From the series of epic tweets from Ilham Aliyev

Dear manager of Ilham Aliyev's Twitter account, may I just say, your tweets are always full of so much irony. I feel sorry you have this job! 

And for the President Aliyev, I have a question - if you are as you say the country's first civil servant lets start from your salary - try living with the minimum wage for a month. Wonder if you could "provide" for your family's luxuries? Shall we give it a try? 

Civil servants are there to serve the people. I have repeatedly said that I am the first civil servant.
— Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) January 29, 2015

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?

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.

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

'The World of Social Media'

Twitter, algorithms and protecting your nation's honor (updated)

I know, its a strange combination but a recent tweet (in fact several) prompted me to write this post. I don't know about you but I use Twitter to stay up-to-date with news, friends, events and social media newbies. I too share interesting articles, links to websites, scholarship opportunities, and more. 

A "mention" I received on my Twitter feed however the other day, made me realize, that even a feed can be misinterpreted. It turns out I tweet to much on the Arab world. Even if I do, so what? My Twitter account, my feed, right? Well, so I thought. 

I actually looked up the actual definition of "algorithm" and according to Merriam Webster dictionary, algorithm is:

Which part of the definition my Twitter feed fits, I am not sure. Perhaps its the "step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end especially by a computer"? In this case, I must thank this user's comment, because its actually pretty cool- it turns out my Twitter feed can accomplish a complicated procedure (which I am not sure what is) through my very own computer?! Amazing isn't ?! Ah, the technology of these days...

But wait, it turns out, that instead of focusing so much on other things, I should be ready to protect Azerbaijan's honor. Here is why. That very same Twitter user (lets just call him Mr. X) says that instead of writing about the Arabs, I should write about Solovyov (referring to an article [RU] in Russian media) and his thoughts on war, and post- conflict relations between the communities. Mind you, I read the article, and there is nothing critical in it, in fact, that article is worth mentioning on Twitter as well. You see, the article (its more of a long excerpt from a radio program) is about a recent incident that took place in Russia, when Azerbaijani Airlines, refused to take on the passenger who had an Armenian last name but who was Russian citizen. Further down Solovyov (the guy who runs the radio program) says "the road of hatred is a dead end". And he is absolutely right. 

Working in conflict resolution, I come across people like Mr. X and others like him, who are triggered by anything that doesn't praise Azerbaijan and its people. What Solovyov was saying is one of the basic steps to reconciliation in post- conflict societies (or so i thought, see the update section below). No one is talking about forgetting, neglecting history. History is history, and tragedies did happen. To call people traitors when they refuse to call names, and fight, engaging in aggressive dialogues, is simply won't lead to resolution of anything. 

Oh, and I have to mention you his last two tweets "I suggest Arzu and her friends should form a committee to protect the rights of Solovyov" and "everything is clear with Arzu, while @Fuserlimon (Mr. X was mentioning me and another friend of mine during all his other tweets) chose to remain silent". What a doll?! Beautifully said... I am glad he cleared things with me. Makes me feel much better.

I still think there is no room for hatred as we need to build dialogue between the two countries.

***

This in an update for the section in the post about Solovyov which still in no way approves of Mr. X's attitude and comments made on Twitter that day. 

I listened to the following radio program by Solovyov and I have to say that I take my words back regarding his attitude towards Azerbaijanis and Armenians. In his radio program (listen below), he makes nationalistic comments that are in fact disturbing. 

He draws general conclusion out of the incident (Azerbaijan Airlines not permitting Russian citizen with Armenian last name on board of Moscow- Baku flight) saying things like "if they [Azerbaijanis] don't respect a Russian citizen, they don't respect Russian Federation" and its a disgrace for our government not to react to this "spit in our faces". He mocks Azerbaijan in Caucasian accent of its prejudices and asks whether Azerbaijan allows to show movies with Cher and tennis games with Agassi and others of Armenian dissent. 

