Category: Asia and Pacific

Turkey’s Best-Kept Secret

Istanbul-based band, Baba Zula, whose songs are banned in their own country, regaled the audience in Delhi

For a band that comes from Turkey — a country that lives and breathes in imperial glories — it is somewhat unimaginable to hear songs that seem to brew a counterculture movement of their own. But then, this is also the country that sits on the crossroads of the East and the West, and is constantly in a state of flux. Baba Zula, a three-member outfit from Istanbul that performed at the Amarrass Desert Music Festival last night at Zorba, Gurgaon, gave the soundtrack of what “being at the crossroads” means. A bold blend of psychedelic music, dub, reggae and Turkish folk, the band comprises Leven Akman on the cymbals, darbuka and a host of other percussion instruments; Murat Ertel on saz and vocals; and Cosar Kamci on goblet drums. They were accompanied by a belly dancer named Bahar, who swayed to their psychedelic tunes.

“Our lyrics are censored in Turkey. Some verses are about religion while others are pornographic. That is why most of our songs are banned from being played or performed there. None of the television and radio channels play our songs,” said Ertel in-between a rehearsal, adding that the band draws inspiration from everything around them. The band’s popular songs include Maybe I am pregnant and Eternal World of Poet, which is the story of a poet living in the times of Ottoman Empire and Free Spirit.

Baba Zula literally means a “big secret” and Ertel said that this is what the band sounds like. “Every song is played differently each time. So one does not know what will they get,” he said.

The band got noticed when a documentary titled Crossing the Bridge highlighted its varied influences and range of music, apart from tracking how Turkish musical heritage was losing itself. “The problem with Turkish music is that it is not very well-documented. So whatever we know is through oral legacy, and we try to fuse that with reggae and psychedelic music,” says Ertel, adding that most band members have been exposed to a host of indigenous Turkish tunes apart from other influences such as dub and reggae. “We just merge it all to create various improvisations. It is always an impromptu session on stage,” he concluded.

via Turkey’s Best-Kept Secret – Indian Express.

December 5, 2012
“The Armenian Triumph in Istanbul” book is published

“Chess in Armenia” has published a new book by Gaguik Oganessian – “The Armenian Triumph in Istanbul”. This book is dedicated to the wonderful victory of the Armenian National Team in the 40th World Chess Olympiad. Armchess.am informs about this.

The author, who himself was following this great sport event, presents the most interesting episodes of the Olympiad, the details of the Armenian chess players’ performances with the eyes of a witness.

All the games played in Istanbul by the Armenian Olympic champions – Levon Aronian, Sergei Movsesian, Vladimir Akopian, Gabriel Sargissian, Tigran Petrosian, response from the Armenian Diaspora, important materials that represent the history of Olympiads as well as numerous color photos are included in this book.

via “The Armenian Triumph in Istanbul” book is published.

November 28, 2012
Turkey to knock doors of international court

ISLAMABAD: The Turkish government has decided to take up the case of Karkey power plant of Turkey to the International Court.

As the first step, the Turkish law department has worked out the case to knock at the arbitration court. Highly-placed sources in the Turkish mission in Islamabad have revealed to

‘The News’ on Monday evening that the process of taking up the case in the international court had already been initiated and the process of consultation by the legal experts was underway.

Mustafa Babur Hizlan Turkish, Ambassador in Pakistan, while confirming the decision to approach the international court disclosed that yet another big Turkish company that has finalised its plan to make huge investment in Pakistan has changed its mind keeping in view the treatment meted out to Karkey.

via Turkey to knock doors of international court – thenews.com.pk.

November 27, 2012
Turkey now a tourism magnet

As the number of Indians picking out Turkey for a vacation climbs, Koray Yalkut, a tourist guide from Turkey announces, “Istanbul is just the appetizer”.

As photographs behind Koray Yalkut, a tourist guide from Turkey take you around Hagia Sofia and sights of the kaleidoscopic spice bazaar, he makes an important interjection: “Istanbul is just the appetizer,” he says, before speaking about the landscape, architecture and history of Turkey, which is rapidly becoming a tourist magnet.

“If you want to see more, you have to come to our country now,” he announces after the teaser of a presentation he made, at the road-show organised by the Turkish Tourism Board along with the Turkish Hoteliers Federation to promote Turkey as a destination for ‘weddings, golf and honeymoons’.

