BREAKING News: Former Turkish Interior Minister Soylu Issues Fiery Manifesto Against "Slander Campaign"

 

(Ankara, April 2025)

Süleyman Soylu, Turkey’s former Interior Minister known for his hardline stance against organized crime, delivered a scathing public statement today, denouncing what he called a “systematic smear campaign” targeting his legacy. In a manifesto-style address titled “A Message to the Dishonorable,” Soylu accused unnamed domestic and international actors of orchestrating lies to tarnish his reputation.

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KEY CLAIMS & ACCUSATIONS

1. “Revenge for Anti-Crime Efforts”: Soylu linked the alleged smear campaign to his tenure combating terrorism, drug trafficking, and international crime networks (“from the U.S. to the U.K.”), stating detractors seek revenge for his uncompromising policies.

2. Northern Cyprus Murder Case: He referenced a high-profile murder in Northern Cyprus, claiming Turkish authorities swiftly resolved the case and extradited suspects. Soylu dismissed allegations by the “fugitive prime suspect” as “fabricated fantasies” spread to deflect from current corruption scandals.

3. Legal Threats: Vowed to pursue slanderers through the courts, warning, “Those who spread lies will face the heaviest legal consequences.”

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SOYLU’S DEFIANT MESSAGE

• On Integrity: “We did not find our honor on the street. I will chase these dishonorable people until my last breath.”

• Targeting Critics: Accused opponents of being “pawns of foreign intelligence” and failing to provide evidence for claims.

• Moral Crusade: Framed his rebuttal as a defense of Turkey’s institutions, declaring, “We will never let criminals stain the honor of this state or its servants.”

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CONTEXT & REACTIONS

• Soylu, a polarizing figure in Turkish politics, resigned in 2023 amid controversies but retains influence within nationalist circles.

• Critics argue his statement aims to rally support ahead of potential legal battles or a political comeback.

• No specific individuals or groups were named, leaving room for speculation about domestic rivals or foreign entities.

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WHAT’S NEXT

Legal experts predict lawsuits against media outlets or figures amplifying the alleged slander. Meanwhile, Soylu’s rhetoric risks deepening political divisions, particularly as Turkey approaches key elections.

BREAKING News: Turkey Launches National Development League for Young Swimmers

 (Balıkesir, May 9–11, 2025)

Turkey’s Swimming Federation (TYF) is set to make waves with its groundbreaking National Development League – 1st Stage, designed to nurture young talent aged 10–12. The competitions will take place simultaneously across eight cities—Rize, Balıkesir, Mersin, Antalya, Eskişehir, Sakarya, Sivas, and Gaziantep—from May 9 to 11, 2025, marking a historic milestone in Turkish swimming.

Key Highlights

• Record Participation: Over 5,625 athletes from 512 clubs and 64 provinces will compete, showcasing Turkey’s grassroots swimming strength.

• Draw Ceremony: On April 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM, the Konyaaltı Olympic Swimming Pool in Antalya will host a live-streamed lottery to assign clubs to competition venues. The event will be broadcast on the TYF YouTube Channel.

• Future Champions: The league aims to identify and develop tomorrow’s national team stars, with TYF President stating, “The foundations of our future champions are laid today.”

Why It Matters

This unprecedented initiative highlights Turkey’s commitment to youth sports development. By decentralizing events to eight cities, the federation ensures broader access and regional talent visibility. Coaches and scouts nationwide will closely monitor performances, offering a gateway for young swimmers to elite programs.

What’s Next

Clubs are urged to confirm registrations and prepare athletes for rigorous qualifiers. Spectators can expect thrilling races across freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly categories. Follow #TYFDevelopmentLeague for real-time updates and athlete spotlights.

Sugar Prices Surge 664% in 5 Years, But Wages Outpace Inflation: Türkiye’s Economic Paradox Explained

Ankara — Over the past five years (March 2020–March 2025), Türkiye has witnessed staggering price hikes in basic goods, with granulated sugar leading the charge at a 664.10% increase. While this figure appears alarming, it aligns closely with Türkiye’s official food inflation rate of 684.74% calculated by TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute). However, the real story lies in the comparative rise of incomes: minimum wage grew by 850.83% and the lowest pension by 864.60% during the same period, outpacing both sugar prices and inflation.

Analysts argue that while sugar’s sharp rise reflects broader inflationary pressures, wage and pension adjustments have largely shielded workers and retirees from being "crushed" by inflation. Yet public frustration persists, driven by a disconnect between official statistics and lived experiences. "People feel their wallets emptying, not filling," says economist Dr. Selim Öztürk. "Volatile prices and skewed perceptions of income versus expenses dominate daily life, making objective analysis difficult."

