Ramazan (Ramadan) in Turkey

Istanbul's Blue Mosque is illuminated during the holy month of Ramazan. The message in lights means "Intercede [for us], O Prophet of God."

The 30-day Islamic holy month of Ramazan (RAH-mah-zahn, called Ramadan in other countries) is a time of fasting, prayer and celebration. (Dates) It can also affect your travel plans.

FASTING...
Fasting means letting nothing pass the lips: no food, drink, chewing gum, tobacco smoke or, for the strictly observant, not even licking an envelope or postage stamp from sunrise to sunset. Observant Muslims also refrain from sexual intercourse during daylight in the holy month.

Most Muslims, whether strictly observant or not, use the holy month and the stricture of fasting to help them examine their lives, to remind themselves of virtues like charity, compassion and forgiveness, and to avoid vices like cupidity, selfishness and dishonesty.

Many Turks fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramazan. Restaurants are less busy at lunch, and there's even less Turkish tea in evidence—which is amazing.

If you're in Turkey during Ramazan, it's polite to refrain from eating and drinking in public during daylight hours. Rather, do it inside a restaurant, tea house, cafe (some of which will be operating, except in Konya), or other private or semi-private area.

Muslim restaurant and cafe staff, who may be fasting themselves, will understand if you are non-Muslim and will be happy to serve you. Some eateries may cover their windows with curtains so as not to distract those fasting by the sight of others eating.

FEASTING!
Ramazan is also a time of celebration, and after sunset the feasting begins with a ceremonial "break-fast" light meal called Iftar.

It always includes freshly-baked flat pide bread, and usually soup, pickled vegetables, olives and other easily-prepared edibles. Elaborate dinners are held later in the evening.

Strings of colored lights festoon trees and buildings, mosques are illuminated and crowded with worshippers.

A carnival atmosphere prevails with temporary booths selling religious books and paraphernalia, traditional snacks and stuff for the kids.

In the middle of the night drummers circulate through towns and villages to wake sleepers so they can prepare Sahur, the big early-morning meal to be eaten before the fast begins again at sunrise. They tend to make their noise around 02:30 and 03:00 am, and they make sure everyone hears them. If you don't want to awaken, have earplugs, close your hotel room windows, or both.

Many restaurants offer special banquet-like Ramazan menus at night.

Some restaurants which normally serve alcoholic beverages may refrain from doing so during the holy month, offering fruit juices and other drinks instead. It would be polite for you to observe this stricture if you are in an establishment where others are refraining from alcohol. (In some restaurants, alcohol service may resume after the evening's main meal is largely concluded.)

Non-Muslims are welcome and usually invited to join in the evening celebrations, which are great fun. Enjoy this special time!

Here are the dates for Ramazan, and here is how the holy month may affect your travel plans.

Ramazan is followed by the three-day holiday of Seker Bayrami. More...

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON AUGUST 30

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on August 30, 2008. Hurriyet English does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. (UPDATED)

HURRIYET

--ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS

Today is the 86th anniversary of the Great Victory. We are celebrating Aug. 30 Victory Day, which rescued the Turkish nation from captivity and gave it freedom again. Victory Day will be celebrated throughout Turkey, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and foreign representations of Turkey with a great enthusiasm. The Turkish nation will once more show its commitment to its great leader and his principles by visiting Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk, on the 86th anniversary of the victory.

--2.5 TONS OF GUNPOWDER DESTROYED BUILDING

Two explosions occurred in five minutes at the gunpowder factory of Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation in Kirikkale. Three people died and 27 others were wounded. The first explosion occurred in the two-storey building where the gunpowder mixture was being made. A second explosion followed in a temporary depot where 2.5 tons of explosives were being stored.

The temporary depot was totally destroyed. Two workers and a contractor, who were working in this area died. The explosions happened when workers were on a tea break, which prevented a bigger disaster. The explosions collapsed buildings and shattered windows of nearby buildings.

MILLIYET

--ENVIRONMENTALIST REACTION TO ERDOGAN FROM EU

The EU reacted to Premier Tayyip Erdogan, who criticized environmentalists. The EU-Turkey Joint Committee co- chairman Joost Lagendijk said Erdogan's rebuke was not acceptable for the EU. "These statements are very bad for Turkey. You cannot solve environmental problems by hitting people over the head," he said. Lagendijk said the EU would be on Turkey's tail regarding environment issues.

--8.7 P.C. RAISE TO CIVIL SERVANTS

The collective bargaining talks between the government and civil servant unions, which had been going on for days, ended in agreement. The government increased its offer by one percent, and offered a 4 percent raise for the first half and 4.5 percent for the second half of 2009, making the total cumulative increase of 8.7 percent. In January, the lowest civil servant salary will increase to 1,163 YTL and the average salary to 1,414 YTL.

VATAN

--WE ARE CELEBRATING GREAT VICTORY WITH ENTHUSIASM

A nation took action for its freedom on Aug. 26, 1922. Occupying forces were sent out of Anatolia on Aug. 30 with the Great Attack, lead by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Today, Turkey is celebrating this great victory on its 86th anniversary. President Abdullah Gul said, "The great victory is a miracle that was achieved by the will of our nation and army, pioneered by Ataturk, to protect our territories till eternity."

Premier Tayyip Erdogan said, "with the strength and courage this victory, gained by big sacrifices during a time full of impossibilities, gave us; we will protect the democratic, secular, social state of law and our Republic and maintain our efforts to carry our republic over the level of contemporary civilizations, a target set by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk."

Also, Gen. Ilker Basbug, the chief of General Staff, said, "the Great Leader Ataturk entrusted the Republic of Turkey to the Turkish Armed Forces, which will protect the republic against all types of threats with determination. As long as the armed forces remain in office, all initiatives to hamper the fundamental values of the Republic and to harm the national unity will be eradicated."

--RETALIATION TO RUSSIA

Turkey will put into effect a "retaliation package" for Russia on Monday. Russia has kept Turkish trucks waiting at the customs gates for three weeks, and caused great losses. Ankara has extended an indirect support to Georgia and let U.S. war ships pass to the Black Sea, which caused an unnamed trade war between Turkey and Russia. Russia has started to cause problems in the transportation of goods, both by sea and land. More than 1,000 Turkish trucks, carrying textile products and fruit and vegetables, have been kept waiting at the Georgian border to enter Russia.

Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen said Friday that Turkey would impose sanctions on Russia as of Monday. Tuzmen said that Turkey was important for Russia's exports as a transit country. These remarks are interpreted as if Turkey might cause difficulties for Russian ships that would sail through its straits. Tuzmen implied that Russia's World Trade Organization membership could be hampered.

SABAH

--BLAST IN MKE: THREE DEAD

A huge explosion occurred at the gunpowder factory of Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) in Kirikkale. This is the second blast in 11 years. Two workers and a contractor died in the explosion. The building was totally destroyed in the blast that occurred at the depot of the factory at 2:50 p.m. on Friday. The explosion killed a contractor and workers who were showered with debris some 500 meters away from the blast. Twenty-six people were wounded. National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said, "We think that the blast was caused by a technical problem."

