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Check FAQAbout Durrie
Durrie Bouscaren is a freelance radio and digital journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey. Previously, she covered breaking news and health care for National Public Radio affiliates in the United States. In 2018, she reported from Papua New Guinea as NPR's John Alexander Fellow. She is conversant in French, public records and most editing software. https://www.durriebouscaren.com/
Portfolio
Parents seek justice for children crushed in collapsed hotel during Turkish earthquake
Parents of children who died in the Grand Isias Hotel collapse during the February 2023 Turkish earthquake are pursuing a landmark criminal case against the hotel owners and those involved in its construction. The earthquake, which killed over 59,000 people in Turkey and northern Syria, led to the collapse of the hotel, resulting in 72 deaths, including 24 young volleyball players. The parents, represented by a legal team, argue that the hotel was not built safely, especially given the known earthquake risk in the area. Eleven defendants face charges of 'conscious negligence,' with the next hearing scheduled for April 26.
In Istanbul, the classic ‘Turkish breakfast’ comes under fire for food waste
Weekend breakfasts in Turkey, particularly the serpme kahvaltı, are facing scrutiny for food waste in restaurants. Café Carmenta in Istanbul's Beşiktaş neighborhood exemplifies the traditional Turkish breakfast with a variety of dishes. Despite efforts to reduce waste by adjusting portion sizes, the cultural importance of offering a wide variety of food remains strong. A historian criticized the practice on Kanal 7, and a citizen petition to ban the full Turkish breakfast reached the parliament. The restaurant association suggests offering à la carte options to mitigate waste. Turkish breakfast remains a cherished tradition and an affordable luxury for many.
In Gaza, a poet's last words joins messages sent by everyday people
Palestinian poet and academic Refaat Alareer was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, which claimed the lives of his family and raised the death toll to 21,000. Prior to his death, Alareer shared a poem titled 'If I Must Die,' joining many in Gaza who have left final messages for posterity or loved ones.
Assyrian Women of Letters
The article explores the lives of Assyrian women through the discovery of cuneiform tablets in Kanesh, modern-day Turkey. It highlights the personal and business correspondence of women like Zizizi, who played significant roles in the Assyrian merchant class. The tablets reveal the emotional and economic contributions of these women, challenging the notion that they were merely subservient to men. The research, led by scholars from various institutions, underscores the importance of these findings in understanding the social and economic dynamics of ancient Assyrian society.
Marian University's Innovation Through Engineering Camp aims to increase diversity
Marian University's Innovation Through Engineering Camp for high school students aims to increase diversity in engineering and encourage students to explore industries with a high demand for engineers.
Earthquake survivors adapt to a life without buildings
Six months after devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey and northern Syria, Antakya remains a landscape of cracked high-rises, tent cities, and debris. Despite government promises to rebuild within a year, most residents live in tents and shipping containers, facing harsh conditions like heat and skin infections. With over 50,000 deaths in Turkey, half in Hatay province, residents are slowly adapting to life amid the rubble.
In Papua New Guinea's Sorcery Wars, A Peacemaker Takes On Her Toughest Case
The article discusses the violence in Papua New Guinea (PNG) related to sorcery accusations, focusing on the efforts of Ato Boropi, co-founder of the Kafe Urban Settlers Women's Association, to mediate peace between warring clans. In the Eastern Highlands, accusations of sorcery often lead to vigilante justice and killings. Despite a national law criminalizing sorcery and false accusations, violence persists, with an estimated 30 to 500 deaths annually. Boropi's latest peace attempt in the village of Johogave was challenged when a third clan joined the conflict, and her relatives were involved. The article also explores the historical context of sorcery in PNG, the impact of colonialism and Christianity, and the challenges faced by law enforcement and local peacemakers. It highlights the complexities of addressing sorcery-related violence, including the role of jealousy and power dynamics within communities. The article concludes with Boropi's decision to withdraw from the conflict in Johogave after a failed ceasefire and subsequent retaliatory killings.
Stuck without passports in Kazakhstan, Russians who avoided the draft face a ticking clock
In Almaty, Kazakhstan, Russian draft evaders face uncertainty as they seek asylum. Shelters run by the Anti-War Committee of Russia provide temporary refuge, but residents struggle with legal and logistical challenges. Western nations are divided on offering asylum, with some like Germany being more accepting, while others like Belgium refuse. The US offers hope but limited practical help, leaving many in limbo. The article highlights the personal stories and struggles of these individuals as they navigate their precarious situation.
In Kazakhstan, timeless Korean recipes are loved and maintained
In Kazakhstan's Green Bazaar, Korean culinary traditions thrive, maintained by the Koryo-saram community, descendants of Koreans deported by Stalin in 1937. Shopkeepers like Vera Nikolayavna and Ewgeniya offer traditional Korean dishes, while Marina Choi has turned her family's kimchi recipe into a successful business. The Koryo-saram have adapted their cuisine using local ingredients, preserving their heritage while catering to growing local interest driven by K-pop and South Korean dramas.
Long before electricity, wind catchers of Persia kept residents cool
The ancient wind catchers of Yazd, Iran, known as badgir, have been a reliable form of air-conditioning for centuries, utilizing natural ventilation to cool homes without electricity. As global temperatures rise, these emissions-free structures are gaining renewed attention for their cost-effective design. Historians trace their use back to at least the 12th century, with references in travelers' diaries and poems. Despite modernization, the principles of passive solar design embodied by wind catchers continue to inspire climate-conscious architects today. The article highlights the historical significance, architectural evolution, and modern relevance of wind catchers in the context of sustainable building practices.
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