The confusion is compounded by politicized economic debates, where commentators often amplify extremes rather than clarifying nuances. For instance, while sugar prices rose less than the food inflation average, other staples like flour and cooking oil saw even sharper spikes. Meanwhile, wage hikes, though significant, struggle to keep pace with soaring rents and healthcare costs in urban centers.

AK Party Keçiören Women’s Branch Visits Martyrs’ and Veterans’ Families in Heartfelt Tribute During Commemorative Week

 AK Party Keçiören Women’s Branch Visits Martyrs’ and Veterans’ Families in Heartfelt Tribute During Commemorative Week

ÇİFTÇİ,Muhittin Keçiören, Ankara — 17.04.2025

In a gesture of solidarity and remembrance, representatives of the AK Party Keçiören Women’s Branch paid heartfelt visits to families of martyrs and veterans on Thursday, marking the occasion of Martyrs and Veterans Week.

Nuran Şeyhan, Güçlükaya Neighborhood Coordinator, and Oya Güngör, Deputy Chairwoman of the Keçiören Women’s Branch, led the delegation. The visits aimed to honor the sacrifices of fallen heroes and express gratitude to veterans while reaffirming the community’s unwavering support for their families.

“Our martyrs and veterans are the pride of our nation. Standing by their families is both a duty and an honor for us,” stated Şeyhan during the visits. Güngör added, “These meetings remind us of the enduring spirit of unity and patriotism that binds our society.”

The delegation engaged in private conversations with families, listening to their stories and addressing their needs. The initiative underscores AK Party’s ongoing commitment to social welfare and national solidarity.

Praise from Hızır SAR to Konya Team: Successful Rescue Operation Recognized

 

Hızır SAR President Praises Konya Team for Excellence in Rescue Mission

Konya, Turkey – The President of Hızır International Search and Rescue (SAR), Ali Gürgen, has publicly commended the organization’s Konya unit for their outstanding performance during a recent rescue operation following a building collapse.

The Konya team was officially awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Konya Provincial Directorate of AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) for their effective and professional response in the field.

"Our Konya team showed exemplary dedication and professionalism during a highly challenging operation earlier this year. Their success was rightfully recognized by the local AFAD authorities," Gürgen said. "I sincerely congratulate them and wish them continued success in their future missions."

This recognition aligns with growing global awareness around the importance of trained and coordinated search and rescue (SAR) efforts. As urban disasters become more complex and frequent, effective response teams are vital in minimizing loss of life.

Hızır SAR’s Konya unit has been increasingly active in recent years, participating in both national and international rescue exercises. Their latest commendation not only reflects local appreciation but also signals the strength of Turkey’s evolving disaster response capabilities.

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About Hızır International SAR:
Hızır SAR is an international humanitarian organization specializing in disaster response and emergency rescue. With teams across multiple regions, it aims to uphold the highest standards of preparedness and intervention in times of crisis.

CHP Congress Reshapes Power Dynamics: Özgür Özel Consolidates Leadership as Veterans Face Setbacks

 

Ankara, Turkey – April 11, 2025

The Republican People’s Party (CHP) concluded its pivotal congress this week, cementing Özgür Özel’s authority as party leader while exposing fractures among its prominent figures. The event marked a turning point for Turkey’s main opposition bloc, with clear winners and losers emerging in its aftermath.

Winners

1. Özgür Özel & Team: Securing unanimous approval for his candidate list, Özel solidified his grip on the CHP and positioned himself as a potential presidential contender. Analysts note his strategic alliances with metropolitan mayors—who backed his agenda—have bolstered his influence ahead of 2024 local elections.

2. Önder Sav: The veteran politician staged a symbolic comeback, 15 years after engineering Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s rise to CHP leadership. Sav’s return signals a revival of his faction’s clout within the party.

3. Metropolitan Mayors: Key mayors, including Istanbul’s Ekrem İmamoğlu (absent due to legal constraints), secured guarantees for re-election bids by aligning with Özel. Their support base remains critical to the CHP’s urban strategy.

Losers

1. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu: Once a dominant force, the former CHP leader saw his influence wane further. Critics argue his delayed response to internal dissent and poor congress timing eroded his legacy.

2. Mansur Yavaş: The Ankara Mayor faced humiliation after being excluded from the congress’s presiding board—a snub interpreted as a rebuke from Özel’s camp. His lukewarm ties with party leadership now jeopardize his future prospects.

3. Ekrem İmamoğlu & Muharrem İnce: Despite İmamoğlu’s indirect sway, Özel’s strengthened leadership risks sidelining him post-2024. İnce, meanwhile, failed to re-enter CHP circles despite lobbying, sealing his political isolation.

