Turkey

Turks Breathe Sigh of Relief: 'Spy Bird' Not a Spy, After All

After much study and careful consideration, Turkey feels safe in declaring that a bird that flew in from Israel is just a bird, not a spy

Syrian Kurds Capture Al Qaeda Head in Syria

Syrian Kurdish rebels say they’ve captured the head of ISIS, representing the jihadist Syrian rebel groups linked to Al Qaeda in Iraq.

Turkey Voices Concern Over Kurdish Victories in Syrian Civil War

Turkey is increasingly concerned as Kurdish groups edge closer to cementing autonomy in northern Syria

Anti-Jewish Chants At Turkish Rally Elicit Concern

AJC calls on German state to investigate anti-Israel rhetoric, including chants of “Down with Israel” at pro-Erdogan rally last week.

Egypt Summons Turkish Ambassador

Egypt summoned Turkey’s ambassador to Cairo in protest against “Ankara’s interference in Egyptian affairs.”

Erdogan Slams Egypt Coup

Turkey's prime minister condemns the military intervention that toppled Morsi as an enemy of democracy.

Turkey’s Ruling Party, Opposition Unite to Condemn Egypt Coup

In a rare show of unity, both Turkey's ruling AK Party and opposition Republican People's Party have condemned Egypt's coup d'etat.

Turkish 'Incendiary Words Have Tragic Consequences', Says AJC

“Incendiary words can have tragic consequences,” says AJC in response to claims by a Turkish official that world Jewry is behind protests.

Turkish Jew Affirms Deputy PM's Remarks Anti-Semitic

Turkey's Jewish community rejects Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay's claim that Monday's anti-Semitic remarks were “taken out of context.”

Turkish Minister Denies 'Jewish Diaspora' Remarks

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay denies reports that he blamed the "Jewish diaspora" for the anti-government protests.

'Jewish Diaspora' Behind Unrest, Says Turkish Minister

The “Jewish diaspora” is behind recent unrest, says Turkish deputy prime minister.

Doors to Syrian Refugees Starting to Close

The doors to Syrian refugees are starting to close, with more than 1.7 million already having flooded through the borders to safety.

Hamas Official 'Complains' About Israeli 'Siege'

Hamas official Ghazi Hamad meets a delegation from Turkey, and complains about the Israeli 'siege' on Gaza.

Turkish PM's Office Denies Hamas Claim He'll Visit Gaza in July

Hamas has announced that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Gaza July 5-6 -- but Erdogan flatly denies it.

Report: Hamas Leaders to Meet Turkish PM in Ankara

Senior leaders of the Islamist Hamas terror organization will meet on Tuesday in Ankara with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkish Police: Protesters in Taksim Considered Terrorists

Anyone who enters Istanbul’s Taksim Square will be considered a member or a supporter of a terrorist organization, says Turkish minister.

Turkish Police Clear Taksim Square Using Tear Gas

Within an hour of a warning from Erdogan, riot police clear Istanbul protesters with tear gas.

Erdogan Puts Park Development on Hold

The message from protesters have been received, says Turkey's Prime Minister after two weeks of riots.

Erdogan Willing to Hold Referendum Over Protesters' Demand

Turkish Prime Minister raises the possibility of bringing the issue of the demolition of Gezi Park to a referendum, says his spokesman.

Israeli Mossad Chief Meets Turkish Intelligence Officer

The head of Israel’s Mossad, Tamir Pardo, met secretly with the Turkish intelligence agency’s undersecretary this week.

Turkish Gov't on the Warpath Against Twitter, Facebook

A spokesman for Turkey’s ruling AK Party on Wednesday labeled the Twitter social media website to be "deadlier than car bombs."

Turkey: Police Use Tear Gas as Riots Continue

Riot police fire tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters in Istanbul; Erdogan says there will be "no more tolerance" for demonstrations.

Erdogan Agrees to Meet Protest Organizers

Turkish Prime Minister to meet with leaders of the protest movement behind the anti-government demonstrations.

Turkey Arrests 13 Over Twitter Provocation

Thirteen suspects in Turkey have been sent to court on Monday after being accused of provoking riots through their social media posts.

Exclusive: World’s Only Ladino Monthly Flourishes in Istanbul

Istanbul’s Sephardic Center has just produced the 100th issue of the world’s only Ladino monthly newspaper in the city's ancient heart.

Tens of Thousands Hit Turkey's Streets as Protests Continue

Tens of thousands of demonstrators packed the streets of Turkish cities, challenging Erdogan’s call to end their civil uprising.

Erdogan Remains Defiant After a Week of Protests

Turkish Prime Minister says that the anti-government protests "are bordering on illegality" and must end.

Fresh Violence Erupts As Turkey Protests Enter 6th Day

Turkish police use tear gas and water cannons on hundreds of protesters in Istanbul, Ankara and Hatay.

Turkish Opposition Compares Tear Gas to Nazi Gas Chambers

Leader of Turkish opposition compares use of tear gas by police on demonstrators to Nazi gas chambers.

