue to battle an image of arrogance and nationalism. Written by... (CNN -- Travel)
World's top restaurant cities Apr 15, 2009
Most cities have their strengths the kebab shops on every street in Istanbul, the taquerias in Guadalajara, the dim sum parlors in Shanghai, the sushi bars in Kyoto ... o stalls, or Istanbul its spice bazaar, those cities would be far less interesting. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Chelsea survive scare Apr 15, 2009
They started as if inspired by the spirit of Istanbul and Fernando Torres surged onto Yossi Benayoun's backheel, only to lose his composure and scuff tamely wide. The Blues were wary of commiting too many players forward and Liverpool, dominating possession as a result, took the lead in remarkable fashion after 19 minutes. (iAfrica.com)
What Turkey Can Teach Us Apr 14, 2009
At the same time, the vast majority of direct investment in Turkey also comes from Europe, resulting in an Istanbul business district that increasingly resembles a Western European skyline. Istanbul is a major financial hub for Syrians, Kazakhs, and other emerging markets seeking professional services and access to European markets. (Slate)
EDIT: Down The Drain Apr 14, 2009
The fifth World Water Forum held in Istanbul last month is being accused of being partial to private interests. Popular sentiment was that future water forums should be held under the auspices of the UN in order to ensure a more egalitarian approach. (India Times, India)
Monopoly comes easily in the game of life Apr 14, 2009
A trip to Istanbul enhanced the experience: Less than $100 made me a millionaire in Turkish lira. What a trip that was. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Carville and Matalin to Spar on Crystal Med Cruise Apr 14, 2009
The 12-day itinerary sails from Venice to San Marino, Italy; Corfu, Rhodes and Mykonos, Greece; Bodrum and Istanbul, Turkey, and ends in Athens, Greece. Cruise fares begin at $6,055 per person, double occupancy, plus a $1,000 per person All Inclusive - As You Wish shipboard credit to customize one's vacation. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
* Istanbul, Sapporo offices to open by summer holiday Apr 12, 2009
Istanbul, Sapporo offices to open by summer holiday ... The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) hopes to formally open its representative offices in Sapporo, Japan, and Istanbul, Turkey, before the summer holiday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco Ou (E) said yesterday ... Staffing levels at the two offices would be determined based on the number of Taiwanese tourists who travel to the two cities, he said, adding that the Sapporo office would be staffed by four or five officials while... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Actress Maya Karin answers your 10 questions Apr 11, 2009
Far from happy about Wednesdays result but if we can do it in Istanbul, we can do it at Chelsea ... In a dramatic 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan in Istanbul, Liverpool had come from three goals down to tie the match and eventually won it on penalties. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Obama says it's time for Iraq to take reins Apr 9, 2009
Earlier in the day, before Obama flew in from Istanbul, a car bomb exploded in the Shiite Muslim district of Khadimiya, killing nine people. The blast followed six bombings Monday in the capital that killed 36 people. (San Francisco Chronicle)
AP: Obama in Baghdad, Tells Troops Iraq Must Take Over Apr 9, 2009
" By contrast, little more than a week ago, the president announced a revamped Afghanistan strategy that calls for stamping out the Taliban and al-Qaida and broadening the mission to include pressure on neighboring Pakistan to root out terrorist camps in its lawless border regions. "We spend a lot of time trying to get Afghanistan right, but I think it is important for people to know that there is still a lot of work to do here," Obama said shortly after Air Force One touched down in the Iraqi... (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Obama Is Home, "America Is Back" Apr 8, 2009
The president's official schedule had said he would be flying directly to Washington D.C. from Istanbul on Tuesday and made no mention of an Iraq visit. Reporters did sense that an unannounced trip was a strong possibility, however, as CBS News Producer Robert Hendin points out in a. (CBS News -- 60 minutes)
Obama wraps up in Europe Apr 7, 2009
Obama will tour historic sites in Istanbul and hold a roundtable with students, then contemplate a return home to swap the adrenaline rush of high-stakes summits for the grind of rescuing the crippled US economy. The president flew into Istanbul late on Monday night, after spending the day in the Turkish capital Ankara, repairing ties with a vital US strategic ally and sending a clarion call of reconciliation to the Muslim world. (iAfrica.com)
