Turkey

On Sunday, the Israeli cabinet approved a proposal for formal recognition of the genocide, which now goes before the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, for a vote. This has sparked criticism in Turkey and Azerbaijan. For Armenians, it is a political move that reflects current tensions and conflicts. For Kegham Balian, an activist with “Save The ArQ,” Israel’s action is an "insult to the memory" of the 1.5 million murdered by the Ottoman Empire.

The lack of recognised legal status exposes thousands of Central Asian women to serious dangers in Turkey. The case of two Uzbek women whose bodies were found in rubbish bins caused a stir in Istanbul this year. Without documents, working in private homes is often their only option for survival, but at the same time it is a trap.

The 29-year-old striker for the German national team is the son of migrants originally from the Viranşehir district. He is the first Kurd to score at a World Cup, celebrating the goal with a traditional dance. He was also the target of a campaign peppered with racially charged insults during a Europa League match in Istanbul. Nine players from this ethnic-religious minority are taking part in the tournament.

Yesterday, the Turkish leader received the ecumenical patriarch at the presidential complex. One of the issued discussed was finding ways the historic school, closed in 1971, could reopen after the inauguration next September of the newly renovated building complex. Trump, expected at the NATO summit in July, has pushed for Ankara to give the green light. Renewed tensions with Greece over maritime borders lurk in the background.

From the FIFA Peace Prize to Trump to short-term visas for Iranian players, the 2026 edition will be the biggest with 48 teams and 104 matches, but also very controversial. Nine Asian teams will take part, with two newcomers: Jordan and Uzbekistan. The hopes of a continent rest with South Korea and Japan. Despite billions invested in football, China failed to qualify.

Many projects are in the southeast of the country, an area home to sizable religious minorities. This is the case of the G25 Solar Power Plant near the Chaldean village of Aynwardo. For the Turkish government, the project is of "public interest" and must be backed. Christian MP George Aryo has already raised the issue (in vain) in parliament.

The axis between Israel (and the US), the United Arab Emirates, and India is being countered by a bloc that includes Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Turkey is refocusing on the idea of ​​an alliance of Muslim countries to minimise “dependence on outside the region.” At home, the row over the leadership of the main opposition party has reopened wounds that had never healed.

The historic Orthodox church of Agios Nikolaos will become a public library. According to scholars, the building’s remarkable architecture offers a unique atmosphere for reading. Meanwhile, Bartholomew I has announced for September the reopening of the historic seminary with a grand ceremony, but its future use remains uncertain.

This is what emerges from the report “Children in Statistics 2025” compiled by TurkStat. In 1970, children accounted for 48.5% of the population; today they account for 24.8%. Regional disparities in infant mortality; the southeastern regions have the highest number of children. Record numbers also for minors in prison, in pretrial detention, or convicted. A new law against social media use by those under 15.

The countries of Central Asia are also taking steps within the framework of strengthening regional cooperation in defence systems, a process triggered by the war in the Middle East. Kazakhstan has announced the opening of its airspace to military flights from Turkey. Together with Uzbekistan, it aims to strengthen the alliance between the Turanian states through coordination plans with European nations.

The Aqaba Port Rail Project is a cornerstone of the economic and logistical transformation of the transportation corridor between the Gulf and Europe. The project is set to begin in 2027 with a five-year construction timeframe. Concerns remain over regional instability, financial sustainability, and coordination among the various stakeholders involved. The construction of a dry port in Jordan’s southern region of Ma'an is also under consideration.

Some 83 arrest warrants have been issued and 93 Telegram groups blocked following attacks on two schools. Yesterday, nine people were killed (including the attacker) and 13 wounded in Kahramanmaras province. The previous day, a high school in Urfa was attacked. The Ministry of Justice's 2025 report notes that 16.7 million people were under investigation.