Zaharoula Vassilaki, an organic farmer from Greece, gazes admiringly at a massive olive tree on her land, estimated to be over two centuries old. Despite being struck by lightning years ago, the tree continues to yield.

But climate change – in this case, the absence of deep winter – is proving too much for even this gnarled veteran to cope with.

“The climate has changed and the trees cannot cope with these big changes. We no longer have winter at all,” she told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

In mid-November, the temperature in the Halkidiki region of Polygyros, northern Greece, was still over 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit).

“I consider climate change the main challenge this season,” noted Nikos Anoixas, a board member of Doepel, the Greek national interprofessional organization for table olives.

“At this time, temperatures should be 10 degrees Celsius … the year is already lost, and we fear next year will be similar. I don’t even want to think what will happen if another such year follows,” Anoixas said.

Vangelis Evangelinos has been growing edible olives on his family land in Halkidiki, northern Greece, since childhood.

At 62, he does not recall adverse weather conditions such as the ones his area has endured this year – or such a poor crop – ever before.

“We’ve never had a year such as this,” Evangelinos told AFP, two months after the Thessaly region, to the south, was devastated by massive floods.

“The rainfall is intense and brief,” the opposite of what is needed to enrich the soil,” he said.

The warm weather has affected some 6 million trees in the region, according to producers and experts.

“This year, the phenomenon of ‘fruitlessness’ was very intense, but it is an issue that we have noticed mainly in the last five years,” said Vassilaki, 48.

The European Union’s olive production giants Italy and Spain have faced similar problems, pushing up prices.

Spain, the world’s biggest producer of olive oil, suffered a very difficult year in 2022, and drought this year has compounded the problem.

In Italy, this year’s olive harvest is down by an estimated 80%, according to producers.

The EU estimates global olive oil production will fall more than 26% in 2022-2023 compared to a year earlier, to just over 2.5 million tons.

In the EU itself, production is expected to drop 39%.

‘No winter at all’

“The old growers here say it is very important for the trees to rest in the winter. It takes about one to two months of good cold weather for the tree to rest … so that it can yield later,” Vassilaki said.

Athanassios Molassiotis, an agronomist and head of the arboriculture lab of Thessaloniki’s Aristotle University, said his team recorded an increase in temperature of two degrees during October, November and December 2022 compared to a year earlier.

This affected the olive buds “because we know that the tree bears fruit after cold winters, especially the Halkidiki variety, which has high requirements at low temperatures in winter,” he said.

“We found that in many trees, there was no flowering and therefore no fruit afterward,” Molassiotis said.

Halkidiki accounts for around half of edible table olives produced in Greece.

According to the regional Chamber of Commerce, more than 20,000 local producers cultivate 330,000 acres of olive trees in the area, generating an average of 120,000 to 150,000 tons of edible table olives annually.

More than 150 companies are active in olive processing and marketing, and more than 90% of the products produced are exported worldwide to Brazil, China, and Australia.

This year, however, the crop shortage has sometimes exceeded 90%, plunging sector entrepreneurs into despair.

‘Things will get worse’

“I’m afraid things will get worse in the future,” said Chamber President Yiannis Koufidis, noting the economic impact on growers has been “huge,” with a loss of some 200 million euros ($219 million) just in Halkidiki Prefecture alone.

In many cases, growers did not deem it worth the trouble to harvest their estates.

At the local olive processing unit, which also handles intake from across the country, management says production is down at least 60%.

A climate change study for the Halkidiki area in January showed the local average temperature is expected to increase by 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius in coming years, according to the best-case scenario.

At worst, it could be 3 degrees.

Aristotelio University’s study also predicts less rain.

It warned that the overall “thermal stress” is ultimately expected to impact fruit quality.

And because Halkidiki is also one of Greece’s main tourism destinations, there is an added draw on the area’s water resources, said study author Christina Anagnostopoulou.

“Climate changes will happen. We need to learn and prepare to reduce the effects,” the climatology professor told AFP.

Koufidis said the Halkidiki chamber is working with the university to create a variant of the local olive variety that requires less wintry weather.

