#Meeting Turkish Cypriots

[kyreniacommentator]

President Ersin Tatar met Turkish Cypriots in State of New York

[foggycityfriend]

Cyprus Mangal: A Taste of Authentic Turkish Cuisine in Victoria

Located in the heart of Victoria, London, Cyprus Mangal offers a genuine taste of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, bringing the rich flavours of Cyprus to the city. Known for its charcoal-grilled meats, fresh seafood, and traditional meze, Cyprus Mangal has become a local favorite for authentic Turkish dining in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

A Menu Bursting with Turkish Delights

The menu at Cyprus Mangal reflects the rich culinary heritage of Turkey and Cyprus, offering a wide variety of dishes that cater to all palates. Highlights include:

🍢 Charcoal-Grilled Kebabs – Juicy lamb shish, adana kebab, and chicken wings, grilled over an open flame to perfection. 🥗 Freshly Prepared Meze – A vibrant selection of hummus, baba ghanoush, cacik, stuffed vine leaves, and more, perfect for sharing. 🐟 Seafood Specialties – Grilled sea bass, prawns, and calamari, served with fresh herbs and olive oil. 🥙 Pide & Lahmacun – Traditional Turkish flatbreads topped with minced meat, cheese, and fresh vegetables. 🍮 Decadent Turkish Desserts – Warm baklava and künefe, served with Turkish tea or aromatic coffee.

Complement your meal with a fine selection of Turkish wines, refreshing cocktails, and traditional raki, offering the perfect pairing for any dish.

A Cozy & Inviting Dining Experience

Cyprus Mangal provides a warm and intimate ambiance that makes it ideal for:

✔ Romantic Dinners – Enjoy a candlelit meal in a relaxed setting. ✔ Family Gatherings & Celebrations – Spacious seating and a friendly atmosphere for larger groups. ✔ Casual Lunches & Business Meetings – A perfect spot for a quick yet satisfying meal.

With its cozy interiors, attentive staff, and authentic decor, Cyprus Mangal ensures that every visit feels like a journey to the heart of Turkey.

Why Choose Cyprus Mangal?

✔ Authentic Turkish & Cypriot Cuisine – Rich flavours and traditional recipes prepared with passion. ✔ Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients – Every dish is made from the finest ingredients. ✔ Charcoal-Grilled Perfection – Meats and seafood grilled to smoky perfection. ✔ Welcoming Atmosphere & Friendly Service – Making guests feel like family.

Experience the Flavours of Cyprus at Cyprus Mangal

For an unforgettable Turkish dining experience in Victoria, head to Cyprus Mangal. Whether you're craving grilled meats, fresh seafood, or sharing meze with loved ones, the restaurant promises a taste of tradition with every bite.

📍 Address: 45 Warwick Way, London 📞 Contact: 020 7828 5940

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 12.25 (after 1840)

1868 – Pardons for ex-Confederates: United States President Andrew Johnson grants an unconditional pardon to all Confederate veterans. 1870 – Wagner's Siegfried Idyll is first performed. 1914 – World War I: A series of unofficial truces occur across the Western Front to celebrate Christmas. 1915 – The National Protection War breaks out against the Empire of China, as military leaders Cai E and Tang Jiyao proclaim the independence of Yunnan and begin a campaign to restore the Republic. 1927 – B. R. Ambedkar and his followers burn copies of the Manusmriti in Mahad, Maharashtra, to protest its treatment of Dalit people. 1932 – A magnitude 7.6 earthquake in Gansu, China kills 275 people. 1941 – Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, appointed commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet on December 17, arrives at Pearl Harbor. 1941 – World War II: Battle of Hong Kong ends, beginning the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. 1941 – Admiral Émile Muselier seizes the archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, which become the first part of France to be liberated by the Free French Forces. 1946 – The first European self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction is initiated within the Soviet Union's F-1 nuclear reactor. 1950 – The Stone of Scone, traditional coronation stone of British monarchs, is taken from Westminster Abbey by Scottish nationalist students. It later turns up in Scotland on April 11, 1951. 1951 – A bomb explodes at the home of Harry T. Moore and Harriette V. S. Moore, early leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, killing Harry instantly and fatally wounding Harriette. 1962 – The Soviet Union conducts its final above-ground nuclear weapon test, in anticipation of the 1963 Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. 1963 – Turkish Cypriot Bayrak Radio begins transmitting in Cyprus after Turkish Cypriots are forcibly excluded from Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation. 1968 – Apollo program: Apollo 8 performs the first successful Trans-Earth injection (TEI) maneuver, sending the crew and spacecraft on a trajectory back to Earth from Lunar orbit. 1968 – Kilvenmani massacre: Forty-four Dalits (untouchables) are burnt to death in Kizhavenmani village, Tamil Nadu, a retaliation for a campaign for higher wages by Dalit laborers. 1976 – EgyptAir Flight 864, a Boeing 707-366C, crashes on approach to Don Mueang International Airport, killing 71 people. 1977 – Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin meets in Egypt with its president Anwar Sadat. 1986 – Iraqi Airways Flight 163, a Boeing 737-270C, is hijacked and crashes in Arar, Saudi Arabia, killing 63 people. 1989 – Romanian Revolution: Deposed President of Romania Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife, Elena, are condemned to death and executed after a summary trial. 1991 – Mikhail Gorbachev resigns as President of the Soviet Union (the union itself is dissolved the next day). Ukraine's referendum is finalized and Ukraine officially leaves the Soviet Union. 1996 – The body of American child beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey was found in her family's Boulder, Colorado, home. Her murder remains unsolved. 1999 – Cubana de Aviación Flight 310, a Yakovlev Yak-42, crashes near Bejuma, Carabobo State, Venezuela, killing 22 people. 2003 – UTA Flight 141, a Boeing 727-223, crashes at the Cotonou Airport in Benin, killing 141 people. 2003 – The ill-fated Beagle 2 probe, released from the Mars Express spacecraft on December 19, stops transmitting shortly before its scheduled landing. 2004 – The Cassini orbiter releases Huygens probe which successfully landed on Saturn's moon Titan on January 14, 2005. 2012 – An Antonov An-72 plane crashes close to the city of Shymkent, killing 27 people. 2012 – Air Bagan Flight 011, a Fokker 100, crashes on approach to Heho Airport in Heho, Myanmar, killing two people. 2016 – A Russian Defence Ministry Tupolev Tu-154 carrying members of the Alexandrov Ensemble crashes into the Black Sea shortly after takeoff, killing all 92 people on board. 2019 – Twenty people are killed and thousands are left homeless by Typhoon Phanfone in the Philippines. 2021 – The James Webb Space Telescope is launched.

[kyproschrysostomides]

Shaping the Legal Landscape: Kypros Chrysostomides’ Role in Cypriot Constitutional Reforms

Kypros Chrysostomides was a central figure in the evolution of Cyprus’s legal and constitutional framework, shaping reforms during crucial moments in the island's history. His work reflects a dedication to creating a transparent and inclusive system of governance aligned with democratic principles and human rights.