CUMHURIYET

--HE WAS THERE WITH SAMAST

A protected witness, who provided information about the assassination of journalist Hrant Dink, said Osman Hayal, the brother of the inciter (Yasin Hayal), was also seen in front of Agos daily, together with assassin Ogun Samast on the day of the assassination.

--8.7 P.C. BRINGS ACCORD

The government and civil servant unions reached agreement in the fifth round of collective bargaining talks. According to the agreement, the salaries of civil servants will be raised by 4 percent in the first half of the year, and 4.5 percent in the second half of the year, making the cumulative raise 8.7 percent in 2009.

RADIKAL

--GOVERNMENT REACHES ACCORD WITH CIVIL SERVANTS

The seventh term in collective bargaining talks between the government and the civil servant unions, which started on Aug. 15, ended in an accord.

According to the agreement, civil servant salaries will be raised by 4 percent in the first half of 2009, and 4.5 in the second half. The cumulative total rise will be 8.7 percent.

In January 2009, the minimum civil servant salary will be 1,163 new Turkish Liras (YTL), and it will be raised to 1,215 YTL in July. The average civil servant salary will be 1,414YTL in January and 1,478 in July.

YENI SAFAK

--BIRTHDAY LIKE A SUMMIT IN BODRUM

Russian oil billionaire Vagit Alekberov will celebrate his birthday with a party at the Rixos Hotel in Turkey's Bodrum town. He has invited heads of state of 51 countries to the party at the 7-star hotel. Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will attend the party, which some 4,000 people have been invited. Special agents have been securing the area for the birthday party that will take place on Sept. 1.

--CLOSURE CASE QUESTION TO MRS. FERDA PAKSUT

Prosecutor Mustafa Bilgili asked Ferda Paksut, wife of the Constitutional Court Vice President Osman Paksut, why she told a correspondent of Aksam newspaper that "the ruling Justice and Development (AKP) would be closed" when the closure case against the ruling party was still being heard. It has been revealed that Ferda Paksut called a number of newspapers when the closure case against the AKP was being heard, and tried to convince them to write a story that the party would be closed.

When Ferda Paksut faced difficulties in answering these questions, she turned to her husband for help. Osman Paksut joined the questioning twice and answered questions on her behalf.

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Istanbul shows Ramadan's cultural side

Saturday, August 30, 2008

ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

Folk dances, poets and famed local and foreign musicians will perform during the month of Ramadan as part of the municipality's effort to embrace the cultural side of Ramadan, a traditionally family-oriented Muslim celebration that involves daily fasting and prayer. Three locations around Istanbul will also host children's activities, panel discussions on culture and arts, as well as the opening of a museum featuring a panorama of the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Istanbul is organizing a number of events during the month of Ramadan from August 31 to October 2. Under the banner of �Kandiller Yanarken�, (While the oil lamps burn), all events are free of charge.This year marks the third year the municipality has sponsored these events celebrating Ramadan. The festivities will take place in three locations: Feshane, Topkapı Culture Parc and Bağlarbaşı Culture Center, which is a restored train station with a museum featuring the history of Istanbul Transportation. During 33days of events, the three locations will host a number of panels, exhibitions and activities for children, families and people from every part of society. The panels will focus on the cultural side of Ramadan rather than a factual approach, said Hüseyin Öztürk, Head of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's cultural and social affairs department. �We aim instead to focus on the artistic side of Ramadan,� said Hüseyin Öztürk, Head of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's cultural and social affairs department. �It is the duty of the Department of Religious Affairs to inform the public about Ramadan.�Musicians from outside of Turkey, such as Bosnian Bedem Hymn Group, American Group Debu and BEZAD Folk Dance Group will travel to Turkey for the festivities. Additionally, the famous muezzin, (Muslim imam who calls people to daily prayers) Ahmet Naina from Egypt will also give a Koran reading. Many famous Turkish singers, such as Özdemir Erdoğan, Ahmet Özhan, Nihat Doğan will give concerts. Apart from that, famous poet Sunay Akın will perform poetry readings. Öztürk said that one of their purposes is to present the meaning and the feelings behind Ramadan. Ramadan promotes brotherhood and friendship; thus the organizations are open to every member of society, including the non-Muslims, Öztürk added. The organizers plan to house guest musicians with host families in Istanbul, and non-Turkish-speaking visitors will be accompanied by the interpreters.The events will also include the exhibition of items such as food, clothing, traditional material, which might appeal to Turkish visitors and foreigners alike. This exhibition will take place in the Mahmut II Saloon. The newly opened �Conquest Museum� in the Bağlarbaşı Culture Center will also open its doors to visitors. The museum features a panoramic presentation of the conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

The three locations of the events can be accessed by the public by using ferries from the ports of Üsküdar, Beşiktaş and Eminönü. These boats are provided by the General Directorate of Istanbul Sea Buses, or İDO, free of charge.

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Turkey celebrates Victory day

Saturday, August 30, 2008

ISTANBUL – Turkish Daily News

The 86th anniversary of Turkish victory over Greek forces in the War of Independence will be remembered around the country and in Turkish representations around the world Saturday.

The victory Aug. 30, 1922, over the Greek military was the last big engagement between the two armies.

The war began with the Greek invasion of İzmir in May 1919 after the end of the First World War with tacit support from the allies, especially Great Britain. The defeated Ottoman Empire was too weak to resist the Greek forces, with initial resistance provided by irregular Turkish units called Kuvay-i Milliye.

The invasion generated a huge reaction in Anatolia and resulted in an independence movement led by officers of the disbanded Ottoman military. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who came to lead the officers, succeeded in stemming the Greek invasion and in August 1922 launched a strong counterattack.

Victory in the Dumlupınar Battle on Aug. 30 in the central Anatolian province of Kütahya destroyed the Greek army and Turkish forces entered İzmir on the Aegean coast Sept. 9. The battle brought an end to the war between Greece and Turkey, with Turkey declaring independence on Oct. 29, 1923, after the signing of the Lausanne Treaty.

The date of Aug. 30 has since been celebrated as �Victory Day,� with military marches and other official celebrations marking the Turkish victory.

In a statement released Friday, Chief of General Staff Gen. İlker Başbuğ said the Turkish military had succeeded in freeing the country and the nation from occupation under the worst circumstances and continued to be committed to that cause.

�The victory on Aug. 30, 1922, was the first spark that ignited the dynamism to reach higher objectives,� he said.

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Nişantaşı pampers its favorite dog Simba

Saturday, August 30, 2008

An aged golden retriever stray dog Simba caught the attention of the municipal mayor and now lives in a lavish dog house in front of the car park where he used to reside. Locals in Nişantaşı neighborhood bring him fresh meat everyday.

From car park to dog mansion, an elderly golden retriever by the name of Simba now lives the good life thanks to the fostering efforts of local animal lovers in the Nişantaşı neighborhood. Lead by the municipal mayor, Simba is now well looked after by volunteers offering food and veterinary care

ÇINAR KİPER
ISTANBUL – Turkish Daily News

The affluent Nişantaşı neighborhood, in Istanbul's Şişli district, has recently acquired an unlikely mascot � an aged golden retriever by the name of Simba.

