Paul Benjamin Osterlund

Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East

Paul Benjamin Osterlund is a freelance journalist and writer based in Istanbul, Turkey.

Turkey | Oct 9, 2020

Turkish music sector in hot water due to pandemic, arbitrary restrictions

The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on Turkey's music industry that is already experiencing tough times due to a ban on alcohol advertising that has prevented companies from sponsoring events and festivals with their brand names.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - JULY 26: Atmosphere at the J Balvin concert sponsored by Guess at Kucukciftlik Park on July 26, 2019 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Levent Kulu/Getty Images for Guess)

Turkey | May 5, 2020

How COVID-19 threatens Istanbul's cultural heritage

The novel coronavirus pandemic presents multiple threats to Istanbul's cultural heritage, both decimating tourism and distracting from destructive development projects.

Turkey | Apr 1, 2020

Most vulnerable still exposed to virus on Istanbul's deserted streets

Some of Istanbul's most vulnerable people, including Syrian child refugees, are still out on the streets day and night, braving the pandemic to earn a living.

A member of the Fatih Municipality disinfects the Sultanahmet square in Istanbul to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 21, 2020. - The religious affairs authority, Diyanet, ordered the closure of around 90,000 mosques in Turkey on March 20, the day of particularly important prayers in the Muslim faith. (Photo by BULENT KILIC / AFP) (Photo by BULENT KILIC/AFP via Getty Images)

Turkey | Mar 18, 2020

Members of popular Turkish folk collective approach death on hunger strike

Turkey's iconic Grup Yorum has not been able to perform since 2016 and a number of its members have been jailed on dubious terror charges.

Turkey | Jan 27, 2020

Popularity of Turkey's ancient temple worries archaeologists

Gobekli Tepe, the oldest known place of worship in the world, has been a site of controversy as the Turkish government monetizes the mysterious archaeological treasure.

Turkey | Jan 15, 2020

Turkey's YouTube gangsters hit mainstream box office

The "Sifir Bir" series set in the southern city of Adana is essentially a constant shootout between dueling street gangs competing for turf, with a bit of the country's turbulent politics.

Turkey | Dec 15, 2019

Southern Turkish city defiant over its raki and kebab

Although Adana province banned a raki festival for reasons of safety, locals rushed to the bars to celebrate their culture of raki — accompanied by turnip juice — and kebab.

Turkey | Dec 1, 2019

Meet the actor who won Turkey's first Emmy Award for best performance

Haluk Bilginer, a veteran actor whose roles range from King Lear to drifters, received an Emmy Award for best acting performance.

Turkish actor Haluk Bilginer won the Best Performance by an Actor award at the 47th International Emmy awards night at New York Hilton on November 25, 2019 in New York City (Photo by Selcuk Acar/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Turkey | Nov 24, 2019

Ottoman 'city of princes' ready-made for the Instagram age

Referred to as the "city of princes" for once being a training ground for future sultans, Amasya is attracting tourists with its rich history, museums and natural beauty.