“It’s a very difficult project. But we can’t stand idly by,” he said.

Source: DailY Sabah

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Innsbruck is a city embraced by the Alps, painted with the most pastel tones by an artist, like a canvas kissed by the enthusiasm of the Inn River

As we approach winter, I will talk about a city that I discovered in autumn, but it’s truly a winter destination. But before delving into the city, perhaps I should talk a bit about the region where this city is located.

Last week, during our 10-day family autumn vacation, we turned our direction to South and North Tyrol. This region, known as the Tyrol Region, is spread across two countries. The reason for this division is that after World War I, in 1919, Tyrol was split into northern and southern parts. After World War I, the northern part of the Tyrol Region, namely North Tyrol, was given to Austria in 1937, and the southern part of the Tyrol Region, namely South Tyrol, was given to Italy. North Tyrol is reasonably well-known today, but few may know that a portion of Tyrol is in Italian territory. Especially in terms of geography, South Tyrol, which has an entirely different appearance from the classic Italian view, is one of Italy’s autonomous regions. I will describe this region and its capital in more detail in my next article.

On this trip, where we had the opportunity to visit the capitals of these regions located in different countries and a few natural formations around them, I must say I was fascinated by Innsbruck, the capital of North Tyrol, one of Austria’s nine states.

Whenever I was asked which color I liked the most, I thought choosing one color from pastel colors would be unfair to the others. Well, Innsbruck is exactly like that. It seems as if the whole city has been painted with every color without being unjust to any pastel shade.

Its colorful houses, historical texture, Alpine views I encountered when I looked up, the enthusiasm of the flowing Inn River and the sunset I experienced on the Innbrücke Bridge have already become part of my unforgettable travel experiences.

Integrating with the surrounding Alpine Mountains and the Inn River flowing enthusiastically through the city center, Innsbruck offers a magnificent tableau with its natural beauties, historical texture and colorful streets. Innsbruck is like an award-winning masterpiece of a painter with its natural beauty, historical texture and colorful streets.

Known as the capital of the Alps, Innsbruck has ranked fifth among Austria’s largest cities. Located on the road connecting Germany, Austria and Italy, close to Munich in Germany and Verona in Italy, Innsbruck is situated on the Inn Valley. Especially during the winter sports season, the city hosts ski enthusiasts and has an airport located about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the city center. Since the airport is so close to the city center, while strolling through Innsbruck’s historic streets filled with short buildings, it feels as if you can almost touch the planes passing overhead by raising your hand.

Our baby, who is particularly fond of planes, couldn’t take his eyes off the sky in Innsbruck. Every detail in Innsbruck urged us to stay here for two or three days. However, I must say for travelers coming here, you won’t need too much time to visit its important places. Of course, apart from seeing the city center, there might be activities you want to do in this region. If you want to go up to the Nordkette Mountains near the city center, go skiing, visit the famous hiking routes in Karwendel Nature Park or go to the Alpine Zoo, you might need more time.

Maria Theresien Street

As soon as we arrived in the city, our first stop was the Saint Anna Column, located on Maria Theresien Street, the busiest street in the town. This column was built in the early 1700s to remember those who died in the war between the Bavarian Duchy and the Tyrol province. Rising to the sky, the Saint Anna Column, surrounded by magnificent baroque-style buildings and the Triumphal Arch at the end of the street, creates a splendid atmosphere. You can capture beautiful photos here.

Goldenes Dachl

While exploring the city, you might find yourself in the Old Town, or as the Austrians call it, Altstadt, many times. The colorful lined houses, restaurants sparkling with tables set on the streets and the structures from the Middle Ages make the heart of the city beat here.

After a long photo break on the street, our next stop was the Goldenes Dachl, located in the Old Town. We could have saved the column for later and headed to the Triumphal Arch at the end of the street after seeing the Goldenes Dachl. However, the Goldenes Dachl, dazzling me with its golden glimmers, was calling me. It was the place I was most curious about before coming here.

This building, called Goldenes Dachl, has a balcony with a golden roof and is one of the symbols of the city. It is located right in the center of the Old Town.