* Obama in Turkey to boost ties Apr 7, 2009
A demonstrator shouts slogans against US President Barack Obama during a protest in Istanbul on Sunday ... Obama was to travel yesterday to Istanbul for two days, and officials in the city on the Bosporus Strait said nearly 9,000 police officers would be on duty ... On Sunday, small groups of protesters gathered in Ankara and Istanbul to object to various US policies. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
U.S. policy on Cuba evolving under Obama Apr 7, 2009
Barack Obama spends the majority of his 11th week as president in Europe, with stops in London, Strasbourg, Prague and Istanbul. more photos. (MSNBC -- International)
In Turkey, Obama says US not at war with Islam Apr 7, 2009
Istanbul, Turkey - As part of his effort to repair the strained Turkey-US strategic relationship, President Barack Obama today delivered a wide-ranging speech to Parliament, stressing the country's importance as one rooted in both Europe and the Muslim world and encouraging its leaders to continue on the path of democratic reform ... "To me, his speech says that there is going to be a lot of cooperation between the United States and Turkey in the future," says Sahin Alpay, a professor of... (Christian Science Monitor)
Obama arrives in Turkey to strengthen ties Apr 6, 2009
Istanbul, Turkey - After helping broker crisis-averting deals at last week's G-20 meeting in London and the NATO summit in Strasbourg, President Barack Obama helped set off an internal European fight by publicly endorsing the European Union membership bid of Turkey, where he will end his tour ... "I think the US clearly understands how important EU membership is for Turkey's economic and political stability, and the message that it would send to the Islamic world," says Cengiz Aktar, director of... (Christian Science Monitor)
Heavyweights on path to SA Apr 2, 2009
Liverpool's Albert Riera and Xabi Alonso scored as European champions Spain came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 in Istanbul. Spain were hit in the 26th minute when Semih Senturk scored. (iAfrica.com)
As Netanyahu takes Israel's helm, Syria skeptical of peace prospects Apr 1, 2009
Istanbul, Turkey - At the outset of 2009, the prospects for peace between Israel and Syria were looking more promising than they had in a decade ... According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the Syrian and Israeli delegations were based in separate hotels in Istanbul during the first round with their Turkish hosts staying in a third and shuttling in between. (Christian Science Monitor)
Around the world in a single lifetime Mar 30, 2009
Many sites have been religious in nature: The Virgin Mary s home in Ephesus, Turkey; St. Peters Square in Rome; the Blue Mosque in Istanbul; the Dome of the Rock at Temple Mount in Jerusalem ... Brass angels from Istanbul wait to hold candles in the entryway, a German grandfather clock ticks away the time downstairs and a tea set purchased at the foot of the Acropolis sits delicately out of harm s way in another room. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Obama aims to bolster alliances on trip Mar 29, 2009
While there, he plans meetings with Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan before holding a round-table in Istanbul on Tuesday with students in what advisers called an attempt to reach out to young people in Europe and Southwest Asia. . (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Big guns march on as Serbia steals limelight Mar 29, 2009
Spain, FIFA's top-ranked team, beat Turkey 1-0 in Madrid to stretch their unbeaten run to 30 matches and make it 15 points out of 15 in Group Five before they travel to Istanbul for the return fixture on Wednesday. Stuttering France earned a vital 1-0 victory in Lithuania to stay in touch in Group Seven, although they are struggling to keep pace with Serbia who produced the day's most impressive performance with a 3-2 win in Romania. (International Herald Tribune)
The US exit from Iraq: how to steer clear of danger Mar 28, 2009
Istanbul, Turkey - President Obama's announcement that he intends to withdraw most US troops from Iraq by August 2010 is most welcome, heralding the end of the Bush administration's disastrous war. Relieved as we may be about the looming exit, however, we should be concerned about the design of the exit strategy. (Christian Science Monitor)
Celebrity Cruises' New Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox Present Exceptional European Vacation Deals Mar 24, 2009