Following Cyprus’s division in 1974, Chrysostomides advocated for legal reforms to address the island’s geopolitical tensions. His constitutional and international law expertise positioned him as a vital advisor to the government, focusing on legislation that preserved Cyprus’s sovereignty while ensuring alignment with international standards. A notable milestone in his career was supporting the country’s preparations for European Union accession in 2004. His legal insight was essential in adapting the constitution to meet the EU's regulatory framework while preserving the island's unique cultural and political identity.

Chrysostomides also championed the protection of minority rights and the rule of law, insisting that legal reforms must serve all segments of society. His emphasis on accountability within public institutions was evident in his work as a lawyer and a politician. As Justice Minister in 2008, he underscored the importance of political responsibility when he resigned after a prison escape, embodying the principle of ministerial accountability.

His scholarly writings further reinforced his vision for Cyprus's legal system, promoting unity while respecting individual freedoms. His work on constitutional law remains relevant to ongoing efforts to reunify the island, providing a framework for discussions on power-sharing agreements between Greek and Turkish communities. His belief in the capacity of law to bridge divides between communities continues to guide legal and political debates in Cyprus today.

Beyond government advisory roles, Chrysostomides contributed to the legal landscape through organisations like the Cyprus Institute of Political Research and European Affairs, fostering dialogue between legal experts and policymakers. His participation in the European Court of Human Rights, where he defended displaced Cypriots, highlighted the importance of constitutional protections for vulnerable groups.

Chrysostomides's influence extended internationally, reflecting his belief that small nations like Cyprus could assert themselves through legal frameworks grounded in international cooperation. His legal philosophy, based on fairness, accountability, and inclusivity, remains central to Cyprus’s constitutional framework and alignment with European democratic values.

Though his political party, the Movement to Restructure the Centre, never gained significant momentum, it encapsulated his commitment to modernising governance and ensuring legal reforms kept pace with societal progress. His dual roles as a politician and legal scholar gave him a unique ability to drive change, balancing the demands of public service with the rigour of legal practice.

Kypros Chrysostomides’s contributions to constitutional law continue to influence Cyprus’s legal evolution. His legacy lies in the enduring principles he championed—sovereignty, justice, and the rule of law. Whether through his government advisory roles, advocacy for EU integration, or scholarly works, Chrysostomides left an indelible mark on Cyprus's legal landscape. As the island navigates contemporary challenges, his ideas and reforms remain a guiding light for policymakers and legal professionals alike.

Read Our Blog About The Republic of Cyprus and International Law: Kypros Chrysostomides’ Lasting Influence

[iso22301]

What are the common misconceptions about halal certification in Cyprus?

/ Uncategorized / By Factocert Mysore

Halal Certification in Cyprus

Introduction

Halal certification in Cyprus Cyprus Nee­ds Halal Certifications Halal certifications are crucial for the­ worldwide food industry, because the­y show food satisfies Islamic dietary laws.  Halal certification in Cyprus, a place with rich cultural and re­ligious diversity, puts a high value on halal certifications. The­y’re important for serving the local Muslim community and for e­xpanding overseas trade.

What is Halal Ce­rtification in Cyprus?

Halal is an Arabic word that means “allowed.” It refe­rs to food and items that are good to use according to Islamic law. The­ certification process checks that products don’t contain anything that’s not pe­rmitted (haram) in the Islamic religion, like­ pork, alcohol, and specific additives. Halal certification in Cyprus also contain de­tails about treating animals humanely when the­y’re slaughtered, which is an important part of Islamic customs.

The Importance of Halal Certification in Cyprus

 Halal certification in Cyprus‘ geographic position, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, make­s it an important place for trade. Halal certifications give­ Cypriot businesses access to profitable­ markets in countries where­ most people are Muslim. This he­lps the economy and improves the­ chance for more exports. 

Who Issue­s Halal Certifications in Cyprus? 

There are­ quite a few organizations in Cyprus that handle  Halal certification in Cyprus. They ensure that products match the­ strict halal rules. The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Comme­rce (KTTO) has an important role Halal consultant in Cyprus’ northern are­a, providing halal certifications for local businesses. A lot of the­ businesses in the south of Cyprus re­ly on international halal certifying organizations. These­ groups have protocols and standards that are respe­cted around the world.

The common misconceptions about halal certification in Cyprus

False Be­liefs Regarding Halal Approval in  Halal certification in Cyprus Despite­ its increasing relevance­, numerous false belie­fs surrounding halal approval are abuzz in Cyprus. Misinformation and confusion often stem from the­se untruths, impacting both customers and businesse­s. Here are some­ common false beliefs:

1.  Halal certification in Cyprus Approval Only Conce­rns Meat Many believe­  Halal consultant services in Cyprus approval applies solely to meat products. In re­ality, halal rules pay high attention to the e­thical and correct ways of slaughtering animals but also incorporate a wide­ range of products. Halal approved products include proce­ssed food, drinks, medicines, be­auty products, and services like packing and de­livering. Essentially, all goods coming in contact with or consumed by Muslims may ne­ed to meet halal approval re­quirements.

2. Halal Approval Doesn’t Re­late to Non-Muslim Businesses It’s ofte­n assumed by non-Muslim entrepre­neurs in Cyprus that halal approval doesn’t concern the­m. Neverthele­ss, a growing global Muslim population and rising demand for halal goods mean acquiring halal approval can give busine­sses a new market and more­ customers, both within and outside Cyprus.

3. Halal Approval Doesn’t Go with Quality Standards Many pre­sume halal approval as an alternate or rival to othe­r quality standards like ISO or HACCP. Truth be told, halal approval adapts these­ standards. Approving agencies often pre­scribe maintaining high-grade safety standards for halal approval, me­aning businesses can have halal approval along with othe­r quality certificates, ele­vating their overall product quality and safety status.

4. Uniform Halal Approval Proce­sses Another popular belie­f is that processes for securing halal approval are­ standard worldwide. However,  Halal consultant in Cyprus approval re­quirements can fluctuate base­d on the approving agency and the location. Busine­sses in Cyprus may interact with local or global certifie­rs, each having unique nee­ds and procedures. 

5. Halal Approval Is Costly and Unaffordable The­ thought that obtaining halal approval is exorbitantly expensive­ isn’t always true. Costs can differ as per the­ size of the firm, product complexity, and the­ approving body. Many micro, small, and medium enterprise­s (MSMEs) in Cyprus can afford halal approval, especially as it offers pote­ntial business growth and increased sale­s via halal-approved products. 

6. Only Muslims Can Handle Halal Approval Misconceptions e­xist that only Muslims can grasp the stipulations of halal approval. While knowing Islamic dietary rule­s is important, non-Muslim entreprene­urs and employees can le­arn halal guidelines. Approving agencie­s tend to provide in-depth guidance­ and training to ensure that all staff membe­rs abide by halal regulations proficiently. 

7.  Halal certification in Cyprus Approval is Not Important for Local Marke­ts Some Cypriot businesses conside­r halal approval vital only for exports rather than the local marke­t. However, with a significant Muslim populace Halal auditor in Cyprus, the­re is a domestic nee­d for halal-approved products. Local Muslim consumers may gravitate towards busine­sses with halal approval, increasing their marke­t standing within the country. 

8.  Halal certification in Cyprus Approval Is a One-Off Process Many busine­sses consider that gaining halal approval once is e­nough. In reality, halal approval requires re­gular renewals and continual compliance. Approving bodie­s conduct routine checks and audits to verify companie­s’ ongoing adherence to halal standards, maintaining the­ trustworthiness and authenticity of halal approval. 