Built in the 15th century, it to be used as a residence by Archduke Friedrich IV. The roof of the building, completed in 1500, was made using 2,738 copper nails covered with gold leaf. Even on a cloudy day, the roof is incredibly shiny.

On the building with this golden roof balcony built for Emperor Maximilian and his wife Burgundy Maria in memory of their wedding, there is also an inscription that catches the eye. Although it is not yet known exactly what it says, it is thought to mean, “Use every moment, dance every dance; you can’t take anything with you.”

I don’t know how many different angles I took photos of it. This building, which adds a different atmosphere to the Old Town and the square, seemed to have sprung from a fairy tale.

Triumphal Arch

At the end of Maria Theresien Street, there is a magnificent structure that has become the symbol of the city. We saved the Golden Roof to see it last, but actually, we could have visited the Triumphal Arch first. This structure is similar to the colossal arches you see in many cities such as Paris, Berlin and Munich, but it’s a miniature version. This Triumphal Arch was built in 1765 in honor of the marriage of Leopold II and Maria Ludovika have one face representing joy and another representing sorrow. It is said that the reason for this is the death of Leopold II’s father, Franz I, during the wedding celebrations.

Stadttrum

One of the striking structures in the square in the Old Town is the Stadttrum, which stands at a height of 30 meters. The “City Tower,” as it is called, is considerably taller than the surrounding buildings and is located right next to the golden roof.

This tower provides an opportunity for those who want to climb to high places without going far, where you can watch Innsbruck’s colorful medieval streets and the Nordkette mountain range.

Bergisel Ski Jump Tower

On a high hill in the south of the city stands a tower erected in 1892 in honor of the commander Andreas Hofer, who served during the Bergisel Battles. The area where the tower, which has been used for ski jumping competitions in the city since 1852, is located was also used in the Winter Olympics of 1964 and 1976.

Regarding skiing and winter tourism in Europe, Innsbruck is one of the first cities that come to mind. Innsbruck hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1964 and 1976, the Winter Paralympic Games in 1984 and 1988, and the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2012. By the way, if I tell you that the world-renowned ski jumper is a sportsman from Innsbruck named Gregor Schlierenzauer, you probably won’t be surprised, right?

You can reach the tower, where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the city, by funicular or after a long walk.

Swarovski Museum

I left the most glittering detail of this colorful city to the end. The production and operational facilities of the world-famous Austrian brand Swarovski are located in this beautiful city.

In the museum inside the facilities, you can visit an exhibition about precious stones. You can explore this magical Swarovski world adorned with crystals. Undoubtedly, the most enjoyable part of the facility will be the room where you can experience how you can see your surroundings from inside a crystal.

Alpenzoo

A place I can recommend, especially for those traveling with children in Innsbruck, is Alpenzoo, known as Austria’s, even Europe’s, highest-altitude zoo. With its breathtaking view, Alpenzoo captures the hearts of adults and it attracts the attention of children with approximately 2,000 animals of about 150 species. Alpenzoo, which houses a large aquarium, also hosts Europe’s largest golden eagle. Here, you can see many native animal species living in the Alps.

Apart from all I have mentioned, other significant places you can see in Innsbruck include the Hofburg Palace and its garden, Hofgarten, Helblinghaus, St. Jakob’s Cathedral, Ambras Castle and Europe’s highest bridge, Europabrücke.

Also, if you want to enjoy the view of Innsbruck from above, you can take the funicular to Nordkette.

Of course, while you are in Austria, don’t forget to try the famous schnitzel. Later, make sure to visit Valier and Munding pastry shops to taste local desserts. Then, sitting by the Inn River on the Old Town side, enjoy a cup of coffee and let your spirits be lifted by the colorful houses on the other side of the bridge, enchanted by the magnificent view of the Alpine Mountains surrounding the city like a wall and reaching up to the sky.

Source: Daily Sabah

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In Istanbul, diminished rainfall this year has led to a drastic drop in water levels at three out of 10 dams, down to around only 3%.

The city, experiencing one of its most significant droughts in recent years, faces the impact of prolonged below-average rainfall and temperatures consistently exceeding seasonal norms, causing some of the dams that supply water to dry up.