Among the incredible destinations are Santorini, Mykonos and Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Istanbul and Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; and Naples/Capri, Italy, on Celebrity Solstice's 10- and 11-night Eastern Mediterranean sailings roundtrip from Rome (Civitavecchia), from May 4 through November 20, 2009. Fares start at $1,249 per person. (PR Newswire)
Ministry comments on alleged detention of Ghanaians in Turkey Mar 24, 2009
A statement issued by the Ministry said investigations conducted so far by Ghanaian authorities indicated that 13 people with false Ghanaian passports arrived in Istanbul from Lagos on March 2009. The investigations revealed further that the Turkish National Security also detained 14 nationals of Guinea who arrived the same day, ostensibly to attend the same Forum. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Global cruise industry navigates rough waters Mar 23, 2009
Today, the 14-day cruise from Venice to Istanbul has not sold out and the current price for the cruise listed at seabourn. com starts at 8,523, a 10-per-cent discount on the brochure fare. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Lewis: Smooth operator Mar 22, 2009
He was the rain king at Monaco and Silverstone and pulled off arguably the championship's most daring overtaking move with a breathtaking pass beyond a bewildered Felipe Massa in Istanbul. No wonder the knives were out with Hamilton facing down accusations of arrogance and aloofness with rivals suspicious of his driving technique and his judgement. (iAfrica.com)
World Fashion Awards Announces Winners in Moscow Mar 21, 2009
The World Fashion Channel is an international satellite TV channel about fashion and headquartered in Switzerland with representative offices in Milan, Moscow, Tokyo, Hong Kong, London, Istanbul and Los Angeles. Russia is one of the key markets for the World Fashion Channel which reaches over 1 billion viewers in Europe, Asia and the Americas. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Water: From a loo to you Mar 21, 2009
Presentations at the World Water Forum, running in Istanbul until Sunday, have been pressing the argument that "used" water, also called rather more gracefully "grey" water, should comprise a percentage of what comes out of our taps. But specialists also caution that overcoming human repugnance could it be called a gut response. (iAfrica.com)
Is access to clean water a basic human right? Mar 19, 2009
ISTANBUL, Turkey - With fresh water resources becoming scarcer worldwide due to population growth and climate change, a growing movement is working to make access to clean water a basic universal human right ... Government officials and leaders of numerous nongovernmental organizations and companies working on the water issue are meeting this week in Istanbul as part of the World Water Forum, which takes place every three years in a bid to shape global water policy. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Holiday in Turkey & Greece Mar 18, 2009
You'll start in Turkey and visit the best that Turkey has to offer including Istanbul, Gallipolli, Canakkale, Pamukkale and Kusadasi ... Welcome dinner at the Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (excludes drinks) ... Should you wish to organise your own airfare the land only prices based on joining the group in Istanbul, Turkey are $5,278pp twin share and $6,323pp single. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Obama starts well with Muslims but must do more Mar 16, 2009
Istanbul, its cultural capital, straddles the border between Europe and Asia. So, too, its politics. (Christian Science Monitor)
Tough-guy Turks on wing and a prayer Mar 15, 2009
An elderly resident in an upmarket Istanbul apartment block recently got the shock of her life when she suspected a burglar was trying to break into her flat ... Matthew Hall: They love Harry Kewell in Istanbul - at least the parts of town that support Galatasaray. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
UN warns of widespread water shortages Mar 14, 2009
The warning from the UN is based on one of the most comprehensive assessments the global body has undertaken on the state of the world's fresh water and was commissioned for use at a major international water conference being held next week in Istanbul. "Today, water management crises are developing in most of the world," the report says, citing a single week in November of 2006 when there were local news reports of shortages in 14 countries, including parts of Canada, the United States and... (Globe and Mail)
Rick Steves: Whats new in Eastern Europe Mar 11, 2009
The Thessaloniki line will eventually extend all the way to Istanbul, as the vision of a futuristic all-European rail network speeds closer and closer to reality. Eastern Europe offers the well-traveled a variety of intriguing places to visit that are easier on a bank account than some other European countries, as well as a chance to observe rapidly changing cultures as they settle into the European Union of the 21st century. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Where to find (and buy) affordable gems Mar 11, 2009