Simba had made his home comfortably squatting in a car park, but when the park was closed for construction, he became homeless on the streets. There he caught the attention of the municipal mayor and he now lives in a lavish dog house in front of the car park where he used to reside.

Visitors to the Abdi İpekçi statue at the beginning of Abdi İpekçi Avenue might be surprised to see a large green doghouse covered with handwritten notes informing passers-by not to worry, that "I am vaccinated and don't bite," that "I have permission from the municipality to be here," and that "Thanks to the mayor I am 15 years old. I love you all." Although, locals admit the animal is actually a much sprier 12.

The valet at the restaurant next door, İbrahim Ülker, 34, told the Turkish Daily News that Simba was originally his dog, or, more precisely, the dog that lived in the car park next to the Grissini restaurant before the lot was shut down several months ago.

"We used to look after Simba while he lived in the car park, but when it shut down for construction, the dog was kicked out to the curb," he said, adding that he and other locals who had come to care for the dog first tried to take him in, but the shelter's staff informed them that the dog would not be able to live there.

"He doesn't even cross the street to the other sidewalk," said Ülker.

The city offers help

Local animal lovers decided to take action and applied to the municipality to build a dog house and care for Simba close to the home to which he had grown accustomed. The request went all the way up to Şişli Mayor Mustafa Sarıgül, who gave his blessing and offered for his veterinarian to give free routine check ups to Simba.

Since then Sarıgül has visited Simba, issuing orders to ensure the dog is well looked after. Aside from having the staff at the local animal shelter at Çaglayan treat him and offer weekly veterinary assistance, he also instructed his garbage men to clean up the area around the dog house every day.

But while the municipality has offered much, it is the local residents and animal lovers who provide for the day-to-day expenses of the canine. It was local animal lover Filiz İz who put up the money to construct the dog house, at a cost of nearly YTL 1,000 � a house that is now packed with water and canned food.

Animal lovers rejoice

İz's driver, Murat Ünal, 25, who is tasked with feeding Simba every day, told the TDN, "Ms. İz covers most of the cost of looking after the animal, and she buys him food and bones from the butcher daily, but there are also many donation's from locals."

Twice a day at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., seven days a week, including holidays, Simba gets fresh meat and bones brought to him by Ünal, who remains humble about his role in looking after the dog, praising all the assistance he has received from locals.

"If we notice anything wrong before the city vet visit, we just approach a local animal lover, explain the situation and they cover the expenses of a private vet," said Ünal. Many are so gracious, they donate resources anonymously, leaving food or offering to pay for medical care without giving up their names, said Ünal, adding, "Just the other day someone paid for a vet visit and didn't even leave us a name that we could thank."

Simba chose not to comment on the generosity of his neighbors, instead opting to pant heavily in the summer heat and bark at a passing beagle.

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON AUGUST 29

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on August 29, 2008. Hurriyet English does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
HURRIYET-- COMPETITION EARNS THE STATE THREE BILLION DOLLARSTurkey witnessed the benefits of competition once more in the tender for "Iddaa" which resulted on Thursday. Thanks to the competition the state will earn three billion USD in a period of ten years. Inteltek, a Cukurova group company, which was the only bidder in the tender which was opened in 2007, had won the tender with an offer of 11.3 percent of the total earnings of "Iddaa", a sports betting game. Inteltek won again in Thursday's tender where three companies competed. But this time due to competition, Inteltek settled for operating "Iddaa" with only 1.4 percent share of the total earnings. Thus the state guaranteed earning 3 billion USD more in ten years. -- EAGLES FLY TO FIRST ROUND IN EUROPE Besiktas dominated the second leg against Bosnia Herzegovina's S.Brijeg with a score of 4-0 at their home, Inonu Stadium, in Istanbul. Besiktas who had won the first leg 2-1, advanced to the first round of UEFA Cup 6-1 on aggregate. MILLIYET-- WARNINGS FROM NEW COMMANDERGen. Ilker Basbug has become the new chief of Turkish General Staff. During the taking over ceremony, Gen. Basbug warned that religious communities were getting strength each day. "A segment of society thinks that religion is given a great weight in an emerging new cultural identity and lifestyle, and this segment is worried about this development," Basbug said as he took command of NATO's second-biggest army. "This concern should be taken seriously. This is compulsory for social peace within the scope of a pluralistic democracy," he said. Referring to relations with the United States, Gen. Basbug said, "our cooperation with U.S. army is on a perfect level. It is one of our most important duties to preserve this cooperation since Turkey-United States relations have gained further importance." -- CIVIL SERVANTS TAKE TO STREETS AFTER GOVERNMENT'S PROPOSALThe government has proposed a 7.6 percent increase in salaries of civil servants in the fourth round of the collective bargaining talks with labor unions of civil servants. Turkish Public Workers' Labor Union (Kamu-Sen), which demanded a 10 percent increase, objected to the government's proposal. The labor union will hold a sit-in demonstration in capital Ankara later in the day.
SABAH-- FIRST MESSAGE: NATION STATE CAN NOT BE DISCUSSEDMessages relayed by Gen. Ilker Basbug on secularism, nation state and religious communities made a mark on handover ceremony at the General Staff HQ in Ankara. Gen. Basbug said Turkey's nation state structure could not be discussed. Gen. Basbug also said a segment of the society had concerns over secularism, indicating that this uneasiness should be taken into consideration, "this is an obligation for social tranquility within the scope of pluralist democracy understanding," he noted. -- SEARCHES FOR PEACE IN ISTANBULInitiatives of Turkey for Caucasus: Georgian and Russian foreign ministers will come to Turkey. Foreign Minister Ali Babacan will meet Georgian Foreign Minister Ekarterine Tkeselasvili on August 31st and he will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on September 2nd. Turkey is expected to relay the uneasiness felt over stance of Russia with recognizing independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. -- OSSETIA TRUMP CARD FOR TRNCPresident Abdullah Gul and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat determined a strategy for Cyprus talks that would start on September 3rd: "Russia's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia will be used as trump card".
VATAN--ONE VILLAGE GUARD KILLED IN LAND MINE BLASTA land mine, planted by the terrorist organization in Derecik region of Semdinli town of the southeastern province of Hakkari exploded while a military convoy was passing by. One village guard died and a soldier was injured in the blast.
Separately, a group of PKK terrorists opened fire on a truck in the southeastern province of Hakkari, killing the truck driver and injuring two soldiers and three village guards.
--GULER SABANCI AMONG 100 MOST POWERFUL WOMENList of the most powerful 100 women of the world, which is traditionally determined by Forbes, was announced.
Guler Sabanci, chairperson and executive board director of Sabanci Holding, is the only woman from Turkey in list of Forbes. Sabanci was ranked the 75th.
CUMHURIYET--TOUGH MESSAGES FROM GEN.BASBUGGen. Ilker Basbug who assumed the command of Turkish General Staff on Thursday, listed the basics of the founding philosophy of Turkey as a secular, unitary nation state. Referring to Article 24 of the Constitution, he said Turkish Armed Forces would always be a party about the fundamental values of the Republic.
Basbug wanted authorities to take the worries about "the overwhelming influence of religion in formation of lifestyles," seriously. He said certain congregations were growing with the weakening social state aspect. Basbug said these congregations were trying to direct the economy and shape the socio-political life.
--BESIKTAS DOMINATE IN UEFABesiktas, one of Turkey's representatives in the European soccer arena, defeated Bosnian Siroki Brijeg with a score 4-0. Besiktas had won the first match with two goals against one. Besiktas advanced to the first round, where they will be competing together with Galatasaray and Kayserispor from Turkey. Fenerbahce, Turkey's representatives in the European Champions League, will be competing in Group G with Arsenal from England, Porto from Portugal and Dinamo Kiev from Ukraine.
RADIKAL--GUL'S RESPONSE TO SARGSIANPresident Abdullah Gul said that Turkey was in favor of resolving the problems with its neighbors. "This is our region. We are the children of the same land. Turkish and Armenian peoples have lived in this region together for centuries," he said.
Earlier, President Serzh Sargsian of Armenia invited President Gul to Yerevan to watch the 2010 Word Cup qualifying group match between Turkish and Armenian national soccer teams on September 6, saying that the match would create a significant opportunity to develop the bilateral relations. President Gul said that he extended support for all efforts to safeguard peace in the region.
--GREAT LOSS OF TURKISH POETRYIlhan Berk, one of the leading names of the Turkish poetry, died at the age of 90. Born in 1918, Berk was one of the dominant figures in "the second new generation".
--"NATION-STATE SHOULD BE PRESERVED"The issues of secularism and separatism were high on agenda of the ceremony in which Gen. Ilker Basbug took over the command of Turkish General Staff from Gen. Yasar Buyukanit. While Buyukanit said that the Turkish Armed Forces recently became subject of worthless attacks, Gen. Basbug said, "nation-state should be preserved and everyone should remain loyal to the Constitutional Court's definition of secularism."
YENI SAFAK--CUKUROVA WINS TENDER FOR IDDAAIn the first round of Thursday's tender for "Iddaa", a sports betting game, Dogan Media Group offered 6.1 percent of Iddaa's earnings while Inteltek offered 11.3 percent and Lotus-Ladbrokes offered 10 percent.
After a 30 minute break final offers were collected. Inteltek won the tender with an offer of 1.4 percent. Inteltek had been operating "Iddaa" with a 12 percent share from its earnings.
Iddaa's total earnings in the last 4 years were $6.7 billion. Greek company Intralot holds 45 percent shares of Inteltek while Cukurova holds 55 percent of it.
--A LITTLE POLITICS, A LITTLE MILITARYGen. Ilker Basbug who took over the command of the Turkish General Staff from Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, gave political messages in the beginning of his speech. He later moved on the military issues.

