Most recent articles by Ayşe Karabat
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Women in Turkey's local electionsBelieve in the power of women!
As Turkey heads towards local elections in March, Qantara.de contributor Ayse Karabat has been helping train female hopefuls seeking to race in these and future elections in a country where women's representation in politics remains staggeringly low. A special report
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Turkey's Gaza policyBetween a rock and a hard place
Between domestic pressure to take more action against Israel and pressure from the West regarding its stance on Hamas, Turkey is struggling to balance its Israel policy as it seeks permanent peace in the Middle East
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Turkey's stance on HamasPresident Erdogan and the shifting sands of geopolitics
Turkey initially pursued a balanced policy in an attempt to mediate between Hamas and Israel, but as Israel continues to pound Gaza, Erdogan has adopted a harsher stance. Tough choices now loom on the horizon for Ankara
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Turkey's 2024 local electionsHow to win against Erdogan's AKP?
While Turkey's opposition has been in deadlock since losing the elections, many of its supporters are suffering from post-election stress. As Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling AKP turn their attentions to the 2024 local elections, their rivals remain preoccupied with infighting. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
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LGBTQ+ rights in TurkeyAnti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric intensifies
During this year's election campaigns, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan vilified the LGBTQ+ community in an attempt to strengthen his support among conservative voters and drive a wedge between the parties of the opposition alliance. Now the government wants to introduce constitutional amendments that rights groups fear would further marginalise LGBTQ+ people. By Ayşe Karabat
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Turkey election falloutErdogan no winner, despite opposition defeat
The Turkish opposition was defeated in the run-off, with candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu failing to unseat long-time ruler Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who will rule the country for another five years. But the president is hardly the winner. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
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Rebuilding after the earthquakes in TurkeyThe determination and resilience of Antakya
The multicultural, historical city of Antakya was devastated by the earthquakes that struck the region on 6 February, but its inhabitants are fighting to save its heritage and community. Ayse Karabat reports from south-eastern Turkey
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Turkey-Syria earthquakeWhat future for President Erdogan and the AKP?
The deadly earthquakes of 6 February may reshape Turkey’s political landscape forever. Many Turks hold the government responsible for the scale of the disaster, raising questions about its prospects in the upcoming elections and their outcome. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
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Forced marriage in TurkeyTurkish state fails child bride in sect marriage
All eyes in Turkey are on a court hearing scheduled for January 30 into a child abuse case that allegedly occurred with the knowledge of one of Istanbul's most powerful Islamic sects. The little girl was failed by the state not once, but several times. Ayse Karabat reports
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Istanbul's migrant cultureTurkey's megacity is no melting pot
Istanbulites take pride in being the world’s melting pot and its natural outcome: having a bustling abundance of international cuisine. Visiting restaurants opened by recent migrants is often, however, a step too far. Ayse Karabat reports
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Russia, Ankara and DamascusWho decides Turkey's foreign policy?
Following months spent considering a military incursion into northern Syria, Turkey now appears to want talks with Syria to ensure security and the return of refugees. From Istanbul Ayse Karabat analyses what caused the about-turn for Qantara.de
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Violence against doctors and lawyers in TurkeyExposed and at risk
Violence against doctors and lawyers in Turkey has been growing in recent years. But instead of taking action, the government is openly hostile towards two unions representing the interests of people working in these professions. By Ayşe Karabat in Istanbul