Turkuaz Magazine

Editor's Note / 27 July 2020 HELLENIC TENSIONS The reopening ceremony of Hagia Sophia Mosque proved to be an eyeopener on the Greek psychosis. While Turkey delivered a surprisingly modest performance, the Greeks turned out to be a wild card and shamed everyone with their demonic fury....Continue reading

Editor's Note / 20 July 2020 FIGHTING DEFAMATION Last week was a turning point and a wake-up call for International Turks in many ways. After 2.5 years and nine sessions of a drawn out trial, the bizarre case of award-winning Turkish-German journalist Deniz Yücel resulted in a shocking prison sentence.... Shocking, mainly because the verdict contradicts the assessment of Turkey’s Constitutional Court that has already ruled his one year imprisonment in Turkey without a single indictment as unlawful. Shocking, as there are many reasons why it should actually be Yucel charging Turkey for holding him as a political hostage over baseless accusations, stealing his years and stripping him of his security for life. Shocking, since Turkey’s defamation of him as an alleged ‘terror-driven traitor agent’ character, labeled under the absurd and unfitting agentterrorist title, simply doesn’t jive with the reality of his infamous Turkish identity that is big enough to trigger racist death threats from neo-nazi groups in Germany. Furthermore, countless clues and facts on Deniz Yücel’s case suggest that he was actually threatened, abducted, slandered and defamed by the real agentterrorists. His silence and patience does not give away much, but the mystery surrounding his case tells us to take heed on everything related to Turkey. Cem Yilmaz's recent dark comedy 'Karakomik Filmler' also hints at that uncanny reality. Resisting the WW3 potential of the 'Arab Spring' mess at its doorstep, namely the Syrian war, for 9 years now, Turkey has increasingly become a country of arbitrary actions and decisions. The ongoing proxy war in Libya is a good way to gauge Turkey's power in the region. We may live far, but we need to be extremely careful with our dual-citizenship status, as our dual-identities are too inviting for the real agents and traitors to slander us. Also, our community is too inexperienced in fighting the agentterrorist libel. Deniz Yücel's case is not the only one fighting threats and slander. Cabaret artist Idil Baydar is also receiving letters from the NSU extremists. It is almost as if the racists do not recognize the talent and success in our community. The elegant Titanic Comfort Mitte hotel in Berlin is a great example. So is World Boxing Champion Unsal Arik's recent title. Or maybe they have not read Imran Ayata's gripping Kanak novel "Mein Name ist Revolution" yet. A great story that breaks stereotypes on Kanaks, shattering mental taboos on Turks and Turkishness. With these thoughts in mind, we launch 'Justice for Turks', a campaign to advance our fight against misinformation and defamation as a community. Please sign our petition on Change.org. Your support is more urgent than ever. Wishing you a safe week, Eser Turan Founding Editor https://www.turkuaz.world

Editor's Note / 13 July 2020 PROPHESY-INFUSED POLITICS Much to the world's chagrin, Turkey's ongoing battle with Western politics results in a decree that redesignates Hagia Sophia as a mosque.... Honoring Muslim expectations that view the building's 1453 conversion as Prophet Mohammed's first prophecy fulfilled against the mysterious figure called 'the Antichrist', this 2020 reconversion is well-timed to position President Erdogan as 'Mahdi', the prophesized savior of the Muslim world, pacifying his muttering voter base. This hardly works for the International Turkish community however. Bombarded with questions and comments, we face a daunting task that requires us to discuss the power of mysticism in Turkish politics. For those that are not well-equipped, 'The Protector' on Netflix comes to our rescue. HAZ Premier Place in London also helps. Boasting modern interiors, the classy decor showcases a unique design approach that reflects the somber meditation we seek in the West. Such subtle moves of brilliance can also be seen in Sevan Bicakci's imperial designs, as documented in 'Timekeeper'. That grandeur generally translates as generosity, recently exemplified in TASC's drive to extend free care to New Jersey residents, a formidable effort that surpassed the welfare plan of the US government. Charting out on a unique path, Alev Ozten Low's underwater explorations in the Caribbean present a wonderful example of Turkish comfort with the wild and the unexpected. As she shares her experience, our warrior genes receive a boost to further take the road less traveled. Wishing you a fun vacation filled with great explorations, Eser Turan Founding Editor https://turkuaz.world

Editor's Note / 6 July 2020 RACISM IMPEDES TOURISM June was a tough month of anti-racism rallies around the world. As people mourned the killing of George Floyd under police custody, a global reaction to white supremacist politics gained momentum.... This momentum however did not steer the EU away from their racist politics against Turkey. In an appalling decision, the EU countries that enjoyed Turkey's worldwide success and generosity during the pandemic, just could not bring themselves to lift travel warnings and enlist Turkey as a Covid-safe country for tourism. This ugly face of European betrayal reignited Turkey's disillusionment with the West and short of fueling discussions to leave NATO, Ankara started debating Hagia Sophia's museum status, viewing the UNESCO Heritage Site as more of a political power indicator than a tourist destination. A similar frustration with the racist European approach was experienced by Turkish-German politicians in the German Parliament. Both Cem Ozdemir and Gokay Akbulut reacted to AfD and reasoned that the violent Stuttgart riots stemmed from racist politics. On lighter notes, food critic Vedat Milor's documentary 'Rehber' is a great reference on Turkish cuisine. Sahara restaurant's 20 year-old fame makes it a hot spot in Sydney. Lastly, Sahika Ercumen's dive in the Bosphorus to draw attention to pollution is historic. Looking forward to a great month of health, we hope you will be able to make it to Turkey for your summer vacation. Eser Turan Founding Editor https://turkuaz.world

Editor's Note / 29 June 2020 POLITICAL PROWESS IN FRANCE Germany is struggling with the surge of Turkish intelligence taking Turkish expats under invisible arrests. As Turkish military operations in Iraq, Syria and Libya make the headlines, a ZDF documentary gains momentum.... It is a momentous time for the Turkish-French community. Two brilliant Turkish-French politicians make us proud in local polls in Paris: Metin Yavuz is elected mayor of Valenton and EU Parlimentarian Agnes Evren is elected mayor of the 15th district. We celebrate by listening to Turkish-French singer Ayla Millepied Sen's recent single 'Istanbul'. Solvoyo is a good example of Turkish businesses that benefited from their cloud office capacities during the recent Corona lockdowns. With offices in Boston and Istanbul they are an inspiration. Vlogger Koray Cengiz of RWTH Aachen University reports on Germany's performance during the pandemic. His insightful observations are refreshing. With most sporting events postponed or cancelled, Turkish football has taken a hit, but remains hopeful as leagues are resumed behind closed doors. Hoping the hot days of summer will grant more Corona-free health, we wish you a great week. Enjoy! Eser Turan Founder and Editor https://turkuaz.world