Inform

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON AUGUST 28

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on August 28, 2008. Hurriyet English does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET

--APPLAUSE FOR FENERBAHCE

Fenerbahce soccer club of Turkey defeated Serbian soccer club Partizan 2-1 in European Champions League third round second leg match in Istanbul. Fenerbahce qualified to compete in the European Champions League groups.

--GLOBAL THREATS ARE MORE DANGEROUS

Land Forces Commander General Isik Kosaner said the preservation of basic features of the Republic did not have relation to domestic politics. He said that efforts were under way to eradicate the nation state which was considered the biggest threat in front of globalization. The Turkish Armed Forces would keep preserving nation state, unitary state and secular state, Gen.Kosaner stated. Global threats and risks were more dangerous than military threats, he said.

MILLIYET

--TURKEY IN THE MIDDLE

Russia's officially recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia has escalated tension in the relations between the East and the West. The West accused Russia of violating the international law and NATO said that Moscow should take its decision back.

Despite the harsh reaction of the West, Turkey was content with expressing its concerns about recent developments in Georgia. The name of Russia was not mentioned in the statement and Turkey did not condemn Russia frankly. Diplomatic sources said that the Cyprus issue and the recognition of Kosovo as an independent state prevented Turkey from reacting harshly.

--TSK'S EMPHASIZE ON SECULARISM

Gen. Isik Kosaner has taken over the command of Turkish Land Forces from Gen. Ilker Basbug, who was appointed as the new chief of General Staff.

During the ceremony, Gen. Kosaner gave important messages about new threats of globalization against Turkey's secular structure of state. "Protection of fundamental characteristics of the Republic cannot be considered an intervention in domestic politics," he said.

SABAH

--PKK'S MONEY LAUNDERER INTERROGATED IN PARIS

A Turkish judicial delegation has interrogated Nedim Seven, a senior member and money launderer of the PKK terrorist organization, in the French capital city, Paris, for five hours. Seven, who has been imprisoned at Paris' Le Sante Jail, was accused of laundering monies obtained from the PKK's illicit drug trafficking in Europe. The Turkish delegation also handed over a dossier containing documents about the PKK's drug trafficking and money laundering traffic in Europe.

--"MY CONSCIENCE IS CLEAR"

President Abdullah Gul has said that he had never made any discrimination among the nation’s citizens from the day he took office as president. "The principles mentioned in the presidential oath and impartiality are the most important elements. I believe that I have remained loyal to those during my first year in office. I invited civil society and all political parties to the Presidential Palace without making any discrimination," he said.

President Gul also added that he paid the vacation costs and the other personal spending from his own bank accounts.

VATAN

--IMPORTANT MESSAGES FROM NEW COMMANDER

Turkey's incoming Chief of General Staff General Ilker Basbug handed over Land Forces Command to General Isik Kosaner at a ceremony. Gen. Kosaner delivered a speech in the ceremony and said preserving basic principles of the Republic did not have any relation to domestic politics. He said Turkish Armed Forces would keep preserving nation state, unitary state and secular state. Gen. Kosaner said Turkish Armed Forces did not need an external supervision apart from Turkish nation.

--FENERBAHCE DEFEAT PARTIZAN 2-1

Fenerbahce soccer club of Turkey defeated Serbian soccer club Partizan 2-1 in European Champions League third round second leg match in Istanbul, qualifying for the group stage 4-3 on aggregate. Fenerbahce will compete in the European Champions League groups for the sixth time.

CUMHURIYET

--NATION STATE ON TARGET

General Isik Kosaner said Turkey was forced to assume a role in the international platform. There have been some efforts to eliminate the nation state structure of the country, Gen. Kosaner said. Turkish Armed Forces would keep preserving the nation state, the unitary state and the secular state, he said.

--WATER FOR EDUCATION

Some 240 entrepreneurs from the eastern province of Tunceli joined forces and established Munzur Water Inc. facilities. The income that they have earned from this company has been used to provide education grants for the youth of Tunceli.

