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Check FAQAbout Ekrem
Ekrem Eddy Güzeldere is a political analyst and journalist. After 13 years in Turkey, he is since October 2018 based in Berlin, where he works as a Program Manager for the Berghof Foundation. He worked in Istanbul from 2005 to September 2018, for the German foundation Heinrich Böll and the international think tank ESI (European Stability Inititiative) and as a free-lance journalist, fixer, translator and consultant. He regularly worked with German media (FAZ, ARD radio) and Italian Radio Radicale. From October 2015 until December 2016 he was a non-resident PhD candidate at the University of Hamburg working on Turkey - Brazil relations. The defense took place in Oct. 2017, ****** . Ekrem completed a master’s degree in political sciences at the Free University of Berlin (2000) and the post-graduate "Euromasters" degree at universities in Bath, Paris, and Madrid (2001). Since 2020 he is also a non-resident fellow with the think tank Eliamep in its Turkey program and in the editorial team of the journal Brasilicum, focusing on Brazil and social movements.
Portfolio
Turkish Alevi federation opens cemevis for accommodation of students in need
The Federation of Alevi Foundations in Turkey, led by Haydar Baki Doğan, has allocated 73 cemevis to provide accommodation and free meals for university students affected by the country's housing crisis. Amid protests by students unable to find housing, opposition CHP MP Mahmut Tanal urged Parliamentary Speaker Mustafa Şentop to offer empty parliamentary residences to students in need.
US lawmakers call for suspension of drone technology transfer to Turkey
A bipartisan group of 27 U.S. Congress members wrote to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging the suspension of drone technology transfers to Turkey, citing concerns over regional destabilization and potential violation of U.S. sanctions. The letter highlighted the use of Turkish drones in conflicts involving Azerbaijan, Syria, and Libya, and noted that these drones contain parts from American firms, potentially breaching arms export control laws. The lawmakers requested a State Department review and immediate suspension of export permits for U.S. drone technology to Turkey.
Turkish opera singer Güvenç Dağüstün briefly detained for 'insulting' pro-gov't academic on Twitter
Turkish tenor Güvenç Dağüstün was detained at Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen Airport on charges of insulting academic Selman Öğüt, who has close ties to the government and is part of the Pelican Group. Dağüstün's tweet, which led to his detention, was a response to Öğüt's portrayal of opposition leaders as supporters of terrorism. After giving his testimony, Dağüstün was released and able to continue his travel plans for a concert in the Aegean Gümüşlük.
Turkey’s Influence in the Western Balkans: From Soft Power to Military Cooperation
The article discusses Turkey's growing influence in the Western Balkans, leveraging the region's stalled EU accession process to expand its political, economic, cultural, and military presence. While the EU's attention has been diverted by crises like the financial downturn, refugees, Brexit, and the East-Med, Turkey, along with China and Russia, has filled the void. Turkey's approach under President Erdogan has shifted from soft power to creating long-term dependencies through military and defense cooperation. The pandemic highlighted the EU's initial failure to provide timely medical aid and vaccines, allowing China and Russia to engage in 'vaccine diplomacy.' Turkey, lacking its own vaccine, was less visible but aims to avoid an EU-Turkey confrontation, preferring the Western Balkans to join the EU, which aligns with its long-term goal of having more allies within the bloc.
28 June 2022: Value-based Opposition Against Authoritarianism Medyascope and The Turkey Program of the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) joining forces and start a joint webinar project.
An Alevi as President of Turkey?
The article discusses the political landscape in Turkey, focusing on Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the chairman of the CHP and a joint candidate of the largest opposition alliance, who is of Alevi and Kurdish descent. The Alevi, a significant non-Sunni religious group in Turkey, have faced historical persecution and discrimination. The AKP's 'Alevi opening' initiative from 2008 to 2011 failed to yield concrete results for the Alevi community. Despite the challenges, Kılıçdaroğlu's candidacy represents a potential message of unity and acceptance of diversity. The article also touches on the discrimination Alevis face in Turkey, including in employment and social acceptance. The upcoming presidential elections on 14 May 2023 could be a turning point for Turkey, with the possibility of an Alevi occupying one of the highest positions in the country.
