Tuba Altunkaya

The number of historical and geographically significant sites in Turkey listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List has doubled in the last decade. The ancient city of Gordion in Ankara's Polatlı district was recently added to the list, bringing the total number of cultural and natural assets in Turkey recognized by UNESCO to 20. Additionally, Turkey has 83 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. The article lists various sites in Turkey that have been recognized as World Heritage Sites, including Cappadocia, Göreme National Park, and Pamukkale.

As Turkey approaches elections on May 14, the economy dominates debates, but immigration is also central, with rising anti-immigration sentiment. The opposition

The article discusses the impact of the migrant crisis on the upcoming Turkish elections and its relations with the European Union. Turkey, hosting over 3.4 million Syrian refugees, is facing internal pressures with rising anti-migrant sentiment. The opposition 'National Alliance' is campaigning on promises to send Syrians back, while President Erdogan has made conflicting statements about voluntary returns and hosting refugees. The EU-Turkey Refugee Deal of 2016, which aimed to manage the flow of migrants, is also examined. Experts from the Brookings Institution and Kadir Has University provide insights on the feasibility of using refugees in Turkey's reconstruction post-earthquake and the unlikelihood of prioritizing migration policies by the new government. The article also touches on the EU's externalization of migration control and Turkey's use of migration as a bargaining tool, highlighting the complex dynamics at play as Turkey approaches elections and continues to navigate its relationship with the EU and the refugee situation.

Turkey's upcoming elections on May 14 are focusing on the economy and the migrant crisis. The opposition 'National Alliance' pledges to repatriate two million Syrians within two years, while President Erdogan has a more mixed approach, balancing voluntary returns with continued support for refugees. The EU-Turkey Refugee Deal, which has been beneficial for the EU, may face changes depending on the election outcome. Experts suggest using refugees to help rebuild after the recent earthquake and propose trade concessions from the EU for sustainable employment. Migration will remain a contentious issue, with potential for continued diplomatic and border tensions between Turkey and the EU.

A group of plaintiffs seeks a court order to stop a 41-year-old Hague resident from donating sperm, alleging he may have fathered at least 550 children worldwide. The lawsuit, initiated by a woman who used his sperm in 2018 and the Donorkind foundation, claims the man, identified as Jonathan M., violated Dutch laws limiting genetic material use to prevent unintentional incest and psychological issues. Despite being blacklisted in 2017, Jonathan M. allegedly continued donating abroad and through social media. Donorkind's lawyer, Mark de Hek, argues his actions threaten children's mental and physical health. Dutch media report Jonathan M. now resides in Kenya and has declined to comment on the legal proceedings.

A Dutch sperm donor, Jonathan M., is facing legal action for allegedly fathering at least 550 children, far exceeding the recommended limit of 25 offspring. The lawsuit, initiated by a mother and the Donorkind Foundation, aims to prevent him from fathering more children. Despite being blacklisted in the Netherlands in 2017, Jonathan M. reportedly continued donating abroad and through illicit channels. The case highlights concerns about the mental and physical well-being of donor children and the risk of consanguinity. Legal proceedings are ongoing, with the donor currently residing in Kenya.

The article discusses the plight of individuals born to mixed Turkish and Cypriot parentage in Cyprus who are facing difficulties in obtaining citizenship from the Republic of Cyprus (RoC). Despite being born on the island and having at least one parent with RoC citizenship, their applications for citizenship are often delayed or ignored, leaving them stateless. This issue stems from the political division of Cyprus in 1974 and the subsequent declaration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is only recognized by Turkey. The RoC is hesitant to grant citizenship to those with Turkish roots, fearing it could alter the island's demographics and pose security risks. Activists are now gathering signatures to appeal to the European Parliament, arguing that the RoC's practices violate human rights and European values. The article includes personal stories of affected individuals and comments from legal experts and activists. It also touches on the broader political tensions between Turkey and Greece and the impact on the Cypriot population.

The article by Tüba Altunkaya discusses Turkey's delicate position in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, where it has maintained relations with both countries. Turkey has attempted to mediate between the two nations, with limited success. Economically, Turkey has strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in energy, despite Western sanctions against Moscow. Politically, Turkey has supported Ukraine, providing humanitarian aid and military drones through the Turkish defense firm Baykar Tech. Turkey also controls access to the Black Sea via the Montreux Convention, which it has used to limit warship movements. While Turkey has not joined Western sanctions against Russia, it has complicated NATO's expansion by blocking bids from Sweden and Finland. The article highlights the views of Dr. Ali Bilgic, who notes Turkey's unique position and the potential risks and benefits of its balancing act. The article suggests that Turkey's strategy has economic, political, and military implications, and questions how long it can maintain this balance.

Women are now represented in all parliaments worldwide, according to the Union Interparlamentaria. The latest report shows a reduction in male dominance in representative bodies, with significant advances in gender and diversity representation in countries like the United States, France, and Colombia. Legislative quotas have been a decisive factor in increasing female parliamentary representation. However, Europe has seen stagnation in female representation, and achieving gender parity remains challenging globally. Rwanda stands out with over 60% female representation in its lower house, but worldwide progress is slow, with an estimated 80 years needed to achieve parity.

For the first time in history, women are represented in all parliaments worldwide, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The latest report, based on data from 47 countries that held elections last year, shows a global increase in female representation in legislative bodies. Despite significant progress in countries like Australia, Europe has seen stagnation in female parliamentary representation. Only six countries have achieved gender parity in their parliaments. Rwanda leads globally with over 60% female representation in its lower house. The IPU's Secretary-General, Martin Chungong, estimates it could take 80 years for the rest of the world to catch up.