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
Turkey deports Israeli soccer player as another faces investigation Tensions between Turkey and Israel is spreading to Turkish soccer fields as Israeli players commemorate the 100th day in captivity of the hostages still held in the Gaza Strip. Turkey
Turkey detains Israeli soccer player over Gaza war message during match The player wrote a message referencing the "100 days" that Israel captives have been held by Hamas since their Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. Turkey
New Black Sea mission could score Turkey points with NATO Two different interpretations of the joint Black Sea mine mission appear to have emerged among Turkey and its other NATO allies, Romania and Bulgaria, but the allies might find a middle ground. Turkey
In fallout of Somaliland-Ethiopia deal, Turkey backs Somalia amid rivalries Turkey's harsh reaction to the deal between Somaliland and Ethiopia reflects its close ties with Somalia, where it has a military base and commercial interests. Turkey
Turkey launches retaliatory strikes in Syria, Iraq as Erdogan convenes security meeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hold an emergency national security meeting on Saturday. Turkey
Syria extends humanitarian aid deliveries via Turkey to rebel-held zone The crossing is the sole artery for UN supplies for the rebel-held northwest of the country. Syria
Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania ink deal to remove floating mines from Black Sea The mission will be solely open to Black Sea NATO countries, the Turkish Defense Ministry stressed following signing the ceremony. Turkey
Turkey says tanker seized by Iran carrying Turkish oil purchased from Iraq The ship was seized by the Iranian navy off the coast of Oman. Turkey
Culture Fatal 'Brazilian butt lift' reveals ugly side of cosmetic tourism in Turkey Turkey is a premier destination for cosmetic surgery thanks to low prices and attractive vacation packages, but not everyone is making it home in better shape. Turkey
‘Only the first step’: Turkey's Erdogan flaunts anti-Mossad op as against Israel The Turkish president also hinted that new counterespionage operations against Israeli spy networks could be underway. Turkey
What are the three files that Turkey pressed Blinken on during visit? The Turkey leg of Blinken’s new regional tour landed him a meeting with Erdogan as Washington-Ankara ties see improvement. Turkey
A ritual of hope: Exploring Istanbul's 'First Day of the Month Church' On the first day of 2024, hundreds from different faiths, including Muslims, flock to a famous Istanbul church, engaging in ancient rituals that transform New Year's aspirations into realities. Turkey