The number of Indians coming to Turkey is only increasing with the number touching 1,00,000 last year according to Osman Ayik, president, Turkish Hoteliers Federation. “We have one million beds and in 2011, we were the sixth biggest destination in the world in terms of foreign tourist arrivals. Our association has close to 1,600 members who cater to all kinds of budgets,” he says.

Family destination

Pearl Veronica Baskar, senior executive (outbound tours), Diana World Travels, one of the travel agent present at the show, observes that families are increasingly choosing to holiday abroad, as the cost of travelling to neighbouring destinations such as Sri Lanka or Bangkok is almost the same. “Turkey has history and entertainment and both families and large groups are opting to travel there. The trend has picked up in the last two years,” she says.

“We are promoting Turkey as a stand-alone destination because there is so much to see,” says Ozgur Ayturk, culture and tourism counsellor, Turkey. According to him, though 80 percent of tourist arrivals fall in the leisure segment and 20 per cent in the MICE segment (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), he sees huge potential for the growth of Turkey as a wedding, honeymoon and golf destination.

“Belek has more than 16 golf courses and has also been named the best golf district in Europe,” he says. Having been host to around 15 Indian weddings so far, they are looking at raising the number at least to 50 per year. For this, other than interacting with private tour operators, they are also talking to wedding planners from India. “What sets Turkey apart is that it is still “We also liaison with wedding planners from India.

Wedding locale

While Istanbul and Antalya are favourites for weddings, Cappadocia, famous for its balloon rides and cave hotels is popular with those going on a honeymoon,” adds Mr. Ozgur.

Though Turkish Airlines has daily direct flights from Mumbai and New Delhi, they are seeking permission to double their operations from Delhi and Mumbai and operate from six more destinations including Chennai. Though the months between July-August is the peak season, Turkey with its diverse climate, lends itself to tourism all round the year,” says Mr. Ozgur. And, if tourists have their documents in place, getting a visa should not take more than 24 hours, he says. For those with a valid Schengen visa, the option of getting their visa on arrival also exists, he adds. Looking to promote a long-standing relationship with India, he says that they will be hosting cultural events and film festivals.

The road-show, saw participation from over 12 hotels and several travels agents and associations in the city.

via The Hindu : Cities / Chennai : Turkey now a tourism magnet.

November 23, 2012
Turkey offers to help Pakistan construct dams

ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (APP): Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan Wednesday said that if the issue of Karkey Power Plant was not resolved then it may have negative impact on Turkish investors who are keen to invest in Pakistan. The Turkish Prime Minister who arrived here straight from the airport to attend the D 8 Summit held one on one meeting with Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and raised the issue when both the leaders led their respective delegations at the delegations level meeting.

Reiterating concern of Turkish government on Karkey issue, the Prime Minister of Turkey said while understanding the legal complications that are inherent in litigations, he hoped that the executive will find a way to resolve this matter.

Failure to do so, he said would have negative impact for Turkish investors in Pakistan.

He expressed his special concern as the ship had been mounted with state of the art devices which are likely to be damaged with the passage of time.

He said that Turkish investors were keen to invest on BOT basis for construction of dams in Pakistan. Turkish companies were only second to China in respect of construction of dams, he added.

Mr.Erdogan said that Pakistan was blessed with huge water resources which needed investment for harnessing it to meet its energy and water requirements.Turkish companies were ready to help Pakistan in this connection, he affirmed.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf thanked his Turkish counterpart for his participation in the D-8 Summit .Terming the D-8 event very important conference he expressed the hope that the outcome of the summit will lead to more economic cooperation among the member states and better relations.

Prime Minister Ashraf said that the trade between Pakistan and Turkey is not commensurate with the ties between the two countries.

Commenting on the present volume of trade, the Prime Minister hoped that the Turkish side would have a favourable look at the tariff structure for further improving volume of trade between the two countries.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan supports the stand taken by the Turkish government on the issue of Palestine and also referred to his telephonic conversation with Egyptian President recently, on this issue.

He lamented the loss of innocent Palestinian lives in Gaza and said that Pakistan has a principled position on Palestine. On this issue, Pakistan and Turkey were on the same page, he added.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf apprised his Turkish counterpart of the efforts of Pakistan government to improve its relations with Afghanistan and counter terrorism.