According to data from the Istanbul Water and Sewage Administration (ISKI), the significant water source of Büyükçekmece Lake has been affected by the drought. Last year, the lake’s water level, which was at 46.64% during the same period, plummeted to 3.97%, marking the lowest level in the past 11 years.

Aerial footage captured by the Anadolu Agency (AA) team shows receded waters in areas that were previously filled in Büyükçekmece Lake, dramatically displaying cracked and dry land where there was once water due to the drought.

Among the dams supplying water to the city, Sazlıdere Dam records the lowest water level. Last year, on Nov. 5, the dam’s water level was at 44.02%, which has currently dropped to 2.77%.

Pabuçdere Dam is on the verge of drying up, with its current water level at 3.45%, slightly higher than the 3.42% measured during the same period last year. Similarly, Kazandere Dam’s water level, which was at 27.01% last year on Nov. 5, has decreased to 7.3%.

Terkos Dam currently stands at a 7.95% water level, while it was at 43.34% during the same period last year. Elmalı Dam, which had a water level of 43.58% on Nov. 5 last year, has plunged to its lowest level in six years, reaching 16.04%.

Alibey Dam, registering a water level of 22.9% last year, has now dropped to 17.7%, the lowest level in a decade. Istrancalar Dam’s water level, which was at 26.78% last year, is currently recorded at 27.59%.

Furthermore, Darlık Dam, with a water level of 41.72% on Nov. 5 last year, has now reduced to 28.83%. The water level in Ömerli Dam stands at 38.12% currently, down from 42.92% at the same time last year, marking the lowest level in the last nine years.

Among the 10 dams supplying water to the city, seven have water levels below 20%, with an overall average of 17.59%.

Call for measure

Professor Hüseyin Toros from Istanbul Technical University’s Department of Meteorological Engineering emphasized the importance of taking immediate measures in water usage.

“If residents can save one-third of their water usage, Istanbul will not face water scarcity. By doing so, the city can manage until new rainfall arrives,” he said.

“Additionally, reducing water consumption in the kitchen, at sinks, in showers and toilets is crucial.”

The severe repercussions of an ongoing drought have extended their reach to various regions in the country, where the dire water scarcity issue has intensified due to the effects of climate change.

As a proactive response to the climate crisis and in a concerted effort to encourage water conservation, government authorities have introduced a comprehensive “Drought Management Plan” for 23 basins nationwide, a recent initiative that aims to address the pressing issues at hand.

The plan, unveiled earlier this year, not only serves to heighten public consciousness regarding the perils associated with climate change but also endeavors to promote responsible and sustainable water usage practices to ensure the longevity of our vital water resources.

Source: Daily Sabah

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Atotal of 589,112 endangered sea turtle hatchlings, including 445,592 loggerheads and 143,520 green turtles, have emerged from their eggs and made their way to the sea on the 20 beaches along Türkiye’s southern coast this year, according to local experts.

Nearly all sea turtle species, which spend almost all of their lives in the sea and only come ashore between May and September to lay eggs, are in danger of extinction.

Conservation efforts are being carried out on 20 Turkish beaches where sea turtle eggs are found. Maintaining known nesting areas is crucial for the species’ survival, as they usually return to the same beach where they hatched to nest every year, using the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate back to the original spot.

Shorelines face many threats, such as environmental pollution, climate change, negative use of beaches, as well as sound and light pollution. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP) carries out studies within the scope of the “Conventions on the Protection of Europe’s Wildlife and Habitats” and “Conventions on the Protection of the Marine Environment and Coastal Zones of the Mediterranean,” of which Türkiye is a party. The studies aim to learn more about endangered species and ways to protect them. The efforts of the ministry continue to pay off, ensuring that thousands of baby sea turtles can safely reach the sea every year.

In this context, the ministry has set aside designated nesting areas in 20 regions to protect sea turtles, their nests and the precious hatchlings. Fourteen of these areas are supervised by the DKMP, and the other areas, labeled as “Special Environmental Protection” areas, are protected by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

Within the scope of conservation efforts, tourists, industrialists and local people are informed about how to use the beach and awareness-raising activities are carried out. Wire cages are also set up both under the sand and on the surface near the nests. Restrictions on light, excessive noise and visitors are also in place to ensure the safety of the incubating eggs.