RADIKAL

--SARGSIAN'S INVITATION FOR SOCCER MATCH

President Serzh Sargsian of Armenia said that recent developments regarding Turkey-Armenia relations required the leaders of the two countries to take important decisions.

President Sargsian reiterated his invitation to President Abdullah Gul to Yerevan to watch the 2010 Word Cup qualifying group match between the Turkish and Armenian national soccer teams on Sept. 6t. He said that the match would create a significant opportunity to develop bilateral relations.

--TENSION IN BLACK SEA

Russia has reacted to the transit of NATO vessels from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea through the Turkish straits. Russia said that it was a violation of the Montreux Convention.

The convention signed in 1936 imposes restrictions on the passage of combatant vessels.

YENI SAFAK

--"MY CONSCIENCE IS CLEAR"

Abdullah Gul gave important messages as he evaluated his first year in office as the president of Turkey. "A broad participation is required for a new constitution," he said. Gul described the Ergenekon probe as a significant milestone in the history of Turkey. He also said that rectors of universities should not be appointed by the president.

BACK TO TL

The Turkish lira (TL) will return to circulation as of Jan. 1. New banknotes and coins will enter into circulation with new designs, size and enhanced security features.

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON AUGUST 27

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on August 27, 2008. Hurriyet English does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET

--NEW MAP IN CAUCASUS

Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev signed a critical decision dividing Georgia's territories into three, and declared that Moscow recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The policy preferred by Moscow was compared to Cyprus model that was adopted 35 years ago.

Now, Ankara is in a difficult situation. The independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are similar to that of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). If Turkey opposes Russia's decision to recognize the independence of these places, Moscow will remind TRNC to Turkey.

Also, when Turkey acknowledged Kosovo's independence, it took Russia against itself. Therefore, it is now difficult to insist on "territorial integrity of Georgia."

--15 PKK TERRORISTS KILLED, FIVE VILLAGE GUARDS DIED

Terrorists, who wanted to raid a village in Mutki town of eastern province of Bitlis, clashed with village guards. Five village guards died in the clash. When security forces intervened, 15 PKK terrorists were killed. In a separate development in Derik town of the southeastern province of Mardin, two PKK terrorists were killed. Also security forces seized 35 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and 110 grams of A-4 plastic explosives, used in bomb production.

MILLIYET

--MHP CHAIRMAN'S CALL TO AKP

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) chairman Devlet Bahceli, who described the discussions on the constitution as efforts to "divert the agenda", will support the government on the implementation of a constitutional amendment that will limit the authority of the Constitutional Court.

Bahceli desires the Turkish parliament to reach a wide-base consensus on such issue. "MHP is ready to contribute to amendments that will be carried out to this end," he said.

--INTENTIONAL ACCUSATIONS HURT, GEN. KOSANER

Gendarmery General Commander Gen. Isik Kosaner implicitly referred to recent publications regarding several gendarmery officials.

"Attributing several incidents to gendarmery as a whole and showing the institution as guilty, as well as targeting the institution by developing imaginary scenarios deeply hurt our members," Kosaner said.

SABAH

--FINAL NIGHT

Galatasaray and Fenerbahce soccer teams of Turkey will say "stop or continue" for European Champions League. Galatasaray will take on Steaua Bucharest in Romanian capital of Bucharest in the third qualifying round second leg match at 8:45 p.m. Galatasaray and Steaua Bucharest drew 2-2 in the first leg in Istanbul. Fenerbahce will host FK Partizan of Serbia at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul at 9:00 p.m.

--WE NEED TURKEY

Greg Craig, adviser to Barack Obama, said that they would consult in Turkey while the U.S. troops were withdrawing from Iraq. Replying question of SABAH whether the U.S. would make a coalition while withdrawing from the region, Craig, speaking at the Democrat Party Congress in Denver, said that they would have to consult in regional countries, adding that they needed Turkey.

VATAN

--SURPRISE INTERROGATION IN ERGENEKON

Constitutional Court Acting President Osman Paksut's wife, Ferda Paksut, was called for interrogation as she spoke Turan Comez on the phone. Comez was expelled from Justice ane Development Party (AKP).

--CANKAYA DROPS TO FOURTH ROW FOR THE FIRST TIME

The June results of a public survey, which has been carried our for 11 years by TNS Piar Company, are interesting. 2,000 people answered the survey. The rate to trust in President is 57 percent. This rate was 66.1 percent in June, 2007 while Ahmet Necdet Sezer was the President. The army is at top with 84 percent, Police Department is the second with 70.8 percent, and Constitutional Court is on the third row.

CUMHURIYET

--MHP LEADER STEPS IN AGAIN

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) chairman Devlet Bahceli said that the authority of the Constitutional Court, which recently annulled the headscarf amendment and decided that ruling AKP was "the focus of unsecular acts", should be re-arranged. Bahceli said that his party would support the amendments to this end.

CLASH IN BITLIS: 5 VILLAGE GUARDS KILLED

During a clash in Mutki town of the eastern province of Bitlis 5 village guards died and one was wounded. A total of 14 PKK terrorists were killed during the clash, while one terrorist surrendered to security forces. In a separate operation in Derik town of the southeastern province of Mardin, 2 terrorists were killed.

RADIKAL

--CALL FROM BAHCELI

Devlet Bahceli, the chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), said that the reasons of headscarf and ruling AKP verdicts might narrow the political arena. Bahceli called for a dialogue to make a number of arrangements, including limiting authorities of the Constitutional Court.

--GEN. KOSANER COMPLAINS ABOUT LAW

Gen. Isik Kosaner, appointed as the new land forces commander of Turkey, handed over his office at the Gendarmery General Command to Gen. Atila Isik. During the hand over ceremony, Kosaner complained about European Union (EU) adjustment laws. "Authorities have been limited in fight against terrorism," he said.

YENI SAFAK

--CONSTITUTION ATTEMPT

Devlet Bahceli, the chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), called for a constitutional amendment on which political parties might agree. Bahceli extended support for amending articles regulating the duties of the Constitutional Court that intervenes in the authorities of the parliament, and the article 69 of the Constitution that regulates closure of political parties.

The Republican People's Party (CHP) did not support Bahceli's call for a compromise on a constitutional amendment, whereas Bekir Bozdag, the deputy chairman of the ruling AKP group at parliament, said that they thought the proposal was positive and worth working on.

--IT WILL BE A PITY IF WE SELL IT AT A LOW PRICE

According to the head of the real estate commissioners' chamber, a plot in Atakoy neighborhood of Istanbul should not be sold at a price lower than $2.5 billion. Sabri Ates, the chairman of Real Estate Commissioners' Chamber, said, "it will be a pity if the plot is sold at a price lower than $2.5 billion."

The Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKI) put the plot to sale with an estimated value of 450 million YTL. Also, Eskidji, an international auctioneer that would hold the auction for TOKI, said those who were saying that the estimated value was low were right.