He said that highest priority was being given to eliminate terrorism from the country.

Dilating on the issue of Afghanistan, the Prime Minister referred to recent visit of Mr.Salahuddin Rabbani, Chairman High Peace Council and termed the present nature of relationship with Afghanistan encouraging.

He said Pakistan was looking forward to trilateral summit in Ankara next month.

Referring to the Syrian situation, he termed it as having serious implications for the region and regretted that it has allowed terrorists and Al Qaeda to infiltrate in Syria.

The Turkish Prime Minister condemned the attack on Malala Yousafzai and said Turkey would be very happy if nomination of Malala for Nobel peace prize is accepted.

The Prime Minister of Turkey referred to his last visit on May 22 where substantive progress had been made between the two countries. He also called for evaluation and examination of the decisions between the two sides, then…

The Turkish Prime Minister thanked the Government of Pakistan for rescuing Turkish workers during the recent floods, who were working in Balochistan for construction of housing units. He informed his Pakistani counterpart that 4120 housing units would be delivered to Pakistan very soon.

The Turkish Prime Minister said that Turkey had been keenly following developments in Pakistan. He also announced 65 Scholarships for Pakistani students in Turkish universities.

Prime Minister Ashraf thanked him for the offer and said that the youths who would benefit from it would be the real ambassadors between the two countries.

The Turkish Prime Minister condemned the relentless attack by Israel on Palestinians and also referred to the situation in Syria.

The Pakistani side which was led by Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf was assisted by Minister of Defence Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister of Water and Power, Ch.Ahmed Mukhtar, Minister of Information, Qamar Zaman Kaira and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Malik Amad Khan besides senior officials.

The Turkish side was led by Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Dr.Ahmed Davetoglu, Foreign Minister, Vice Chairman of the ruling AK Party, senior parliamentarians of Turkey and officials assist the Prime Minister.

via Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan’s Premier NEWS Agency ) – Turkey offers to help Pakistan construct dams.

November 22, 2012
Turkey gets a glimpse of China’s civilization

Turkey gets a glimpse of China’s civilization

Updated: 2012-11-19 08:08

By Lin Shujuan ( China Daily)

Turkey gets a glimpse of China’s civilization

Treasure of China, a high-profile exhibition consisting of 101 representative relics of Chinese civilization over its 5,000 years of development, has arrived at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.

As part of the ongoing Chinese Culture Year in Turkey, the exhibition – the first of its kind initiated by the two governments – will be open to the public from Nov 20 to Feb 20.

“We hope to offer a glimpse of China’s 5,000-year civilization and an enjoyable visiting experience for the Turkish people,” says Yao An, deputy director of Arts Exhibition of China who helped curate the exhibition.

For the exhibition, curators have spent more than one year handpicking the exhibits from major museums in Beijing, Shanghai and Shaanxi province, including the Imperial Palace Museum, Shanghai Museum and the Qinshihuang Terracotta Museum, Yao says.

Among them are Chinese iconic treasures like colorful pottery from the New Stone Age (c. 3300-2200 BC), Terracotta Warriors and horses from the Qinshihuang Terracotta Museum in Xi’an, stone carved Buddha statues from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) when the Silk Road connecting China and Turkey was in its prime period and glazed plates used in the imperial family during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Curators have also arranged five mirrors to reflect the four Terracotta Warriors, including a general and a kneeling bowman and one horse, to produce the effect of an army.

Tolga Ucak, political counselor from the Turkish embassy to China, says he believes the exhibition will attract a lot of attention, especially the terracotta army exhibits. He visited the Qinshihuang Terracotta Museum for the first time in 2010.

“Everyone in Turkey know of the Terracotta Warriors and horses, but few of them have seen them for real,” the counselor says.

“Once they see them at the exhibition today, they might be interested in coming to China to see more tomorrow.”

Zhang Heqing, director of Division of Foreign Affairs under the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, says the exhibition is part of the ongoing Chinese Culture Year in Turkey, which started in December 2011.

In 2013, China will host the Turkish Culture Year.

linshujuan@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 11/19/2012 page20)

via Turkey gets a glimpse of China’s civilization |Life |chinadaily.com.cn.

November 19, 2012