And, for the most expensive and widest selection, there is the Gold Souk in Dubai and the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. No account of jewelry imports would be complete without mention of India, where a large percentage of the worlds jewelry is made. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Turkey warms to Clinton's candor Mar 9, 2009
ISTANBUL, Turkey - Stagecraft appears to have helped Secretary of State Hillary Clinton score a few points for America's battered reputation here ... Former president George W. Bush's one visit to Istanbul, for a NATO summit, saw him confined to a large security zone that turned a large part of downtown Istanbul into a ghost town ... At a low-budget hotel in the heart of Istanbul, night clerk Ali Demir, splitting his attention between Clinton's television appearance and a soccer game streaming... (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Etihad soars to new heights Mar 7, 2009
We will fly to Melbourne in March, Istanbul and Athens in June, and Chicago in the third quarter, he says, adding that the airline aims to have 100 destinations by 2020. In 2008, the airline carried six million passengers, a 35% rise from 2007 and a major leap from 340,000 passengers in 2004 (a year after it launched its first flight). (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Obama's trip next month to include stop in Turkey Mar 7, 2009
Obama's likely arrival in Turkey appears to coincide with the Second Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, which is to be held on April 6 and 7 in Istanbul. The forum "seeks to address some of the ongoing tensions and divides across cultures and religions" and examine governance and diversity in the context of globalization, according to the forum's Web site. (Anchorage Daily News)
Women break into men's zone in Turkey Mar 5, 2009
Women's soccer team Kartal Spor singing a team song in the locker room following their loss on Universitesi Spor at Tuzla Municipal Stadium in the outskirts of Istanbul, Turkey ... On a recent cold, gray Sunday, two Turkish premier league soccer teams enthusiastically ran onto the field of a small stadium on the outskirts of Istanbul ... "We've had men come to watch our practices and yell at our players: 'What are you doing here? You should be at home, cooking!"' said Ozbar, one of the few women... (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Amsterdam crash solved Mar 5, 2009
The tail of the Boeing 737-800, en route from Istanbul to Amsterdam with 127 passengers and seven crew, hit the ground at 175 kilometres an hour and the plane broke into three pieces. Five Turks and four Americans among the passengers and crew were killed and 86 hurt, of whom 28 were still in hospital Wednesday. (iAfrica.com)
U.S. Company helps Australian Travel to Turkey for CyberKnife Radiotherapy Cancer Tumor Treatment Mar 4, 2009
In all, Sonny and his family stayed in Istanbul, Turkey, for 10 days, of which the treatment was done for 6 days in 2-hour sessions. Sonny says the treatment was pain-free and he felt no side-effects. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
China's economic miracle stalls on dollar stores' shelves Mar 4, 2009
Places like Yiwu have helped make China the workshop of the world, filling store shelves from Auckland to Istanbul. In the process, China has risen out of poverty and isolation to become the world's third-biggest economy. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Iran turns up pressure on rights activists Mar 3, 2009
Tehran, Iran; and Istanbul, Turkey - The black and red graffiti painted outside the apartment and offices of Nobel Peace Prize-winner Shirin Ebadi on Jan. 1 has yet to be removed. She has left it up "so everyone will see it," says Ms. Ebadi, adding that the challenge "makes me stronger.". (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Iran pushes Iraq to close MKO camp Mar 2, 2009
TEHRAN, Iran; and ISTANBUL, Turkey - Pressure is growing on Iran's main opposition group to leave Iraqi territory after living under US military protection in a camp north of Baghdad since 2003. Some 3,400 militants of the Mujahideen-e Khalq (known by the acronyms MKO or MEK) face eviction by the government of Iraq, which has tired of a group that once fielded its own army under the tutelage of Saddam Hussein and remains on Washington's list of terrorist groups. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Plane crash victims named Feb 28, 2009
