The Battle of the AK Party: fighting their way through dark powers (impressions from an electoral rally)

 “We brought close to 9,000 people today and that is just from our neighborhood of Esenyurt”, said 48-year-old Abidin. “But there were also so many others coming from all over Istanbul. There were even ferries that carried close to 800 people today”, he added. Abidin was among designated drivers in charge of bringing people to the electoral rally organized by the AK Party and held in Istanbul’s Maltepe district on May 17. Interrupting Abidin’s approximate calculations, a young man standing next to Abidin, says there were three million people on the square. Looking back at square it is hard to calculate the exact turnout but certainly three million is an overstretch but the young man is certain its three million to be exact.  

The “parallels” are ought to get us but they wont win 

On June 7, Turkey will cast its vote for its new 550 seat Grand National Assembly in a party list proportional representation system. To make it in, the party must overcome the 10% threshold, which has always been disputed by the opposition groups. Because according to the present voting system, any votes cast below 10% are automatically transferred to the winning party. The threshold does not apply to the independents. 

The new Assembly will form Turkey’s 25th parliament. AKP is seeking 4th consecutive year in the government in these elections. If the party wins all 330 seats then President Erdogan will have the necessary backing at the parliament to change the constitution. But in order to bypass the referendum, the party needs 367 seats. AKP’s agenda includes switching to a presidential system, advancing the solution with the Kurdish rebels and revised constitution. 

But the Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu mentions none of these, as he took stage at the Maltepe Square yesterday. Instead, PM Davutoglu focused on AKP’s achievements since coming to power, and the vicious intentions of the Bermuda triangle of key opposition parties together with parallel structures to topple the party. He did not mention whom exactly these parallel structures represent but this is a political tool introduced by the then Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan shortly after the Gezi Protests and the corruption probe. The so-called parallel structures were after destroying Turkey and preventing its growth. 

Back on the stage Davutoglu was giving an example of a university entrance exam scoring calculation – four incorrect answers take one correct answer. AK Party constituted the only one correct answer while the opposition CHP, MHP, DHP plus the “parallels” were the incorrect answers. “They cannot come to power so instead they are planning to get together and get in the way of the AKP with their coalition. But they cannot win. How can they prevent us with Istanbul backing us up?! Are we going to teach them a lesson on June 7?” shouted Davutoglu with his cracking voice having traveled across 40 provinces already. “Yes” the crowd cheered back. Davutoglu repeats the question this time even louder, “Yes”, yells the crowd raising in the air the AKP flags they were given when coming onto the square. 

On the other side of the stage, some people were leaving. “It is normal, they have been here for hours now. They are tired. It is crowded and many of the families came with their children. People want to go home”, said Abidin as he phoned his last passenger who was missing before he headed back to the bus he was driving back to Esenyurt. 

As crowds continued to leave even with PM still addressing the crowd from the stage one rally attendant turned around and said, “They have done the most good. I am their big supporter and wanted to tell you this”, he says as he rushes off to join his bus. 

A 44 year-old state employee Ahmet (who preferred not to give his real name nor his place of work) confirmed what the other passer by said. “Everything is changing for the better. Look at these people [pointing at the leaving crowd], they might have no money in their pockets but as least they are peaceful”, said Ahmet. But is there anything Ahmet would like to see improve? He nods, “the salaries of state employees”. 

The rally organized in Istanbul was important for the ruling AK Party. This is one of the three biggest cities of Turkey. During last year’s presidential elections, over 3.5 million voters cast their ballots for the AKP. The party is determined to get just as much. That is why much effort was put in bringing as many people as possible to the electoral rally in Istanbul. “We are three million gathered here”, yelled presenter at the rally yesterday. It was not surprising that the young man who interrupted Abidin earlier on, also believed there were 3 million. 

But concerns mount about AKP’s plans once elected. Critics of the AKP say the party will do all that is necessary to diminish any separation of powers within Turkey’s political and legal system. There is also the issue of freedoms. In a recent interview with Today’s Zaman, the founder of Oy ve Otesi association (volunteer election observation organization), Sercan Celebi said, “After the Gezi protests, the majority of people have realized that they will not be able to lead their lives independently of the political process. The sphere of freedom has been restricted, and as long as we are not part of the processes, we realize that things will become worse”. 

