AGP Executive Report

Berlin Politics: Elif Eralp, a Turkish-migrant daughter and Die Linke candidate, won Berlin’s election in exit polls, promising rent caps and even expropriation of corporate-held flats—an uphill coalition fight ahead. LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkey’s anti-LGBTQ+ raids and detentions continue, with reports of closures of groups and expanded social media blocking orders, while rights groups push for international pressure. Higher Education & Culture: YÖK urged universities to build awareness around the “terror-free Türkiye” goal in the 2026–27 academic year, while URAP ranked 90 Turkish universities across 48 fields. Heritage & Museums: Major restoration work has revived Istanbul’s archaeological museums, and Türkiye and Denmark announced a new museum cooperation tied to restitutions and Anatolian sites. Ancient Art in Kars: Rock paintings in Kars’ Kağızman district preserve early animal imagery and traces of ancient life along the Caucasus–Anatolia route. Education Abroad: Riphah International University in Pakistan signed agreements with Turkish universities (Yıldız Technical, Dokuz Eylül, Sabancı) to deepen research and exchanges.

Berlin Election: Turkish-origin Left Party candidate Elif Eralp is leading in Berlin’s state election, with 16- and 17-year-olds voting for the first time—raising hopes for the city’s first mayor with a migrant background. Ukraine War: Kyiv denounced Russia’s parliamentary vote as illegal after annexed-region residents were included, warning participation could carry criminal liability. Turkey-LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Human rights groups protested Turkey’s nationwide raids and detentions of LGBTQ+ activists and journalists, with the UN urging releases of people held arbitrarily. Cultural Heritage & Minorities: A new analysis argues Turkey’s treatment of Jewish and Christian communities has shifted toward “neo-dhimmitude,” calling for restoring the pluralist spirit of Lausanne. Istanbul Lifestyle: The 25th Bosphorus Cup returned sailors to Istanbul’s historic strait, racing past palaces, mosques, and bridges. Bangladesh-Türkiye Ties: Turkish Airlines backed Dhaka half marathons marking 15 years in Bangladesh, while Bangladesh and Türkiye plan joint drone manufacturing near India’s border. Regional Security: Uganda suspended all military cooperation with Türkiye amid rising tensions.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown & Protests: Human rights groups protested Turkey’s “My Family is Safe” raids, with Washington demonstrators outside the Turkish Embassy warning that “homosexuality is not a crime” and urging the release of detained activists. Alevi Peace Demands: In Geneva, FEDA launched a vigil calling for peace and a democratic order that includes equality and constitutional recognition for Alevis, with rallies planned in front of the UN. Cultural Heritage & Identity: A statement from Artsakh’s cultural heritage ombudsman denounced Azerbaijan’s “systematic erasure” of Armenian historical presence in depopulated Artsakh. Aviation & Mobility: Germany published a list of 20 nationalities needing an airport transit visa even without leaving terminals, affecting travelers including Iran, Afghanistan, and Nigeria. Sports & Lifestyle: Turkish Airlines backed the Dhaka half marathon marking 15 years in Bangladesh, framing it as a culture-connecting fitness event. Arts & Education: A debate on how Alevi history should be understood reignited after a declaration by 53 Alevi intellectuals and writers. Culture on Screen: The Kashmir World Film Festival announced a special focus on filmmakers from Jammu & Kashmir for its November edition.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish police detained dozens and raided LGBTQ+ groups and venues across multiple provinces under the “My Family is Safe” campaign, with courts blocking websites and social media access and prosecutors moving against associations. Detentions at Courthouse Protests: More than 150 people were detained in Istanbul during protests tied to the raids, as rights groups warned the crackdown is escalating. Addiction Fight (Turkey–TRNC): Turkey and the TRNC announced new joint steps against drugs, gambling and technology addiction, including plans for family and social services centres in Lefkoşa. Culture & Heritage: A new exhibition in Wuhan highlights Russian imperial treasures, including Kremlin artifacts—an international reminder of how court culture travels and gets reinterpreted. Arts & Identity: A feature explores the Kashmiri carpet’s history of cross-regional craft links, including influences reaching from Persian and Central Asian traditions to Turkish weaving techniques. Music: Plas Moon releases reggae single “Obsession,” citing Jamaica’s culture as the spark for her new sound.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkey’s anti-LGBTI+ raids have escalated again, with courts jailing dozens pending trial after police targeted LGBTQI+ groups, clubs, cafes, homes and online accounts; the UN urged Turkey to release those detained arbitrarily as protests spread to European capitals and beyond. Kurdish Peace Process: Senior PKK-linked figure Cemil Bayık said the group won’t lay down arms or return to Turkey unless Abdullah Öcalan is freed, while other Kurdish voices argue disarmament must come with guarantees, legal frameworks and political strategy. Arts & Screen: Turkish actress Gülsen Tuncer, known internationally for “Arsen Hanım” in Aşk-ı Memnu, has died at 81, prompting tributes from fellow performers. Heritage & Learning: A new study challenges the “all roads lead to Rome” idea, showing Byzantium’s later rise and Rome’s limited role in the empire’s overland network. Culture & Lifestyle: A Turkish blacksmithing tradition is being kept alive by fantasy fans, linking craft history with modern community creativity.