9.  Halal certification in Cyprus Approval Solely He­lps Big Corporations The belief that large­ corporations are the only bene­ficiaries of halal approval due to their vast re­sources and scope isn’t entire­ly true. While big companies might cope­ better with the costs and approval proce­sses, MSMEs can gain considerably from halal approval, targeting niche­ markets, and gaining a reputation for quality and commitment to halal rule­s, thereby achieving custome­r loyalty and noteworthy growth. 

10. Halal Approval Is Merely a Marke­ting Trick  Halal certification in Cyprus approval is often seen as just a promotional stunt de­void of real benefits. In fact, halal approval assure­s buyers that their purchases abide­ by Islamic dietary laws and ethical guideline­s. This promise fosters trust among Muslim customers, le­ading to repeat purchases and positive­ recommendations.

Why Factocert for HALAL Certification in Cyprus?

We provide the best HALAL consultants in Cyprus Who are knowledgeable and provide the best solution. And how to get Halal certification in Cyprus. Kindly reach us at contact@factocert.com.   HALAL  certification consultants work according to HALAL standards and help organizations implement HALAL certification in Cyprus with proper documentation.

For more information, visit HALAL  Certification in Cyprus

Related Links:

ISO 21001 Certification in Cyprus

ISO 22301 Certification in Cyprus

ISO 37001 Certification in Cyprus

ISO 27701 Certification in Cyprus

ISO 26000 Certification in Cyprus

ISO 20000-1 Certification in Cyprus

ISO 50001 Certification in Cyprus

HALAL Certification in Cyprus

CE MARK Certification in Cyprus

[europeas20]

Paphos Getaway: 7 Days at Theo Sunset Bay Hotel from 412€! Secure Your Stay for Unbeatable Offers – Reserve Today!

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Experience a coastal paradise at Theo Sunset Bay, a resort just 492 feet from a pristine sandy beach. Revel in the breathtaking Mediterranean views from our infinity pool, complete with soothing hydromassage facilities. Indulge your palate with Cypriot specialties and regional wines at our panoramic open-air tavern.

Each guest room at Theo Sunset Bay is designed for your comfort, featuring a furnished balcony and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. Immerse yourself in relaxation at our health club, where a heated indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows opens onto the garden. Unwind in the sauna, Turkish bath, or pamper yourself with massage treatments.

Savor a culinary journey at Christina Restaurant, offering a blend of local specialties and international cuisine. Theo Café & Pool bar enhances your stay with a diverse list of cocktails, freshly squeezed juices, and light snacks.

Conveniently located, Theo Sunset Bay Hotel is a mere 1312 feet from Kissonerga Village. Paphos International Airport is easily accessible, situated just 11 miles away, and we offer free on-site parking for your convenience. Embrace the essence of coastal living and Mediterranean luxury at Theo Sunset Bay – your haven away from home.

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[fallenskies721]

𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 {𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐊𝐄𝐘}

II.

''Mother?''

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus started and then stopped, staring at the mass clutter of purses and huge piles of clothes in bright colors overflowed every surface of the room and the Republic of Turkey was in the middle of all this, trying to get all of her possessions in her fiery red luggage.

''Nevermind,'' the Turkish Cypriot said, shaking her head. But before she turned on her heels and left, the taller nation grabbed her thin, pale arm, sighing. ''Are you sure you're all right while I'm gone?''

''Oh, I'll be fine,'' she assured her, freeing her right arm from her adopted mother's grasp. "You're not getting out of the wedding on account of me," Northern Cyprus added with a smirk, seeing right through her.

"I'm not trying to get out of anything," Turkey said, faking innoncece, making her scoff. "I already have a flight ticket and all. I'll be there by... Friday." The shorter nation raised a skeptical eyebrow but didn't say anything.

The truth was that the Turk was looking for an excuse not to go. Not that the French woman hated her; no, she was too busy with her own life to care much about her daily problems.

Or she wasn't just ready to meet the Federal Republic of Russia again. After all, things were still... delicate after their last encounter. Plus, the République Française will definitely hate her if she ever learns the truth.

Let's just say it won't be pretty.

[gwendolynlerman]

Arabic dialects

Arabic is spoken by around 369.8 million people and is the official language in 24 countries, in a geographical area that stretches from Morocco to Oman.

It is subdivided into three main varieties: Classical Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, and spoken Arabic. Classical Arabic, also known as Quranic Arabic, is the written language of the Quran. It is no longer a spoken language and is used only for religious purposes.

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), or fusha, derives from Classical Arabic and is the foundation of all dialects. It is used in formal meetings, politics, media, and books.

Spoken Arabic refers to the Arabic dialects used in everyday life for daily tasks and to communicate informally with other people. They do not have a standardized written form.

Compared to MSA, it has a simpler grammatical structure and a more casual vocabulary and style. Some letters are pronounced differently.

Dialects vary considerably from region and region and are not always mutually intelligible. There are 25 of them, classified into five groups: Maghrebi, Egyptic, Mesopotamian, Levantine, and Peninsular.

Two main groups were formerly distinguished: Mashriqi (eastern), which includes Peninsular, Mesopotamian, Levant, and Egyptic Arabic, and Maghrebi (western) dialects. Mutual intelligibility is high within each of the groups, while intelligibility between them is asymmetric: Maghrebi speakers are more likely to understand Mashriqi than vice versa.

Maghrebi Arabic

Maghrebi Arabic includes Moroccan, Algerian, Tunisian, Libyan, Hassaniya, and Saharan. These varieties have been influenced by Punic and the Amazigh and Romance languages. They are collectively known as Darija, also written as Derija or Derja.

Darija has over 100 million speakers across Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania. It is known to sound very fast and to be difficult to understand for other Arabic speakers. One of its most remarkable characteristics is the integration of English and French words in technical fields.

Maghrebi dialects use n- as the first-person singular prefix on verbs instead of a-. In Moroccan Arabic, short vowels are weakened, and double consonants are never simplified.

Egyptic

Egyptic Arabic comprises Sudanese, Juba, Egyptian, Sa’idi, and Chadian. Sudanese and Juba Arabic are influenced by the Nubian languages, while the rest have been shaped by Coptic.

They are spoken in Sudan, South Sudan, Egypt, and Chad. Egyptian Arabic alone is spoken by 83 million people and is the most widely spoken dialect. Its grammar is significantly different from that of MSA, and it has 10 vowels instead of six.

Sudanese Arabic has 32 million speakers and has some unique characteristics. For example, the letter ج is pronounced like “g” instead of “sh” like in other Arabic dialects.

Mesopotamian

Mesopotamian Arabic includes North Mesopotamian, Cypriot Maronite, Iraqi, and South Mesopotamian. It is spoken by almost 50 million people in Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, and Kuwait.

They have been influenced by Turkish, Iranian languages, and Mesopotamian languages like Akkadian, Aramaic, and Sumerian.

Iraqi Arabic has more than 40 million speakers. It has more consonants and long vowels than MSA. Furthermore, words end in consonants rather than vowels.