Sitting on a bench and taking a rest after the rally, 66 year-old Ibrahim Sahin says although he is AKP supporter this should be their last term. “They should let go in the next elections” (which are scheduled for 2019). “This country was in shambles. I moved to Istanbul from Ordu in 1962-63 and I have seen it all – the difficulties. I remember even saying to myself that if this is the way the country is run then the end is imminent. Now, some fifty years alter I see a transformed Turkey. Things have changed to the better thanks to the work of the AK Party”. Ibrahim Sahin is retired state employee and he is also the first AKP supporter who was frank about AKP’s ruling style. “It is a matter of experience, you need to give others a chance to get experience”, he adds as he enjoys the sunset over Marmara. 

Will AKP give a chance to other parties in transparent elections or will it continue its grip on power? June 7 elections will show.

YouTube Blocked in Turkey

The word on the street is that YouTube was just blocked in Turkey.

Another recording was leaked online (TR) earlier today with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and few other key officials discuss possible attack on Syria. "We will

The official line is that Turkish Telecoms Authority has taken "administrative measure"against YouTube.

Amid all the insanity, a moment of humor

Already yesterday there were reports that the Prime Minister lost his voice. Today at a rally in Van, as he began addressing the crowds, it felt like it wasn't PM Erdogan speaking at all. It was more like a voice over, of a woman, at the bring of her patience and voice. It was hilarious. It was difficult to take anything that came out with that voice seriously. I almost spit my food out as I was having lunch. Here is a short clip:

President tweets while Prime Minister bans

As Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan moved ahead with a ban on Twitter ahead of the local elections scheduled to take place on March 30th, the President of Turkey Gul, does not share the same sentiments. 

Sosyal medya platformlarının tamamen kapatılması tasvip edilemez.
— Abdullah Gül (@cbabdullahgul) March 21, 2014

Translation: "One cannot approve of the complete closure of social media platforms"

Whether its an attempt to play the good guy, is yet to be seen. Perhaps a step toward urging the Prime Minister to sack the court orders would show the true intentions. So far however, just a tweet.

Erdogan said he would ban Facebook and YouTube just few weeks ago. This time, without a warning though, except few fiery words at a campaign rally, PM vowed to shut down Twitter. And shut down he did- one of the "menace to society" as he called these platforms last summer is finally dealt with. Whats next?! A total Internet shut down?

How AKP runs the country

If you have been following news on Turkey you all know the back story. The protests of the last summer shook the country, its leadership and brought out many grievances accumulated over the past decade of the ruling Justice and Development Party. The graft scandal in December further showed the other face of the party, the one deeply involved in shady business deals and corruption. Then came the controversial bills on judiciary power and the Internet followed by the release of phone conversations between the Prime Minister and few other individuals including his son, and finally the death of a young boy, Berkin Elvan that sparked more country wide protests.

But I bet here is something that you didn't know or not yet at least. This ad appeared on TV channels just a few hours ago. The ad is promoting Turkish flag, the national anthem, religion and the evil forces trying to eliminate all of that (starring an evil guy dressed in black whose face we never see, which kind of plays with the whole "third powers" argument of the Prime Minister). And so the people start running, determined to stop the evil from ruining their future. 

If they would have added the riot police preventing these people from running and threw in few water cannon vehicles the picture would have been complete. Maybe next video ad- this time promoting the skills of accurate aiming of the Turkish riot police would do total justice. 

What you also didn't know most likely is that the ad was banned from TV shortly after it was aird but strangely few people spotted the ad on some of the channels. Today, as the Turkish Parliament was debating the graft scandal, all of a sudden most of the state TV channels stopped broadcasting the debate. It was thanks to the CHP MP Melda Onur and her i-pad and her quick thinking that it was possible to watch the debate on livestream.

How convenient or shall I say ironic that when the banned TV ad is still aired on state TV channels, the debate on something far more important isn't.

Selfie as a tool for nonviolent civil resistance

Selfies are popular. The most recent selfie that got many talking/tweeting/blogging about it was from this year's Oscar's with Ellen DeGeneres and the rest of the stars of the Hollywood movie scene. 

If only Bradley's arm was longer. Best photo ever. #oscars pic.twitter.com/C9U5NOtGap
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) March 3, 2014

But there is a new selfie that would totally beat that. The one that was shared just recently, this past week in fact, during the clashes with police and the peaceful protesters all the way across the ocean, miles and miles away from the Hollywood's Dolby theater in a police van, in Turkey.

Ali Emre Mazlumoglu shared this seflie when detained. 

