Since the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, Turkey has seen numerous operations and decrees under the State of Emergency. The government claims that many individuals, including military students, were involved in the coup attempt, while opposition and human rights organizations argue that the trials have turned into a witch hunt. The article features a letter from three female cadets, Nagihan Yavuz, Nimet Ecem Gönüllü, and Şuheda Sena Öğütalan, who describe their harsh treatment and legal struggles after being detained. They highlight the emotional and physical hardships they faced, including restricted communication with their families and limited access to legal resources. Despite their challenges, they strive to remain hopeful and contribute positively to their country.

Memet Ali Alabora, an actor and director, speaks for the first time about the Gezi indictment, which accuses him of attempting to overthrow the Turkish government. He describes the charges as baseless and unrealistic. Despite the indictment, Alabora continues his theater work in Wales and England, directing the bilingual play 'Y Brian / Kargalar.' He expresses a desire to continue his creative work in Turkey in the future.

Ruth Coppinger, an Irish Minister, presented a lacy thong in the Irish Parliament to protest the use of a rape victim's underwear as evidence in a court case. The defense lawyer, Elizabeth O'Connell, had urged the jury to consider the teenager's attire, sparking a public outcry and discussions on consent. Coppinger expressed anger at the persistence of such arguments in court and noted the social media campaign #thisisnotconsent. The gesture led to a silent and uncomfortable atmosphere in Parliament, with the Taoiseach finding it difficult to criticize the act due to strong public sentiment on the issue.

H&M, a well-known retail chain, has acknowledged the presence of Syrian child labor in one of its 210 units in Turkey. The company has responded to inquiries from a watchdog organization, stating their cooperation with a non-governmental agency in Turkey to address the issue. H&M is focusing on ensuring that plans for education are developed and put into action for the affected children.

The article recounts a personal story of a woman who encountered an IS extremist near Kobane. She was shot at while in a ditch in her village but managed to return fire. The journalist notes that the woman appeared emotionally detached while recounting the event, with a spark of emotion only when discussing her village.

Turkey's university lecturers remain defiant amid mass sackings following the failed coup attempt, with nearly 100,000 civil servants, including academics, removed from their posts. The government accuses them of links to terrorist organizations, but critics argue President Erdogan is using this to consolidate power. Symbolic protests have been held, and notable figures like neuropsychologist Oget Oktem Tanor express feelings of restriction and loss despite their resilience. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between the government and academic community in Turkey.

Turkey's university lecturers remain defiant amid mass sackings following the failed coup attempt, with nearly 100,000 civil servants, including academics, removed from their posts. The government accuses them of links to terrorist organizations, but critics argue President Erdogan is using this to consolidate power. Symbolic protests have been held, and notable figures like neuropsychologist Oget Oktem Tanor express feelings of restriction and loss despite their resilience.

At least 39 people, including 15 foreigners, were killed in an attack on Istanbul's Reina nightclub by a gunman who opened fire during New Year celebrations. Turkish authorities are searching for the attacker, believed to have acted alone. President Erdogan condemned the attack, attributing it to efforts to create chaos, and vowed to fight terrorism. The Islamic State is suspected, given their history of targeting civilians in Turkey. International leaders, including US President Obama, expressed condolences and support.

At least 39 people, including 15 foreigners, were killed in an attack on Istanbul's Reina nightclub by a lone gunman. The attack occurred during New Year celebrations, with 69 people hospitalized, four in serious condition. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, attributing it to efforts to create chaos. The Islamic State is suspected, given their history of targeting civilians in Turkey. The attack follows a series of violent incidents in Turkey over the past year. International leaders, including US President Barack Obama, expressed condolences and support.

Ismail Isli, a survivor of the Islamic State bombing at a peace rally in Ankara in October 2015, is haunted by the recent bombing of a wedding party in Gaziantep, which claimed 54 lives, including 29 children. Isli, who was in a coma for two weeks following the Ankara attack, knew victims from both attacks, reflecting the close-knit nature of the Kurdish community. The Gaziantep attack has brought new scars to Isli, who makes videos of his deceased niece and remembers friends lost to terrorism.

Hande Kader, a 23-year-old transgender woman, was found murdered in Istanbul, highlighting the severe violence faced by transgender individuals in Turkey, the country with the highest rate of trans murders in Europe. Friends and activists describe her as a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, often participating in protests. The article underscores the dangerous conditions for trans sex workers and the systemic discrimination they face, including difficulties in legal gender recognition. The narrative also touches on broader issues of transphobia and the lack of safe environments for transgender people globally.

The Turkish government's investigation into the recent coup attempt has expanded to include journalists, with 42 reporters facing arrest. Among them are Bulent Mumay, a former Hurriyet journalist, and Fatih Yagmur, an investigative journalist previously with Radikal. Both journalists have expressed shock and defiance, with Mumay emphasizing his opposition to the coup on social media and Yagmur refusing to surrender to authorities. The situation underscores Turkey's troubled record on press freedom, as highlighted by Reporters Without Borders.

