Visiting Exciting Turkey in the Throes of Restoration
Jun 4th, 2015, 08:56 AM
#182
good luck indeed, OC. I read in the Indy this morning that there have been many arrests of leading kurds prior to the election, on what were implied as flimsy or non-existent grounds.
if those weather predictions are correct, you won't be playing much tennis!
if those weather predictions are correct, you won't be playing much tennis!
Jun 4th, 2015, 11:11 AM
#184
IMDonehere. That was my DW but she was talking aboout me and the NYT reporter mixed up the names.
I actually told Eser that I would start with being a Pasha and work my way through King, Sultan and then finally become emperor.
She says that I obviously have not matured enough to achieve a spiritually elevated stage and will have to go through many more reincarnations and may well get there in another hundred or so reincarnations.
I actually told Eser that I would start with being a Pasha and work my way through King, Sultan and then finally become emperor.
She says that I obviously have not matured enough to achieve a spiritually elevated stage and will have to go through many more reincarnations and may well get there in another hundred or so reincarnations.
Jun 7th, 2015, 11:48 AM
#185
Election results are almost all in very early.
Not yet 11PM but over 95% ov vote counted.];
AKP lost 8% but still got 41% and 259-260 seats
CHP got 25.2 down from 26 and 131 seats
MHP got 17% up from 15 and 81 seats
HDP got 12.6 and 78 seats.
If the nationalists go back on their word not to form a coalition with the Kurdish party, HDP, the three minority parties could make a go of it.
Otherwise it is either a AKP-MHP coalition (God help us)
or a minority government and early elections.
Effect on strength of TL is not clear.
There will not be any adverse consequences in any of the regions for tourists as far as I can tell at this time. No protests and violence expected.
Not yet 11PM but over 95% ov vote counted.];
AKP lost 8% but still got 41% and 259-260 seats
CHP got 25.2 down from 26 and 131 seats
MHP got 17% up from 15 and 81 seats
HDP got 12.6 and 78 seats.
If the nationalists go back on their word not to form a coalition with the Kurdish party, HDP, the three minority parties could make a go of it.
Otherwise it is either a AKP-MHP coalition (God help us)
or a minority government and early elections.
Effect on strength of TL is not clear.
There will not be any adverse consequences in any of the regions for tourists as far as I can tell at this time. No protests and violence expected.
Jun 7th, 2015, 11:56 PM
#188
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It seems they have 45 days to form a government, and if they can't, there will be another election 2 months later.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/coa...&NewsCatID=429
So, more elections in late September?
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/coa...&NewsCatID=429
So, more elections in late September?
Jun 8th, 2015, 12:56 AM
#189
Strong language from the nationalists against forming a coalition which includes the Kurdish party.
AKP attacking CHP and HDP and the PM reneging on word that he would resign if AKP did not win a clear majority.
TL losing about 3.5-4% this morning and the stock market over 5%.
The weather in Istanbul has been reminiscent of Fall rather than as it should be, but that means good sightseeing despite occasional rain.
According to recent opinion polls, Turks have lost interest in what goes on in Syria but are definitely (84%) worried about the Islamic State in general and for the Middle East, but only 65% worry that it will be an issue in Turkey. Only 36% would like the Syrian refugees to go back to their countries as soon as possible.
We now have four Christian deputies in parliament after quite a few decades, and a Roman (gypsy) for the first time in history, all from CHP with one of Armenian origin from HDP.
Price of cherries is still high.
AKP attacking CHP and HDP and the PM reneging on word that he would resign if AKP did not win a clear majority.
TL losing about 3.5-4% this morning and the stock market over 5%.
The weather in Istanbul has been reminiscent of Fall rather than as it should be, but that means good sightseeing despite occasional rain.
According to recent opinion polls, Turks have lost interest in what goes on in Syria but are definitely (84%) worried about the Islamic State in general and for the Middle East, but only 65% worry that it will be an issue in Turkey. Only 36% would like the Syrian refugees to go back to their countries as soon as possible.
We now have four Christian deputies in parliament after quite a few decades, and a Roman (gypsy) for the first time in history, all from CHP with one of Armenian origin from HDP.
Price of cherries is still high.
Jun 8th, 2015, 02:58 AM
#190
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When people like Erdogan are threatened that is when they become more dangerous. He is not a politician, he is someone who wants to be greater than Ataturk, a megalomaniac who thinks he is a savior.
I am sure that is why people voted against him and are weary. Remain cautious.
I am sure that is why people voted against him and are weary. Remain cautious.
Jun 13th, 2015, 05:53 AM
#191
Some violence in Diyarbakir which can spread to other Southeastern cities where Hizbullah is officially established under other names and IS is reported to have a large number of cells. Both groups are heavily armed and have reprisal lists according to the leader of HDP the Kurdish party. He also says that, some clandestine source is using one or both factions to start unrest in the region, possibly to give some other alternatives to the president and AKP for keeping control.
