PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009 PROJECT EDITOR: MEHMET KAMIÞ PHOTO EDITOR: SELAHATTÝN SEVÝ COVER DESING: NURETTÝN ASLANTAÞ © DECEMBER 2009 ISBN: 978-975-7678-37-3 www.todayszaman.com
F R O M
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
Notes for the future, photographs for eternity We have left behind one more year of heavy debate. With each development we experienced, we grew hopeful at times for the future of Turkey and the world, and at times we felt bereft of hope. In 2009 Turkey, an integral component of global change, became a country that also underwent domestic change and transformation at a level not experienced by other nations. For every ounce of excitement that comes with living in a colorful country in which the waves of global change are intertwined with the dynamics of national change, there is an equal amount of stress involved. Perhaps today we have fallen short of assessing the depth of the revolutionary change we're going through towards a more democratic, freer, more pluralistic, more civilian and more self-reliant Turkey. But I'm sure that the historians who come along in a few decades will be able to evaluate much more accurately than we the scale of the historic importance of this period while looking at today's debates and developments. 2009 has been one of the most important bends in the historic road that we've been traveling. Perhaps 2009 will be remembered in history as a year during which courage faced a number of historic, cultural and social problems that had been ignored for years, that have been thrown into deep freeze and denied. As journalists, we followed this process step by step and did our best to present accurate news to contemporary readers and political analysts and also endeavored to leave behind reliable notes for the historians of the future. In 2009, a year of facing up to past deeds, had it not been for the Kurdish initiative, the Armenian rapprochement, the trial of military junta members and the pursuit of deep-state gangs, treasonous plans and conspiracies, there would have been little to distinguish this year from others. As we wrote and reported on new entries in the history books each day, we always turned to photographs as the soundest documentation for these entries. Every step along the way of the rapprochement with Armenia, the Kurdish and Alevi initiatives, the Ergenekon investigation and the unearthing of coup plots, one of our photojournalist colleagues was pressing the shutter, creating a timeless frame and a valuable document. Throughout the year, we got these documents out to our readers while the press was still hot from publishing newspapers. But as we have done every year, this year we also wanted to bring these historically valuable photographic documents together in one place and present them to you. As I write to you, our esteemed readers, I would like to extend my thanks to each and every one of the photojournalists, editors and page designers whose hard work made this beautiful and meaningful photo chronicle possible, for their generosity in offering this visual history for our benefit. BĂœLENT KENEĹž EDITOR IN-CHIEF
F R O M
T H E
E D I T O R
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
Turkey becomes a ‘center of gravity’ If the year 2009 were to be described in one word for Turkey, I suppose this word could be “initiative.” In the run-up to the March 29 local elections, this magical word was used more by opposition parties than by the ruling administration and often had words such as “turban,” “headscarf” or “Quran course” placed before it to describe a range of different initiatives that could materialize. It was in the wake of the local elections that the ruling AK Party took the reins when it came to leading an “initiative.” This initiative, which is ongoing and concerns Kurdish, Alevi and Roma citizens, has begun to be referred to generally as the “democratic initiative.” And, in fact, this word turns out to have been so captivating for many that it has become a driving force in foreign policy for Turkey. Through the “Serbian initiative,” for example, networks of friendship and peace have been widened for Turkey through the Balkans. On another front, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan's “one minute” outburst at the Davos summit opened doors for Turkey in the Middle East. And it was Turkish television series that first slipped through these open doors, and then business figures. Within this framework, new initiatives broached with Syria, Jordan and Qatar led in 2009 to reciprocal moves to start visa-free travel between our nations. In the meantime, relations with northern Iraq deepened, and there was a Ministers Council meeting that took place with the central Iraqi government. When a new “zero problems with neighbors” policy was added to all of the above, the real fruits of the initiatives with countries from Iran to Greece began to be harvested. As for another of Turkey's important neighbors, Armenia, the relations with “no preconditions” that had begun one year earlier moved to a whole new level when protocols were signed between the two countries and then presented to their respective parliaments. And football diplomacy had a chance to show off its strength during the second match that took place between the Turkish and Armenian national football teams in Bursa. At the same time, while relations with Russia are going well when it comes to energy, energy routes that will ultimately tie Turkey to Central Asia also found life in the Nabucco project. In fact, Turkey has turned into a “center of gravity” that makes itself felt across its region. Actually, Turkey's status as a center of gravity has become a factor felt around the world. And the Zaman newspaper's young, assertive and experienced photojournalists have captured many of these developments in Turkey and the world, leaving them in the care of memories in the future. These photojournalists have in fact captured the spirit of places from Palestine to Switzerland, from Diyarbakýr to Ýstanbul. And nothing, not “frozen accreditation” nor bullets flying in mid-air, could prevent their excitement in doing this. Things as completely different from one another as a turtle in all its innocence to the technology-rejecting Amish, who live in a superpower nation across the ocean from us, have inspired our camera lenses. Every aspect of life here in Turkey -- and around the world -has enhanced our vision. But at the center of our viewfinder has always been humans and trying to capture them. And thus we present a visual summation of photographs to remember from 2009. With best wishes for even better shots in the coming year... SELAHATTİN SEVİ PHOTO EDITOR
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
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TURGUT ENGĂ?N GAZA DESTROYED As a result of an attack by Israel that lasted 22 days, a total of 1,300 Palestinians were killed, one-third of them children. An estimated 4,000 buildings were also destroyed.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ÝSA ÞÝMÞEK Jan. 6, 2009
PHOSPHORUS BOMBS RAIN DOWN ON GAZA The world entered the new year of 2009 in the shadow of the Israeli attack on Gaza. Israel used white phosphorus bombs against Palestine during the offensive. There are debates about whether or not this bomb can be defined as a chemical weapon, but white phosphorus causes severe burns to anyone it hits.
TURGUT ENGÝN
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TURGUT ENGĂ?N
HUMAN DRAMA IN GAZA Over the course of a 22-day Israeli attack on Gaza, 1,300 people died, one-third of them children. At the same time, 4,000 buildings were destroyed and 20,000 were damaged. Tens of thousands of people were left homeless.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ÝSA ÞÝMÞEK Jan. 30, 2009
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‘ONE MINUTE' OUTBURST IN DAVOS Though Turkey took on the role of mediator in peace talks between Israel and Palestine, it was also the nation that showed the strongest reaction to the Israeli attack on Gaza. At the Davos World Economic Forum (WEF) which took place after the Gaza attack, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan reacted with an outburst aimed at Israeli President Shimon Peres in which Erdoðan said, “You know quite well how to kill people.” Upon his return to Turkey, Erdoðan was met by thousands waiting for him at the airport. In addition, the prime minister's “one minute” outburst when his speech was cut short by the moderator at Davos was the talk of the nation for a long time.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
TURGUT ENGÝN Jan. 10, 2009
SUPPORT FOR GAZA FROM LEADERS' SPOUSES Aid campaigns were launched all over the world for victims of the Gaza attack. And a meeting that took place in Ýstanbul that was organized by Emine Erdoðan, the wife of the prime minister, was the scene of many emotional words and heartfelt concerns. From right to left at the Gaza meeting: Aisha Muammer Al Gaddafi, the daughter of Muammer Gaddafi of Libya; Begüm Fauzia, the wife of Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Ruza Gilani; Asma al-Assad, the wife of the Syrian president; the wife of the emir of Qatar, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned; Emine Erdoðan; Jordanian Queen Rania; Wafa Sleiman, the Lebanese first lady; Azerbaijani Parliament Deputy Speaker Bahar Muradova.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
HÜSEYÝN SARI Jan. 11, 2009
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‘HOW HAPPY IS HE WHO CALLS HIMSELF A TURK!’ Famous actor Kevin Costner starred in an ad for Turkish Airlines (THY), and the hat he was wearing when he arrived in Ýstanbul to shoot the ad attracted lots of attention.