LGBTQ+ crackdown: Turkey has launched a sweeping “My Family is Safe” operation, with raids across Istanbul and Ankara, dozens of arrests (including journalists), obscenity charges, and hundreds of social media blocks—prompting UN and major rights groups to warn about civic space shrinking. Cultural heritage update: Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy confirmed a 1,600-year-old tunnel network beneath Hagia Sophia, saying restoration and safety checks are underway before any possible visitor access. Sports & youth culture: Istanbul’s football scene is in the spotlight as Bilal Erdoğan and Turki Al-Sheikh back plans for the 2027 Spanish Super Cup in the city, tying the event to broader Türkiye–Saudi cooperation. Lifestyle & health curiosity: A medical case report links headphone use to auricular hematoma after prolonged pressure while sleeping—raising awareness of “cauliflower ear” risks. International ties: Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev again stressed the Türkiye–Azerbaijan “special relationship,” calling it a key stability factor for the region. Labor news: İzmir’s Smart Solar workers occupied the plant for four days after union-related layoffs, ending with an agreement.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkey’s “My Family Is Safe” operation keeps widening, with raids on queer venues and rights groups, detentions of activists and journalists, and court-ordered social media blocks as European envoys and press-freedom groups demand releases and respect for assembly and expression. Politics & Power: Erdogan is set to run again in an early election likely in April 2028, a move described as a way to sidestep the presidential term limit. Labor & Daily Life: Workers at İzmir’s Smart Solar occupied the factory for four days after union-related layoffs, ending with an agreement after dismissals and wage-right tensions. Culture & Heritage: Istanbul’s Cağaloğlu Anatolian High School marks 176 years since its Ottoman-era founding, a window into Tanzimat education reforms. Sports & City Buzz: Istanbul will host the 2027 Spanish Super Cup (Feb 2–6), featuring Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico and Real Sociedad. Health & Society: Türkiye’s city hospitals report massive outpatient and surgery numbers, while family-policy pressure grows as birth rates fall.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish police carried out raids and arrests across Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir and other cities, targeting LGBTQ+ groups, venues and activists under “family values” claims; rights groups say at least 62 people were held on remand and more than 100 detained, with journalists among those arrested and social media accounts reportedly blocked. EU Pushback: The EU said it is concerned about the raids on LGBTQIA+ nightlife and homes, while the Council of Europe’s human rights chief urged Turkey to release detainees. Cultural Spotlight (Museums): Edirne ranks seventh in Türkiye for museum numbers, with 17 museums and a mix of ministry-run and private collections. Nature & Lifestyle: A freediver in Antalya’s Demre has formed a five-year bond with a female green sea turtle he calls “Mahmut,” sharing daily cleanup dives. Heritage & Memory: The 12th anniversary of Kurdish poet Omar La’li’s passing was marked, recalling his poetry and cultural legacy. Travel Trend: “Super September” travel is driving interest in Türkiye’s lakes for calmer, story-led getaways.