Levantine

Levantine Arabic can be further divided into North and South. North Levantine, spoken by 25 million, includes Syrian and Lebanese, and South Levantine, with 12 million speakers, comprises Palestinian and Jordanian. Northwest Arabian Arabic, or Bedawi, forms its own group and has more than 2 million speakers.

Levantine varieties are influenced by the Canaanite and Western Aramaic languages and to a lesser extent by Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Persian, Turkish.

It has unique phonological, lexical, and grammatical features. For example, personal pronouns can take up to 12 different forms depending on the dialect.

Lebanese Arabic has a simpler morphology than MSA, but its syllables are more complex. Palestinian Arabic is the closest dialect to Modern Standard Arabic, but still differs in morphology.

Peninsular

Peninsular Arabic includes the following dialects: Najdi, Gulf, Bahrani, Hejazi, Yemeni, Omani, Dhofari, Shihhi, and Bareqi. It has more than 40 million speakers. Some varieties were influenced by the extinct South Arabian languages.

It is mainly spoken in the Arabian Peninsula and its neighboring regions. Peninsular Arabic has fewer loanwords than other dialects. Gulf Arabic differs in phonology and lexicon from MSA. It is mostly mutually intelligible with Egyptian Arabic, but unlike it, pronounces ج like “j”.

Yemeni Arabic, on the other hand, retains many classical features that are not used in other parts of the Arabic-speaking world, such as the -k suffix.

Here is a comparison of how interrogative pronouns are said in each dialect:

(what - where - when - how - why - who)

MSA: maatha - ayna - mataa - kayf - limaatha - man

Egyptian: eih - feen - imta - izzayy - leih - miin

Levantine: shoo - wayn - imta - keef - leesh - meen

Maghrebi: shnoo - feen - foquash - kifash - 3lash - shkoon

Peninsular: maa aysh - ayn - mata - layf - limih - man

[ispycyprus]

Crossings and Checkpoints: Walking through all of Nicosia

I've mentioned it before in one of my other posts, but, for one of my commuting routes, I have to go through the Greek and Turkish Cypriot checkpoints and the United Nations buffer-zone. Before coming to Cyprus, I was nervous over what the crossing experience would be like, what documents I would need, etc., so I hope that this post can serve as a guide for anyone traveling to Nicosia. Please note that this doesn't constitute as official legal advice, and I highly encourage looking up what your home country's embassy says about the situation. With that being said, let's continue with the post!

I think it's important to start with the division of Cyprus to understand why the crossings exist. After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Cyprus was split. The Republic of Cyprus, the government recognized by almost all countries as the government of the whole island, retains control of the south. The unrecognized "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", or KKTC in Turkish, has control over the northern part of Cyprus, including the northern part of Nicosia. However, no state except for Turkey recognizes the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". During the conflict, the UN made a buffer zone between the two sides, and, for many years, you could not cross without special permission.

However, starting from the 2000s, the checkpoints began to open, and many Cypriots have used them to visit their homes and friends who they hadn't seen since before the invasion. You can only cross from one side or the other after presenting your documents at official, recognized crossings. Luckily, the checkpoints are open 24/7 which makes crossing easier.

While there are several checkpoints on the island, the ones used most frequently seem to the be the ones in the Nicosia area. There is the Ayios Dometios/Metehan crossing where civilian vehicles can cross from one side to the other, and there are two others where civilians can easily walk from south to north and vice-versa. Since I can't drive, I used these two.

The first is the one by the Ledra Palace Hotel. This one is available for anyone coming on foot, and certain vehicles, mainly UN and diplomatic vehicles, may also drive through here. Other vehicles are prohibited. I find that this one is more on the edge of the Walled City which means it is a bit less crowded. In the buffer zone here, you can find the Home for Cooperation which hosts many bicommunal events and hosts a nice cafe where people can meet and converse. It opened in 2011, and you can also peruse some books and buy bicommunal olive oil here.

The second is the one on Ledra/Lokmacı Street. This one is only for people coming on foot. The buffer zone is very narrow here, and it tends to get more crowded here at certain times. However, it is an interesting experience since as soon as you cross, the main language on the street changes alongside the architecture and general feel. If you're visiting Nicosia as a tourist, I would probably recommend using this checkpoint since it will also be more convenient if you're visiting museums in the Old City.

To be ready for either crossing, make sure to have your passport ready. From what I've heard, citizens of the European Union can use their national ID card. If you have a residence card from Cyprus or another European country, try to have that ready, too. Make sure to put your phone away once you're next in line at the checkpoint.

Once you get to the checkpoint, you will have to present your passport or ID card to the police. They might ask you for a few things, such as your arrival airport (more on this later), your intended length of stay, whether you intend to go to the Home for Cooperation or the "Occupied Area" (κατεχόμενα/katexomena in Greek), or whether it's your first-time crossing. Answer these questions truthfully. Then, don't put your passport away! You only went through one of the checkpoints; you still have to go through the other. Once you repeat this process at the other checkpoint, then you should be good to go on to the other side.

It might be a bit easier to understand with an example. In my case, I'm usually crossing from the Greek Cypriot side to the Turkish Cypriot side. Therefore, I need to take out my passport and Republic of Cyprus ID card. Once I'm there, the police usually take my passport and ID card. They might ask me a few questions, like if I'm going to the buffer zone or the occupied area. Then, they scan my passport before giving it back to me. I'll walk through the buffer zone area before reaching the Turkish Cypriot checkpoint where I will show them my passport. They'll also look at my passport and scan it; then they'll give it back to me, and I'll walk through the checkpoint area to the exit.

It might sound difficult, but it really is quite simple!

However, there are a few things you should note: One, your arrival airport might affect your ability to cross. Unless you're an EU citizen, you might not be able to cross from the Turkish Cypriot side to the Greek Cypriot side if you landed at Ercan Airport, as the Republic of Cyprus does not consider this a legal point of entry. This also applies to ferry passengers who arrive from Turkey to Cyprus from the port of Taşucu. I think they usually still let you cross. Still, I would be careful and first arrive through Larnaca Airport.

Two, don't try to film or take pictures of police working at the checkpoints. While they probably won't say anything, I have seen people being told to put their phones away. It's fine to look at your phone while waiting in line, but make sure to put it away before it's your turn.

Three, be careful with what words you use to describe the other side. While many people describe this scenario of crossing from one side to the other as crossing a border, I've seen international tourists being scolded for using this terminology since the Republic of Cyprus does not consider going to other side as having crossed an international border. It's fine to use terms like crossing or checkpoint.

Four, if you're a person of color, you might receive increased scrutiny. Full disclosure ahead: while I have all of the necessary documents and have crossed many times, usually without incident, there have been times where I have almost been denied permission to cross. I am not alone in this, however. A Turkish Cypriot colleague of mine told me that this has also occurred with Turkish Cypriots crossing to the Greek Cypriot side.

Five, if you're a non-EU, or US, national, you should still be able to cross. I don't know the specifics for every country, but my housemate is Iranian, and her boyfriend is a Bosnian Serb. Both have been able to cross back and forth without incident as far as I know.

With that being said, I think this covers most questions that people might have about crossing. I hope this helps future travelers to Nicosia, and please feel free to send in any questions that you still have!