ALÝ ÜNAL Jan. 15, 2009
ERSÖZ ARRESTED The investigation into the Ergenekon terrorist group continued into 2009, with much talk of how retired Lt. Gen. Levent Ersöz became a “key name” in the investigation.
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ALÝ ÜNAL Jan. 1, 2009
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TRT STARTS KURDISH LANGUAGE BROADCASTS WITH ‘ÞEÞ' The TRT Kurdish broadcast channel TRT 6, or TRT Þeþ, marked the start of its broadcasting with folk songs in Kurdish from famous singer Rojin.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
BAHAR MANDAN Jan. 2, 2009
IT'S NOT THE SIZE THAT MATTERS In 2009, the Turkish lira banknote was reissued. The new Turkish lira being printed are smaller than the previous notes, and one of the first people to get to use them was Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoรฐan. Members of the press got a first glimpse of the money that Erdoรฐan withdrew from a Ziraat Bank ATM.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
M. ALÝ POYRAZ Jan. 10, 2009
A CROW WHO'S A FRIEND! Kýz Haným Sarýçayýr, who has lived a rather lonely life since retirement, is kept company by a crow named Kral (King) and a pelican named Arzu and lives happily in a home with her avian friends on the shores of Lake Çýldýr.
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M. BURAK BÜRKÜK Jan. 7, 2009
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NATIONAL CHOICE Turkish soccer player Mesut Özil, who grew up in Germany, was caught in a dilemma between playing for the Turkish national team and the German national team. In the end, Özil chose the German team, a decision that led to great debate in Turkey.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
M.BURAK BÜRKÜK Jan. 19, 2009
TURAN WAS ONCE A BALL BOY, TOO Turkish soccer player Arda Turan is one of those rare players whose life both on and off the field reflects a certain amount of modesty. While a group of kids whose job is to collect stray soccer balls gather around him after a match, he returns their warmth, as he, too, at one time collected stray balls.
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HÜSEYÝN SARI Feb. 15, 2009
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NIGHT RAID ON HORSE MANOR Atlý Köþk (Horse Manor), the home of Toprak Holding CEO Halis Toprak, was raided by police and foreclosure officials after a ruling by Savings Depost Insurance Fund (TMSF) authorities. Toprak, confined to bed due to respiratory problems, showed reporters whom he called to his bedside documents purportedly proving that the TMSF ruling was unjust.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ÝSA ÞÝMÞEK Feb. 26, 2009
HABERTÜRK Turkey was introduced to a new newspaper in 2009: Habertürk. Habertürk Editor-in-Chief Fatih Altaylý answered questions from Zaman reporters, and Altaylý posed for pictures in front of the Habertürk printing plant in Ýstanbul's Kurtköy district.
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ÝSA ÞÝMÞEK Feb. 28, 2009
THY PLANE CRASHES A Turkish Airlines (THY) plane crashed on approach to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport; four crew members and five passengers died in the crash. The bodies of the crew were brought back to Istanbul for funerals, and a ceremony was held in front of THY headquarters.
BASRÝ DOÐAN
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
BAHAR MANDAN Feb. 1, 2009
GRAND AWARD FOR ALTAN Former deputy and journalist ร etin Altan received the 2008 Culture and Arts Grand Award from the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry. He was presented with the award by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoรฐan.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ONUR ÇOBAN
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‘SACRED CARE' Outgoing Istanbul University Rector Mesut Parlak formally handed the position over to Yunus Söylet. Parlak noted that the ceremony marked the turning over of this position within the university for the first time in 28 years, a sign of stability at the university, and said, "I am very happy to have entrusted this sacred position to another."
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MEHMET YAMAN Feb. 4, 2009
Dร NMEZ ARRESTED Another military officer arrested as part of the Ergenekon investigation was Lt. Col. Mustafa Dรถnmez. After being placed under arrest in connection with ammunition found in the Zir Valley of Ankara's Yenikent district, Dรถnmez was sent to Hasdal Military Prison.
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ALÝ ÜNAL Feb. 22, 2009
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KANADOÐLU Former Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Prosecutor Sabih Kanadoðlu, who was at the center of many constitutional debates during his tenure, was a speaker at the "Turkey in the 85th Year of the Republic" conference.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
HÜSEYÝN SARI
FATHER OF TURKISH SERIALS DIED Gazanfer Özcan, a veteran actor of the stage and screen, died at the American Hospital in Ýstanbul, where he had been undergoing treatment. Özcan, who was best known for his family-man roles on the stage, in films and in hit television comedy series in a career that spanned more than five decades, passed away at the age of 78. He was the founder of Gönül Ülkü-Gazanfer Özcan Theater.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
M. MAHMUT BĂœRKĂœK Feb. 22, 2009
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TOO MANY BALLS All over the world, soccer is a game played with one ball and 22 players. But from time to time, this basic rule becomes almost unrecognizable during the match, such as when many red cards are given out and balls technically not in play somehow make their way onto the field.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MUSTAFA YÜKSEL Feb. 9, 2009
PITCHING IN TO HELP Izmir witnessed something it was not accustomed to during the Altay-Güngören Belediyespor Bank Asya 1st League match: An ambulance pitch-side got stuck in the mud during the game and was helped by fans and football players.
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ÖMER SARI March 28, 2009
YAZICIOÐLU DIES As Turkey was preparing for the March 29 regional elections, a helicopter carrying Muhsin Yazýcýoðlu, the leader of the Grand Union Party (BBP), crashed in Kahramanmaraþ, Göksun province, killing Yazýcýoðlu and five others.
MUSTAFA KÝRAZLI March 27, 2009
RESCUE TEAMS SEARCH IN SNOW AND HAIL After search parties worked through heavy snow, hail and fog for days, the site of the helicopter crash and the bodies of Grand Union Party (BBP) leader Muhsin Yazýcýoðlu and five others were found. In the end, local villagers located the site, though members of the Turkish Mountaineering Federation as well as a special police force and soldiers had also searched for the crash site.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ALÝ ÜNAL March 31, 2009
PEOPLE'S CEREMONY A formal ceremony was held in Parliament for the late Grand Union Party (BBP) leader Muhsin Yazýcýoðlu. Following the ceremony, tens of thousands of people attended a prayer service for Yazýcýoðlu at Ankara's Kocatepe Mosque.
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MUSTAFA KÝRAZLI March 30, 2009
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FROZEN ACCREDITATION During the search for the site where a helicopter carrying Grand Union Party (BBP) leader Muhsin Yazýcýoðlu had crashed, a press accreditation scandal also occurred. Cihan photojournalist Lütfi Aykurt, who had been photographing the site at elevations of 2,500 meters in the freezing cold, was left to walk for many hours in the harsh temperatures while other journalists were transported away from the scene by military helicopters because it was discovered that Aykurt's press agency was not included on the list of officially accredited news agencies.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ALÝ ÜNAL March 7, 2009
CLINTON IN TURKEY US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton paid a visit to Turkey after accepting her new job in the US capital. Clinton had a press conference with her Turkish counterpart, Ali Babacan.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ALÝ ÜNAL March 5, 2009
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SPORTS BEHIND THE WALLS The Justice Ministry allowed media access to Sincan Prison near Ankara's Sincan Yenikent district. Members of the press were allowed to see the F and L-type prison blocks as well as the social services and sports areas used by prisoners.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ALÝ ÜNAL March 18, 2009
CHAMPION ARKAS In the Teledünya Turkish Volleyball Cup Final, the Arkas and Ziraat Bank volleyball teams played each other. Arkas won the match 3-2 and walked away from the finals with the Teledünya Turkish Cup.