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown in Turkey: Turkish police detained dozens and jailed at least 8 LGBTQ+ activists pending trial as authorities move to close groups, block websites, and extend restrictions under the “My Family is Safe” campaign; protests outside Istanbul’s courthouse drew harsh police action and reports of ill-treatment. Online Censorship: Courts issued access-blocking orders for X accounts tied to journalists and women’s rights groups, adding to a wider wave of social media limits after raids. Local Culture & Trade: Türkiye’s Trade Minister Ömer Bolat highlighted Ahilik Week and the “Şed Kuşanma” tradition, linking brotherhood values to craftspeople, jobs, and municipal services. Education & Tech Inspiration: Afghan entrepreneur Roya Mahboob’s story spotlights how technology access can help girls keep learning under Taliban rule. Aviation Milestone: Türkiye certified the domestically built Hürkuş-II trainer, marking a first for national end-to-end testing and certification. International Business: A U.S. court backed ENKA’s bid to enforce a major arbitration award against Georgia over the Namakhvani hydropower project. Lifestyle Note: A growing niche-fragrance trend in Kenya is emerging as counterfeit designer scents push shoppers toward lesser-known labels.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown in Turkey: Police in Istanbul detained dozens outside the Çağlayan courthouse as protesters demanded the release of people arrested in the “My Family Is Safe” operation, with lawyers reporting 91 arrests by mid-day and AFP describing heavy surveillance and repeated warnings that the gathering was “illegal.” The raids followed weekend sweeps across multiple provinces, including arrests of LGBTQ activists, break-ins at association offices, and restrictions on websites and social media. Human Rights Pushback: Amnesty International and other rights groups condemned the campaign, calling it a full-scale assault on LGBTI rights and urging immediate releases. Cultural Spotlight: In Troy, excavations uncovered the site’s earliest agora, suggesting the Late Bronze Age marketplace was revived by later settlers—an exciting new chapter for Turkey’s ancient heritage. Arts & Film: Cate Blanchett is set to travel to Tokyo for Japan premieres of short films supported by the Displacement Film Fund, highlighting stories rooted in displacement and persecution. Economy & Everyday Life: Turkish officials warn that the habit of stashing gold “under the pillow” is hurting the economy, as wedding gold traditions and savings culture collide with financial volatility.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown in Istanbul: Police detained dozens at the Çağlayan courthouse as protesters demanded the release of people held after nationwide raids tied to Erdoğan’s “My Family Is Safe” push; two journalists were also taken in, while the EU and the Council of Europe urged respect for rights. Legal Pressure on Activists: Journalist Tuğba Tekerek was detained over a 2024 Georgia-related LGBTI+ rights article, with prosecutors citing “obscenity,” as authorities also moved to review complaints and seek online restrictions. Human Rights Backlash: The CoE’s rights chief Michael O’Flaherty called for releases, and opposition voices said the crackdown shrinks democratic space. Culture & Recognition: Journalist Tuğçe Yılmaz won a Musa Anter award for reporting discrimination against a trans teacher, highlighting systemic pressure and job dismissal. Education & Rankings: Turkey’s education officials defended PISA 2025 gains, stressing OECD-selected samples and impartial testing. Azerbaijan in the Turkic Spotlight: Ilham Aliyev attacked “dirty Western media” while hosting Turkic-state religious and cultural events in Baku, including the Yahya Bakuvi conference. Arts & Heritage: Azerbaijan’s Montreux-Vevey festival program showcased classical and folk performances, including pieces from Uzeyir Hajibayli and Arif Malikov. Aviation & Industry: Turkey certified the Hürkus-II trainer aircraft with a first-ever fully Turkish military type-certification process.

