Turkey

Turkey and Iran have traditionally had a strained relationship. On the one hand, this can be clearly seen in their rivalry for predominance in the region, but on the other, it is shot through with the need for neighbourly cooperation. 

The integration processes of Syrian refugees in Turkey. This piece explores the politics of integration in relation to how policy makers interpret integration and where refugees stand in their interpretation.

Nationalism has been the most influential trend in both current political discussions as well as the in emergence of more engrained political processes in Turkey. In all political strands from the far left to the far right, a ferment, or at least an influential force of nationalism exists in varying tones and different degrees. 

In the early days of his mandate Erdoğan presented himself as one of the main defenders of women’s rights. However, after 2010 the government focused predominantly on religious themes and defined gender roles more and more traditionally and restrictive. According to surveys, nearly 50% of all Turkish women have experienced domestic violence and the political climate is increasingly discriminating against women.

In June 2018, the transformation of the political system from a parliamentary to a presidential one has become effective. The Turkish Parliament has been weakened and the political hierarchy with the President as the highest standing has been further strenghtened. But suspending accession talks would also suspend European support for more democracy.

Şebnem Fincancı was rewarded for her lifelong engagement for investigating on torture and inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. The manual she published in 1999 has been accpeted as official document by the United Nations and serves as handbook and guideline for doctors, lawyers and judges. However torture remains a reality in Turkish prisons. And not only.