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON AUGUST 26

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on August 26, 2008. Hurriyet English does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET

-- HE MADE BLANKET WITH MONEY

Upon intelligence from the FBI, Turkish police cracked a virtual gang. It was revealed that Ercan F., one of the important hackers of the gang, took photos of himself with U.S. dollars and Turkish liras, and sent them to hacker friends. Police also found some photos which show Ercan F. taking a yacht tour and staying at Burj El Arab Hotel in Dubai. The gang accessed information of many banks in Europe and Asia, as well as of First National Bank, Bank Oklahoma, American Bank and Old National Bank in the United States. Police found bank account numbers of 500,000 people in the computers of gang members. A total of 14 gang members, including Ercan F., were arrested.


MILLIYET

-- MILAN BAROS COMING TO CIMBOM

Galatasaray (Cimbom) soccer team will explode its last transfer bomb with Milan Baros. The team's executive Haldun Ustunel shook hands with 27-year old forward player Baros. Baros played in the Czech national team on 66 occasions and scored 32 goals. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce soccer team is expecting news from Aurelio. If they cannot agree, the team will start talks with Dutch Zeeuw.

-- PLANNING TO ROB 500,000 MORE PEOPLE

It was revealed that the virtual profit gang, which conducted the biggest internet robbery of recent years, spent the money at the 7-star Burj El Arab Hotel in Dubai. The gang also accessed the personal banking information of 500,000 people. The gang, which has 28 members, was led by a doctor working in the Health Department in the southeastern province of Sanliurfa. Police searched the home and business residences of gang members and found e-mail addresses of 10 million people.


SABAH

-- BAROS IN GALATASARAY

After Kewell and Meira, another super star was transferred to Turkish soccer team Galatasaray. Czech Milan Baros, 27, will sign a contract with Galatasaray in the coming days. Baros, who is a striker, was the winner of the Golden Boot at Euro 2004, where he scored five goals.

-- MNG HOLDING BENEFITS FROM FOREST FIRE

A wooded land in Guvercinlik, Bodrum was reduced to ash in the summer of 2007. Officials said any construction would not be allowed on this land. But a part of it was given to MNG Holding in 2006 for the construction of a tourist facility.

VATAN

-- A MEMBER OF CHP STABBED TO DEATH

Fahrettin Tanyar (56), who was a member of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in the Bolu Provincial General Assembly, was stabbed to death in his home. Tanyar was stabbed in chest by unidentified persons and died on Monday night. Police have launched an investigation to catch murderers.

-- PAMUK'S NEW NOVEL TO BE SOLD IN BOOKSTORES IN 30 LANGUAGES

Turkey’s Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk's new novel will be sold in bookstores in 30 languages. Pamuk, one of Turkey's best-selling writers, completed his latest novel, Masumiyet Muzesi (The Museum of Innocence) and it will be sold in bookstores as of Friday. It was translated into 30 languages before being distributed to bookstores.


CUMHURIYET

-- 'FULL SPEED' IN NUCLEAR ENERGY

Energy Minister Hilmi Guler said there was no delay on the date of bidding for the tender process on nuclear power station which was set as Sept. 24. At a news conference in Ankara, Guler said, "We will open envelopes on September 24th because we don't have time to waste."

-- TURKISH WOMEN DON'T HAVE MONEY

State Minister Nimet Cubukcu, who delivered a speech in the 1st Congress of TOBB (the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey) Women Entrepreneurs Board, said men managed financial sources in Turkey and that is why there was not a sufficient number of women entrepreneurs in the country.


RADIKAL

-- KOBI WOMEN IN ACTION

The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) showed that it was ready to produce serious projects to develop women's entrepreneurship by gathering the 1st Women Entrepreneurs Board. The figures which TOBB wants to change are bad: The rate of women's employment in the EU is 56 percent, while it is 24 percent in Turkey. TOBB Chairman Rifat Hisarciklioglu said, "The economy which is not touched by the hands of a woman shall not be productive".

-- NUCLEAR POWER RIGHT NOW

The government rejected the demand to extend the period for companies --which would offer bids for nuclear power plant tender-- due to uncertainties in international markets. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler said, "We don't have time to waste."

YENI SAFAK

-- LOSS WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE IF OPERATION HAD BEEN LAUNCHED IN SUMMER

Regarding the operation which was launched in the north of Iraq, General Staff Chief Gen. Yasar Buyukanit said that they examined the weather reports of the last ten years before starting the operation. Gen. Buyukanit said, "Operations are generally staged in the best weather conditions. But we chose the worst conditions." He said that the success of the operation showed they had the right timing. Gen. Buyukanit said, "We did not sustain losses because it is not possible to detonate explosives under the snow as the snow covers the explosives. If we had staged the operation in summer, losses would have been higher."

-- BARELY ESCAPING FROM FLAME TRAP

Twenty people, who were trying to extinguish the forest fire in Yilanli region of the western province of Mugla, were trapped by the flames. Ten of the firefighters were rescued by helicopters. Five engineers, ten workers and AA correspondent Kenan Gurbuz were rescued from fire with water pumps.

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON AUGUST 25

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on August 25, 2008. Hurriyet English does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. (UPDATED)

HURRIYET

-- ONE TURKISH CIZITEN DIES IN PLANE CRASH

Itek Air's Boeing 737 took off from Kyrgyztan's capital Bishkek with 90 passengers on board and crashed in a few minutes. The plane was bound for Tehran. 65 passengers, one of whom was a Turkish citizen, died in the accident. 22 people injured, three were missing. There were 14 Chinese, Canadian and Iranian people on board.

-- LEFT HOPEFUL, RETURNED DISAPPOINTED

Turkey competed in Beijing Olympics with 68 athletes, the greatest number of athletes and sports branches in Turkey's history. However, Turkish athletes won the least number of gold medals since 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Elvan Abeylegesse has become the first athlete to win 2 medals in an Olympic Games for Turkey.


MILLIYET

-- REHN'S CALL FOR COMPROMISE

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn has said that he expected Turkey to revive its reform process. In an article he wrote for the Milliyet daily, Rehn said that repeated crises exhausted Turkey's energy for reforms. Rehn said that the crisis of the closure case against the governing Justice and Development Party (AKP) revealed Turkey's urgent need for judicial and constitutional reforms.

-- "CONSENSUS IS ESSENTIAL"

Professor Andrew Arato, one of the leading authorities in the world in the area of constitutional amendment, has indicated that the Constitutional Court's verdicts about headscarf and closure defined the government's moves. Arato said that consensus was essential for constitutional amendment, adding that Turkey needed to maintain modernizing its democracy.


SABAH

-- EVEN STREET SPRINKLER BURNT DOWN

The forest fire near the village of Ozluce in the southwestern province of Mugla has destroyed some 150 hectares of wooded area. Even a street sprinkler truck was burnt down to ashes in the fire. Five personnel in the truck escaped the flames the last moment.

-- CONFESSIONS FROM JITEM INFORMER

Abdulkadir Aygan of the gendarmerie intelligence unit (JITEM) has said that the C-4 explosive used in the assassination of journalist Ugur Mumcu was given by Cem Ersever, one of commanders of the unit. Aygan, who has been living in Sweden, said that Ersever was killed by the hit-man known with his code name Yesil.