Solovyov, suggests a solution to the problem- introduction of visa regime between Azerbaijan and Russia. That way, says Solovyov, Azerbaijanis will have a legal right to say no to people they don't want to allow into their countries and similarly Russia would have the same right. In fact, it could generate an additional income for the state budget given the large numbers of Azerbaijanis traveling to Russia all the time. "Perhaps this would make them [Azerbaijanis] very happy" he adds at the end of his comment. I am not going to go into more details of what he says in this program but for those who speak Russian, they can listen to it here and draw own conclusions. 

'Arab Social Media Report'

Arab Social Media Report

We are citizens of a different country

Another youth activist, was arrested today right from under the noses of his very own parents. Today, on March 8th, Rashadat Akhundov was sentenced to 5 days of imprisonment. And another activist, this time deputy chair of youth branch of an opposition party- Musavat, Sakhavat Soltanli was too arrested on March 8th. Soltanli was charged with auto- hooliganism. 

There are rumors that more activists will be arrested over the course of the next few days and any protests planned for March 11th, will be dispersed. 

It all seems out of this world- as if we are not citizens of this country but from somewhere else and so anything we say is used against us. Oh, wait a second, I think I know why, I have completely forgotten about it- we are all HOOLIGANS- and so the Azerbaijani authorities are punishing all its young hooligans on same charges (though I have to say auto hooliganism is something new). Its just there is this one thing- it looks funny from the outside- one huge and rich government is scared of its progressive youth?! Hmm... strange doesn't it?! 

"The 21st century is a lousy time to be a control freak"

It is indeed! Especially after seeing what is going on in the Middle East and North Africa I could not not share this video. Some excellent insight!

Alex Ross Senior Advisor at the US Department of State speaks on social media, 21st century, new technology, network, Middle East, North Africa, Wael Ghonim and much more.  Enjoy!

Social Media in the Arab World

Center for International Media Assistance just released a report: Social Media in the Arab World: Leading up to the Uprisings of 2011. Jeffrey Grannam, independent media consultant and the author of the report is someone with much experience working in the Middle East. According to the organization's website, the report was commissioned long before the uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab countries. The report looks at the impact, social networks, communication and citizen mobilization and mobile technology had on these revolutions. 

This is a short excerpt from the report. The full version can be accessed here.

Digital communications technologies have expanded the tools available to exercise individual freedom of expression, and Arabs are indeed finding space online to express their opinions and enjoy freedoms that would otherwise be closed off to most. But while Arab Internet users have gained communications and technical capacities to use social networks to mobilize, the real impact won’t be felt for years, maybe even a few decades, observers say, when expectations and political regimes may have changed. For now, to express one’s opinion online, even when not delving into subjects deemed sensitive or traditionally off limits, remains risky in most of the Middle East and North Africa. 

Egypt or how people interpret Twitter

Sometimes I feel like even Twitter users need to learn what is Twitter for and why or how people use it. You see, as we all know, major revolution was taking place in Egypt over the last week and many people around the world were supporting the cause and were spreading the word with Twitter's help. And it was an incredible source of information for me first hand. 

Other Twitter users (and yes, i am generalizing this time as I am sure there are many of these kind everywhere) think of you as some kind of an agent. 

I received this tweet on January 29th, from a user I don't know saying:

Translation: @arzugeybulla who do you work for spreading all this information about Egypt? (the Tweet is in Azerbaijani)

Strangely, it is not the first time I am asked this question. I just don't understand why is it when I, or anyone else is spreading any kind of information, should be put in box called "affiliation" and be asked this question? Of course, I don't know what this man had on the back of his mind when he was writing this tweet. Maybe it just came out, out of curiosity, or maybe he was truly interested? Either way, I think its the question itself that's bizarre. 

I told the guy that I am simply spreading the information, trying to get the word out there about what's going on in Egypt and that has nothing to do with me working for someone. But I doubt that a person who asked this kind of question in the first place will hardly understand my answer. But will see. If there is anything interesting that comes out of this conversation, surely I will keep you posted on the way it goes. 

Anyway, just wanted to share, who knows, maybe someone had similar experience? 

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...