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 reports account surplus amid fiscal policy changes Turkish bonds may also become more attractive, according to a top bank, as Turkey’s new economic leaders raise interest rates and end unpopular policies. Turkey
Turkey, Greece agree on confidence-building measures as Ankara eyes F-16s The announcement comes as Ankara seeks to overcome congressional objections to its bid to purchase new F-16 jets from the United States. Turkey
Israel's Gaza war opens room for Turkey-Iran rapprochement Turkey’s Gaza diplomacy has failed to bear fruit thus far, but it has clearly led to a rapprochement between Ankara and Tehran. Turkey
Turkey’s judicial crisis deepens as Erdogan weighs in Erdogan’s stepping into a crisis between Turkey’s two high courts is widely seen as yet another sign of erosion of rule of law and judicial independence in Turkey. Turkey
EU says UAE will restrict certain re-exports to Russia amid Ukraine war The United Arab Emirates has agreed to restrict the re-exportation to Russia of "dual-use" items used for its war in Ukraine, and Turkey is reportedly considering a similar measure. United Arab Emirates
Turkey’s top court upholds controversial media law as EU laments 'democratic backsliding' The ruling coincided with the release of the EU Commission's annual report which noted “continued deterioration” in the country’s democratic standards, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary. Turkey
UK sanctions UAE network accused of helping Russia make gold profits The new sanctions announced by the UK Foreign Ministry target 29 individuals and companies operating in and supporting Russia’s gold, oil and strategic sectors. United Arab Emirates
Boycotts in Turkey over Israel’s war in Gaza spread to Coca-Cola, Nescafe While the Turkish Parliament stopped the sale of certain multinational brands in its cafeterias, several universities have said they will no longer collaborate with Israeli academia until a cease-fire is reached. Turkey
Turkey returns to dollar bond market as Erdogan shifts approach The Turkish government has made several fiscal policy changes since the president's reelection in May in an effort to win back investors and address economic problems. Turkey
Blinken ends Middle East tour in Turkey, no Gaza 'humanitarian pause' in sight US Secretary of State Antony Blinken completed his Middle East tour in Turkey as anti-US protests ramped up in the country. Turkey
Turkey recalls ambassador to Israel ahead of Blinken’s visit While Turkey and Israel’s recalling of their respective ambassadors marks a serious setback for a diplomatic reset, the Turkish president said Saturday that cutting off diplomatic ties with Israel was “out of the question.” Turkey
What is driving Turkey’s Erdogan pro-Hamas, fiery Israel criticism? Diplomats and experts say Erdogan’s response to Hamas’ attack on Israel and its aftermath have seriously undermined Turkey’s international position. Turkey