Selfie dediğin polis otosunda gözaltındayken çekilir (7 Mart) pic.twitter.com/oc5Lit3Z1z
— Ali Emre Mazlumoğlu (@AEMazlumoglu) March 10, 2014

I never thought that selfies could one day become a tool for civil disobedience in a way. Ever since the protests erupted and shook Turkey last summer, humor was one of the most commonly used tools when it came to showcasing the anger and frustration of the Turkish people against the ruling government of the Justice and Development Party. Many songs were written or lyrics re-adjusted, funny slogans and chants voiced, even graffiti had elements of humor especially in Istanbul.

And today as protests in Turkey continue, humor again is one of the most important tools used to keep the spirits high.

When conspiracies become a reality- the case of Turkey and Azerbaijan

There is a book written by a professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University Dan Ariely. Its called "The (honest) truth about dishonesty: how we lie to everyone- especially ourselves". While the book in general is about people lying (and yes we all do lie even though sometimes very little, and even though we might even call these lies "white lies") and the patterns of lying and etc. there were few examples mentioned in the book that reminded me very much (or in fact explained it) how politicians lie and where the whole thing about conspiracy theories comes from. 

Let me explain a bit further. You see very recently, the protests that shook Turkey were closely linked to many conspiracy theories among which were the so- called vicious "interest lobby", the international Jewish conspiracy, Illuminati, Lutfhansa, the CIA, international media outlets, Germany among other European countries- the so- called "evil powers" wanting to weaken great Turkish state. More recently, there was also a case of telekinesis (yes! for real!), by which, all of these theories proved more or less to be true. Turkey's newly appointed chief adviser to Prime Minster, Yigit Bulut actually claimed through his telekinetic powers that it was those terrible terrible dark forces behind Gezi Park protests wanting to destroy Turkey's great economy and its image abroad (you can read more on this in a piece by Guardian's Flachra Gibbons).

Similarly to PM Erdogan, there is another country leader (among many others) who strongly believes in such conspiracy theories- Turkey's brother nation, Azerbaijan and its incumbent president Ilham Aliyev. President Aliyev as well as his cronies strongly believe that there is strong outside lobby wanting to damage Azerbaijan's economy, its image and its reputation (but on the bright side, at least there isn't a case of telekinetic power, phew!)

Now, in Ariely's book, the bottom line of lying at times boils down to this: you believe in something so much that you start thinking its the truth and at some point one forgets the actual truth (i apologize in advance to the author if I am drawing wrong conclusions but at least from one of the chapters I remember, I feel like this could be one of the conclusions drawn). This "belief" in "(dis)honesty" explains well the whole freaky concept of conspiracy theories politicians make up. In the case of Turkey, Azerbaijan and many others who claim the existence of Darth Wader like powerful dark forces on the mission to take over these countries and well, pretty much destroy them.

To me all of this looks like dark fantasy comic book. Except its not a comic book and what we are seeing happening in Turkey and Azerbaijan is bitter reality and a game of politics. And while the comic books end at some point (and the good prevails), in reality (and with all these conspiracy theories around) we might be facing a future of Darth Waders, evil witches and Hogwarts with lots of members from Slytherin- all to get us.

Azerbaijan's Upcoming Elections

An article that appeared today on News.az [ENG] talks about importance of elections in Azerbaijan but more so, it highlights importance of Ilham Aliyev's re-elections for another term. The article is a reference to another piece that appeared in a Turkish paper Takvim [TR].

The author of the article Bulent Erandac claims Aliyev's re-election to be crucial for Turkey- Azerbaijan relations. According to the author, "In these [upcoming elections, scheduled for October 16] election of President Aliyev for a third term is closely linked to Turkey's place in the faith of the Caucasus. Ilham Aliyev played an important role in mutual relationship of the two countries sharing the same language, religion and history". 

Erandac reminds its readers of Aliyev's recent speech where the incumbent President spoke of close ties between the two countries. "Our hearts beat the same. Turkey is our important sibling, friend, and partner in the world. I am certain, that for Turkey too Azerbaijan is number one friend, sibling, and partner in the world". 

These are some very strong words. But it is for the people of Azerbaijan to decide who will be their next president. Especially taking into the account corruption, deeply embedded issues with democracy and human rights that overshadowed development of Azerbaijan in the past decade under the current president.

Perhaps someone also needs to remind Erandac of the past elections (both presidential and parliamentary) and the many violations during the election period in the past.

And then there is a debate around the "friendly" relations between the two countries ["one nation, two states" motto]. A reality check- there isn't much going on apart from business relations. When was the last time Turkish and Azerbaijani civil societies done something together? Or when was the last time Turkey reacted to the arrests of journalists, political activists and the approach to the overall state of freedom of the press in Azerbaijan?