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ÝSA ÞÝMÞEK March 29, 2009
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VOTERS OF THE FUTURE Voters heading to the polls for the 2009 Turkish regional elections chose candidates to lead their cities over the next fives years. There was a large turnout for these elections, with some voters even showing up at the ballot boxes with their babies in their arms.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
SELAHATTÝN SEVÝ March 19, 2009
PRIME MINISTER CASTS HIS VOTE Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan went to vote with his wife, Emine Erdoðan.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ONUR ÇOBAN March 19, 2009
A LONE MAN One way to share your loneliness with the world is by heading to sea. As the cold winds brush your face, all sorts of dreams can take you away.
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ALÝ ÜNAL April 6, 2009
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MR. OBAMA GOES TO ANKARA US President Barack Obama, who won the 2008 US presidential elections, made one of the first foreign trips of his new presidency a visit to Turkey. Obama had Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan by his side as he addressed the Turkish Parliament.
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ALÝ ÜNAL April 6, 2009
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ÇANKAYA WELCOMES OBAMA President Abdullah Gül hosted US President Barack Obama at Ankara's Çankaya presidential palace.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
CÝHAN, POOL April 7, 2009
US PRESIDENT WOWED BY SULTANAHMET One of Obama's stops while in Turkey was Ýstanbul. Obama took time to tour both the Ayasofya Museum and the Sultanahmet Mosque while in Ýstanbul and was briefed on these sights.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MÜHENNA KAHVECÝ April 22, 2009
UNDERGROUND WEAPONS CACHE Excavations that took place on land in Poyrazköy belonging to the Ýstek Foundation revealed the largest cache of weapons found yet during the Ergenekon investigation. The excavation, which took place not far from the Underwater Assault Teams Commanders' Training Center, uncovered many light anti-tank weapons, rifles and hand grenades. Journalists were not allowed into the military site.
AYTEN KAYA April 29, 2009
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ERGENEKON EXHIBIT The weapons and ammunition found during excavations that took place on land belonging to the Ýstek Foundation were later displayed by the Ýstanbul Police Counterterrorism Unit.
ALĂ? ĂœNAL April 28, 2009
BURNING THE EVIDENCE A lawyer's two-story villa located near Ankara's Eymir Lake was searched as a part of the Ergenekon investigation. It appeared that some of the documents found in a cabinet in the villa's garden had been burned.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ONUR ÇOBAN April 5, 2009
FLYING MOTORBIKES Prior to the third leg of the World Motocross Championships, which took place in Ýstanbul, some of the world's most talented motocross bikers put on a memorable acrobatic show.
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BAHAR MANDAN April 16, 2009
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
PRESIDENTIAL CYCLING TOUR Eighteen professional teams from 23 countries - a total of 160 athletes -- took part in the 45th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, which follows a 1,212-kilometer-long course. Participants included the national bicycle teams of both Turkey and Germany. The tour was broadcast for 16 hours on Eurosport and was a great opportunity to promote Turkey.
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CELÝL KIRNAPCI April 17, 2009
HABERAL ARRESTED Baþkent University Rector Mehmet Haberal was arrested as a part of the Ergenekon investigation and was sent to prison after appearing before a court.
MEHMET YAMAN April 13, 2009
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ERGENEKON'S PAPER TRAIL Erol Manisalý was arrested after his villa in Ýstanbul's Levent neighborhood was searched by police as a part of the Ergenekon investigation. Documents and papers filling two sacks and one large bag were removed from his home as evidence in the investigation.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MÜHENNA KAHVECÝ April 20, 2009
SHOTS OF RAGE A young man living in the village of Hallaçlý near Istanbul's Çatalca district shot his older brother, sisterin-law and four nieces and nephews. Villagers wept at the sight of the row of coffins.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MUSTAFA KÝRAZLI April 27, 2009
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VIOLENT SHOOT-OUT A bloody clash took place in Ýstanbul's normally quiet district of Bostancý as police from the city's counterterrorism department carried out an hours-long operation against a residence being used by an illegal group, the Revolutionary Headquarters. After hours of gunfire and grenade explosions, the group's leader, Orhan Yýlmazkaya, was killed by police.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MUSTAFA KĂ?RAZLI April 27, 2009
BOSTANCI ROCKED BY CLASH While the residents of nearby apartment buildings poured out onto the streets during a clash between police and members of a terrorist cell known as Revolutionary Headquarters, one young man watching the clashes much the way someone would watch a film was killed by a stray bullet.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
M.BURAK BÜRKÜK April 1, 2009
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TERÝM BIDS FAREWELL The Turkish national soccer team, though expecting to head to the upcoming 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, experienced great disappointment at not making it through the elimination matches. Coach Fatih Terim, accepting responsibility for this failure, seemed to be bidding farewell to the fans as he waved into the stands after the match.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
M.BURAK BÜRKÜK April 12, 2009
SOCCER CLASH The tension that gets played out during the semi-annual FenerbahçeGalatasaray derby match has almost become a traditional part of the event, but this same tension has now started to show itself more clearly on the soccer field. While players themselves are supposed to provide a good example for the people in the stands, the last few derbies have instead seen unprofessional behavior from players, adding fuel to the fire.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ONUR ÇOBAN April 11, 2009
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TURKISH MASSAGE Many massage centers have been opening in Turkey recently, attracting the attention of people with all sorts of aches and pains. The sudden proliferation of these massage centers has sparked debates about hygiene.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MEHMET YAMAN April 4, 2009
BRIDGE HUGGERS Though the Bosporus Bridge has also been known as the stage for many suicide attempts in the past, this year also saw a bridge protest take place, with four people protesting against NATO by chaining themselves to the sides of the bridge. Police intervened to end the protest.
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PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
SELAHATTĂ?N SEVĂ? April 18, 2009
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RUSSIA PROTECTS THE BORDER Although the move to see the borders open up between Turkey and Armenia has begun, and while debates over how best to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh problem and the events of 1915 have picked up speed, all of Armenia's borders with Turkey are still guarded by Russian soldiers. These days, the Russian tanks displayed at a World War II memorial in the Armenian capital of Yerevan have become a playground for children.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MÜHENNA KAHVECÝ April 23, 2009
TURKISH-ARMENIAN BORDER Following the 2008 match between the Turkish and Armenian national soccer teams, which were in the same 2010 World Cup qualifying group, Turkey brought the question of reopening the Alican border crossing between the two nations to the agenda. Relations between the two nations improved throughout 2009. While Armenia prepared its own side for the opening, soldiers on the Turkish side stood guard amongst the trees.
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ALÝ ÜNAL April 1, 2009
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TURKEY PLAYS MEDIATOR Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Afghan President Hamid Karzai came together for meetings in Ankara to try to find solutions to disputes between the two nations. Following meetings, the two leaders posed for photographs with Turkish President Abdullah Gül and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan. Turkey's role as a mediating nation between Pakistan and Afghanistan received a great deal of praise in the foreign press.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
M. BURAK BÜRKÜK April 8, 2009
FRIENDLY COMPETITION Despite the tough competition between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, rivalry is not the only thing fans of the two teams share. Former team chairmen Ali Þen and Faruk Süren delivered messages of friendship to both teams' fans during a panel discussion held at Fatih University.