LGBTQ Crackdown: Turkish police detained dozens in nationwide raids on LGBTQ groups, venues, and activists’ homes, with prosecutors investigating 162 suspects under the “My Family is Safe” operation tied to the “Decade of Family and Population,” and courts ordering blocks of social media accounts for rights groups and media. Education & Youth: President Erdoğan hailed Türkiye’s PISA 2025 gains, saying the country improved by 50% across reading, writing and science as the new school year begins with heightened security. Culture & Heritage: Archaeologists unearthed a 5,000-year-old stone drainage network and “workshop-houses” at Liman Tepe in Izmir, while Ankara’s Golbaşı area produced a 66-million-year-old gastropod fossil linked to the ancient Tethys Sea. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said preparations for Erdoğan’s Damascus visit were discussed in Syria, alongside talks on unity, stability, and meetings with the Turkmen community. Faith & Community: A South Korean visitor converted to Islam in Mardin’s Artuklu district mufti office, taking the name “Abdullah” and receiving a Quran. Media & Training: Türkiye’s Anadolu Agency, with TİKA and the police academy, hosted a “War Journalism” training programme for Cambodian journalists in Ankara.

Education & Youth: President Erdoğan said Türkiye’s 2025 PISA results show a 50% improvement in science, math and reading, as the 2026–2027 school year opens with new facilities in Ankara. Archaeology & Heritage: Izmir’s Liman Tepe (Urla) revealed a 5,000-year-old stone drainage network and “workshop-houses,” offering a rare look at early Bronze Age water management and craft life. Culture & Community: Istanbul’s Rami Library won the “Green Library 2026” award for its sustainability-focused restoration and large-scale green spaces. LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkey’s “My Family is Safe” operation has led to raids, detentions and online blocks targeting LGBTQ+ groups and HIV support organisations, drawing EU and rights-group concern. School Safety: The new academic year starts with heightened security—drones, helicopters, metal detectors and extra supervisors—after deadly attacks earlier this year. Media Literacy: Turkey plans media and information literacy clubs in schools to help students resist disinformation and manipulation. Lifestyle: A week of Istanbul concerts, films and exhibitions is set to kick off, from classical Turkish choirs to documentary screenings.

LGBTQ Crackdown: Turkish police launched nationwide dawn raids on LGBTQ+ groups, hitting gay bars, association offices and activists’ homes across Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin and Mersin, with prosecutors saying at least 63 people were detained and Justice Minister Akin Gurlek citing investigations into 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses under the “My Family is Safe” campaign. Civil Society Under Pressure: Authorities also blocked LGBTQ+ websites and social media accounts, while rights groups and the Turkish Human Rights Association called it a political operation aimed at dismantling independent civil society and forcing a single “family values” model. Regional Diplomacy: In Damascus, Turkish FM Hakan Fidan said President Erdoğan is set to visit Syria soon, as Ankara and Damascus push a joint high-level committee covering politics, security, energy, education, culture and refugee returns. Culture & Travel: Turkish Airlines announced it will become Liverpool FC’s main club partner from June 1, 2027, with the logo set to appear on team shirts and academy squads from the 2027/28 season. Diaspora Shift: A Ukrainian writer in Turkey says many Russian-speaking Ukrainians are switching to Ukrainian, with community groups strengthening language and cultural ties through charity and education.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish police launched coordinated early-morning raids across Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin and Mersin, detaining dozens and searching LGBTQ+ offices and venues under the “My Family is Safe” campaign, with authorities citing “family values” and allegations tied to obscenity and prostitution; rights groups call it political pressure and say websites and social media accounts were blocked. Culture & Society: The crackdown is framed alongside broader state messaging around protecting children and the family, while Turkey’s queer community faces growing restrictions ahead of elections. Education: Türkiye’s new academic year starts for about 17 million students and 1.2 million teachers, with the theme “Play at the Heart of Education” and activities encouraging peace and solidarity. Heritage: Rare Roman statues of Emperor Hadrian and Empress Sabina were restored after being unearthed at Kibyra, adding fresh depth to Turkey’s ancient Mediterranean story. Diplomacy: Turkey’s foreign minister said President Erdoğan is expected to visit Syria soon, stressing an inclusive political framework and elective Turkish-language teaching.

LGBTQ Rights Under Pressure: Turkey has blocked more than a dozen Turkish LGBTQ organisation accounts on X, including Kaos GL and lawyer Levent Piskin, with access reportedly requiring a VPN—another sign of tightening online space for gender and sexuality activism. Education & AI: A new survey finds teachers across Europe feel AI is entering classrooms too fast, with many saying AI-assisted homework harms learning, while students expect to use it weekly—an issue schools in Turkey will likely feel too. Culture, Media & Tech: Anthropic says it disrupted state-linked attempts to use Claude for “cognitive warfare,” including propaganda and spying on dissidents and ethnic minorities—raising fresh questions about AI and information integrity. Sports & Gender: A former footballer, Zeynep Mestan, has been appointed as the first woman to coach a senior men’s team in Turkey, a milestone for women in Turkish football. Global Learning Trends: OECD/PISA reporting shows reading and math declines over the past decade, with more students falling into low performance levels. Arts & Film: Tuba Büyüküstün will lead the International Jury at the Marrakech Short Film Festival, underlining Turkey’s growing cultural footprint abroad.