Following from my last article, I would like to find some answers as to whether Turkey could replicate the success of Suzhou Industrial Park in Diyarbakir. Actually, some work has already been carried out in this field. A reputable businessman and philanthropist, Erdal Aksoy, aims to replicate the project in Diyarbakir in order to create…
I do not feel very comfortable about writing this article, but I want to make public this true story, which was experienced by a Chinese friend of mine in Istanbul recently. To start with, Istanbul is a wonderful city with many attractions, and visiting only once is not really enough to understand the vibe and…
Whilst I was studying as an undergraduate in Turkey in 2003, I was asked by my professor to present an alternative plan to the EU for Turkey. Back then, Turkey was struggling to start accession talks with the EU on the back of several issues. My very basic plan then was to bring Turkey together…
I was lucky to attend one of the most established schools in Istanbul, Nisantasi Isik Lisesi, from Kindergarten to High School. The school was founded in 1885 in Thessaloniki by teacher Mustafa Kemal Ataturk; it then moved to Istanbul after some years, as the war made it impossible for the school to operate in Thessaloniki. It is…
As Bill Shankly, a former manager of Liverpool FC, said: “Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.” I personally assure you that it is not actually football in general, but Besiktas specifically that is a matter of life and death. Some people…
On 18 March, European Union and Turkey decided to agree to end the irregular migration from Turkey to the EU. I personally believe this agreement is a hall of shame statement for not only for European Union, but also for Turkey. If you are a regular reader of my blog, you would remember that I have…
Financial Times published my letter on October, 30th regarding recent developments in Turkey. Thank you for featuring me! Link for the letter: http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/5b441c12-7e54-11e5-a1fe-567b37f80b64.html
The migrant crisis has been ongoing without a proper solution for some time now, and this week Chancellor Merkel visited Istanbul to cooperate with Turkey to address the issue. One may ask: “How come Turkey became an important source for a solution?” I am trying to find these answers in my article this week. Or…
After publishing “Handy Guide for Singapore” two weeks ago, I have been asked by many followers to publish an article on my native land, Istanbul. Thanks to my wife, Dilek Haskan, we managed to bring out our wealth of experience in Istanbul. SIGHTSEEING/NEIGHBOURHOODS Historical peninsula: This neighbourhood should be your first stop in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi…