Nationwide demonstrations in Turkey planned for after Friday prayers A number of non-governmental organizations in Turkey are planning to protest new Israeli restrictions on Palestinians’ entry to Al-Aqsa mosque, Islam’s third holiest site. Israeli restrictions will be condemned across Turkey, particularly in Istanbul and Ankara, after Friday prayers. Protests are expected to continue Saturday. In […]

Turkish Foreign Ministry says ‘double standards’ on show in German commentary over recent Istanbul arrests Remarks made by German officials over the recent detention in Istanbul of six people, including a German national, are “unacceptable”, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry has said. There was “direct interference in the Turkish judiciary” in statements made by German Foreign Ministry […]

MHP deputy parliamentary group chairman condemns Israel’s closing of Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers The parliamentary group chairman of opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has slammed Israeli restrictions on Muslims wishing to pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Speaking in the parliament on Tuesday, Erhan Usta condemned Israel’s order to close the Al-Aqsa mosque to […]

National Security Council meeting in capital discusses threats from terrorist groups in Syria, Iraq The National Security Council meeting in Ankara on Monday resolved that Turkey would never allow a terrorist state to be established on its border. According to a statement issued after the council’s meeting at the presidential complex in the capital, the […]

The parliament on Monday ratified the Prime Ministry’s motion to extend the ongoing state of emergency in the country for another three months. The extension will become effective from Wednesday at 1.00 a.m. (2200 GMT Tuesday). The motion was backed by votes of ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party and opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). […]

“Democracy watch” rallies marking the first anniversary of last July’s coup attempt will officially start on Saturday, the president announced Thursday. After last year’s coup attempt, “democracy watch” rallies were held all across the country for several weeks. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke at a memorial service held at Bestepe National Congress and Culture Center […]

Turkey has exported 15,000 tons supplies to Qatar since beginning of blockade, says Turkish economy minister Turkey will continue to meet Qatar’s daily and long-term needs through exporting necessary supplies, Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said Wednesday. Since June 5 Qatar has been under a blockade by Arab countries — including Saudi Arabia, the United […]

EU is not indispensable for Turkey, president says in interview with BBC Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey has other plans up its sleeve if the EU membership talks fail. In an interview with the BBC’s HARDtalk program published on Wednesday, Erdogan said it would even be a relief in case the […]

‘We share the suffering of the people of Mosul,’ says Foreign Ministry statement Turkey’s Foreign Ministry on Monday “welcomed” the liberation of the northern Iraqi city of Mosul over the weekend. On Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi arrived in Mosul to celebrate the victory over the Daesh terrorist group. “We welcome the successful completion […]

Minister says work on projects will continue despite European Parliament vote to stop accession talks Turkey will continue working with the EU on transport policy, despite EU lawmakers’ call to halt talks on the country joining the bloc, the Turkish transport minister said Thursday. Ahmet Arslan’s comments came as he met European Transport Commissioner Violeta […]