The upcoming presidential elections will determine the faith of the country over the next presidential term. Surely, Erandac and many others in Turkey would appreciate to deal and develop more mutually friendly relations with a more democratic country. This would also play a bigger role in the region at large. 

But perhaps old friendships and habits are hard to break... 

#occupygezi through the lens of a foreigner

I wrote this post as a guest post for Erkan Saka's Field Diary. Wanted to share it here as well.

"I moved to Istanbul in 2007. The largest form of protest I witnessed back then was the march organized to protest the death of an editor and chief of weekly Armenian paper- AGOS. Never did it cross my mind that only few years later I am going to be part of something special, something that for some has been coined as the greatest thing that happened to the people of Turkey ever since the last coup in the 80s. 

Many faces of occupygezi 

There she was standing on the edge of a construction block throwing stones to the protesters. “Here take some more”, she was shouting through a medical mask that covered her face (a common accessory used by many of the protesters in Istanbul and across Turkey). I turned my camera and started taking photographs of this woman in her 50s, maybe 60s. It was hard to tell her age, only her graying hair was giving it away. For me she was just another icon of the #occupygezi protests similar to the woman in red and a woman in black (the list got longer as the protests escalated, with a young man playing a guitar boldly in front of TOMA vehicle, a naked man and later the standingman).  

All these people together with tens of thousands more were taking the streets protesting. For some occupygezi was about protecting nature, for others standing up for their rights, their freedoms, their choices and the authoritarian grip of the ruling Justice and Development Party.

I was in Taksim square on May 31^st, holding my camera and trying to breath through the thick smoke of tear gas. For the first time in my life, I tasted tear gas and pepper gas. For the first time in my life I saw water canons. The brutality of Turkish riot police reminded me of my home country Azerbaijan and how our police used violence to disperse crowds of people whenever they took the streets in recent years to protest its own government.

Later weeks became a routine- meetings with foreign journalists late at night, walks in Gezi Park, interviewing protesters, watching police intervene, and the never- ending feeling of resistance and solidary in the eyes of many of the faces of Gezi Park protests. 

My camera was ready, capturing moments, the faces, just like that woman-throwing stones. At times it felt peaceful and at times, the scenes in Taksim square, on Istiklal and in many parts of Turkey felt no less than war scenes from movies.  

Twitter and Vine became my best friends while covering the Gezi Protests. My camera and the photographs were proof of how one country and its brave people can change its destiny. 

These days, I feel a different kind of Turkey. I feel like people have finally woken up and are ready to challenge the government that isn’t too ready to accept this challenge and face the reality of the Turkey it has created and at times forced upon its people.

For many this is a new beginning. As a foreigner living in Turkey, this new beginning feels exhilarating. But what is more important is not to lose this momentum. There is a long path lying ahead of Turkey now. How it is shaped now depends on its people as much as it depends on its government. 

As for me… my camera is ready so as me, to see and be part of this change…" 

Dream of a young man- "Erdogan by Erdogan"

One of the best Gezi Park productions. Kudos to the creators! 

Basing the clip and the words on a song by Daft Punk "Giorgio by Moroder" the brain behind this idea did an amazing job. 

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the sound of Gezi Park and Erdogan's dream to crush his nation. 

 

I am not a hoodlum, not an extremist, not a marginal, I am an individual, with rights

Before I found myself in the middle of Taksim Square on May 31st, I was just an expat living in Istanbul. I enjoyed living here though my concerns of what to become of Turkey as a result of seriously conservative policies placed by the ruling AKP increasingly grew over me. 

Turkey was a different place when I first came here, which was in 2001. I was here as a student, studying International Relations and I remember clearly the elections in 2002. I remember the festive atmosphere. People greeting AK Pary's buses in Kizilar. Flowers and promises for a greater future were everywhere. 

I left Ankara in 2005 and came back in 2007, around the time when YouTube was banned. I was shocked. How can YouTube be banned here?! For me Turkey always was a beacon of hope especially for someone who comes from Azerbaijan, where the authoritarian rule of one family been suffocating the country and its people for almost two decades now. Of course there were ways to go around banned YouTube. This was the first time I learned about bypass proxies. 

Then I left again 2009 and returned in 2010 this time with an intention to stay for much longer. But ever since I have been back (and in pretty much all cases) nothing good happened in Turkey. When I first moved back to Istanbul in 2007, I was one of privileged expats, with a generous salary, enjoying the colorful and rich life of Istanbul. But this wasn't the case for everybody, despite the increasing salaries and booming economy. 