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C H R O N I C L E
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MAY 2009
P H O T O
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
M. ALÝ POYRAZ May 4, 2009
BÝLGE VILLAGE MASSACRE The village of Bilge, outside Mardin, was the scene of a massacre the likes of which Turkey had never seen before. A total of 43 people were killed in an attack that took place during a village wedding; the attack was rooted in long-standing enmity between two families. Those who survived the attack or lost family members were devastated by the incident.
AYTEN KAYA May 1, 2009
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LABORERS IN TAKSÝM SQUARE While May 1 marches and demonstrations were forbidden for years in Taksim Square following the deaths of 36 people on May 1, 1977 during protests on that day, this year it hosted workers and laborers on May 1 once again, for the first time in 32 years. A group of around 5,000 people, made up largely of members of the Confederation of Revolutionary Workers' Unions (DÝSK) and the Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (KESK), gathered this year in Taksim Square to shout slogans and dance the halay; some protestors even climbed Taksim's famous memorial statue.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
AYTEN KAYA May 1, 2009
MOLOTOV COCKTAIL Despite the fact that May 1 was declared an official holiday this year, there were once again clashes between police and protestors on that day. Stones and Molotov cocktails thrown at police by protestors were answered with pepper gas and water cannons.
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HÜSEYÝN SARI May 1, 2009
ONUR ÇOBAN May 1, 2009
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POLICE WOUNDED AT PROTEST A head police commissioner intervening in the mass of protestors marching on May 1 from Okmeydan to the organized protest at Taksim lost his balance after being hit in the leg with a rock and was injured when a police tank rolled over him.
SHELTER IN A TELEPHONE BOOTH People trapped in the clashes between May 1 protestors and police took shelter in telephone booths to shield themselves from the stones and pepper gas all around them.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MÜHENNA KAHVECÝ May 10, 2009
AMMUNITION LATCHES ONTO FISHING ROD Fishermen trying their luck from the Çubuklu docks in Beykoz found ammunition caught on their rods. Divers entering the water to investigate found bombs, guns and cartridges that had been placed in plastic bags and thrown into the water. The findings were immediately investigated as part of the larger Ergenekon case.
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ALÝ ÜNAL May 22, 2009
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BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT IN TURKEY Brazilian President Luiz Ýnacio Lula da Silva, whose country first formed diplomatic relations with Turkey during the Ottoman period, arrived in the Turkish capital for an official visit. President Abdullah Gül hosted his guest, and they posed together for photographs.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ONUR ÇOBAN May 6, 2009
INCIDENT AT RASMUSSEN'S HOTEL Former Danish Prime Minister and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen arrived in Ă?stanbul to attend the second forum of the Alliance of Civilizations. Rasmussen had an accident at his hotel, slipping and dislocating his shoulder while here. Rasmussen's candidacy for the position of NATO secretary-general was met with an initial veto from Turkey, and it was only after Germany and France intervened that the problem was solved.
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MUSTAFA KÝRAZLI May 19, 2009
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‘NO LIMIT' BAYKAL Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal got behind the wheel for the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) program "Limit Yok," or “No Limit,” driving a racecar at the Ýstanbul Park Formula 1 tracks.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MUSTAFA KÝRAZLI May 6, 2009
‘I AM NOT JUST A FLOWER POT' Legendary Turkish pop music singer Erol Büyükburç attracted a great of attention over an angry outburst on live television when his views were not solicited when serving as a member of the jury in a song contest. His words, "I am not just a flower pot," resonated strongly with the public.
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CELÝL KIRNAPCI May 16, 2009
OFFSHORE ON THE GOLDEN HORN The World Offshore 225 Championship was held this year in Ýstanbul's Golden Horn. A total of 10 teams participated in the powerboat race, including competitors from Turkey, France, Germany and Finland.
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M. BURAK BÜRKÜK May 20, 2009
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AND THE CUP GOES TO LUCESCU Mircea Lucescu, who in the past led both Beþiktaþ and Galatasaray to championships, this time saw his Shakhtar Donetsk team beat Germany's Werder Bremen 2-1 to become UEFA champions. The cup was presented to him by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan and UEFA President Michel Platini.
M.BURAK BÜRKÜK May 30, 2009
KERÝMOÐLU RETIRES While all of Turkey applauded the efforts of Sivasspor, which played consistently for the past two seasons and made a credible bid for the championship, Sivasspor players stood to applaud the career of player Tugay Kerimoðlu, who retired after representing Turkey in the UK for eight years.
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TURGUT ENGÝN May 16, 2009
PANORAMIC CONQUEST The Panorama 1453 Museum, which opened on the 555th anniversary of the Turkish conquest of Ýstanbul, presents visitors with a three-dimensional depiction of the conquest itself.
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CELÝL KIRNAPCI May 31, 2009
CHAMPION BEÞÝKTAÞ Beþiktaþ fans, who for six years had longed to taste the sweet victory of the domestic championship, were overjoyed when their team became the 2008-2009 Turkcell Super League champion. Thousands of fans accompanied the bus carrying the team as it traveled from Akaretler towards Dolmabahçe.
CELÝL KIRNAPÇI May 31, 2009
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BEÞIKTAÞ CHAMPION Beþiktaþ was the Turkcell Super League champion for the 2008-2009 season and with this title achieved its 13th ever championship. The Black Eagles accepted their victory cup at a ceremony held at Inönü Stadium.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
CELÝL KIRNAPCI May 31, 2009
THE PRIDE OF DENÝZLÝ Beþiktaþ team coach Mustafa Denizli rose to the championship podium in front of thousands of cheering fans at the team's stadium.
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MEHMET YAMAN May 24, 2009
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LESSON IN DEMOCRACY ON YASSIADA The Genç Siviller, or Young Civilians, who have attracted much attention lately, held a press conference on Yassýada, the island where Adnan Menderes and his circle of supporters were executed many years ago.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MÜHENNA KAHVECÝ
GREAT LOSS FOR POLITICS A key player for many years in Turkish politics, Abdülmelik Fýrat, died this past year. Fýrat, a grandson of Sheikh Said, became a deputy for the Democrat Party (DP) in 1957 after pretending to be seven years older than he really was.
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MUSTAFA Kร RAZLI June 6, 2009
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TURKISH OLYMPIADS GLITTERING GALA FOR TURKISH OLYMPIADS The opening gala of the 7th Turkish Olympiads held at Ankara's ASKI Sports Salon was attended by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoรฐan and his wife, Emine Erdoรฐan. There, the Turkish prime minister embraced two young siblings, aged 4 and 5, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who had memorized the 10 stanzas of the Turkish national anthem. Prime Minister Erdoรฐan also handed out the Meyve Awards to the winners.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ALÝ ÜNAL June 3, 2009
ALÝ ÜNAL June 1, 2009
PRESIDENTIAL VISIT FOR OLYMPIADS CONTENDERS Children who arrived in Ankara for the Turkish Olympiads paid a visit to President Abdullah Gül at the presidential palace during which one youth from Kenya asked President Gül to sign the Beþiktaþ jersey he was wearing.
TURKISH OLYMPIADS GO TO THE HIGH JUDICIARY Foreign students who came to Turkey from 115 countries around the world for the Turkish Olympiads had a chance to meet Supreme Court of Appeals President Hasan Gerçeker.
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MUSTAFA KĂ?RAZLI June 6, 2009
TURKISH: A LANGUAGE OF LOVE The Turkish Olympiads are one of the events that help spread Turkey's name internationally, and students who come to Turkey to compete in Turkish do so from 115 Turkish schools that have been opened on five continents around the world.
