Tag: turkish government

Istanbul Turkey Turkish flags

Turkey Faces Tourism Struggles as Holidaymakers Flock to Budget-Friendly Greece

Turkey is facing a tourism downturn as rising costs drive budget-conscious travelers to choose Greece instead. With hotels in popular destinations seeing fewer bookings, experts warn that Turkey’s reputation as an affordable holiday spot is at risk. While some discounts are being offered, inflation remains a major challenge, though there’s hope for recovery as the economy stabilizes.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Erdoğan’s Demands on Jerusalem Could Raise Questions About Istanbul’s Sovereignty

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent comments on Jerusalem raise significant questions about Turkey’s sovereignty over Istanbul. While his government claims to protect religious heritage, Erdoğan’s actions, such as the conversion of major Christian landmarks into mosques, tell a different story. These moves not only challenge the status of Jerusalem but also highlight concerns about religious freedom and minority rights within Turkey. As discussions on Jerusalem’s status unfold, the international community may reconsider its stance on Istanbul’s sovereignty.

panagia soumela13

CNN Travel Article on Panagia Sumela Monastery Sparks Controversy Over Historical Accuracy and Turkish Propaganda

A CNN Travel article celebrating the Panagia Sumela Monastery in Turkey has sparked outrage among Pontic Greek communities for allegedly whitewashing history and promoting Turkish propaganda. Critics accuse the article of ignoring the forced conversion and persecution of Pontic Greeks under Ottoman rule, as well as the Turkish government’s ongoing restrictions on religious freedom.

Santa Ruins

“Santa Ruins” in Turkey: The Destruction of Greek Cultural Heritage 

The Turkish newspaper Hürriyet reported on October 19 that the Santa Ruins archeological site has been registered as a “fragile area to be protected” leading some to conclude that “The Turkish government seems to have “perfected” the “art” of violating or destroying the region’s exceedingly rich cultural heritage built by the indigenous peoples of the land that Turkey largely exterminated about a hundred years ago.”