VATAN

-- NO WATER FOR ACTIVISTS

Police detained 33 environmentalists, 30 of whom were foreigners, as they staged a protest in front of the Governor's Office in the northern Black Sea city of Sinop. They were fined 125 YTL and then released. Activists claimed that police did not give them food and water at the police station as they asked for their lawyers.

-- BANNED DOCUMENTARY AT PRESIDENTIAL WEBSITE

The documentary film "Ankara, the Heart of Turkey", shot by Russian director Sergei Yutkovic in 1934 after a request by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and banned in 1969, can now be seen in president's internet site. The documentary was banned in charges that it was making a communist propaganda. Mahmut Tali Ongoren, who was the director of Turkish state-run TV TRT, was dismissed since he allowed the broadcast of the film.


CUMHURIYET

-- WORKS BY ORIENTALIST BRITISH PAINTERS TO BE EXHIBITED IN ISTANBUL

Works by the orientalist British painters lived between 17th and 20th centuries will be exhibited in Istanbul's Pera Museum on September 23. The exhibition composed of nearly 110 works will remain open till October 4.

-- 150 HECTARES OF WOODED AREA DESTROYED

The forest fire has destroyed some 150 hectares of wooded area in the southwestern province of Mugla. A number of forestry workers were injured and two water trucks sustained heavy damage in the forest fire.


RADIKAL

-- RECORDS KEPT EVEN FOR MILITARY OFFICIALS

The Ergenekon probe has revealed that records were kept for a number of people by the military. Police found documents and CDs in the house of Fikret Emek, who retired from the Special Forces Command in 2004 and was detained under the Ergenekon probe. There were details about private lives and personal characteristics of some military personnel in the documents. Some of them were described as "alcoholic", "depraved".

-- SABANCI IN METROPOLIS

The Sabanci Foundation has decided to support the archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Metropolis financially. Excavations in the ancient city in the western province of Izmir has been continuing since 1992.


-- AN UNDERGROUND ASSET

Turkey is one of the richest countries in the world in regard to its underground reserves. Turkey's complicated geological structure enabled presence of different kinds of mines.

YENI SAFAK

-- TASTER FOR JITEM'S COLONEL

Special precautions were taken to protect Arif Dogan, the founder of gendarmerie intelligence (JITEM) and the witness who knows everything. Dogan, who has a medical report that he is not allowed to travel, is safeguarded by the gendarmerie. His food is tasted before he eats in order to prevent poisoning.

-- 77 VARIETIES OF MINES IN TURKEY

Turkey is home to rich resources for 77 types of mines out of 90 traded globally. Turkey, which ranks the second in the world in terms of gold mine, has the 72 percent of boron beds. Other mines extracted are zinc, lead, iron, chrome, aluminum and copper.

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Latest News

Kurdistan Freedom Falcons claim responsibility for Izmir, Mersin bombings

24/08/2008

ANKARA, Turkey -- Terrorists from the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) radical group claimed responsibility Saturday (August 23rd) for two terrorist attacks in Turkey last week. The group, believed to be linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), said in a statement on its website that the attacks were in response to Ankara's attitude towards the Kurdish population. On Tuesday, 13 police officers were injured in an explosion in the southern city of Mersin. On Thursday, 16 people were injured in a bomb attack in Izmir. Police arrested eight people Saturday in connection with it. (AP, Anadolu news agency, AFP - 23/08/08)

Activists in Turkey arrested during protest over nuclear power plant

24/08/2008

ANKARA, Turkey -- More than 30 activists were arrested on Saturday (August 23rd) during a protest against government plans to build a nuclear power plant in the Black Sea port city of Sinop. All but one of them were foreign nationals, including citizens of the US, Germany and France. Authorities arrested them for "non-sanctioned" organisation of a protest. The government plans to build a nuclear power plant in Sinop, after the first such plant in the country is built near the Mediterranean port of Mersin. (AP, Biamag - 23/08/08)

setimes

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON AUGUST 24

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on August 24, 2008. Hurriyet English does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. (UPDATED)

HURRIYET

-- TURKISH CONTRACTORS MAKE $20 BILLION DEAL ABROAD

Turkish contractors have made business deals worth of $20 billion in the first half of 2008, reaching to their year-end business volume for 2007 in just six months this year. "Our target is to reach $28 billion and we have seen 20 billion of that just in the first half of the year," said Erdal Eren, head of a Turkish contractors' union.

-- POLICE ARREST SUSPECTS IN IZMIR BOMB ATTACK

Police arrested the suspects in a bomb attack which had injured 18 people last Thursday in the western port city of Izmir. Zeki Bulut and eight of his associates were detained in Diyarbakir and Izmir. Bulut was caught on a security camera at a gas station.


MILLIYET

-- GREEN REACTION TO ERDOGAN

Environmental organizations strongly reacted against the statements of Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan about people who opposed a hydroelectric power plant project. Erdogan described those people as, "leisure environmentalists". The project envisages the establishment of nine separate hydroelectric power plants in Ikizdere Valley in Black Sea province of Rize.

-- IZMIR BOMBERS CAUGHT

Eight people were arrested in connection with the blast in Aegean province of Izmir where 18 people were injured. Zeki Bulut (22) was reported to be the terrorist who detonated the bomb.


SABAH

-- BOMBERS CAUGHT

Eight people were taken into custody on charges of organizing the bomb attack in Izmir that injured 18 people. Police arrested the eight people in separate operations in two provinces.

-- ERDOGAN: WE WILL NOT ALLOW VIOLATION OF MONTREUX

Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan replied the discussions about the U.S. ship which was allowed to pass to Georgia through the strait. "Whatever necessary is done under the requirements of Montreux Convention," Erdogan said.

VATAN

-- POLICE DEFUSES BOMB IN ISTANBUL CEMETERY

Security forces defused an explosive device hidden in a water cooler in an Istanbul cemetery on Saturday. Police said the device was rigged to set off 2.5 kilograms of plastic explosive just behind a bus stop.

-- OSCAR-WINNING ACTRESS INVITED FOR TURKISH FILM FESTIVAL

Hollywood's Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron has been invited to the Antalya Film Festival, which is scheduled for Oct. 9-10. Sources said the beautiful actress had accepted the invitation. Antalya Film Festival is also set to host British actor Ben Kingsley this year.


CUMHURIYET

-- BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES ENDS

The 29th Summer Olympic Games held in Beijing, China will end today. A closing ceremony will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Turkey won eight medals in the Olympic Games. Turkey's Olympic national team won one gold, four silver and three bronze medals and ranked 36th on the medal table.

-- YALCINBAYIR: PRESIDENTS DO NOT HAVE IMMUNITY

Ertugrul Yalcinbayir, the former Secretary General of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), said there was no obstacle to try President Abdullah Gul. Yalcinbayir said prior to the presidential elections Gul told him that, "I will show that presidents can be tried in Turkey". Yalcinbayir said, "He will do what is necessary if a record is filed against him."