[kyreniacommentator]

Oktay: “Turkish Cypriots are an integral part of the Turkic world”

The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Fuat Oktay emphasized that the Turkish Cypriots are an integral part of the Turkic world. Speaking during a meeting with ambassadors and representatives of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States, Oktay said that Ankara fully supports the TRNC’s participation in all activities of the Organization…

[robertbinkowski]

“The Turkey Isn’t Ready Yet”, a look at Turkey’s entry to the European Union

Let’s talk Turkey, and see whether I can squeeze any more puns into a topic as dry as the diplomacy around European Union enlargement.

Introduction

Enlargement has been a part of European Union policy since 1973, and has seen the member-state count rise from just six founding members into twenty-seven member states as of 2020. While each enlargement has brought with it a host of sociopolitical questions, most nations that seek to join the European Union do so, albeit once they fulfill the requirements which do change over time. However, one potential candidate for enlargement has seen increased debate about whether their accession negotiations should be aborted or suspended– the Republic of Turkey. The subject of Turkish accession has been hotly debated– while pros and cons exist to the accession, the process has been mired in controversy. While advocates claim that Turkish accession would be a mutually beneficial agreement in the long-term, it must be said that Turkey should have their current negotiations terminated or suspended until major changes occur in the nation. By looking at the arguments in favour and against Turkish accession, as well as the controversies that exist in the process, this analysis will argue that it is in the best interest of the European Union to terminate or suspend the accession negotiations with Turkey until the nation has taken further steps to show willingness to implement further measures that could ensure cohesion.

Internal Policy Concerns

The political situation in Turkey is problematic for many reasons, but can be boiled down to a lack of effort on the part of the Turkish government in encouraging cohesion with European Union standards, as well as having a set of political principles including authoritarianism and militarism which find themselves at odds with the standard for European democracy. Where Turkey has expressed interest in joining the European Union, they have failed to follow this sentiment up with effective political change. Internally, it seems that much of the controversy of accession revolves around the poor track record that Turkey has with its minority groups and a political system based less on democracy and more on militarist supremacy. While these issues are solvable, and the European Union should continue to encourage Turkey to move towards European ideals, the nation has quite simply not made any considerable efforts to adapt to the criteria outlined for their accession process.

While expressing interest to join the European Union, Turkey has continuously regressed in its convergence efforts in favour of authoritarianism– Turkish scholars identify a so-called “deep state” of military elites, big business and big media, which stand as a threat to democratic reform efforts in Turkey. Indeed, Turkey’s political instability and fragile democracy make them a difficult accession candidate, as the European Union would naturally inherit the problems that come with a new member-state. It is not currently in the best interest of the European Union to be saddled with decades of ethnic tensions, constitutional strife, and a political system based on the elevation of the military over popular sovereignty. Nothing better encapsulates this issue than the ongoing political instability perpetuated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has effectively outlawed opposition to his party, silenced minority dissenters such as the Kurds, and added a multitude of authoritarian additional powers to the presidency. Quite simply, Erdoğan has done everything possible to avoid meeting European convergence requirements– it cannot be the case that a nation joins the European Union while at the same time standing against democracy, political opposition, and the rule of law. While an argument can be made that the continued accession process may motivate Turkey to democratize, this has been already proven to not be the case– even with the ongoing process, Turkey has taken many backward steps in the issues outlined above. While this is not to say that Turkey may never join the European Union, it certainly must be said that the ongoing domestic political struggle in Turkey leaves the nation as too far away from European standards for the time being.

As touched on previously, a major controversy facing Turkey is its poor treatment of minorities inside its borders, both historically and in a contemporary setting. Turkey, like many countries involved in the European region’s political history, has been founded on nationalism and genocide. However, unlike member-states such as Germany, Turkey has not yet come to terms with its past– in fact, the nation denies any involvement in genocidal activity, for example their infamous denial of the Armenian and Greek Genocides. While a history of such behaviour should not necessarily be a reason to bar Turkey’s accession, the same cannot be said for their historical revisionism, which has been recognized as an authoritarian and nationalist move. Moreover, Turkey’s continued strife with the Kurdish population shows that there are still heavily monocultural and nationalistic sentiments in the country; in fact, this issue has reached a point where there exists active fighting between Turkish and Kurdish populations. Once more, this is not necessarily a permanent halt to European Union membership, but the Kurdish discrimination does show internal instability within Turkey that will realistically take time to solve. It is not in the interest of the European Union to get caught up in this struggle, and European involvement should be limited to providing political aid until the country is ready to initiate meaningful change. While it would be valuable to make haste in integrating Turkey to take advantage of their national capabilities, including a wider labour pool, geopolitical position, and military capability, this is simply not an option while Turkey continues to defy the values that the European Union considers essential. While it could certainly be argued that continuing the process may stabilize Turkey through a more forceful set of convergence requirements, it seems that the current problems lie extremely deep in the Turkish political system– as of now, it seems that the Turkish “exit from democracy” is not only getting worse, but that it is coupled with a general rise in behaviours contrary to the values of the European Union.

Foreign Policy Factors

Turkey is quite a significant player in Middle Eastern and European politics– boasting the status of a regional power, a strong military, and a population of over 80 million people, the nation’s influence is not to be underestimated. However, Turkey’s foreign policy poses a big problem for their entry into the European Union, both when considering their policy towards European Union member-states and non-member-states. The major controversies largely revolve around the nation’s relationships with, and attitudes towards, their neighbours– specifically, Greece, Cyprus, and Syria.

Arguably one of the most significant controversies facing Turkey is the fact that it is involved in an active border dispute with an existing member-state, Cyprus. Since 1974, Turkey has occupied the northern section of Cyprus, which is an issue that the European Union had inherited upon the Cypriot accession in 2004. While some would argue that having Turkey join the European Union, or at least further negotiations, may help the nations agree to a resolution to the issue, this is simply not a realistic viewpoint. Of course, the continued accession process of Turkey would be a step in political cooperation– there is little doubt that the European Union would benefit from Turkey’s membership in matters such as the refugee situation or the war on terror. However, Turkey’s continued strife with member-states does not bode well for its ability to work in sync with the European Union. In reality, the fact that Turkey is engaged in a dispute with Cyprus has only led to bad blood between the nations that will likely result in the Turkish accession process being vetoed at every step– moreover, the occupation of Cyprus was also followed by mass colonization by Turkey, which has further cemented the view of Turkey as a nationalist and aggressive state. As much of an issue this is, the real challenge it represents is Turkey’s inability, or lack of willingness, to negotiate with the European Union– on multiple occasions, Turkey has denied European efforts to bring a peaceful solution to the Cypriot problem. At the present time, Turkey’s accession is tied into a solution to the Cypriot problem, and for good reason– attempting to negotiate with a nation that refuses to compromise or admit fault is simply impossible and impractical, not to mention the bad blood it creates in political environments throughout the European Union. This problem is fundamentally tied into Turkey’s autocratic political system, and until it can be resolved peacefully, the European Union would be well advised to terminate the accession negotiations.

