Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul Nisantasi beyond the shop windows Also this week: Hopdaddy burgers, Ara Guler’s photographs and Istanbul’s apartment stories. By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture
Costa Rica's Grynspan extends lead in UNSG poll as Nusseibeh places fourth The Costa Rican candidate received 12 encourage votes in Thursday's UN Security Council straw poll. United Arab Emirates
Turkey’s parliament ratifies Mecca pact in boost to Saudi Arabia Turkey will now decide the scope of military support for Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Iran-backed Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Turkey
Can Erdogan’s Baku visit fix Turkey-Azerbaijan rift? A dispute over religious dress in schools has exposed deeper tensions between the two allies, with energy, arms sales, Israel and financial interests adding to the strain. Turkey
Why Turkey’s Islamists turned their back on renowned Syrian preacher The Turkish officials and Islamists who once welcomed Syrian Islamic scholar Jawdat Said with great adulation were tellingly absent from the renowned scholar’s low-key funeral. Turkey
Turkish inflation hits two-decade high, inches toward 50% With annual producer inflation reaching 93.5%, further price increases appear in store for Turkish consumers in February and March after consumer inflation sets a two-decade record in January. Turkey
In Ukraine, Erdogan emphasizes agreements with Moscow Striking a different tone from many of his Western counterparts, the Turkish president’s remarks in Kyiv reflect a position that factors in Moscow’s demands on the Ukraine standoff. Turkey
Council of Europe starts disciplinary process for Turkey over Kavala Rights groups are calling for Osman Kavala's immediate release, while Ankara calls the Council of Europe’s decision to start the lengthy process “malicious” and “politically motivated.” Turkey
Turkey sinks on corruption index as activists point to public tender system Transparency International says there has been a “significant decline” in Turkey’s tackling of graft over the last decade. Turkey
Ankara reassures Moscow on eve of Erdogan’s Ukraine visit With its president set to visit Ukraine, Turkey has reassured Russia by reiterating its commitment for a key maritime treaty safeguarding Russia's rights in the Black Sea. Turkey
Iran’s gas cut exposes Turkey’s vulnerability to energy risks Ankara’s energy preparedness for the winter and its capacity to secure alternative supplies have come under question after a halt in the gas flow from Iran sparked an unprecedented energy crunch in the country. Turkey
Erdogan tightens grip on media with circular on family values A midnight circular from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls on media outlets and regulatory groups to take decisive steps to protect youth and children from Western-inspired programs and certain symbols. Turkey
Crisis in Ukraine: the Middle East connections Also: Oman's foreign minister says dialogue is essential in dealing with Iran, Yemen and Syria; keeps focus on two-state solution. Turkey
Turkish drones boost Ukrainian spirits amid fears of Russian invasion Turkey's drones are a big morale booster for Ukraine as a potential Russian invasion looms. Turkey
Independent Turkey economists face court action over inflation figures that challenge official data ENAGrup is sued over calculations that put yearly price rises at 83% and told to halt work refuting state agency’s rate. Turkey
Turkey’s central bank continues window dressing with currency swaps Hit by a foreign reserves drain, Turkey’s central bank eyes fresh currency swap deals, including with the central banks of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Libya. Turkey