Most recent articles by Daniel Derya Bellut
-
Turkey-Africa summitErdogan scores "Made in Turkey" points
Ankara staged its third Turkey-Africa summit on 17 December, a sign of growing economic partnership under President Erdogan. Military co-operation is also a hot topic. Martina Schwikowski, Daniel Bellut and Pelin Unker have the details
-
Mafia scandal in TurkeyMafia ties run deep in AKP politics
Rarely have the links between Turkish politics and organised crime been as apparent as they are at present. Right-wing extremist mafia godfathers from the Grey Wolves are increasingly appearing in government circles. So what's behind all this? Daniel Derya Bellut has the details
-
TurkeyAnti-Syrian sentiment boils over in Ankara riots
There are approximately 4 million refugees in Turkey, and they are increasingly the objects of hostility - as recent riots in Ankara have shown. Experts warn that the situation is likely to escalate in future
-
Erdogan, Islam and alcoholLast call for Istanbul's meyhane bar culture?
Istanbul's beloved "meyhane" are where friends traditionally meet for a glass of raki or a game of backgammon. Now, however, owners and patrons are worried that new government restrictions could spell the end for these local hangouts. By Tunca Ogreten and Daniel Bellut
-
Turkish graduates in EuropeTurkey's best and brightest flee in brain drain
As Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues his crackdown on dissent, increasing numbers of Turkish graduates and young professionals are seeking new lives and better prospects abroad. Germany is their No.1 destination. By Sinem Ozdemir and Daniel Derya Bellut
-
Facing down Turkey's Recep Tayyip ErdoganThe chutzpah of opposition politician Canan Kaftancioglu
Left-wing CHP leader Canan Kaftancioglu inflicted a humiliating defeat on Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul in 2019. Now the Turkish president wants revenge in court. Yet Kaftancioglu seems unlikely to go down without a fight, having recently sued both Erdogan and his interior minister for defamation, after they branded her a "terrorist". By Daniel Bellut
-
Ankara on the defensivePro-Kurdish faction in Recep Tayyip Erdogan's crosshairs
The Turkish government is hoping to split the opposition and put off voters by cracking down on pro-Kurdish politicians. But critics say the strategy won't work this time. By Daniel Derya Bellut and Hilal Koylu
-
Violence against womenFemicide on the rise in Turkey
The recent murder of Turkish student Pinar Gültekin by her ex-boyfriend has sparked outrage in Turkey. Women's rights activists are calling for the government to tackle the widespread problem of femicide in the country, but their calls are being met with silence from the government and in some cases even tear gas and rubber bullets by police. By Daniel Bellut
-
Political transition on the Bosphorus?Turkey's "woke" Generation Z haunts President Erdogan
Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking to win over the millions of young Turks who will soon be of voting age. Yet many of the country's youth are in rebellious mood and openly reject him and his policies. By Sinem Ozdemir and Daniel Derya Bellut
-
The Istanbul Convention and women's protectionBombing the heart of the family in Turkey?
Turkey signed up to the Council of Europe's Istanbul Convention, which aims to protect women from violence. Conservative forces in the country, however, are calling for Turkey's immediate withdrawal, claiming the traditional family is in danger. By Pelin Unker and Daniel Derya Bellut
-
Coronavirus and press freedom in TurkeyErdogan's crusade against "all media and political viruses"
Is the Turkish president Erdogan using the fight against coronavirus to silence the few remaining critical press voices in the country? Opposition and journalists fear a new wave of censorship. By Daniel Derya Bellut
-
COVID-19 pandemicCoronavirus breeds domestic violence in Turkey
Countries under coronavirus lockdown have seen a marked rise in domestic violence. Women's rights activists in Turkey criticise that existing laws are not being applied and the government is not doing enough to protect victims. By Pelin Unker and Daniel Derya Bellut