AKP policies kept coming in, and while people protested nothing changed. Decisions were made, amendments passed and people got on with their lives. Mass arrests of army generals in the fear of "deep state plotting"; arrests of prominent individual and journalists, recent ban on alcohol and on public kissing, were really the final drops before this nation of some 70 million realized that the cup is full and there is no more room for any "kneeling". #occupygezi came at a right moment. The road expansion plan, cutting of trees, and the brutal police [mis]treatment of people who were at the park opened the Pandora box. People were angry and it wasn't just about trees anymore. 

And so, as events unraveled I too joined hundreds of thousands Istanbulites in protest, demanding that my voice, as an individual, is heard and that my rights are respected. It was disappointing to see government's initial reaction. It was quick to dismiss the essence of the protests and calling all of us- hooligans, alcoholics, hoodlums, extremist and marginals while we are students, doctors, lawyers, teachers, pensioners, housewives, engineers, and people from all sorts of interesting backgrounds. 

Today is the 9th day of protests in Istanbul. Today is also the day when demands of "Diren Taksim" [Resist Taksim] are heard by Deputy Prime Minister. The demands are simple (this is a rough translation, original text is available here): 

1. Gezi Park must stay as a park and that the authorities must announce a unanimous decision that nothing will be built there and it will remain a park from now on;

2. Ataturk Cultural Center (a building right next to Gezi Park) will remain untouched as well;

3. Governors, heads of security forces of Ankara, Istanbul and Hatay and those implementing their immediate orders must be dismissed from their duties immediately;

4. Ban on use of gas cannons and similar materials;

5. All those detained must be released immediately; 

6. No more bans on public gatherings in squares like Taksim and Kizilay (in Ankara) and other public squares; no more bans on the right to protest; and removal of all kinds of conditions limiting freedom of expression. 

The only person who apologized for the violence has been Deputy Prime Minister (and that was on the 8th day of protests and wasn't an apology from everyone mind you). The Prime Minister himself is away on a state visit trip. He left the country in a turmoil, once again dismissing everything that's been happening as an act of hooliganism, fueled by outside powers, jealous of Turkey's economy and the country's growing power significance. Well, dear Mr. Prime Minister, as one CHP Parliament Member said yesterday, "you have been poisoned by power". And that is the problem. People had expectations when PM Erdogan first came to power. Many voted for him and his party and voted again for him and the party but if more than 60 towns been on a revolt and the ruling party is still talking about trees and calling us names, this shows that something is wrong. One cannot call your citizens hoodlums and certainly one cannot say that Twitter is a menace to Turkish society. It is thanks to Twitter that we have been getting and sharing news about what is happening because Turkish media wouldn't (As someone wrote on a wall near Taksim "Revolution will not be televised, it will be tweeted"). It was only after Prime Minister left the country that CNN Turk began showing more footage of police brutality. But even today, on the 9th day of protest there is still no live coverage outside of hourly news segments.

What is going to happen next we are yet to see. I have certainly had enough of tear gas. Though on the nights when I don't get even the swift of it, it feels strange, like something is missing from my life. Will the current government resign after days of calls? I am not sure either. But things have to change, and that is I am sure of. I will be back in Taksim square today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow if need be. I will come and join the peaceful protesters and continue tweeting and taking photos. I know I am not alone.

I am happy to be part of this resistance and see what Turkish people are capable of. Thanks to them, (and thanks to the Prime Minister because if it wasn't for him this probably would have never happened), I saw the unity and solidarity that could form among people united by one cause. The resistance continues! #direngeziparki #direnturkiye!

photographs are by me

Gas, watercannons, wounded, dismantled buses and cars- no, this is not a movie scene

Have you ever gone from a wedding to a protest? I have. Two nights ago my two buddies had a wedding. It was beautiful. Outside of the city chaos and mayhem we were surrounded by trees, clean (gas free) air, and of course, two happy people surrounded by their friends and family tying their knots for their lifetime. 

But all of us, friends, were torn. We spent a good half of the wedding checking Twitter (because traditional media been pretty much silent for the past few days) trying to stay tuned. Every minute there was something- but the worst news were coming from a neighborhood called Besiktas. Located not far from the Besiktas Soccer Stadium. Besiktas is a lively residential district popular not only among Besiktas soccer team fans but also among locals. The night before, some of my friends were there, but instead of enjoying the fresh fish from the local bazar or a stroll through some of the cobble stone streets, they were greeted with tear gas and police. For the past two nights, this neighborhood turned into a war zone - clashes between riot police and the protestors. There were many injured. People were tweeting pictures that looked nothing short of a movie set of some war/out-of-this-word zone.