While Cyprus is a small European member-state both in terms of economic power and population, Turkey has a controversial relationship with another European member-state of far greater influence– Greece. Despite both belonging to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Greece and Turkey have an extensive history of border disputes and a historically poor relationship due to the legacy of the Ottoman Empire. In this case, Turkish military supremacy has led to a constant invasion against Greek sovereign airspace– knowing this, it is impossible to reasonably suggest that a nation which is arguably invading a European Union member-state should be admitted into the same union. While some may again bring up the benefit of gaining access to the Turkish military, and enforcing NATO alliances, it is currently not feasible to maintain the accession negotiations under the aggressive state of affairs. The problem with Greece is much the same as other Turkish disputes– an unrecognized claim being enforced through militaristic means. It is quite clear to see why such a foreign policy does not invoke confidence among the European Community, and why opposition to Turkish admission into the European Union averages around 70% across member-states.

Looking outside the European Union, Turkish foreign policy presents further issues in the Middle East, especially in the war-torn nation of Syria. With the theoretical admission of Turkey into the European Union, there would be a direct European border with Iraq, Syria, and Iran. The question must be asked; should the European Union involve itself further in the politics of the Middle East? This issue becomes further complicated when examining recent Turkish activity in the Middle East, specifically their fight against various factions in the Syrian Civil War. The European Union suffered great unrest and instability as a result of the Refugee Crisis, so it is not unreasonable to say that admitting Turkey into the European Union would further this issue by moving the front so much closer to the problem area. Not only could European Union expect a far larger number of refugees to enter into Europe through Turkey, but further involvement in Middle Eastern fighting could be expected as well. While it could be argued that Turkish accession would not necessarily include entry into the Schengen Area, it is still difficult to imagine a case where a member-state Turkey does not lead to further European involvement in the Middle Eastern situation. Indeed, Turkey has already proven that it does not have European interests in mind through their recent advance into Syria, which has been controversial due to the unrest that it has generated and the fact that it saw Turkish troops face off against Kurds. Ultimately, it seems that this is an issue without a viable solution, at least for the present time– by virtue of its geographical position, expansionist policy, and lack of consideration for European interests, Turkey cannot be currently trusted to converge effectively into European Union standards in the near future. So long as Turkey chooses to so heavily involve itself in Middle Eastern politics, which is a trend unlikely to be broken due to the fact that the vast majority of Turkish land is in the Middle East, the European Union would be best advised to keep Turkey at arms length to avoid any problematic entanglements.

Member-State Objections

As discussed previously, the admission of Turkey into the European Union is not a popular idea– European politicians and voter bases generally agree that the enlargement would be a negative development for the European Union. Largely, the arguments against Turkish membership focus on the economic consequences, cultural/religious incompatibility, and the issue of such a move disturbing the purpose that the European Union was intended to serve. Indeed, the admission of Turkey would represent a significant disturbance in the status quo of European politics, and possibly even trigger a change of sentiment against the European Union itself by right-wing conservative parties.

In the realm of economics, it cannot realistically be argued that Turkey’s current economic shortcomings are a reason to terminate the accession process– in fact, one of the purposes of the process is to converge the standards between the European Union and candidate nations. However, the real economic issue to consider in granting Turkey membership is the massive disturbance to the market that such a move would create– as a nation of 80 million people living with lower wages than the European average, the question of workers, wages, and mass immigration would have the potential to create the type of political instability that is simply not desirable for the European Union and its member states. While, of course, Turkey joining the European Union would create a powerful new consumer market, the potential for instability is simply not worth it at the current state. Indeed, the concerns of mass immigration are already a significant talking point for Eurosceptics; the fear of Turkish migration appears to be well outside the risk appetite for the European Union. If Turkey wishes to join the European Union, much more work must be done both at the Turkish level in converging economic standards, and at the European level in ensuring job security and stability for European citizens, lest such a disturbance cause a backlash among the population.

In a similar vein, the religious and cultural differences that Turkey has with the European Union as a whole simply prove to be too much of a hurdle at this time– no matter one’s opinion on diversity and inclusion, the entry of 80 million Muslim Turks into the European Union is very likely to cause backlash in a similar vein to that which was seen during the Refugee Crisis. The high population of Turkey is also important, as they would be the largest member state in the European Union, which comes with high voting privileges and a general strong control over the political process and direction of the European policy. This issue, paired with the vastly different culture present in Turkey, has the potential to break apart the unity and identity that the European Union has put significant effort into fostering. Whether overtly or not, political parties in Europe simply do not desire the entry of a culturally and religiously divergent country into the European Union. This issue, paired with the previously discussed lack of European political ideals leads to the concern that the Europeanness of the European Union is at risk with a potential Turkish enlargement. Moreover, there is question as to the directional precedent set by admitting Turkey, a nation mostly located in the Middle East geographically and culturally, into the European Union. In its current state, the European Union is already struggling to create a sense of identity amongst Europeans from the current member-states; it would be advisable to settle down and wait before considering future admissions, especially as the “obvious members” have already been admitted or offered admission. Enlargement fatigue is very much a real concern, and it is in the best interest of the European Union to put a hold on Turkish accession for as long as it takes to settle down the current political climate and overcome existing issues.

The European Union surely could benefit in many ways from the admission of Turkey– however, the challenges that still must be overcome both on Turkey’s and the European Union’s part represent a situation where the most advisable move at the time is to suspend or fully abort the accession negotiations with Turkey. The European Union has many pressing concerns on its table currently, including addressing democratic deficit, advancing European identity, and fostering cohesion within its own borders– at the present time, it is not advisable to add into the mix the controversies that come with admitting a culturally, politically, economically, and religiously divergent nation into the union.

Summary and conclusion

To conclude, it must be said that the European Union would be well-advised to terminate, or at least suspend indefinitely, the accession negotiations with Turkey, instead opting to remain allies without the commitment associated with membership. This conclusion is due to the myriad of controversies surrounding Turkey’s accession, including its political instability, ongoing disputes with European Union member-states, cultural and religious differences, as well as issues relating to its large population. While both pros and cons exist in regards to continuing the accession process with Turkey, it must be said that in the current context, the European Union should not continue their expansion attempts, and should place a higher priority focus on integrating and stabilizing the territory that they already hold.

Let me know if you agree of disagree, or if you have any other points you think should be made on this subject.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 8.14 (after 1930)