"This appears to be the most significant possibility" for the cause of Wednesday's crash, association chairman Ali Ziya Yilmaz told a televised press conference in Istanbul ... The Boeing 737-800, en route from Istanbul to Amsterdam with 127 passengers and seven crew, crashed into a muddy field as it came in to land at Schiphol airport, breaking into three pieces. (iAfrica.com)
Amsterdam's 'crash miracle' Feb 28, 2009
Two days later it crashed short of the runway in a muddy field, next to a busy freeway and houses, as it tried to land at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport after taking off from Istanbul with 135 on board. Haarlemmermeer mayor Theo Weterings told a press conference on Thursday that the dead included four Turks and five Americans. (iAfrica.com)
* TAIWAN NEWS QUICK TAKE Feb 27, 2009
The Turkish Airlines aircraft carrying 134 passengers from Istanbul plowed into a muddy field on Wednesday near Amsterdams Schiphol airport and broke into three pieces. The spokesman said the office has already arranged flights for Chen to return to Taiwan. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Plane crash toll 'a miracle' Feb 27, 2009
Sixty-seven relatives of those on the ill-fated Flight TK 1951 arrived at Schiphol on a special flight from Istanbul on Wednesday night. Authorities have still not released the identities or nationalities of those killed or hurt, apart from saying they included Dutch and Turkish citizens. (iAfrica.com)
Investigators eye engine trouble in Dutch plane crash Feb 27, 2009
Flight TK1951 from Istanbul fell out of the sky about three kilometres short of the runway at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport on Wednesday morning, smashing into three pieces and spraying luggage and debris across a muddy farmer's field ... Families of Turkish victims arrived on a chartered flight from Istanbul late Wednesday. (Globe and Mail)
Nine dead in crash at Amsterdam airport Feb 26, 2009
The Boeing 737-800, en route from Istanbul to Amsterdam, broke into three pieces when it hit the ground short of a runway at Schiphol Airport at 10:31 a.m. The fuselage split in two, close to the cockpit, and the tail broke off. The crash site is about three kilometres from the runway. (Globe and Mail)
Safer planes Feb 26, 2009
Speculation remains rife over what may have caused it simply to fall out of the sky during what appears to have been a routine flight from Istanbul to Amsterdam. Both the flight data and voice recorders will yield strong information as to the most likely cause of the crash, but so too will eyewitness reports from those on board the aircraft and in the vicinity of the crash site at the time. (BBC News)
Europe's New Riviera Feb 25, 2009
"). And ironically, or perhaps not, another note joins the ambient soundscape the call to prayer begins to waft from loudspeakers affixed to the village mosques nearby. I'm on a slab of wood pier at the edge of the saturated-blue Aegean Sea a perch akin to Monopoly's Boardwalk in terms of prime sun-bathing real estate on the Bodrum peninsula in Turkey, hailed for five years and running as the next St-Tropez. My white terry-cloth lounge cushion and the pier belong to the Ma?akizi, a small hotel... (Concierge.com)
Chocolatier Now Available Feb 25, 2009
The Chocolatier quest begins in San Francisco and brings players to exotic destinations such as Istanbul and Hong Kong as players expand their business. Each port offers its own unique ingredients and cast of characters, and players must unlock ports to uncover all of the secret Baumeister recipes and create exceptional chocolate. (IGN Wireless Games)
Best Luxury Deals for the Spring Feb 24, 2009
Cool Extra: All-you-can-eat Nobu cuisine while on board, and excursions to Copenhagen, Stockholm, and London, or Venice, Barcelona, Athens, and Istanbul. Fine Print: Must be booked by March 31, 2009; valid for Baltic cruises departing on or after June 30, 2009, and for Mediterranean cruises departing on or after June 14, 2009. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
An economic bright spot in New Hampshire Feb 20, 2009
BRETTON WOODS BACK IN THE NEWS Today, it is a ski resort in America's White Mountains, but in 1944, it was best known as the site of a major economic conference (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Students, teachers win trips to Turkey for promoting unity Feb 18, 2009
The contest, sponsored by the Istanbul Center in Atlanta, challenged students to create art or write essays depicting the theme Alliance of Civilizations, the title of a United Nations effort to improve international relations ... Split into two groups, they will visit museums, historic landmarks, schools, institutions and other sites in Istanbul and Ankara, the capital of Turkey on June 1 and June 11. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