British author's book sold in envelopes in Turkey for including gay character
Alice Oseman's comic book 'Heartstopper' is being sold in envelopes in Turkey after the Family and Social Services Ministry labeled it as harmful for children due to a gay character. The ministry's regulations require a warning on the cover for publications deemed obscene. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and government officials, including President Erdoğan and Interior Minister Soylu, have expressed hostility towards the LGBTQI+ community. Ali Erbaş of the Religious Affairs Directorate has also made negative statements about homosexuality.
Turkey detains over 94,000 irregular migrants since start of 2021
Since the beginning of 2021, Turkey has detained 94,915 irregular migrants, contradicting reports of an abnormal increase in migration. Deputy Interior Minister İsmail Çataklı provided data on migrant detentions, including Afghan migrants, and refuted claims of Turkey's inaction. President Erdoğan discussed repatriating Afghan refugees with the Taliban's acceptance. Turkey faces potential new refugee influxes following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, amidst rising anti-migrant sentiment and social media videos showing Afghans entering Turkey.
Online public discussion: “French-Turkish Relations: Strategic Tensions – Escalation on Islam: What Next?” November 18, 2020
Eliamep Online roundtable discussion: “Turkey and the Global South” Date, July 13, 2021 https://www.eliamep.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Invitation-13.07-1.pdf
Since 2020 I am a regular bi-weekly columnist for the online journal DuvarEnglish. I mainly write about Turkish foreign policy and Germany/EU-Turkey relations.
Turkish mafia boss says he was warned by UAE not to share videos due to security risks
Turkish mafia leader Sedat Peker has been warned by United Arab Emirates officials against sharing videos due to high security risks. Peker, who has released videos with allegations against Turkish politicians, including former minister Mehmet Ağar and Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu, has been told there might be assassination attempts against him. The videos have been watched by millions and include claims of involvement in murders, drug trafficking, and aiding jihadists in Syria. Peker, a former ally of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), feels betrayed after being promised a return to Turkey. He plans to reassess his situation and possibly move to another country if the risks persist.
What Theodorakis means for Turkey
Mikis Theodorakis, the legendary Greek composer known for his film score for 'Zorba the Greek' and collaborations with left-wing writers, passed away at age 96. He was celebrated in Turkey for his music and efforts in Turkish-Greek friendship, notably with Zülfü Livaneli. Despite his contributions, Theodorakis's legacy is marked by contradictions, as he navigated between nationalism and internationalism, at times supporting peace and at other times aligning with hard-core Greek nationalism. His life mirrored the tumultuous histories of Greece and Turkey, including experiences of war, dictatorship, and revolution. Theodorakis's music became anthems for Greek student movements and he was involved in peace efforts between Greece and Turkey in the 1980s. However, his later years saw a political shift to the right, including anti-Semitic statements and participation in nationalist rallies, before returning to his Communist roots and advocating for peace.
Turkey to receive 10 mln Sinovac, 90 mln BioNTech vaccines by fall
Turkey is set to receive 10 million doses of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine within the next week and 90 million doses of the BioNTech vaccine before fall, as announced by Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca. The BioNTech vaccine deliveries will include 30 million doses in June and another 60 million by September. BioNTech co-founder Uğur Şahin will inform officials about the vaccine supply in an upcoming meeting and is expected to visit Turkey in June. The country aims for herd immunity by mid-summer, with vaccinations opening to everyone above 20 by the end of June. Currently, 10.8 million people are fully vaccinated, representing 13% of the population, with 14.9 million having received their first dose.
Turkish cryptocurrency exchange Thodex founder flees Turkey with $2 billion
Faruk Fatih Özer, the founder of Turkish cryptocurrency exchange Thodex, is reported to have fled Turkey with $2 billion, leaving behind around 391,000 defrauded users. Police raided Thodex headquarters and an investigation was launched for forming a criminal organization and aggravated fraud. Financial crimes investigation board MASAK blocked the company's accounts and began an investigation. Thodex had halted trading on April 21, claiming an upcoming partnership transaction. Users were unable to access their digital assets, and daily trading volume had tripled to over $1.2 billion on April 16. A lawyer representing the victims stated that the exchange had a monthly trade volume of about 100 billion Turkish Liras and estimated that about $2 billion went missing. Özer denied the allegations of fleeing with the funds and claimed he left Turkey for meetings related to the company's sale.