The wedding was over, and so we drove back to city center. Talking to passer by who were coming back from Besiktas we didn't hear anything good- tear gas, pepper gas, some even thought police was using something called orange gas. To protect themselves protesters used a mix of talcid and water, milk, lemon, goggles, masks, hard construction hats- basically anything that can protect one's body against possible attack. 

We too packed our bags and started walking. It is hard to describe what I saw so I am just going to share photographs: 

Near Besiktas Inonu Stadium- night of June 2nd

Barricades on the way to Taksim near Besiktas Inonu Stadium- night of June 2nd circa 3am

More barricades

Taksim square- Morning of June 2nd, around 3.30am

I took photo above in the afternoon of June 1st, the photo below is the same spot at around 3am on June 2nd

Above Taksim square, May 31st, people running from tear gas, below Taksim square, June 2 early morning, people no longer running

"Don't be silent"

I came home frustrated. The looting was affecting the whole purpose of resistance. It was becoming violent and this was not the original intention. But then it was inevitable I suppose. The anger and frustration of the people has grown out of proportions and it is no longer about trees and park. Its about something much bigger- something that is called AKP. 

So far, the authorities have failed to understand this, and that is why people are continuing to resist. And looks like will continue because its no longer few hundred people, green activists protecting trees, its about over 60 cities of Turkey where thousands of people are protesting the regime and calling for PM's resignation.

Stay tuned, more updates are coming.

To built a mall or save a park- that is the question

But not for the officials of Turkey. In the heart of Istanbul there is a square known to many of this city visitors as Taksim Square. We the locals call it Taksim and its often a meeting point. Right next to this square there stands a very pretty park- Gezi. Few days ago the state officials announced its plans to destroy the park and built yet another shopping mall in this booming historical city (By the end of 2013 the number of total shopping malls in Istanbul alone is estimade to reach 133). Why? Its a good question an answer to which has not been given- at least not by those very state officials, not yet.

Today I'm here (May 31st) just like many residents of Istanbul demanding anullment of the construction plans and keeping the park safe and the area green. I breathed in wonderful tear gas, I saw many injured people, police use watercannons to disperse the crowds and its not over yet. The clash between peaceful protesters and violent police continues. Its been going on for the past few days and looks like will persist.

Unfortunately I cannot post any photos at the moment as I am in a remote location but will share some of the sound records and ımages later as soon as I get a chance.

For now please follow #direngeziparki for furhter updates on Twitter and share whats happening here. All that people want is to protect their park.

Map: Which countries police the Internet the most?

Came across this map thanks to a user on Twitter showing Google take- down requests by country across the world. Looks like Turkey is in the lead with Azerbaijan showing only two requests.

Azerbaijanis' holidays

Most recent article I wrote for Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso. You can follow the link or read the full article here.

Azerbaijanis' Holidays

Is Turkey's "silent revolution" the end of military coups?

This post was originally published on Waging Nonviolence on August 14th, 2011.

Source: Adem Altan/AFP/Getty Images 

Furious over the arrests of senior Turkish military officers, and unable to find common ground with the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Chief of Turkish Armed Forces Isik Kosaner handed in his resignation, together with the heads of the navy, army and air force on July 29th. Some have been calling it a “silent revolution”; for the first time in its modern history, Turkey’s military appears to be coming under civilian control, after decades as the government’s watchful overseer and the orchestrator of sudden coups. But at what cost?

Over the last two years, Turkey’s secular military power and the stridently Islamic, conservative ruling AKP (“Justice and Development Party”) have been engaged in a verbal war over allegations that military personnel have been involved in plotting against the current leadership in an operation known as “Sledgehammer” (Balyoz in Turkish). Since February of 2010, over 200 officers, admirals, generals, and colonels been arrested, detained and charged with conspiracy. In fact, hours prior to Kosaner’s resignation, 22 suspects—all military officials—were charged with involvement in carrying out an alleged internet campaign to undermine the government. Over 400 academics, journalists, and other public figures have also been jailed and tried on account of another conspiracy, “Ergenekon”—an alleged group of secular nationalists plotting to bring down the current leadership.

While the government claims that the resignation was an early retirement decision, in his interview with the newspaper Hurriyet, the Chief of General Staff made it clear that his decision to leave his post came as a sign of protest against the arrests of military officers since 2010 and his inability to protect the rights of his personnel.