In addition to conservation efforts, sea turtles are monitored via satellite transmitters to determine information such as feeding and migration patterns. Working on research and conservation efforts, several organizations along the Mediterranean coast also help treat sick or injured turtles, including the Turtle Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Injured turtles are brought to the centers for medical treatment and rehabilitation and, if possible, released back to the sea once they fully recover.

Last year, about 3,600 loggerhead nests were counted on the beaches in Türkiye’s Mediterranean coastal province of Antalya. Some 2,000 nests were found in the Belek district and 1,600 others in the Kızılıot district of Antalya, one of Europe’s largest Caretta caretta nesting areas.

Source: Daily Sabah

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Türkiye announced on Tuesday it will send a train carrying more humanitarian aid to help the earthquake-affected people in Herat province of Afghanistan.

In a statement, Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) said 39 tons of blankets, 8 tons of beds, 85 tons of tents, 40 tons of hygiene materials, 33 tons of clothing, 15 tons of generators, 240 tons of food, 30 tons of kitchen equipment, 400 portable toilets and 18 tons of heaters will be delivered to Afghanistan.

Last month, consecutive earthquakes in the Herat province of Afghanistan, located on the border with Iran, caused the death of approximately 2,500 people, forcing the Afghan authorities to issue an international aid request.

Ankara has previously dispatched two aircraft from the Ministry of National Defense, carrying search and rescue personnel and humanitarian aid to the region.

Quake-hit region

The earthquake was one of the deadliest tremors in Afghanistan in recent years. The impact of the earthquake extended into neighboring Iran, where residents of Mashhad, a city with a population of over 1 million, located approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) from the earthquake’s epicenter, reported feeling the shaking of their house walls.

Hemmed in by mountains, Afghanistan has a history of strong earthquakes, many in the rugged Hindu Kush region bordering Pakistan.

Severe earthquakes occur repeatedly in the region where the Arabian, Indian and Eurasian plates meet. A devastating quake killed more than 1,000 people in Afghanistan in 2022. After several decades of conflict, many houses are poorly built. Earthquakes therefore often cause major damage.

Source: Daily Sabah

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Bodrum, Türkiye’s popular tourist destination, is grappling with water scarcity due to the closure of two dams caused by a severe drought. The Municipality of Bodrum has initiated water supply through tankers to meet the needs of its residents.

A significant reduction in precipitation, a consequence of the climate crisis and water distribution pipeline damages have led to a drastic decrease in the water levels of Mumcular Dam and Geyik Dam. The Mumcular Dam, with a water level as low as 8%, was closed to water intake two weeks ago.

Similarly, water intake from Geyik Dam, which was at a critical 13% capacity, was also halted last week.

To address this issue, the Bodrum Municipality has added four more vehicles to its fleet for water transportation in addition to the three vehicles already in use. This totals seven vehicles for planned water supply services.

Between August and October, these tankers delivered 2,432 tons of water to 915 households across various neighborhoods in Bodrum.

Baki Ülgen, a senior official from the Muğla Municipality, explained water conservation is essential for Bodrum. He suggested drawing water from the lower levels of dams to partially meet the water demand and recommended reserving water solely for essential consumption.

The drought has highlighted the need for efficient water management and water conservation practices in regions affected by water scarcity.

Source: Daily Sabah

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Ferrets are becoming increasingly popular as pets in Türkiye after Europe – reflecting the negative impact of technology on human life and the growing number of people living alone in the modern age.

Influenced by factors such as technology’s effects on human life and changing habits brought by the new era, pet ownership has increased significantly, especially since the pandemic, with over 2 million pets now residing in Türkiye.

So far, 1,231,313 cats and 833,168 dogs have been identified as pets in the country. The number of identified ferrets is also on the rise, with the highest populations in Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Izmir, Karabük, Kayseri, Muğla and Bursa.