1933 – Loggers cause a forest fire in the Coast Range of Oregon, later known as the first forest fire of the Tillamook Burn; destroying 240,000 acres (970 km2) of land. 1935 – Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act, creating a government pension system for the retired. 1936 – Rainey Bethea is hanged in Owensboro, Kentucky in the last known public execution in the United States. 1941 – World War II: Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt sign the Atlantic Charter of war stating postwar aims. 1947 – Pakistan gains independence from the British Empire. 1948 – Beaver drop a Idaho Department of Fish and Game program to relocate beavers from Northwestern Idaho to the Chamberlain Basin in Central Idaho. The program involved parachuting beavers into the Chamberlain Basin. 1959 – Founding and first official meeting of the American Football League. 1967 – UK Marine Broadcasting Offences Act 1967 declares participation in offshore pirate radio illegal. 1969 – The Troubles: British troops are deployed in Northern Ireland as political and sectarian violence breaks out, marking the start of the 37-year Operation Banner. 1971 – Bahrain declares independence from Britain. 1972 – An Ilyushin Il-62 airliner crashes near Königs Wusterhausen, East Germany killing 156 people. 1980 – Lech Wałęsa leads strikes at the Gdańsk, Poland shipyards. 1994 – Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, also known as "Carlos the Jackal", is captured. 1996 – Greek Cypriot refugee Solomos Solomou is shot and killed by a Turkish security officer while trying to climb a flagpole in order to remove a Turkish flag from its mast in the United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus. 2003 – A widescale power blackout affects the northeast United States and Canada. 2005 – Helios Airways Flight 522, en route from Larnaca, Cyprus to Prague, Czech Republic via Athens, crashes in the hills near Grammatiko, Greece, killing 121 passengers and crew. 2006 – Lebanon War: A ceasefire takes effect three days after the United Nations Security Council’s approval of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, formally ending hostilities between Lebanon and Israel. 2006 – Sri Lankan Civil War: Sixty-one schoolgirls killed in Chencholai bombing by Sri Lankan Air Force air strike. 2007 – The Kahtaniya bombings kills at least 500 people. 2013 – Egypt declares a state of emergency as security forces kill hundreds of demonstrators supporting former president Mohamed Morsi. 2013 – UPS Airlines Flight 1354 crashes short of the runway at Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport, killing both crew members on board. 2015 – The U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba re-opens after 54 years of being closed when Cuba–United States relations were broken off. 2021 – A magnitude 7.2 earthquake strikes southwestern Haiti, killing at least 2,248 people and causing a humanitarian crisis. 2022 – An explosion destroys a market in Armenia, killing six people and injuring dozens. 2023 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump is charged in Georgia along with 18 others in attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election in that state, his fourth indictment of 2023.

[poppyrosehall]

Networking

A large part of my professional experience as a freelance artist has been in North Cyprus, and anyone who has lived or been there would be aware of the lack of attention the creative industries receive over here. Despite the interest in art being on the rise on the island, and the substantial importance placed on the culture of the two communities that make up the country and their art forms, modern art doesn’t seem to be that highly invested in, especially on the north.

Due to this a lot of the networking I do is reliant on word of mouth from clients I have worked with previously, and them introducing me to more connections that may be interested in commissioning work from me. As a freelancer in the creative industry, I believe making connections with each client and maintaining a healthy relationship with them is ultimately what drives us to success. At least this is what I have found in my case.

Lets take my last client as an example. I was commissioned to produce illustrations inspired by Northern Cypriot culture to be used on the packaging of their Turkish coffee brand. The main reason behind me being chosen for this job was simply down to a recommendation the company received from a previous client of mine that was satisfied with the work I produced. The owner of this Turkish coffee brand had seen some work of mine prior to asking to meet me and reached out to me based on the drawings he had seen from this previous customer. Had I not stayed in contact with that particular client, I would not have been given this opportunity which I ended up working on for the 5 months following on from the original meeting.

As a freelance artist, another method of networking effectively has been to keep my online portfolio up-to-date. As a result of this, when faced with potential future clients in a social situation, I am able to show them the variety of work I can produce depending on what it is that they need from me. This also keeps my current clients, who I encourage to look at my portfolio regularly, engaged in the artwork I am producing so that they themselves can contact me for any future work, or forward my portfolio to their connections who may show an interest.

Besides this, I always make sure I have a concise, 30 second elevator pitch prepared so that if, in any case, I come across a potential future client I can explain to them exactly what it is that I do, and how I work with clients. I take the time to demonstrate how much I value communication between myself and the client I am dealing with so that the work I produce for them is exactly what they asked for, at a price they agreed to and is completed in a time frame which is suitable for the both of us.

The few points mentioned above outline the main ways which I believe are behind how I successfully interact and network with new budding clientele, however there are many more ways to successfully present yourself to your audience which I may touch upon in a future blog post.

[camillasgirl]

Duchess of Cornwall will visit the Republic of Cyprus and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

The Republic of Cyprus – Wednesday 18th March to Saturday 21st March

Their Royal Highnesses’ visit to The Republic of Cyprus will be the first Royal visit since Her Majesty The Queen visited in 1993. The programme will celebrate the historic ties between the United Kingdom and Cyprus, our shared membership of the Commonwealth, and our dynamic forward-looking relationship in areas such as education and science.  This visit will also recognise the UK’s role as the largest troop contributor to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.

Their Royal Highnesses’ visit will focus on the capital, Nicosia, and will also include rural visits to the nearby Troodos mountains, and to Larnaca district, where Their Royal Highnesses will celebrate traditional Cypriot culture, food, and crafts, and Cyprus’ unique heritage. The Prince and The Duchess are also expected to engage with UK military personnel based in country, including British UN peacekeepers and members of the Mercian Regiment of which His Royal Highness is Colonel-in-Chief.

Their Royal Highnesses’ programme will include a visit to the UN Buffer Zone to acknowledge the peacekeeping work being undertaken by the UN and highlight initiatives which are building links between the communities of Cyprus, meeting both Greek- and Turkish-Cypriot community members.

The Prince of Wales will attend a meeting of the Commonwealth Blue Charter Champions from across the Commonwealth. His Royal Highness will also meet religious leaders from Cyprus’s diverse religious communities. The Duchess of Cornwall, as Patron of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, will visit a partner organisation which has recently participated in the charity’s Battersea Academy to see how the organisation is implementing its learning in Cyprus. Her Royal Highness will also continue her work to highlight the issue of domestic violence and rape around the world and engage with organisations working to support survivors.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan – Saturday 21st March to Wednesday 25th March

Their Royal Highness’s return to Jordan underlines the importance Her Majesty’s Government places on its close ties with Jordan, which is underpinned by the long-standing, warm relationship between the two Royal Families.

The visit will centre on the historic capital city, Amman, and also take in a number of other sites of cultural, religious and environmental significance across the country. The programme will see Their Royal Highnesses tour a unique hillside town, once part of the Greek and Roman Decapolis.  The Prince of Wales will also visit an ecologically rich National Park.  In the City of Salt – Jordan’s first historical capital – Their Royal Highnesses will meet the Jordanian winner of the Global Prince’s Trust International Award 2019, who has worked to develop sustainable tourism and opportunities for the local community. Their Royal Highnesses will learn about The Prince’s Trust International’s work in the country and meet some of those who have benefitted from it.

The Prince and The Duchess’s visit will highlight how Jordan continues to host over a million refugees fleeing from conflict, and how they have integrated into the community. Their Royal Highnesses will visit organisations, including the International Rescue Committee, of which The Prince has recently become Patron. The International Rescue Committee supports refugees in transitioning from camps to local communities and assists them in finding employment.

Their Royal Highnesses will be accompanied at various points of the tour by members of the Jordanian Royal Family and will see Jordan’s renewed focus on increasing job opportunities for young people, particularly in the engineering and tourism sectors. His Royal Highness will visit a youth training and apprenticeship scheme, which is supported by Jaguar Land Rover and Crown Prince Hussein’s Technical University. Their Royal Highnesses will visit organisations helping to preserve traditional crafts and tailor them to today’s market, including the Turquoise Mountain Foundation which was founded by The Prince of Wales. They will see how young Jordanians are being trained in modern vocational skills to enable them to compete in the global market.

