UK in Turkey

Every day I am stuck by the tragic events unfolding in the Mediterranean, with migrants from a host of nationalities risking their lives trying to enter the EU. Many of these people, especially those using the Eastern Mediterranean route, leave their homes, often in fear of their lives, usually fleeing conflict in their own country […]

“I was astonished,” the senior Turkish contact tells me.  “This British company got in touch to bid for [commercially sensitive – an electronic supply contract for a huge project] and it turned out that their product was fantastic!  And a great price!  I mean, I know you Brits are great at business services, architecture, design, […]

As the last notes die away, the audience bursts into applause.  Musicians playing instruments as diverse as a ney, a didgeridoo, a Taonga Puoro (a traditional Maori wind instrument) and a harmonica, as well as a full orchestra and choir, rise to their feet. The performance of the eleven-part Gallipoli Symphony in the surroundings of the 4th […]

A grizzled rock veteran belts out the opening chords to “Smoke on the water “ in a hangar-like concert hall.  A slender folk legend sings folk songs unaccompanied in an open-air arena under moonlight.  What’s the connection?    Back in 2011 I blogged about “Life Lessons from Deep Purple”.  This month I had the privilege […]

There is a great Arabic proverb: ‘farkh al-bat awwam‘.  In English, ‘the son of a duck, floats’, or, ‘like father, like son’.  In Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s case, Mr al-Assad doesn’t so much float as sink like a stone. 15 years ago today, Bashar ‘inherited’ the rule of Syria from his father, who, to be […]

A harvest fails.  Saboteurs are blamed.  A well-know personality dies tragically.  A secret plot is alleged.  Another well-known personality dies tragically.  Rumours circulate that he has faked his death and has been seen in a supermarket near Basingstoke. I have written several times in this blog about conspiracy theories.  Now, if you don’t mind hearing […]

A country illegally uses military force to seize the territory of a neighbouring country despite having signed treaties recognising, and promising to respect, that country’s territorial integrity.  Once in de facto control, the new authorities systematically suppress and intimidate an important ethnic minority with strong links to Turkey.    It’s happening right here in Europe. […]

A massive march surges down Istiklal, Istanbul’s main thoroughfare.  Banners urge understanding of minority rights.  International commentators praise the tolerance on display at one of the biggest festivals of its type in the region.   Istanbul Gay Pride is big.  In 2013, more than 100,000 people were reported as participating. The festival celebrates the gay […]