After social media outrage, ministry puts two children sexually abused by parents under state protection
The Turkish Family and Social Services Ministry has placed two children under state protection following a court's acceptance of their request. The children, victims of sexual abuse by their parents in the Elmalı case, were the subject of social media outrage after their mother and stepfather were released from jail despite forensic evidence confirming the abuse. The children's detailed letter and drawings depicting the abuse had circulated online, leading to public protest.
Turkey's entertainers revolt against lack of state aid in pandemic: Don't turn blind eye!
Musicians and entertainers in Turkey have launched an awareness campaign titled 'Don't turn a blind eye!' to highlight the financial difficulties they face due to unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. With no state aid and venues closed for over a year, the campaign, led by Jolly Joker, calls for support to save live performance venues. Singer Hakan Altun initiated a social media trend to draw attention to the issue. Musicians like Ferhat Özdemir and Aşgın Aydın have had to sell their instruments and leave music to survive, with some entertainers reportedly committing suicide due to financial struggles.
Turkish gov't 'hides death statistics to attract tourists'
The Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) has delayed the release of the 'Death and Cause of Death Statistics 2020' bulletin, leading to accusations from the opposition, particularly the Republican People's Party (CHP), that the government is hiding real COVID-19 numbers to boost tourism. TÜİK has faced criticism for allegedly manipulating statistics to favor President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) supports claims that the actual COVID-19 death toll is much higher than reported, with estimates suggesting it could be over 150,000, three to three and a half times the official figures.
Turkish prosecutors seek up to four-year jail term for main opposition leader in Erdoğan 'insult' case
Turkish prosecutors are seeking to lift the parliamentary immunity of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), over an insult case filed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Kılıçdaroğlu faces up to four years in jail for referring to Erdoğan as the 'so-called president' and suggesting he oppresses the media. The case has progressed to the point where the Joint Constitution and Justice Committee of Parliament will consider the prosecutors' demand, which could lead to a General Assembly vote on whether to strip Kılıçdaroğlu of his immunity.
Germany at the end of 2020 finds itself in an awkward position
The article discusses the complex relationship between Germany, Turkey, and the EU at the end of 2020. Germany is recognized for its mediation efforts in the East Med tensions and for avoiding harsh EU sanctions on Turkey. However, Germany cannot mediate the clash between France and Turkey over Islamism and freedom of expression. The article also covers the role of Germany during its EU presidency, its attempts to mediate between Turkey and EU member states, and the economic ties between Germany and Turkey, including the presence of German companies in Turkey. The article further explores the potential modernization of the Customs Union, the EU's foreign policy issues with Turkey, and the impact of the German-Turkish community on bilateral relations. It concludes that while EU-Turkey relations have been resilient, the future depends on easing tensions and finding a new framework for relations beyond the accession process.
Zivilgesellschaft unter Damokles-Dekreten, article in German on the situation of civil society in Turkey, especially what changed after the failed coup in July 2016. The article was published in late August 2017
June 2017, Wir leben vom Ersparten, NZZ Folio Article in German about one phyisician purged after the failed coup for posts on social media for the Swiss journal Neue Zürcher Zeitung's magazine Folio.
July/August 2017, Türkische Außenpolitik - Null Freunde, Politik und Kultur. Article in German about Turkish foreign policy for the monthly Politik und Kultur.
The first Arabic bookshop in Istanbul
The article by Ekrem Guzeldere discusses the opening of 'Pages', the first Arabic bookshop in Istanbul, which was established by Syrian refugees and Turkish publishers. The founder, Samer Al Kadri, aims to make it a cultural hub for Arabs and Turks, offering Arabic literature and a space for cultural events. Al Kadri, who fled Syria after his publishing house was searched by security forces, has settled in Istanbul and is planning to publish bilingual books in Arabic and Turkish. The bookshop, which also has a cafe, allows customers to read or borrow books instead of purchasing them. Al Kadri expresses his desire to return to Syria post-Assad regime and contribute to the country's rebuilding.
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