Here in Turkey, opinions vary as to what the resignations will mean. Turkey’s military overthrew four elected governments in a series of coups that began in the 1960s. The resignation clearly represents the end of the power Turkey’s military once held over the country’s political system. And while some might argue that the rise of the ruling AKP over the past decade, marked the beginning of truly civilian rule in the country, it is hard to say whether this particular change is an indicator of the ascendancy of the civilian power and a true sign of democracy. This collective resignation also means the disappearance of the last meaningful check on the power of AKP.

Moreover, it is going to take more than a forced “retirement” of top generals to achieve full civilian control over the army. Other officers could very well take matters into their own hands when they see how their values are being mercilessly crushed by a religions regime like the AKP under Erdogan. Turkey’s military still holds its rights to intervene in the country’s political system if they perceive a threat to it, according to the military’s internal service code, which has yet to be officially altered. Nor has the curriculum taught at the military establishments been changed to emphasize the supremacy of the civilian rule in the country.

The once-powerful military now feels demoralized and weakened in its capabilities, which could cause people within it to act rashly. According to military analyst Gareth Jenkins, “The officer corps is growing disillusioned. Military officers are very reluctant to communicate with one another as there is a fear that it will be intercepted, distorted and used against them.” Such conspiracies create an impression that the Turkish Military Forces are a bunch of criminals and it undermines its historical significance given that it was General Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who founded the first Republic in 1923. 

Meanwhile, the AKP’s grip on power grows. It has been introducing sweeping reforms, including plans for a new, nationwide internet filter system, which are changing the face of this promising and aggressively modernizing nation. It seems doubtful that the path to real democracy and justice will come from sudden “retirements” and other decisions made behind closed doors. This year, Turkey was rated as the country with highest number of imprisoned journalists, surpassing even China and Iran. One thing, at least, is clear: it is going to take a lot more than the retirement of few generals for the country to become an example of a healthy democracy in the Muslim world.

And it happened again...

Today was an important day in Turkey. Millions of Turks left their homes to cast their votes in general elections. 

A lot of hope was vested into the ruling center- right Justice and Development Party (AKP)'s main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in these elections, however, it failed to win or get the majority of votes. It came with a 25.92% of votes while the ruling AKP with almost twice as much. But what is more concerning is the trend of the overall percentage of votes AKP has been getting since 2002 when it came to leadership with 34%, 46% in 2007 and 49.90% in 2011 (see more details here).

AKP will maintain majority in the parliament with 326 seats, followed by CHP with 135 seats, MHP 54 seats and independents with 35 seats. AKP was targeting 330 seats which would have allowed the party to push for rewriting the constitution. The debate over changing the constitution that was introduced during the 1980 coup, rests on AKP's promise of making Turkey a more democratic country with enhanced individual freedoms vs. its opponents fearing of AKP simply consolidating its grip on power. The current Prime Minister spoke of his affection for a French- style presidential system which is what many believe AKP will strive to achieve by changing the constitution. If this happens, Erdogan will have the constitutional right to govern for additional two terms, leading the country in 2023 which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.

In his post- election address, leader of the ruling CHP party- Kemal Kilicdaroglu promised to continue working as hard as they did before, sending out a strong message of becoming a ruling party. 

According to the country's current constitution, a party must get a minimum of 10% of the national vote for it to join the country's 550- seat parliament (to read more on Turkish election system read this article by Al Jazeera).

It was disturbing to see cars drive on one of the busiest and hip streets of Istanbul, Bagdad Caddesi, with AKP flags hanging from their windows and women with headscarves smiling proudly waiving the flags from their cars tonight. It reminded me of Fenerbahce (one of the Turkey's biggest football teams) championship celebrations just few weeks ago on the same street, except this was no soccer championship. AKP's controversial rule in the country has been subject to criticisms. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Kilicdaroglu pointed out to limitations in democracy and freedoms. CHP leader referred to cases of confiscation of unprinted books, arrests and detainment of hundreds of journalist (Turkey is leading among countries with highest number of arrested journalists). Freedom of press is fragile, journalists are concerned their phones are tapped and mass case over military coup plot is in papers everyday. 

So it looks like religion won today again for a third time... 

Reaction to my post on Hrant Dink (updated)

Wanted to share the following two tweets I received following my post on Hrant Dink and his murder.

Translation: The murder of Hrant Dink was a good thing. Armenian dogs and their friends down to hell. Piss off my list.

Translation: Who are you to feel sorry for the Armenians, you dishonorable dog. Aren't these humans [referring to the video] you, Armenian leftover.

Translation: @arzugeybulla @Gurgin Are you fucking Armenians. Cheap whore.

Translation: @arzugeybulla @nihgun If you support Hrant Dink while your own land Karabakh is under Armenian occupation that means you are a filthy dog.