Very unfortunate that 39% of the 18-25 old voters picked AKP, 23%picked the ultra-nationalists and 21% voted for the Kurdish party whose depuities were all picked by the party leaders and whose campaigns did not include any mention of globalization, international relations or win-win scenarios. Whereas, CHP, promising not only prosperity and good will to all domestic and international players, also talked of freedoms, human rights, globalization and solid international relations with the West, received only 17% of the youth vote.
Shows how successful the government has been in changing the educational system to a patriarchal, authoritarian, memorization basis, training good subjects rather than good citizens.
No problems foreseen in touristic area of Northern, Souther and Western Turkey, as well as Cappadocia.
I would warn against visiting Nemrut, Gaziantep, Urfa, Hasankeyf, Van, Hatay and neighboring provinces at this time.
Kars-Ani and Dogu Beyazit-Ishak Pasa Palace should still be safe for short visits.
TL has recovered slightly but its future is uncertain. Unless indexed to FX, most prices in Turkey are excellent for visitors.
Hot weather is finally in, temperatures expected to go up to 30 C or 86 F in Istanbul on Tuesday.
Had one of the last local turbots Thursday night and it was delicious. Visitors will have to do with farmed sea bass and sea bream if they do not wish to sweat over de-boning the small but tasty horse mackerel.
Very unfortunate that 39% of the 18-25 old voters picked AKP, 23%picked the ultra-nationalists and 21% voted for the Kurdish party whose depuities were all picked by the party leaders and whose campaigns did not include any mention of globalization, international relations or win-win scenarios. Whereas, CHP, promising not only prosperity and good will to all domestic and international players, also talked of freedoms, human rights, globalization and solid international relations with the West, received only 17% of the youth vote.
Shows how successful the government has been in changing the educational system to a patriarchal, authoritarian, memorization basis, training good subjects rather than good citizens.
No problems foreseen in touristic area of Northern, Souther and Western Turkey, as well as Cappadocia.
I would warn against visiting Nemrut, Gaziantep, Urfa, Hasankeyf, Van, Hatay and neighboring provinces at this time.
Kars-Ani and Dogu Beyazit-Ishak Pasa Palace should still be safe for short visits.
TL has recovered slightly but its future is uncertain. Unless indexed to FX, most prices in Turkey are excellent for visitors.
Hot weather is finally in, temperatures expected to go up to 30 C or 86 F in Istanbul on Tuesday.
Had one of the last local turbots Thursday night and it was delicious. Visitors will have to do with farmed sea bass and sea bream if they do not wish to sweat over de-boning the small but tasty horse mackerel.
Jun 14th, 2015, 12:45 PM
#193
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Lauren there are 191 responses and it started a year ago.
Ahmet is a college professor and is thoroughly knowledgeable of the political, social, and economic situation in Turkey. He also knows where to get excellent manti and seafood in Istanbul.
But in response to your belated comment, he is taking a bit of literary license.
Ahmet is a college professor and is thoroughly knowledgeable of the political, social, and economic situation in Turkey. He also knows where to get excellent manti and seafood in Istanbul.
But in response to your belated comment, he is taking a bit of literary license.
Jun 14th, 2015, 01:19 PM
#194
IMDonehere, thank you for mentioning my literary license. I am a collector of licenses; any and all I can find, discover, create or borrow never to return.
I am also a reasonably good reviewer of books (not the unfinished kind) and a decent editor in both English and Turkish, just for your information. I can even edit or review scrap-books, or books to be scrapped.
Here's an example of my reviews , one in relation to the well-known 17th Century Turkish traveler after which I have named myself:
http://www.amazon.com/review/RJAYZ3N...55&store=books
I am also a reasonably good reviewer of books (not the unfinished kind) and a decent editor in both English and Turkish, just for your information. I can even edit or review scrap-books, or books to be scrapped.
Here's an example of my reviews , one in relation to the well-known 17th Century Turkish traveler after which I have named myself:
http://www.amazon.com/review/RJAYZ3N...55&store=books
Jun 14th, 2015, 01:33 PM
#195
Everybody, including multitudes of law professors and your uncle Harry are discussing political possibilities for the coming months in Turkey.
Coalitions, minority governments, action against the AKP gang for graft, nepotism and everything else, overturning recent laws and regulations giving the AKP government and the President dictatorial powers, de0s=censoring the media, freeing the universities, and lots of other things while the AKP aand the president are desperately trying to find ways to stay as long as possible in power.
Early elections may have any results, most likely of which would be something similar to the current situation.
Otherwise, life goes on.
Sunday brunch at Emek Cafe at Yenikoy on the Bosphorus was cheap and good today.