Analysis:

The congress underscored Özel’s strategy to purge dissent and centralize power. By marginalizing rivals like Yavaş and sidelining Kılıçdaroğlu’s allies, he aims to rebrand the CHP as a unified opposition force. However, risks loom: internal tensions could deepen, and İmamoğlu’s legal battles may fracture the party’s urban strongholds.

CHP’s Umut Yılmaz Resigns with Scathing Critique: “I Will Not Surrender to the Mafia”

 

Ankara, Turkey –April 9, 2025

Umut Yılmaz, a former member of Turkey’s Republican People’s Party (CHP), announced his resignation in a fiery statement on Tuesday, accusing the party of fostering a “culture of violence and intimidation” and alleging collusion with mafia-like elements. His decision follows a series of escalating internal conflicts, including physical attacks and threats against him and his family.

Key Allegations:

• Deputy Mayor Shooting: Yılmaz claimed his own deputy mayor, a fellow CHP member, was shot by another party affiliate.

• Assault Orders: He alleged that CHP council members orchestrated beatings against him and another party colleague, including an attack inside the municipal building.

• Office Raid and Family Threats: Yılmaz accused a CHP council member of storming his law office and shared that his family was threatened with leaked home surveillance footage.

• Leadership Criticism: He condemned CHP’s central leadership for “abandoning” him and enabling lawmakers to engage in “illegal activities.”

“I will not surrender to the mafia embedded within this party,” Yılmaz declared, calling his resignation a “stand for integrity.” The CHP has yet to publicly address his allegations.

The resignation has ignited debates over internal discipline and ethical governance within Turkey’s main opposition party, already under scrutiny ahead of 2024 local elections.

Turkey Launches Birth Support Payments for Mothers Under "Family Year 2025" Initiative

 

Ankara, April 9, 2024

Turkey’s Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, announced that birth support payments will be deposited directly into mothers’ bank accounts immediately after evaluation. The initiative, part of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Family," has already seen overwhelming demand from citizens.

Key Benefits and Application Process

• First child: One-time payment of 5,000 TL

• Second child: Monthly support of 1,500 TL

• Third+ children: Monthly payment of 5,000 TL per child

• Duration: All benefits continue until the child turns 5

Minister Göktaş emphasized that "all Turkish citizens are eligible without additional criteria," with applications primarily processed via e-Government (e-Devlet). Those facing technical issues can seek assistance through Alo 144 call centers or provincial family service offices.

Context

The program, approved by parliament on March 27, aligns with Turkey’s efforts to address demographic challenges. Göktaş noted "exceptionally high demand" and promised further family-focused announcements in coming months.

CHP Mayor Accused of Bullying After Expelling AK Party Council Member in Afyonkarahisar

 

Ankara, Turkey – APRİL 8 , 2025

A heated clash erupted at the Afyonkarahisar Municipal Council when CHP (Republican People’s Party) Mayor Burcu Köksal allegedly ordered the expulsion of AK Party council member Ekici, who had raised corruption allegations against the municipality. The incident, which occurred during a council session on Thursday, has intensified political tensions in the region.

According to witnesses, Ekici was forcibly removed by municipal police (zabıta) after Köksal accused him of “disrupting the council’s work” by demanding transparency over graft claims. Ekici later stated, “I was threatened for exposing irregularities, and today, they silenced me through intimidation.”

Key Details:

• The confrontation followed Ekici’s repeated calls for an investigation into alleged financial misconduct within the municipality.

• Köksal defended her actions, claiming Ekici violated procedural rules. “The council cannot be a platform for baseless accusations,” she asserted.

• AK Party officials condemned the move as “authoritarian,” while CHP members argued it upheld “parliamentary discipline.”

The incident has sparked debates over political accountability and freedom of expression in local governance. Opposition groups warn of escalating polarization, with the AK Party threatening legal action.

Controversy Erupts Over Nazi Salute Incident at Cyprus School

 

Ankara, Turkey – APRİL 8, 2025

A scandal has erupted in Cyprus after students at the Derinya-Sotiras Peace and Freedom High School in the Greek Cypriot-administered south were photographed giving Nazi salutes under a teacher’s supervision. The incident, which occurred on Monday, sparked immediate condemnation from opposition groups, including the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL).

In a strongly worded statement, AKEL denounced the event, calling it “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.” The party demanded that the Greek Cypriot Ministry of Education take “urgent measures” to address the issue, emphasizing:
“Nazism has no place in our schools or society. Democracy cannot tolerate fascism in any form.”

Details of the Incident:

• Students reportedly performed the Nazi salute during a school activity approved by a teacher.

• Photos of the act circulated widely on social media, igniting public outrage.

• AKEL urged authorities to launch an investigation and hold those responsible accountable.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has yet to issue an official response. However, the incident has reignited debates over historical sensitivities and the role of education in countering extremist ideologies on the divided island.