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AYTEN KAYA
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TURKISH VAN GOGHS? Twenty-five Turkish artists headed to different spots in France to paint images originally depicted by famous artist Vincent Van Gogh from the same perspective the artist used. The results of this project were presented to art lovers.
CELร L KIRNAPCI June 17, 2009
FLYING INTO THE WATERS OF THE AZMAK RIVER The Azmak River in the Ula area of Muรฐla attracts the attention of both local and foreign visitors. Some people, tired of the relentless summer heat, come to the river and jump into the cool waters below from the wooden bridge that spans the river.
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CELÝL KIRNAPCI June 13, 2009
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NAZLI THE TURTLE Iztuzu Beach in Dalyan in the province of Muðla is one of the most important egg-laying areas for the famous Caretta Caretta sea turtle and fills with people every year hoping to see the eggs hatch. This year, an injured sea turtle named Nazlý, who had been found on the seashore, was released back into the sea after undergoing treatment.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ÝSA ÞÝMÞEK June 18, 2009
ÞÜKÜR FAMILY TOGETHERNESS Former Turkish national team player Hakan Þükür expresses delight at having his family next to him.
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OSMAN EROL June 29, 2009
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HONORARY DEGREE FROM XINJIANG UNIVERSITY FOR GÜL President Abdullah Gül visited the Uighur Autonomous Region on the final day of his trip to China and was awarded an honorary degree by Xinjiang University.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
OSMAN EROL June 27, 2009
GÜL IN CHINA President Abdullah Gül, who has placed ever more importance on contacts abroad since coming to office, made an official visit to China. President Gül toured the streets of China with his wife, Hayrünnisa Gül, and the two were treated to great shows of affection from the Uighur Turks in China.
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MÜHENNA KAHVECÝ June 23, 2009
BASEBALL IN HAKKARÝ One of the sports most loved by children living in Durak, a tiny village connected to the larger village of Korgan, which is near the Þemdinli town of Hakkari, is baseball. Children here play the sport with plastic balls and bats fashioned out of wood from local trees.
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MEHMET YAMAN June 25, 2009
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ÇEVÝK BÝR ON TRIAL It was revealed that retired Gen. Veli Küçük, arrested as a part of the Ergenekon investigation, had gained access to the classified files of retired Gen. Çevik Bir. Both Bir and Küçük are currently being tried as part of the Ergenekon case.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
VEDAT DENÝZLÝ June 23, 2009
HEADSCARVED MP The Turkish presence in Europe becomes clearer with each passing day. Elections for the Brussels parliament held this year saw three Turkish MPs taking their oaths to join the legislative body. One of these new MPs, Mahinur Özdemir (26), is not only Brussels' youngest-ever MP, but also the first ever headscarved MP in the Brussels parliament.
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SELAHATTÝN SEVÝ ARROW SHOT FROM HORSEBACK The traditional Kaðýthane Cirit festivities were the scene of a special demonstration of skill by a member of the Sivas Horse Club, who hit targets with an arrow shot from horseback.
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ALÝ ÜNAL July 9, 2009
NABUCCO SIGNING Governments involved in the Nabucco natural gas pipeline project, intended to transport natural gas from the Caspian Sea and the Middle East through Turkey and into Europe, convened to sign off on a project agreement. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan hosted the signing ceremony, after which photographs were taken.
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BAHAR MANDAN
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HALÝT REFÝÐ DIES Halit Refið, an important name in the world of Turkish cinema, died at the age of 75. Refið became involved in film in 1960 and wound up working as not only a director but as a scriptwriter for numerous films.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ALÝ ÜNAL July 30, 2009
ZAMAN HOLDS 3G PRESS BRIEFING FROM YOZGAT A new era in communications began in Turkey with the completion of tenders for 3rd generation (3G) cell phones. Zaman newspaper's Editor-in-Chief Ekrem Dumanlý went to his home city of Yozgat along with top editors from the paper and there held a 3G press conference.
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MEHMET DEMĂ?RCĂ? July 21, 2009
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THE TECHNOLOGY-REJECTING AMISH The Amish, who live largely in the US state of Pennsylvania, carry on lives far removed from most technological advances of the world. They do not use electricity in their homes nor do they use cars. They make their living from agriculture, and they get meat by hunting. By living in these very basic conditions, they believe they are living as the Bible commands them to. There are around 200,000 Amish in the US, not only in Pennsylvania but also in Ohio, Indiana and Maryland.
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M. ALÝ POYRAZ July 17, 2009
NAUTICAL COMPANIONS FOLLOWING THE TRAIL OF CRUMBS Seagulls are faithful companions for ferryboats heading off to the islands from Eminönü. These birds befriend passengers who toss them some of their simit and spend the balance of the trip following the boat as trusty companions.
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ONUR ÇOBAN July 20, 2009
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FOR REASONS OF HEALTH Retired Gen. Hurþit Tolon was allowed to remain free on his own recognizance while standing trial in the Ergenekon case due to health problems. Heading into his hearing at the Silivri courtroom, however, Tolon appeared to be quite healthy and in good spirits.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ONUR ÇOBAN July 20, 2009
SUPPORTED BY HER SPOUSE Ferda Paksüt, the wife of Constitutional Court Chief Justice Osman Paksüt, was one of the suspects free on her own recognizance in the Ergenekon case. Ferda Paksüt arrived at the hearings accompanied by her husband.
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SELAHATTÝN SEVÝ July 20, 2009
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CIGARETTES EXIT COFFEEHOUSES A cigarette ban that went into effect in 2008 moved into its second phase this past year, expanding the prohibition to all closed public spaces, including one particular favorite of smokers in Turkey, the coffeehouse.
MEHMET YAMAN July 1, 2009
RESCUE REHEARSAL Rescue tugboats have been introduced on Istanbul's Bosporus as a precaution against the hazards of the waterway. Rescues demonstrated by a tugboat team at the opening ceremony of the project were appreciated by viewers.
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KÜRÞAT BAYHAN July 2, 2009
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GRADUATION ANTICS Students at Istanbul Technical University's marine faculty celebrate at graduation ceremonies by tossing their friends into the nearby sea.
ALÝ ÜNAL July 9, 2009
AN EDUCATOR'S DREAM President of the Board of Higher Education (YÖK) Yusuf Ziya Özcan received the motorbike he had always dreamed of since childhood on his 58th birthday as a gift from his wife. Özcan, thrilled by the present, then went on to get his license to drive it, receiving 95 points on his driving test.
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MEHMET DEMÝRCÝ July 9, 2009
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POP MUSIC LOSES ITS KING The king of pop, Michael Jackson, died, plunging fans all over the world into grief and eliciting an outpouring of expressions of love.
MEHMET YAMAN July 13, 2009
50 CENT IN ÝSTANBUL American hip-hop artist 50 Cent came to Ýstanbul, where he performed a concert for a large audience. With many of his songs at number one on the charts all over the world, 50 Cent played to appreciative Turkish fans at the Kuruçeþme Arena.
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ANKARA ON HIGH ALERT DURING PUTIN VISIT Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Ankara amid a strong security presence.
ALÝ ÜNAL Aug. 6, 2009
ALÝ ÜNAL Aug. 6, 2009
PUTIN-ERDOÐAN-BERLUSCONI Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan hosts Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, both of whom came to Turkey. Many energy agreements were signed during their meetings.
