Features

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Özgür Özel quits CHP to launch Yeni Parti: can Türkiye’s opposition survive the split?

A controversial court ruling has returned Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu to the leadership of the Republican People’s Party and prompted his successor, Özgür Özel, to establish a rival opposition movement. Yeni Parti has already overtaken the CHP in parliament and attracted support from scores of mayors, but th...

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Türkiye beat Brazil to win second Volleyball Nations League title and underline golden era

Türkiye’s women’s volleyball team have reclaimed the FIVB Volleyball Nations League crown after producing a thrilling comeback victory over Brazil in the final in Macao.The “Sultans of the Net” recovered from losing the opening set to defeat the South American giants 3-1 — 23-25, 25-23, 26-24 and 25...

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Why the 2026 World Cup was a failure

The warning signs appeared well before a ball was kicked. At the World Cup draw in Washington in December 2025, FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented US President Donald Trump with the inaugural 'FIFA Peace Prize - Football Unites the World'. The newly created award, and Infantino's very public...

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© Picture by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street

10 things you need to know about new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham

From teenage Labour activist and Cabinet minister to “King of the North”, Andy Burnham has taken a long and sometimes winding route to 10 Downing Street. Here are ten key facts about the man who became Britain’s new Prime Minister on 20 July 2026.1. His return to Westminster was remarkably swiftAt t...

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© Cenk Uygur photo © Gage Skidmore from Surprise, Hasan Piker cropped photo © Poisonwithahawks

Why Britain barred Turkish-American broadcasters Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur from entering the UK

The pair say they were punished for their outspoken criticism of Israel, while supporters of the decision accuse them of promoting antisemitic ideas and extremist rhetoric. The controversy has divided Jewish organisations, politicians and free-speech campaigners.Two of America’s best-known Turkish-o...

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© Mathias Schulz / ZUMA Press / Alamy

Turkish tennis star Zeynep Sönmez wins admirers at Wimbledon with seeded victory and show of solidarity with Palestine

Turkish tennis star Zeynep Sönmez made her presence felt at Wimbledon this summer, combining an impressive opening-round victory with a discreet but powerful gesture of support for the Palestinian people that has put her firmly in the international spotlight.The 24-year-old Turkish number one arrive...

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A Turkish ‘Taj Mahal’ in the heart of Malta

Have you heard of the Ottoman Taj Mahal? It may come as a surprise to some, but Europe has a Taj Mahal of its own. A long way from India, this historic monument is to be found in the Maltese town of Marsa. Perhaps more interesting yet, this Taj Mahal is not South Asian in origin, but Ottoman!&n...

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Paris Olympics: fewer medals for Team Türkiye but many memorable moments

The sun has set on another Summer Olympics, with the Paris Games full of incredible sporting performances, new records and sporting icons, and several controversies, including France’s hijab ban on its own Muslim athletes, its ambitious and at times bizarre Opening Ceremony, and the gender row invol...

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Cyprus, Metsola and the EPP – The Orwellian Ministry Of Truth

Thoughts turn to Cyprus in July. Not for sun and sea, but the messy business of politics. So it is with the European People’s Party (EPP)’s MiniTrue propaganda video on the 50th anniversary of the 1974 Turkish ”invasion”. Watching the video, one gets the impression that Türkiye initiated an unprovo...

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Barking MP Nesil Caliskan’s maiden speech recounts family fleeing Cyprus violence for safety in Britain

The new Member of Parliament for the East London constituency of Barking has used her maiden speech in the House of Commons to highlight her family’s difficult passage, leaving their native Cyprus for a new life as immigrants in the United Kingdom. Nesil Caliskan, who made history at the General El...

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