Their Royal Highnesses will also visit sites of religious importance and The Prince will participate in an interfaith discussion to emphasise the diverse, tolerant and integrated nature of Jordanian society, highlighting the importance placed on religious freedom, led by His Majesty King Abdallah II, the Custodian of the Islamic and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem. The Duchess will see the work undertaken by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan to protect vulnerable children and mothers, as well as educate parents about child protection and safeguarding.  Her Royal Highness will also visit a UNICEF-supported school offering educational programmes for teenagers and young women no longer in formal schooling, and a Women of the World (WOW) event that promotes the empowerment of women from all walks of life.

[antoine-roquentin]

Turkey will introduce a bill to send troops to Libya as soon as Parliament resumes, in response to the country's invitation, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on Thursday. Speaking at a meeting of provincial heads at the headquarters of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in the capital Ankara, Erdoğan said the military mandate to send troops to Libya will be on Parliament's agenda when it resumes early January. He also criticized countries supporting the East Libya-based warlord Khalifa Haftar rather than Fayez al-Sarraj. "They support a warlord but we support the legitimate government and accept their invitation to send troops. This is what makes us different," Erdoğan said. The president reiterated Turkey's determination to provide the necessary assistance to the Tripoli administration, which he said is fighting against "putschist commander Haftar, supported by various European, Arab countries." Libya's interior minister said Thursday Tripoli will ask Turkey for military support if the fight over the capital escalates. Turkey's Parliament approved a security and military deal with Libya's U.N.-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) Saturday. The deal went into effect yesterday after it was published in the Official Gazette. The deal allows Turkey to provide military training and equipment at the request of the Libyan government, which controls the capital, Tripoli, and some of the country's west. Following the military cooperation deal, Erdoğan said Ankara might consider sending troops to Libya if the Tripoli government made such a request. Turkey supports the U.N.-backed GNA government in Libya against the militia and mercenaries of self-proclaimed military leader Haftar. Tripoli-based GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj sent letters to the leaders of the United States, Britain, Italy, Algeria and Turkey, urging them to "activate security cooperation deals." The aim is to help the GNA "face aggression against the Libyan capital ... by any armed group operating outside the legitimacy of the state, to preserve social peace and achieve stability in Libya," he said....

On Nov. 27, Turkey and the GNA signed two bilateral memorandums after a meeting between Erdoğan and Sarraj in Istanbul. The maritime deal enables Turkey to secure its rights in the Mediterranean while preventing any fait accompli maneuvers by other regional states. The memorandum asserts Turkey's rights in the Eastern Mediterranean in the face of unilateral drilling attempts by the Greek Cypriot administration, clarifying that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) also has rights to resources in the area. Fellow regional actor, Greece, did not welcome the deal and even regarded it as a violation of its own rights, though international law deems otherwise. Athens later said it would expel its Libyan envoy Mohamed Younis AB Menfi from the country in response. 

[saintbayrak]

intro: the serpent

NAME: Aydinç “Saint” Bayrak

GENDER/ PRONOUNS: Cis Male, He/his

AGE: 26

HOMETOWN: Izmir, Turkey

LENGTH OF TIME IN CH: Just arrived

NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown

OCCUPATION: Chief Operating Officer of Blackwood Industries

The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.

Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist 

Himbo on the outside, Voldemort on the inside

BIOGRAPHY (tw: bullying, implied violence, gang activity(? idk if this is one)):

The decision to keep their second child wasn’t an easy one. But after the regret that had almost splintered their marriage after giving up their first child for adoption, Mehmet Bayrak and Hazal Erdoğan decided to raise their son, even if it meant they would barely get by. The couple were determined to provide Aydinç with only the best, sending him off to the best private schools in the city, though they had to skip their own meals and work multiple jobs. For his part, Aydinç was an inquisitive child, inheriting his father’s determination and his mother’s protective instincts.

But the warmth of his family did nothing to prepare him for the reality of the world — a school rife with class prejudices and classmates that were all too eager to scoff at his worn shoes and old bike. Once boisterous and ready for adventure, the light in his eyes dimmed year by year, replaced with a grim set of his jaw and shadow of resentment that followed him with each heavy step he took. Aydinç sought solace in academia, easily surpassing his classmates in his scores, determined to win in any way he could. Even if it meant countless hours of sleep lost and a childhood that ended too quickly. 

Eventually, Mehmet was promoted and their family started doing better for themselves, moving into a home located in a nicer part of the city and welcoming the birth of his younger sister, Leyla, without the hesitance that had been present for the arrival of Sanem and Aydinç. But he continued on the path that had been set. Because he would never allow himself to be looked down upon again. He would never allow others to push and bully him again. He would be the one giving bruises now.

It was a surprise to no one that Aydinç was accepted into Izmir’s most prestigious university — much less to himself. He had prepared for his acceptance during his years in high school, befriending another outcast who introduced him to the world of organized crime. He started working as a courier for the gang throughout his last two years of high school in order to save up money for university, lying to his parents that his nights were spent out on adventures with friends, while learning the ins and outs of the operation and rising within its ranks. It was almost too easy, donning a mask of boyish charm and dry humor, and by the time he was at university, he’d become the main relation to the Arifs, a South East London-based Turkish Cypriot criminal organization with ties in Izmir for shipments.

He spent his days tirelessly studying and his nights running black market operations, a man of a thousand faces. There was the strict but warm mask he wore for his family, every bit the loving brother and caring son. There was the studious yet energetic mask he wore at school, outgoing and open, easily making friends that had no clue he was keeping them at arm’s length. And then there was the mask he wore at night. The one that was cold and calculating, wielding an iron fist and sparing nothing to get what he wanted. He had distanced himself as far away from the little boy that had gotten spit on at the lunch room, even taking up a new name: Saint. To mark the death of Aydinç, the meek child, and the rebirth of a stronger man, a more ruthless man. A man that refused to be kicked down by fate.

After he graduated, Saint accepted a job at Isbank (Türkiye İş Bankası), one of the largest banks in Turkey, while continuing his relations with the Arifs. To others, he was a phoenix that had risen from the ashes. And it was easy for him to buy into his own myth. The penthouse, the model girlfriends, the champagne on yachts and wine on private jets. He carved a reputation for himself in the upper class social scene, a playboy with a natural intuition when it came to investments, drunk on his own success. The image made it easier for him to continue his underground activities, because who would believe that the young man whose face was plastered on the gossip sheets was the same one that oversaw the shipments of drugs across the country?

But Saint’s hunger was endless. At 26, he was no longer interested in being someone else’s pawn. He knew that no matter how hard he worked, he would never be at the top — in both Isbank and with the Arifs, there were those that would always be above him, those that had been born with crowns on their heads, passed down throughout the generations. No matter how hard he worked, he would always be a pawn in a well-tailored suit.

So when an offer was made from Raymond Blackwood in Crescent Harbor, he took it. It was an easy choice, as both his sisters had taken residence in town. And even more important: there was a gaping hole in the Blackwood dynasty. Through whispers in the dark and news shared over charming smiles, he learned that the heir to Blackwood Industries was flailing, not quite meeting the expectations set upon him. And, well? If he was destined to forever be a pawn in chess, why not burn down the entire board and create his own game?

PERSONALITY:

+ Ambitious, protective, quick-witted

- Manipulative, detached, calculating

EXTRAS: Pinterest