Will start tomorrow with an NGO volunteer working group on studying the new Istanbul Municipality 4 year strategic plan. I have already read it and found it to be 160 pages of divine Indian creatures or fighting Spanish ones but without their photographs.
Coalitions, minority governments, action against the AKP gang for graft, nepotism and everything else, overturning recent laws and regulations giving the AKP government and the President dictatorial powers, de0s=censoring the media, freeing the universities, and lots of other things while the AKP aand the president are desperately trying to find ways to stay as long as possible in power.
Early elections may have any results, most likely of which would be something similar to the current situation.
Otherwise, life goes on.
Sunday brunch at Emek Cafe at Yenikoy on the Bosphorus was cheap and good today.
Will start tomorrow with an NGO volunteer working group on studying the new Istanbul Municipality 4 year strategic plan. I have already read it and found it to be 160 pages of divine Indian creatures or fighting Spanish ones but without their photographs.
Jun 14th, 2015, 10:55 PM
#197
Yes, bilboburgler. Just using some poetic license, maybe? and also making sure that I am not being chauvinistic by adding the gender free Indian reference.
By the way, here's the definition of the word "throes" for those who have difficulty understanding this thread and write under the misconception that it ought to be a commercial travel guide advertising for guides, tours, agents, etc. like some web sites recommended by some posters:
Dictionary definition : "intense or violent pain and struggle, especially accompanying birth, death, or great change."
By the way, here's the definition of the word "throes" for those who have difficulty understanding this thread and write under the misconception that it ought to be a commercial travel guide advertising for guides, tours, agents, etc. like some web sites recommended by some posters:
Dictionary definition : "intense or violent pain and struggle, especially accompanying birth, death, or great change."
Jun 15th, 2015, 06:19 AM
#198
thanks for the link to the review, OC, which was typically elegant and informative. I had remembered your mentioning your revered [possible] ancestor before but enjoyed reading the extra information you imparted.
It would be a sad day for all of us if all we were allowed to post were the modern equivalent of Alan Wicker.
It would be a sad day for all of us if all we were allowed to post were the modern equivalent of Alan Wicker.
Jul 6th, 2015, 07:37 AM
#199
It has been a long while since I last posted.
But there has been little in Turkey that would cause any problem or major interest to the traveler in the interim.
There is now a possible risk that Turkey may invade Syria, and not necessarily for the reasons publicly declared and despite lack of United States and EU support. International and local Columnists and United States think tank bloggers write that the 150 tanks plus other hardware and Fiftyfive thousand troops at the border are just for show.
The following is a comment I wrote at a major United States Think Tank article :
"The multitude of parameters to consider and players who are beyond precepts of known logical behaviour make this issue the subject of believers in fate or astrology. My search for an intellectually satisfactory analysis that employs a new and applicable methodology to Middle Eastern political activity remains unsatisfied.
Unfortunately, I find opinions like this one not very different than those thrown around at dull receptions, local NGO meetings, even barber shops and chats with drivers when stuck in heavy traffic in Istanbul or Ankara.
I realize how difficult it is to empathize with the major individual decision makers even if you can fully identify them, but to reach any conclusions without the ability to pinpoint the exact players, their attack, defense, magical ability and speed as in a strategy game and then empathize with them, one can only cast some bones and tell fortunes.
Hence, I will not be surprised if Turkey does actually invade Syria within the next fortnight, notwithstanding potentially disturbing consequences and even lose face in its government's own definition of the situation by withdrawing quickly similar to inexperienced male behaviour with self doubts in a romantic(!) affair." July 6, 2015
But there has been little in Turkey that would cause any problem or major interest to the traveler in the interim.
There is now a possible risk that Turkey may invade Syria, and not necessarily for the reasons publicly declared and despite lack of United States and EU support. International and local Columnists and United States think tank bloggers write that the 150 tanks plus other hardware and Fiftyfive thousand troops at the border are just for show.
The following is a comment I wrote at a major United States Think Tank article :
"The multitude of parameters to consider and players who are beyond precepts of known logical behaviour make this issue the subject of believers in fate or astrology. My search for an intellectually satisfactory analysis that employs a new and applicable methodology to Middle Eastern political activity remains unsatisfied.
Unfortunately, I find opinions like this one not very different than those thrown around at dull receptions, local NGO meetings, even barber shops and chats with drivers when stuck in heavy traffic in Istanbul or Ankara.
I realize how difficult it is to empathize with the major individual decision makers even if you can fully identify them, but to reach any conclusions without the ability to pinpoint the exact players, their attack, defense, magical ability and speed as in a strategy game and then empathize with them, one can only cast some bones and tell fortunes.
Hence, I will not be surprised if Turkey does actually invade Syria within the next fortnight, notwithstanding potentially disturbing consequences and even lose face in its government's own definition of the situation by withdrawing quickly similar to inexperienced male behaviour with self doubts in a romantic(!) affair." July 6, 2015