Erdogan Claims Situation in Turkey Calming Down

Turkish Prime Minister says the situation in his country is “now calming down”, despite a fourth day of violent protests.

Turkey Riots Enter Fourth Day

Demonstrators used a mechanical digger and trucks to break through police lines.

Anti-Erdogan Demo Held in Tel Aviv

Around 100 people took part in a demonstration outside the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv to demand the resignation of Turkish prime minister.

Erdogan on Protests: I'm No Dictator

Turkish PM rejects claims that he is a dictator, points an accusing finger at the opposition and social media.

Two Killed in Violent ‘Arab Spring’ Rallies in Turkey

Two people killed, 1,000 wounded as Turkish protesters clash with police.

Istanbul: Violence in Large Protest; Erdogan Defiant

Largest anti-government protest in years hits Taksim Square; anger over "Islamization."

Turkey Tightens Restrictions on Sales of Alcohol

Despite protest from the opposition, Turkey adopts a bill tightening restrictions on the sale and advertising of alcoholic beverages.

Report: Kerry Meets With 'Marmara Martyr' in Washington

Secretary of State John Kerry met with the father of one of the “martyrs” killed during the Mavi Marmara flotilla incident.

Israeli Exports to Turkey Hit All-Time High

There is still plenty of tension in the relations between Israel and Turkey, but Israeli exports to Turkey have reached an all-time high

In Turkey: Twin Car Bombs Kill 41

Blast occurred Saturday in the town of Reyhanli, near a main crossing from Syria.

PM: We Will Always Be a Friend to Cyprus

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu promised that Israel would continue to maintain good ties with Cyprus

Israel, Turkey to Meet Monday Over Marmara Compensation

Israeli and Turkish officials to meet on Monday in Israel for another round of talks over compensation for the 2010 flotilla incident.

Turkey Denies Talking with Israel About Iran Strike

Turkey dismisses report suggesting that an Israeli delegation would hold talks about using a Turkish airbase to train for a attack in Iran.

Hamas: US 'Consecrating Gaza Blockade'

Hamas accuses the US of "involvement in consecration of Gaza blockade" following Kerry's calls for Turksih PM to delay visit to Gaza.

Abbas to Visit Turkey This Weekend

Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmud Abbas is scheduled to visit Turkey this weekend for talks with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkey’s Dep. PM Hopes to Restore Full Ties with Israel

Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc is to lead the negotiating team in talks with Israel next week and hopes to soon restore ties.

Turkey Blocks Meeting of NATO Group which Includes Israel

Despite Israel’s recent apology, Turkey has declined to agree to a meeting of NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue group, which includes Israel.

Turkey Assigns Ambassador to 'Palestine'

Turkey has become the “first state with an ambassador recognized by Palestine,” according to a headline in a Turkish newspaper.

Turkey’s Erdogan Set to Visit Gaza in May

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to visit Gaza in mid-May, he announced Sunday.

Chief Marmara Activist: 'We Asked For It'

Chief activist on Mavi Marmara has said that Turkey should have taken steps to prevent activists from attempting to breach Israeli blockade.

Turkish Police Foil Al-Qaeda Plot to Bomb US Embassy, Synagogue

Turkish police have uncovered and foiled an alleged plot by Al-Qaeda to bomb the US embassy in Ankara as well as a synagogue.

Reconciliation Aside, Israelis Still Staying Away from Turkey

Israeli tourists aren't rushing back to Turkey's famed “all inclusive” resorts; 83% of Israelis would not even consider the possibility

New Syrian Refugee Camps in Turkey for Christians, Kurds

Turkey is building new Syrian refugee camps for two minority groups, the Christians and the Kurds.

Turkish PM Delays Visit to Gaza

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has decided to postpone his much-publicized visit to Gaza, planned for this month.

Turkey Delays Marmara Compensation Talks With Israel

Turkey has delayed the beginning of talks with Israel over compensation for the 2010 Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara flotilla incident.

Kerry Meets with PA’s Fayyad, Israel's Leaders

US Secy of State John Kerry met Monday with PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in Jerusalem ahead of ongoing talks with Israeli officials.

Marmara 'Victims' Pursue Israel in Court Despite Apology

Anti-Israel activists will not withdraw lawsuit against Israeli commanders for the 2010 Gaza-bound flotilla incident, despite apology.

Turkey’s Deputy PM Says He's Leaving Politics: For New Job?

Turkish Deputy PM Bulet Arinc has announced he plans to leave politics at the end of his current term.

Kerry: Israel and Turkey Must Improve Ties

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to try and encourage a warming of relations between Israel and Turkey

Report: Kerry Will Ask Turkey To Play Role in Israel-PA Peace

John Kerry will offer Turkey to play a role in the peace process between Israel and the PA, the Turkish daily Hurriyet reports.

Claims of Turkey-Israel Pact Against Syria 'Groundless'

Turkish Foreign Minister hit back at Bashar al-Assad's claims that Ankara made a pact with Israel against Damascus.