Most recent articles by Ceyda Nurtsch
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Interview with Turkish writer Aslı Erdoğan
"It's my country too"
Celebrated Turkish novelist Aslı Erdoğan was imprisoned for four months in Turkey last year. Despite the awful experience and the pressure being exerted on her, she refuses to be cowed. Writing, she says, is a responsibility. Interview conducted by Ceyda Nurtsch
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Daughters and Sons of Gastarbeiters writers′ collective
"When I go to Germany, I will buy a red tractor"
Daughters and Sons of Gastarbeiters is a writers′ collective made up of children of the first generation of "Gastarbeiter" (guest workers). Their short stories tell of their personal experiences of migration to Germany, illuminating a hitherto neglected part of German history. By Ceyda Nurtsch
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Showcasing integration at "Rita in Palma"
A hive of industry
At the Berlin accessories label "Rita in Palma", Turkish women produce high-quality crochet and lace work. The individual pieces are presented at fashion shows and sold in high-end boutiques. The company also fosters integration within the community. By Ceyda Nurtsch
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Closure of NGOs in Turkey
Forced to down tools
Civil society in Turkey has practically ground to a halt in Turkey since the state of emergency was declared last year. The work of many NGOs has been discontinued seemingly overnight. Many still don't even know why. Ceyda Nurtsch spoke to some of their representatives
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Interview with Turkish artist Ozge Samanci
″Pressure on artists in Turkey is increasing″
Ozge Samanci is a graphic and installation artist. Her autobiographical graphic novel – which she presented in person at this year′s International Literature Festival in Berlin – was internationally reviewed. In interview with Ceyda Nurtsch she talks about growing up in Turkey and the situation of artists following the attempted coup
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Turkey's democratic future
Hanging by a thread
The thwarted coup of 15 July is being celebrated by the AKP as well as large sections of Turkish civil society as a victory for democracy. But the state of emergency and the mass arrests spotlight the authoritarian political tide in Turkey. Ceyda Nurtsch reports from Istanbul
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Germany′s first Arabic newspaper for refugees
Newcomers, not refugees
"Abwab" – the Arabic for doors - is the name of the first and so far the only Arabic newspaper for refugees in Germany. It aims to provide information and serve as a platform for discussing integration-related issues. Ceyda Nurtsch spoke to publisher Ramy al-Asheq
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Domestic violence against women in Turkey
″Don′t prevent divorce, prevent murder!″
The past few years have seen a huge increase in the number of women murdered in Turkey. There are also increasing reports of domestic violence. Those victims who report violence to the authorities, however, are often treated badly. By Ceyda Nurtsch
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Interview with Hamed Sinno, frontman of Mashrou’ Leila
Flouting Arab pop convention
Mashrou' Leila is the most popular indie rock band in the Middle East – and the most controversial. Singing about politics and gay desire, they have faced bans in various countries. Yet at the same time they are becoming increasingly popular in Europe and the U.S. Ceyda Nurtsch talked to them about checkpoints, indie rock music and cliches
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Interview with the Turkish author Baris Uygur
"Even we're lost for words sometimes"
With a circulation of around 80,000, ″Uykusuz″ is Turkey's most popular satirical magazine. Writer Baris Uygur is one of its publishers. Here he talks to Ceyda Nurtsch about satirical magazines in Turkey, getting around censorship regulations and the popularity of crime fiction
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Turkey: interview with Bilgin Ayata
No haven for refugees
Turkey′s military has been leading operations in the east of the country for months. The clashes have cost hundreds of lives so far. Ceyda Nurtsch spoke to Bilgin Ayata, assistant professor of political sociology at Basel University, about the political motivation behind the conflict and its impact on Turkey′s citizens
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Elektro Hafiz
A musical maverick
His sound may be a mix of psychedelic, arabesque and rock but, behind the anarchic facade, all "Elektro Hafiz" wants to do is touch people with his music. Ceyda Nurtsch on a musical maverick who constantly reinvents himself while remaining true to his Turkish roots