RADIKAL

-- IZMIR GOVERNOR: BOMBERS CAUGHT

Six people were arrested in simultaneous operations in Aegean province of Izmir and southeastern province of Diyarbakir. Zeki B. who was detained in Diyarbakir, was reported to have parked the car at the site, set up the bomb mechanism, and detonated the bomb. The blast took place when a minibus carrying police officers and a car belonging to the military were passing by in Konak. Sixteen people, including 7 police officers and 3 soldiers, were injured in the explosion.

-- 20 BILLION USD OBTAINED FROM CONSTRUCTION

Erdal Eren, head of a Turkish contractors' union, said Turkish contractors made business deals worth of $20 billion in foreign countries in the first half of 2008. He said tension between Russia and Georgia did not have an impact on the investments in the region.

YENI SAFAK

-- THEY COULD NOT ESCAPE

Eight people were detained in connection with the bomb which was detonated as a minibus carrying police officers was passing by. Sixteen people were injured. Police said three terrorists rented a car after the attack and escaped to Diyarbakir, noting that the terrorists were detained in Diyarbakir.

-- EU MEMBERSHIP ON AGENDA OF BUSINESS WORLD

Representatives of business world from now on focus on acceleration of Turkey's European Union (EU) membership, which was interrupted with the closure case opened against ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) Chairman Tanil Kucuk urged the government to initiate a new reform process and launch initiatives to implement "Program to Adjust with the EU Acquisitions".

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GOOD MORNING--TURKEY PRESS SCAN ON AUGUST 23

Anatolian Agency

These are some of the major headlines and their summaries in the Turkish press on August 23, 2008. Hurriyet English does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. (UPDATED)

HURRIYET

-- TURKISH ATHLETE CLAIMS SILVER IN BEIJING GAMES

Turkish athlete Elvan Abeylegesse won Friday her second silver medal in women’s 5,000 meters in Olympic Games in Beijing. Abeylegesse became the first Turkish athlete ever to claim two medals in a single Olympic Games. Abeylegesse won her first silver in Beijing in women's 10,000 meters.

U.S. WARSHIP IN BLACK SEA

U.S. warship USS McFaul -- en route to Georgia carrying humanitarian aid --transited through Turkey's Canakkale and Istanbul straits on Friday to set sail in the Black Sea. Polish navy vessel "General Plasky" also passed through the Turkish straits to join an exercise in Romania.

MILLIYET

-- "COVER YOUR HEAD" CALL IS A SOCIAL VIOLENCE

Supreme Court of Appeals accepted a case opened by a woman to divorce from her husband on charges that he forced her to wear headscarf. The woman, identified with the initials T.L., wanted to divorce from her husband that he forced her to cover her head. The Supreme Court of Appeals said act of the husband in forcing his wife to wear headscarf was an act towards social violence.

-- U.S. SHIP IN THE BLACK SEA

U.S. warship "McFaul" and Polish warship "General Plasky" passed from the Canakkale and the Istanbul Straits on Friday. The U.S. warship did not give information to the Canakkale Strait Ship Traffic Services Directorate General about the port of arrival. Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the passages of the ships were in line with the Montreux Convention. A group of 200 people, which convened at Dolmabahce Square, protested passage of the ships.

SABAH

-- TURKEY'S NOBEL-WINNING AUTHOR'S NEW NOVEL TO HIT BOOK STORES

Turkey's Nobel-winning author Orhan Pamuk's new novel, Masumiyet Müzesi (The Museum of Innocence), will go on sale by the end of August. The author says he started working for the novel ten years ago and he finished it in six months. The new novel tells the story of Kemal, a thirty year-old man, who falls in love with eighteen year-old Fusun, a distant relative.

-- TURKCELL SUPER LEAGUE TO LAUNCH AT WEEKEND

Turkcell Super League, Turkey's premier soccer loop, is set to make a kick-off with games this weekend Galatasaray, last year's champions, will take on Denizlispor, for the starter on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. in Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium. Fenerbahce will play Gaziantepspor in an away game starting on 9:45 p.m.

VATAN

-- ELVAN'S NAME RECORDED IN HISTORY

Turkish athlete Elvan Abeylegesse became the pride of Turkey at the Olympic Games. Elvan, who earlier won silver medal in women's 10,000 meters in Beijing Olympics, this time claimed silver medal in women’s 5,000 meters in athletics at 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on Friday.

-- 10 OF 18 INJURED DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL

Ten of the 18 people who were injured in blast in the Aegean province of Izmir were discharged from hospital. Colonel Ahmet Kılınc, who gets treatment in ear, nose and throat service at hospital in Izmir, gradually recovers. However, his driver Private Huseyin Arisoy is still in critical condition.

CUMHURIYET

-- PRIVATIZATION TO BE ACCELERATED

Draft of the National Program, which will be submitted to the European Union (EU), included privatizations to be fulfilled by the government. According to the draft, the state will not intervene in many areas extending from processing of tea products to purchase of goods. Areas like education, national defense industry, radio and television broadcasting, mining, will be privatized partially.

-- SECOND SILVER FROM ELVAN

Elvan Abeylegesse of Turkey won silver medal in women's 5,000 meters in athletics at 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Abeylegesse ran 15.42.74 behind gold medalist Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba who ran 15.41.40. Abeylegesse also won a silver medal in women's 10,000 meters in Beijing Olympics.

RADIKAL

-- BABACAN CONVEYS PROPOSALS TO EASE TENSION IN CAUCASUS

Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan has telephoned his Russian counterpart and conveyed a set of proposals as part of Turkey's efforts to ease tensions in the Caucasus, a spokesman for the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Friday. "In a telephone call to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Mr. Babacan conveyed to the Russian side our concrete proposals about a platform for cooperation and stability in the Caucasus," Burak Ozugergin said. The spokesman said Turkish and Russian diplomats would meet next week to work on the issue, and the two ministers had agreed to meet early in September.

-- ELVAN BRINGS ANOTHER SILVER MEDAL

Turkish athlete Elvan Abeylegesse won her second silver medal in Olympic Games in Beijing in women's 5,000 meters, after her title in 10,000 meters. Abeylegesse ran 15.42,74 behind gold medalist Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba with 15.41,40.

YENI SAFAK

-- "HUMANITARIAN DESTROYERS" ARE IN BLACK SEA

After passage of NATO ships belonging to Germany and Spain, this time U.S. and Polish ships carrying humanitarian aid to Georgia passed to the Black Sea. General Plasky of Poland left for Constanta, however Mc Faul-74 of the United States did not give information about the final arrival. Russia described entrance of the United States to the Black Sea as "concerning".

-- ELVAN AGAIN MAKES US SMILE

Turkish athlete Elvan Abeylegesse won silver medal in women's 5,000 meters in athletics at 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Abeylegesse also won a silver medal in women's 10,000 meters in Beijing Olympics. With this result Abeylegesse became the first Turkish Athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic Games.

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