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ALÝ ÜNAL Aug. 5, 2009
ERDOÐAN AND DTP MEET FOR DEMOCRACY Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan, whose Justice and Development Party (AK Party) introduced the democratic initiative aimed at bringing Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorism to an end, met with Democratic Society Party (DTP) leaders Ahmet Türk and Emine Ayna to hear their views on the matter.
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AHMET GÜMÜÞ Aug. 28, 2009
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DERAILED TRAIN KILLS 5, WOUNDS 21 A Republic Express train derailed on the EskiþehirÝstanbul line when it hit a work machine that rolled onto the tracks in Bilecik. The accident killed five people and wounded 21 others.
CELÝL KIRNAPCI
ÇAKMAKLI DIES One of the foremost directors of Turkish cinema over the past century, Yücel Çakmaklý, died at the age of 72.
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MEHMET DEMÝRCÝ Aug. 3, 2009
NIAGARA FALLS A POPULAR SPOT FOR ALL Niagara Falls, North America's largest waterfalls, continue to draw tourists from all over the world.
AYTEN KAYA Aug. 30, 2009
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SOCCER FACE-OFF Soccer is one of the world's most popular sports. Fenerbahçe player Semih Þentürk, known as the "Nöbetçi Golcü" [On-Call Goalmaker], and Manisaspor goalie Ýlker Avcýbay provided some memorable moments on the field as they faced each other on the pitch.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
M.BURAK BÜRKÜK Aug. 7, 2009
FAMILY KEEPS WARM ON COLD SOCCER NIGHT OUT This must be what they mean when they talk about a family's wellbeing. A family huddles together to stay warm while watching a match between Ýstanbul Büyükþehir Belediyespor and Beþiktaþ at Ýstanbul's Olympic Stadium on a chilly night.
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MEHMET YAMAN Aug. 15, 2009
SURF'S UP! The PWA Windsurf World Cup was held in Ýzmir's Alaçatý neighborhood and saw 64 male athletes and 14 female athletes from 30 different countries competing. Though insufficient winds meant that some of the competitions were delayed or cancelled, many athletes nevertheless managed to pull off stunning performances.
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MEHMET YAMAN Aug. 25, 2009
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STORKS EMBARK ON LONG ROUTE SOUTH Storks, known for their faithful migratory habits, start heading for warmer climes as winter approaches. Ă?stanbul is an important point on the migratory paths of storks, and thus the city enjoys some unforgettable visuals as storks head on their annual seasonal journey.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ĂœMĂ?T PITIR Aug. 28, 2009
CLIMBING TO PROSPERITY Cedar trees that dot the peaks of the Toros Mountains are in fact an important means of livelihood for agricultural workers in the area. In order to gather some of the smaller branches from these trees, which can grow up to 40 meters in height, workers climb the trunks with great dexterity and skill to get what they are looking for.
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ONUR ÇOBAN Aug. 15, 2009
CELEBRATING NATURE Siirt's Eruh Municipality organized the 1st Eruh-Çýrav Nature and Culture Festival, drawing many participants from nearby cities and towns.
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CELÝL KIRNAPCI Sept. 8, 2009
FLOODS RAVAGE ÝSTANBUL Heavy rains turned the Selimpaþa area of Ýstanbul into something resembling a war zone. As a result of downpours the Erseven Site, located right next to the E-5 highway, was practically underwater. Hundreds of cars that had been parked in and around the compound were carried into the Sea of Marmara.
M. ALÝ POYRAZ Sept. 9, 2009
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WAITING TO BE RESCUED People caught on the roads in heavy downpours tried everything they could to get themselves rescued and brought to safety. Some people who had been waiting for a municipal bus on the Basýn Ekspres Road wound up having to scramble atop a bus to avoid being swept away by the angry floodwaters. .
SELAHATTÝN SEVÝ Sept. 8, 2009
CARS CARRIED AWAY TO SEA Ýstanbul residents woke up to an extremely rainy morning on Sept. 8 this year. The rain that came down did its best to expose some of the enormous flaws in uneven city planning and construction. Many locations throughout the city experienced flooding and water accumulation problems.
MUSTAFA KÝRAZLI Sept. 9, 2009
FLOODING AND LOOTING Many businesses sustained damage from the floods in Ýstanbul. In some spots, merchandise swept out of stores by the rushing waters were grabbed up by looters taking advantage of the disaster's effects.
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MUSTAFA KÝRAZLI Sept. 9, 2009
BASIN EKSPRES ROAD UNDER WATER As the strongest rains of the last 80 years fell in Ýstanbul over only a few hours, the city's Ayamama Creek swelled and overflowed its banks. Waters as high as three meters in some areas took lives, and by the end of the floods, 24 people had died while hundreds of homes and businesses were flooded. One critical transportation artery, Ýstanbul's Basýn Ekspres Road, remained under water as a result of the flooding.
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MÜHENNA KAHVECÝ Sept. 20, 2009
M. ALÝ POYRAZ
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KARABULUT MURDER SUSPECT SURRENDERS A 197-day police investigation ensued after the body of Münevver Karabulut -- stuffed into a guitar case and left in a trash container in Etiler -- was discovered on the evening of March 4, 2009. While the search for prime suspect Cem Garipoðlu gained momentum, possible accomplices were also investigated. The investigation continued after Garipoðlu turned himself in.
CULPRIT: GARÝPOÐLU Cem Garipoðlu, who grew a beard in order to disguise himself as authorities searched for him, shaved after he was taken into police custody.
CELÝL KIRNAPÇI Sept. 21, 2009
SAMI YUSUF AT RAMAZAN Ethnic-Azeri British artist Sami Yusuf performed a concert in Ýstanbul during the month of Ramazan.
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BÜNYAMÝN KÖSELÝ Sept. 21, 2009
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BAYRAM TRADITIONS THROUGH THE CENTURIES Bayram traditions that have continued for hundreds of years between the residents of the Çanakkale villages of Bademli and Koyunevi were once again observed in 2009. Villagers walk to see each other at bayram, food is eaten, graves are prayed over and bayram is celebrated with traditions that span centuries.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MUSTAFA KÝRAZLI Sept. 21, 2009
PEOPLE OF THE REPUBLIC EXCHANGE BAYRAM GREETINGS WITH PRESIDENT President Abdullah Gül went to the Sultanahmet Mosque for his bayram prayer and exchanged holiday greetings with the crowd gathered there.
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ÝSA ÞÝMÞEK Sept. 14, 2009
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL A LONG ONE Students starting primary school in the 2009-2010 academic year tried to get accustomed to school ways. One of the first things these new students had to learn is how to wait in line for the bathrooms.
HÜSEYÝN SARI Sept. 24, 2009
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EDUCATION MINISTER CONSOLES NEW STUDENT Education Minister Nimet Çubukçu hugged and consoled a little girl who was crying on her first day at primary school.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
HÜSEYÝN SARI Sept. 13, 2009
TROUBLED GENIUS David Helfgott, who spent 12 years in a mental hospital after being diagnosed with schizophrenia and is now considered one of the world's top pianists, performed an unforgettable concert for fans at Ýstanbul's Aya Irini Museum. Helfgott is also the subject of the Oscar-winning film "Shine."
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ÝSA ÞÝMÞEK Sept. 1, 2009
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GÜNAYDIN'S LOVE FOR THE STAGE A renowned name in Turkish theatrical circles, Erol Günaydýn, says that despite his advanced age, he cannot imagine being separated from the stage.