Bulent Mumay, a journalist formerly with the liberal Hurriyet newspaper, is among 42 journalists facing arrest in Turkey's ongoing coup investigation. Mumay, who describes Turkey's press freedom as troubled, was not surprised by the accusations. Turkey ranks poorly in the 2016 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. Mumay, a self-described critic, believes he is targeted for his journalistic practices and critical stance.

The Turkish Parliament is set to vote on a constitutional amendment to temporarily lift the immunities of all MPs with dossiers, a move unprecedented in Turkey's political history. The outcome could significantly influence Turkey's political landscape. Mehmet Mir Dengir Fırat, a former AKP founder now with HDP, warns that a referendum could deepen divisions, particularly between Turks and Kurds, and accuses President Erdoğan of seeking to consolidate power. AKP MP Mahmut Kaçar argues that lifting immunities is necessary to hold MPs accountable for supporting terrorism, dismissing fears of a return to the divisive politics of the 1990s.

Since the beginning of the year, the border city of Kilis, Turkey, has been targeted by over 70 missiles, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 people, including children. Despite Turkish government's retaliation by shelling ISIS positions across the border and claiming to have killed dozens of militants, the situation in Kilis remains unchanged with continued missile attacks. Analysts suggest that Turkey's steps in the Syrian war are reflected in the situation in Kilis, with Turkey appearing unable to protect its borders and change the balance of power in favor of the Free Syrian Army against ISIS. The downing of a Russian jet in November last year has left Turkey inactive in Syrian airspace due to Russian and Syrian air defenses. NATO is perceived as not taking action to support Turkey, which is also NATO's border in the Middle East. The article implies a security issue arising from the gap between Turkey's desires for the region and the reality on the ground.

Around 70,000 Syrian refugees have congregated in Izmir, Turkey, which has become a center for human smuggling. These families, living on the streets and seeing no other options, are considering the perilous sea journey to reach other parts of Europe.

Following Turkey's decision to allow the use of Incirlik Air Base for the coalition against ISIS led by the US, conflicting statements have emerged from officials of both countries. Discrepancies in statements regarding a safe zone Turkey wants to establish on its Syrian border and the bombing of ISIS by planes from Incirlik Air Base have been noted. Turkish and US officials have made contradictory claims about an agreement on a safe zone and whether US planes from Incirlik participated in operations against ISIS. Analysts provided insights, noting a lack of consensus on a no-fly zone and differing public diplomacy strategies. While a de facto safe zone is expected to emerge, there is no clear agreement on how to respond to potential attacks by the PYD or the Assad regime within this zone.

Turkey's parliament now includes a record 98 female MPs, up from 79, following the recent election. The increase is largely attributed to the People's Democratic Party (HDP), which ensured 50% of its candidates were female, resulting in 32 female MPs. The governing Justice and Development Party (AK) and the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) also saw changes in female representation, though the MHP's increase was minimal. Hatice Kapusuz from the Association for Support of Women Candidates emphasized the need for at least 33% female representation for significant social change. Women now make up 17.8% of MPs, indicating progress but also highlighting the need for further efforts to amplify female voices in politics.

Turkey's parliament now includes a record 98 female MPs, up from 79, following the recent election. The increase is largely attributed to the People's Democratic Party (HDP), which ensured 50% of its candidates were female. The Justice and Development Party (AK) also contributed to the rise, while the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) showed minimal improvement. Hatice Kapusuz from the Association for Support of Women Candidates believes that a 33% representation is necessary for social change. Women now make up 17.8% of MPs, indicating progress but also highlighting the need for further efforts to amplify female voices in politics.

The article explores the history of Armenians in Eskişehir, focusing on the impact of the 1915 deportations by the Ottoman government. It highlights the personal journey of the author, Rengin Arslan, as she uncovers the hidden Armenian heritage in her hometown. The narrative includes insights from historian Kemal Yakut and archivist Ahmet Atuk, detailing the significant Armenian presence in Eskişehir before 1915, their contributions to local trades, and the tragic events that led to their displacement. The piece reflects on the cultural and historical remnants of the Armenian community, emphasizing the importance of preserving this heritage.

Following the Charlie Hebdo attack, Tuncay Akgün, editor-in-chief of Leman Magazine, shared a photo of the late Georges Wolinski, who was killed in the attack, drawing with a prayer cap on his head at Eyüp Mosque. Akgün described Wolinski as a brother or even a father figure to them and recounted the warmth and humor of his interactions in Istanbul. The attack reminded Akgün of the deep sorrow felt during the aftermath of Hrant Dink's murder in Istanbul. Aslan Özdemir, another editor from Leman, reminisced about the days spent with the Charlie Hebdo team in Istanbul, noting their constant sketching of their surroundings.