Ferret owners, like Özlem Altuntaş, are enthusiastic about their pets and enjoy sharing their experiences. Altuntaş stated that she decided to adopt “Jojo,” her pet ferret, after researching the topic and discovering that it was legal to keep ferrets in Türkiye.

Jojo, a playful and social ferret, has been living with Altuntaş for three years. She described Jojo’s daily routine and debunked some misconceptions about ferrets.

Sharing one of the false myths regarding ferrets, she said that most people think that they are creatures that have a sense of revenge, harm people and can strangle them to death.

Altuntaş explained that people who visit her and meet Jojo are initially concerned due to certain prejudices, but their attitudes change once they get to know him.

While ferrets have a different daily routine compared to cats and dogs, Altuntaş finds their care to be easier. Ferrets typically sleep for up to 20 hours a day, and they are most active during the night.

It’s essential to provide an environment that suits the specific needs and behaviors of a ferret, such as a quiet and safe place for them to sleep during the day, as well as a consistent feeding schedule. Altuntaş emphasized that Jojo’s care is relatively easy, and he has been identified and chipped as required by Turkish law.

A citizen told Anadolu Agency (AA) that he did not know if it was legal to keep ferrets at home and that he heard this for the first time. She said that animals such as cats, dogs and birds are kept at home as those are human-friendly.

While another citizen simply refused to entertain the idea of keeping a ferret as a pet. In his opinion, ferrets are wild animals so he thinks it is better for them to stay in their own environment.

Ferrets are relatively new as pets in Türkiye, and there are still misconceptions about them, but they are finding acceptance among those who appreciate their unique qualities.

Source: Daily Sabah

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The whole country would have wanted to bear his name but he would never have accepted, a retired hotelier said, referring to the modest nature of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Kemaliye, formerly Eğin, is a town in the eastern Anatolian region of Erzincan, the only Turkish city named after the founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the father of the nation, which holds special significance on the 100th anniversary of the country.

Standing at the foot of the cliff overlooking Kemaliye, the golden statue of Atatürk evokes the glorious past of this small town.

Nestled between the mountains and the sources of the Euphrates, Atatürk rewarded the loyalty of the town by giving it his name ahead of creating the Republic of Türkiye out of the ashes of the Ottoman Empire 100 years ago.

“The whole country would have wanted to bear his name, but he would never have accepted!” said retired hotelier Hacı Ömer Yalçınkayalar, referring to the modest nature of Atatürk, who will be celebrated on the nation’s anniversary on Oct. 29.

Gen. Mustafa Kemal, the hero of the Gallipoli (Gelibolu) campaign against the Allies, in 1919 began the War of Independence confronting the invading Westerners who occupied the dismembered empire to find the independent nation he longed for.

His forces found themselves nearing disaster at the gates of Ankara in 1921 when he received a telegram from Eğin, a trading town at the crossroads of Anatolia and the Caucasus.

The telegram read: “Dear Pasha, we have 500 horsemen ready to leave at your command,” recounted Yalçınkayalar. Situated on the caravan routes heading toward Baghdad, Iran and Georgia, the town was prosperous. This is evidenced by the persisting stone and wooden houses that were built along the steep slopes of the mountainside, which town authorities requested to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The entire district had around 20,000 inhabitants, including some 6,000 in Kemaliye itself, in Atatürk’s time, compared with 1,500 residents today. “In the end, they didn’t have to do it,” Yalçınkayalar said of the offer to send horsemen.

But Atatürk did not forget the gesture and, a year later, he wrote to the Eğin municipal council to offer his name.

“It was given to us as a gift,” said the 73-year-old who has devoted his retirement to his town’s history. “It honors us: with the republic, we joined the civilized world.”

At the foot of the statue, a sign reads: “To thank the district for the support it gave for national independence, its name is changed from Eğin to Kemaliye.”

Kemaliye has been home to many celebrations including concerts, football tournaments and banquets every Oct. 29 since the birth of the republic in 1923.

In Güzide Tüfekçi’s family, the story is passed down with enthusiasm: The 60-year-old former literature professor recalled what Turkish women owe to Atatürk and the republic. “He opened the way for enlightened Turkish women, intellectuals, to have access to education, to have a profession. We’re proud of him,” she said.