Translation: @arzugeybulla @nihgun Those like you are not worth even spitting at your face. Its clear what shit you are from things you write.

Translation: @arzugeybulla @Gurgin Is Hrank Dink your uncle? I am hundred percent sure that you are an armenian pimp.

This is exactly what i was talking about in my post- things wont change as long as we have such violent, aggressive rhetoric among our people (It wasn't enough to insult me but they have started insulting my friends). I don't know even know what to say to these people...

Holding breath- FIBA finals and REFERENDUM in Turkey

Tonight, was a legendary night. Turkey's national basketball team got itself a place in the finals of FIBA World Championship. It was an amazing game and it wasn't until the last few seconds that the faith of the game was determined. Even as I write this post, I can hear cheers coming from the outside. And its only 02.00am in the morning on a Saturday night. Tomorrow, Turkey will be playing US and finally determining who will get the gold medal. 

But just as we anxiously wait for the results of tomorrow's game, there is another big challenge facing Turkey tomorrow- on September 12th, millions of Turkish citizens will be casting their votes in the controversial Referendum. 

The big challenge, is whether the majority of Turks will say "EVET" (yes) or "HAYIR" (no) to amendments of a constitution adopted in 1982 by the military. Though, there are some positive changes at stake, majority of secular and liberal Turks are concerned by the right granted to the government [if the majority of votes amounts to YES that is] to control appointment of senior judges- a step seen as "part of the back door Islamist coup". The following article gives a better view of proposed changes and whats in it for the rest of the Turkey: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=breaking-down-turkeys-referendum-2010-09-07

Kilicdaroglu vs Erdogan (photos from
Turkish Daily News) 

Depending on the results, much of Turkish politics in post- referendum period will center around the headscarf issue, the on- going struggle against Kurdish Worker's Party- PKK, most probably more talks on democratic autonomy for Kurds and etc.  

And as AKPs biggest opponent and critique CHP has been running its own anti- referendum campaign (or "HAYIR" campaign), Prime Minister Erdogan, have dismissed their campaign as mere propaganda. While it might sound like propaganda to the Prime Minister, CHP's Kemal Kilicdaroglu's argument that "they [AKP] want to seize control of the judiciary and end the separation of powers that Turkey learned from Western countries" doesn't seem or sound like propaganda neither to me, nor to all those "HAYIR" supporters. 

Anyway, whatever the results will be, its going to be an interesting day here in Turkey tomorrow...  

7 days in sunny August

No, this post wont be about Jamiroquai's song "7 days in sunny June". Lets just say, I have borrowed that title and slightly modified it for personal reasons :) 

7 days in sunny August is about a trip that I recently took with my friends in Bodrum.

The plan was ticking. We finally found a boat thanks to our great organizers and the dates were set. We were to leave Istanbul on August 21st and return a week later.

It was all hard to believe in until I actually saw the boat with my own eyes on sunny Saturday when we (9 people all together) flew into Bodrum. She was a beauty. 21 meters, 5 rooms, an amazing captain, even more amazing chef and their two lovely assistants (or skippers).

And so our journey began. Imagine, 7 days of nothing more but stunningly beautiful turquoise sea, sun, a company of an awesome group of friends every day. 

There are four different routes you can take. We went for Gokova sea inlet. Each day includes a stop at a new place. Depending on the plan you either leave early in the morning (and I mean early, around 6am) to get to the new place. Alternatively, you spend the day or half a day at one of the bays and leave it for the next one. 

In Turkish, this whole trip is called "Mavi Yolculuk", which means "Blue voyage" and there are many different companies offering such trips. Some options include Greek Islands as well, but it all depends on you and the company you are traveling with. 

It lasts one week, starting on Saturday and ending on Saturday. Thats the ideal time stretch, alternatively you can limit it to 4 or 5 days but 7 is perfect I would say. 

One of the highlights of our trip was the stop at the Sedir Island (beach). Its a protected area and you do have to pay to get in. But it is definitely worth it. Its the sand that makes the beach so unique. Shaped like small round particles its a sight of unquestionable beauty. It is for that reason, the beach is also known as Cleopatra beach. 

Our group :) 

I was slightly skeptical about Blue Voyage before taking it myself and now I am already looking forward to our next summer on a boat exploring a new route. Its a must thing to do if you are visiting Turkey. Forget about tourist destinations where you end up spending ridiculous amount of money and end up seeing the same beach every day. Try this, it is definitely worth every penny you spent and that week of holidays you so look forward to all throughout the year...