ÝSA ÞÝMÞEK Sept. 26, 2009
THE LAST OTTOMAN The oldest member of the Osmanoðlu family, Ertuðrul Osman Osmanoðlu, closed his eyes for the final time at the advanced age of 97. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Osmanoðlu did not visit Turkey until he was 72. Though in an interview, he had earlier stated that he wanted to be buried in Turkey. Funeral prayers for Osmanoðlu, who was born at Yýldýz Palace, took place at the Sultanahmet Mosque.
MEHMET DEMÝRCÝ
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M.BURAK BÜRKÜK Sept.12, 2009
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SUIT! This young man, caught up in the thrill and desire to please both his wishes and his wallet, is a finely nuanced reference to the contradictions that fill our lives.
M.BURAK BÜRKÜK Sept. 27, 2009
PURPLE UNIFORM One topic in addition to Galatasaray's performance on the pitch this season has also received much attention: the purple uniform newly designed for them. The enthusiastic reaction to a goal during the match against Eskiþehirspor was almost as interesting to watch as the new purple jersey.
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SELMAN EÞTÜRKLER Sept. 22, 2009
STARTING SHOT The Ýstanbul-Europa Race, Europe's largest and most prestigious sailing competition, had its starting shot fired by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan. Erdoðan took the gun to fire the signal to start but was slightly taken aback by the sound of the gunfire.
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KÜRÞAT BAYHAN Oct. 21, 2009
RETURNING HOME A group of 34 people from Kurdistan Workers' Party [PKK] camps in Makhmour and Kandil in northern Iraq turned themselves in as a part of a newly launched "democratic initiative." The group, who returned to Turkey by crossing the border at Habur, were met by members of the Democratic Society Party [DTP].
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ALÝHAN HASANOÐLU Oct. 19, 2009
SURRENDERING TO AUTHORITIES Militants from the Kandil Mountains met up with a group from the Makhmour camp in Arbil before heading to Turkey to turn themselves over to authorities.
ALÝHAN HASANOÐLU Oct. 17, 2009
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ÞÝVAN PERWER GIVES TRILINGUAL PERFORMANCE Singer Þivan Perwer, a leading name in Kurdish music, sang songs in Arbil in Kurdish, Turkish and English.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ALÝHAN HASANOÐLU Oct. 30, 2009
INITIATIVE DIPLOMACY As the democratic initiative process moved forward, Turkey's diplomatic efforts in the region also continued. Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoðlu headed to northern Iraq to meet with Regional Kurdish Administration President Massoud Barzani.
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BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIERS One sign of a complete thaw in formerly icy relations between Turkey and Syria was the signing of an agreement to eliminate visa requirements between the two nations. Following the signing of the agreement, the foreign ministers of both countries symbolically removed a barricade at their shared border before proceeding to a bilateral meeting with other ministers.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
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SELAHATTÝN SEVÝ Oct. 14, 2009
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FOOTBALL DIPLOMACY The Turkish and Armenian national soccer teams faced off in a World Cup elimination match held at Bursa's Atatürk Stadium. President Abdullah Gül, who in 2008 went to the Armenian capital of Yerevan to watch another game between the national teams, this time hosted Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan in Bursa.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
SELAHATTĂ?N SEVĂ? Oct. 14, 2009
FLAG CRISIS The match between the Turkish and Armenian national soccer teams in Bursa went down in history as the first such match to take place on Turkish soil. The game, however, was the scene for a flag crisis sparked by fans who brought Azerbaijani flags to the stadium despite a FIFA decision to ban them. Armenian journalists present at the match who unfurled an Armenian flag in the media section of the stands also violated regulations governing the match.
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ONUR ร OBAN Oct. 10, 2009
LAST-MINUTE CHANGES CAUSE A FUSS New protocols meant to guide the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia were signed by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoรฐlu and Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian. Turkey blocked new additions Armenia tried to have placed in the protocol at the last moment, causing some problems for Nalbandian.
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ALÝ ÜNAL Oct. 29, 2009
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86 YEARS AND COUNTING A series of celebrations commemorated the 86th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. A ceremony marking the occasion took place at Parliament and was attended by both Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan and Chief of General Staff Gen. Ýlker Baþbuð.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
CELÝL KIRNAPÇI Oct. 26, 2009
‘DIE HARD' IN ÝSTANBUL The star of the "Die Hard" film series, Bruce Willis, arrived in Ýstanbul with his wife, Emma Heming. The famous actor, who attended the Fashionable Ýstanbul by Avea fashion show, couldn't hide his excitement about visiting Ýstanbul for the first time.
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MEHMET DEMÝRCÝ Oct. 15, 2009
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PHILANTHROPIC KOÇ FAMILY HONORED A reception held at New York City's Museum of Natural History in honor of the Koç family, which received one of the world's most prestigious philanthropic awards, the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, brought together many well-known names. Present at the evening gathering were Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent, Ali Koç, Rahmi Koç and Carnegie Corporation of New York President Vartan Gregorian.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
HASAN HACI Oct. 4, 2009
PAPANDREOU GRABS ELECTION VICTORY Early general elections held in Greece led to a victory by the main opposition party, the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), led by George Papandreou. Papandreou shared the moment of victory with party supporters.
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HÜSEYÝN SARI Oct. 5, 2009
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MINARET MESSAGES UNDER DEBATE A variety of lit-up messages strung between minarets on Ýstanbul's Sultanahmet Mosque, Yeni Mosque and Süleymaniye Mosque sparked controversy. Some of the wording on these messages, such as the one that spelled out "We are indebted to our military," were a cause for debate.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
CELÝL KIRNAPÇI Oct. 26, 2009
FASHION IN ÝSTANBUL Following shows in fashion capitals such as New York, Milan and Paris, Ýstanbul for the first time hosted Fashionable Ýstanbul by Avea, which featured giants from the fashion industry such as Roberto Cavalli, Missoni, Gianfranco Ferre and Salvatore Ferragamo.
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MUSTAFA KÝRAZLI Oct. 2, 2009
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‘ÝSTANBUL DECISIONS' GO DOWN IN HISTORY Ýstanbul has in recent years has become an important venue for international meetings and conferences. This year saw the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund [IMF] and the World Bank. In fact, decisions made at these meetings, seeking an exit from the global economic crisis, went down in history as the Istanbul Decisions. Pictured is World Bank President Robert Zoellick trying to hear a question from a reporter following a press conference.
MEHMET YAMAN Oct. 6, 2009
PROTESTORS RALLY AGAINST IMF Demonstrators in Ýstanbul fill city squares in protest as officials from the International Monetary Fund [IMF] and the World Bank meet to talk about the world's economic situation. Protestors, staking out their positions against global capital, inflicted physical damage on the Ziraat Bank and many other institutions.
HÜSEYÝN SARI Oct. 6, 2009
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HÜSEYÝN SARI Oct. 29, 2009
LURED BY HIGH-TECH DISCOUNTS An increasing number of stores specializing in technological merchandise use large discounts to try and compete for customers. One such new store at the Forum Ýstanbul mall had thousands line up outside the store in hopes of buying cheap tech goods once the store opened.
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VICTORY PRAYER Ivory Coast national soccer team player Abdul Kader Keita, who after his transfer to Galatasaray began his first press conference with the words "Assalamu Alaikum," attracted attention for praying at Þükrü Saracoðlu Stadium before his team's derby against rival Fenerbahçe.