Facing a small train station that has served Kemaliye since 1938, a modest cafe is decorated like a museum. Erdal Ertürk, 59, has hung portraits of Atatürk on all the walls – in black and white color, in a soldier’s uniform, in a tuxedo or wearing his Karakul (Astrakhan) hat and hung a huge red flag bearing his image above the entrance.

After vigorously cleaning the dust off one of the frames, which he kissed before hanging, Ertürk spoke of “the very special love of the town for Atatürk.”

“He is our protector. He founded our country, our republic. All these portraits that you see here, are just talking about them, it moves me,” he said.

Yet, the town itself refrains from displaying its history as its streets are barely decorated and only a few windows reveal the portrait of the celebrated man.

Şevket Gültekin, 62, a taxi driver and singer, holds the key to a small museum that is the most decorated.

Tourists who visit the region mainly come to admire the “Dark Canyon,” one of the five deepest in the world, according to UNESCO. It is often only upon arriving in Kemaliye that they discover its past.

“When our guide taught us, it made us happy,” said Haluk Mutluay, 58, from the coastal city of Mersin, in southern Türkiye.

“Atatürk means a lot to us, he’s our father.”

Source: Daily Sabah

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The Istanbul High Criminal Court ruled Friday to extradite Isaac Bignan, also known as the “Black Mamba,” a key figure in the criminal organization led by Dutch drug lord Joseph Johannes Leijdekkers.

Law enforcement agencies apprehended Bignan in early July of this year while attempting to flee from the southwestern province of Muğla. During his judicial hearing, Bignan pleaded with authorities not to send him back to the Netherlands, saying: “I demand my release. My life is here, my family is here. I don’t want to be extradited. Let the process continue without arrest.”

Bignan’s legal defense team argued against his extradition, claiming that the conditions for extradition were not met. Fehim Güneş, one of Bignan’s lawyers, emphasized that they were with their client on the day of the incident and that house arrest had not yet begun.

“As lawyers, we ensured his safe return home. We will not allow him to escape through us. The conditions of judicial control have not been violated,” Güneş said.

Another of Bignan’s lawyers asserted their client had no intention of fleeing, requested that he not be extradited to his home country and called for his trial to proceed without detention.

Despite these arguments, the hearing prosecutor issued an opinion in favor of extraditing Bignan and continuing his detention. Isaac Bignan, speaking against this opinion, expressed his reluctance, saying: “I don’t know what to say. I don’t want to be extradited.” When asked for his final words, Bignan reiterated his resistance.

The court ultimately ruled to extradite Bignan, citing his 12-year prison sentence in the Netherlands. Once the verdict becomes final, it will be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for execution.

The court also decided that Bignan’s detention should continue due to suspicions of escape.

“Black Mamba,” who is wanted by Interpol with a Red Notice, was captured and arrested while getting into his car by police teams following a tip-off that he was preparing to flee from his residence in Istanbul’s Büyükçekmece. This marked his second arrest.

Source: Daily Sabah

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Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş announced recently her ministry has allocated funds to the relevant foundation to meet the basic needs of households affected by the flood disaster that occurred in Istanbul at the end of last month.

“We have allocated 5 million Turkish liras in order to meet the basic needs of households affected by the flood disaster that occurred in Istanbul on September 28th to Istanbul Social Solidarity and Assistance Foundation,” minister Göktaş wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Istanbul last month was affected by intense downpours on several occasions, surpassing overall monthly precipitation levels recorded in previous years while heavy rains that resulted in flash floods at the beginning of the month have claimed the lives of at least six citizens in the metropolis and nearby Kırklareli province.

The minister Goktaş apart from TL 5 million ($181,000) in funds allocated for the flood-affected households announced Thursday that October payments worth TL 3.25 million for disabled and elderly citizens have been transferred to their accounts.

Over the weekend she engaged with citizens with disabilities and Down syndrome in Istanbul’s Üsküdar district on the occasion of “6 October World Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day.”

Source: Daily Sabah

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