Most recent articles by Ayşe Karabat
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Violence against doctors and lawyers in TurkeyExposed and at risk
Violence against doctors and lawyers in Turkey has been growing in recent years. But instead of taking action, the government is openly hostile towards two unions representing the interests of people working in these professions. By Ayşe Karabat in Istanbul
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Turkey's Syrian problemRefugees – a hot topic in Turkish politics
With tensions rising dangerously amid a burgeoning economic crisis, the Turkish government’s refugee policy – ad hoc, miscalculated and unclear – is making Syrians an easy target for the opposition. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
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Turkish oppositionCourting Turkey’s disenchanted electorate
Despite the economic crisis and Turkey's increasingly undemocratic track record, surveys show the ruling AKP is still the party of choice. So what exactly is holding back the opposition? Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
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Cat capital IstanbulWhat to do about Turkey's strays?
Turkey is well-known for its stray cats and dogs. They have found a place in society over many years. But recent incidents and decisions indicate they could become new targets in an increasingly polarised country. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
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Jews in TurkeyNetflix' "The Club" and Istanbul’s difficult past
A new Netflix drama series showcasing Istanbul's Jewish community in the 1950s depicts a once multicultural city. It is a production that pulls no punches, exposing dark chapters in modern Turkish history. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
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Wildfires in TurkeyPolitics ablaze as forests burn in Turkey
The ruling Justice and Development Party's inadequate preparedness and apparent poor and slow response to the large-scale devastating wildfires ravaging the country has unleashed a fresh political debate in Turkey. By Ayşe Karabat in Istanbul
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Ankara School pioneer and reformist Islamic theologianThe resignation of Turkish Koran exegete Mustafa Ozturk
Professor of theology and Qantara interview partner Mustafa Ozturk has resigned from an Istanbul university after immense pressure from certain segments of the Islamic community, having advocated a version of Islam they deemed "blasphemous". Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
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U.S.-Turkey relations in 2021Biden and Erdogan – how much carrot, how much stick?
Initial statements by the Biden administration indicate it will follow a carrot and stick policy towards Turkey. Ankara believes its role in negotiations on various issues could strengthen its hand when it comes to ties with the new man in the White House. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
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Turkey's failing justice systemDesperate for justice, Turks resort to trial by Twitter
Recently, Twitter has become something of a people's court for Turks seeking justice. Particularly in cases of violence against women and animal rights, social media is regarded as the final legal avenue for those demanding a just ruling, yet the risk of cyber-bullying is high. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul
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New law on Turkish bar associationsDamaging judicial impartiality
While the government claims the new lawyers' act will be more pluralistic and democratic, lawyers believe it will harm the right to free trial and split them down political lines. By Ayşe Karabat
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Politics and COVID-19Coronavirus sees political polarisation in Turkey deepen
Rising tension between the Turkish government and the opposition fuels speculation of an early election as they battle over COVID-19 financial aid campaigns, triggering further polarisation. By Ayse Karabat
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Urban renewal under ErdoganIstanbul shantytown residents in limbo
Amid recent fears of earthquakes, Turkey has rolled out a new urban renewal plan. But past plans have failed to helped quake-prone neighbourhoods, due to a market dominated by construction firm interests. Ayse Karabat reports from Istanbul