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MÜHENNA KAHVECÝ Oct. 25, 2009
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MEHMET YAMAN Oct. 15, 2009
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WHAT KILLED CEYLAN? Ceylan Önkol was killed by an explosive device that hit her in the stomach as she tended her flock in the tiny village of Hambaz outside of Lice, Diyarbakýr province. The actual cause of the 14-year-old's death was the subject of intense speculation, and many across the country staged protests, calling on authorities to identify and locate those responsible.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ALÝ ÜNAL Oct. 31, 2009
DP-ANAVATAN TIE THE KNOT The Motherland Party (ANAVATAN) and the Democrat Party [DP] merged. ANAVATAN leader Salih Uzun and DP leader Hüsamettin Cindoruk attended a joint party congress at which the merger was finalized. Former party leaders, including Mesut Yýlmaz, were also in attendance.
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BAHAR MANDAN Oct. 18, 2009
SHARKS TAKE CENTER STAGE Turkuazoo, one of Europe's largest aquariums, opened its doors in Ă?stanbul. The facility holds some 10,000 fish from 2,000 species. The sharks and stingrays, however, attracted the most attention.
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M.ALĂ? POYRAZ Nov. 27, 2009
SWINE FLU As the swine flu epidemic sweeping the world began to take its toll on Turkey, precautions were taken to prevent the spread of the virus, including disinfection of schools and public transportation vehicles such as city buses and metros.
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ZERE RELEASED Thirty-seven-year-old Güler Zere, who was a serving a 34-year prison sentence for membership in the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C), an illegal leftist organization, was diagnosed with cancer in the 14th year of her prison term. Following her diagnosis, President Abdullah Gül officially pardoned Zere, allowing her release.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
M. ALĂ? POYRAZ Nov. 8, 2009
NATION OF EARTHQUAKES Indonesia, known for its frequent earthquakes, was rocked by a magnitude-7.4 earthquake, which caused many homes and businesses in the Padang region to collapse. Around 10,000 people trapped in the rubble lost their lives, while thousands more were injured.
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MUSTAFA KÝRAZLI Nov. 2, 2009
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CHP BACKS ‘COUP-SUPPORTING LAW SOCIETY' A demonstration against legal wiretapping was organized on Ýstanbul's Ýstiklal Caddesi by members of the Ýstanbul Bar Association as well as other lawyers' groups from nearby areas. Spokespeople for the bar association read a declaration in Taksim Square. As they did so, members of the Young Civilians civil society group held a sign reading "Coup-supporting law society, welcome to Taksim" from the nearby windows of the Taksim Square Hotel. Republican People's Party (CHP) deputies Þahin Mengü and Mehmet Sevigen as well as CHP Ýstanbul branch head Gürsel Tekin joined in the protest, expressing support for the lawyers of defendants in the Ergenekon case.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MUSTAFA KÝRAZLI Nov. 2, 2009
‘DO YOU REMEMBER ME?' The Sinpaþ Group sponsored a conference entitled "Leadership for Sustainable Success" at which the most famous speaker was former US President Bill Clinton. After his speech was over, a special surprise awaited Clinton: A baby he had held 10 years ago when touring earthquake-stricken regions of Turkey as the US president now met him as a 10-year-old boy. Erkan, who had playfully grabbed Clinton’s nose a decade ago, once again reached out the grab his nose.
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MUSTAFA KÝRAZLI Nov. 9, 2009
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FAMILY PHOTOGRAPH The 25th session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) took place in Ýstanbul, with many heads of state in attendance. After the summit was over, leaders joined in a "family photograph" with an unparalleled view of the Bosporus serving as a backdrop. Heading the summit was President Abdullah Gül, who hosted many prominent guests such as Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
MUSTAFA KÝRAZLI Nov. 9, 2009
KARZAI ENJOYS THE BOSPORUS Hamid Karzai, recently re-elected president of Afghanistan in closely watched and fiercely debated elections, arrived in Ýstanbul to attend the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) summit. After the summit group photo, Karzai took in the breathtaking view of the Bosporus.
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M.ALÝ POYRAZ Nov. 13, 2009
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‘CHAOS PLAN' The steps known by some as the "Action Plan to Finish Off the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the Gülen Movement" were detailed in a document signed by Col. Dursun Çiçek, who was sent to prison twice on different occasions. Çiçek spent only 18 hours in jail after his first arrest when the original version of the photocopied document could not be found, but when the original signed document emerged three-and-a-half months later, Çiçek was arrested once again, this time for 43 hours.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
ONUR ÇOBAN Nov. 2, 2009
NO MORE COUPS Plots that emerged during 2009 took the Ergenekon case to a whole new level. Civil society organizations gathered on Ă?stiklal Caddesi to march in support of the trials of those accused of being coup and junta supporters.
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ONUR ÇOBAN Nov. 5, 2009
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PRESIDENT VISITS TUNCELÝ President Abdullah Gül became the first Turkish president to visit Tunceli in 14 years. During his visit to the city, President Gül went to the Tunceli Cemevi. It was noticed by many that members of Gül's delegation did not remove their shoes before entering the cemevi, instead choosing to put protective covers over their footwear.
SAZ PRESENT During President Abdullah Gül's visit to Tunceli, an Alevi elder presented the president with a saz as a gift.
PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009
TURGUT ENGร N
BLUE SYMPHONY A painting titled "Blue Symphony" by Turkish artist Burhan Doรฐanรงay sold for TL 2.2 million at auction. The sale was recorded as the highest price ever paid for a work by a living Turkish artist.
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BACHELOR ROOMS Hundreds of people flooding into Ýstanbul from Turkey's eastern provinces hoping to find work in the city crowd together in "bachelor rooms" in Eminönü. Sometimes there are anywhere from five and 25 people staying in just one of these rooms. The rooms cost around TL 500 a month, and the young men who live in them struggle to make a living in the city.
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SARAYSPOR PROJECT IN EDIRNE The Sarayspor soccer project, launched by the Edirne police department, has already started to bear fruit: Now, 400 ethnic Roma children are learning to follow the ball and forget about life's other challenges, if only for a little while.
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ZAMANA NOT DÜÞEN FOTOÐRAFLAR
KÜRÞAT BAYHAN A LAND OF DUST AND SUN War has been on the daily agenda for years now in Afghanistan, a nation of dust and sun. There were battles against the Russians, the civil war of the Taliban years and of course the clashes between American forces and members of the Taliban and al-Qaeda post-Sept. 11. All of this has worn out the Afghan people. And so Afghans struggle through daily life in their poverty-stricken country, becoming refugees in their own lands.
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THE PAIN OF MOTHERS The Commission to Research Unsolved Murders has put the number of missing people and unsolved murders in Turkey from the 1980s to the present at 17,000. Fatma Ýbak, Emine Deniz, Rabia Tanýþ, Emine Danýþýk, Adile Þen and Fadile Üstün are just some of the mothers of the missing who wait with tears in their eyes for their children to return in the cities of Cizre, Silopi and Diyarbakýr.
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ONUR ÇOBAN
REFUGEE DRAMA The problems associated with refugees coming to Europe from nations such as Afghanistan, Ethiopia and Sudan seem to be growing in dimension. Some of the tough new policies instituted for refugees in France are making things more difficult for those currently living in the French city of Calais who hope to travel to the UK soon.
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SELAHATTÝN SEVÝ ZAMAN'S GUESTS "Guest of the month" interviews done by Zaman Editor-in-Chief Ekrem Dumanlý and economy editor Turhan Bozkurt have brought some of the most important names in Turkey to the pages of the newspaper. Some of the more notable names to be interviewed by Zaman are Koç Holding CEO Mustafa Koç, Doðuþ Holding CEO Ferit Þahenk, Eczacýbaþý CEO Bülent Eczacýbaþý, Alarko Holding head Ýshak Alaton and FÝBA Holding CEO Hüsnü Özyeðin.
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