TR Foreign Policy & Geopolitics

IC3M@N FX

Committed member
Messages
167
Reactions
5 299
Nation of residence
Germany
Nation of origin
Turkey
The tourism industry was destroyed years ago thanks to our cabdrivers, Kurdish hotel-lords and scamming restaurant owners (1200 lira for 2 cups of juice for example or 900 lira for a lahmacun) and the Youtube floggers who filmed and reported this.
That's too easy..... I don't want to defend or accuse the social or anti-social Kurds as I am of Turkish/Kurdish origin myself. I was born and live in Germany and have a house in Antalya (summer house) since 2006.
Prices in general have been extremely high for the last 2 years.
Everyone's greed has increased so that you can eat and drink on the beach + sun lounger, or in a restaurant in the evening and cab money.
They take advantage of the people there and this is not a phenomenon that only this or that person does.
If I didn't have a house with a pool, I would easily have to spend over 2500-3500€ in a hotel for a 3-week vacation with 3 people (my family) including me, and in my opinion that's just too much money for a 3-week vacation in a country like Turkey. My best friend from Kayseri has already made this acquaintance, he spent over 3000€ and he didn't go on a cheap/savings vacation or luxury vacation, but he had to eat out or in the hotel every day, then there's the classic shopping + gifts for the family that costs and the prices in the tourist areas have become really expensive.

And the alternative of going into town and eating out there doesn't help much, because the cab ride there and back makes up for the saving.
 
Last edited:

Scott Summers

Well-known member
Messages
335
Reactions
2 564
Nation of residence
Turkey
Nation of origin
Turkey
That's too easy..... I don't want to defend or accuse the social or anti-social Kurds as I am of Turkish/Kurdish origin myself. I was born and live in Germany and have a house in Antalya (summer house) since 2006.
Prices in general have been extremely high for the last 2 years.
Everyone's greed has increased so that you can eat and drink on the beach + sun lounger, or in a restaurant in the evening and cab money.
They take advantage of the people there and this is not a phenomenon that only this or that person does.
If I didn't have a house with a pool, I would easily have to spend over 2500-3500€ in a hotel for a 3-week vacation with 3 people (my family) including me, and in my opinion that's just too much money for a 3-week vacation in a country like Turkey. My best friend from Kayseri has already made this acquaintance, he spent over 3000€ and he didn't go on a cheap/savings vacation or luxury vacation, but he had to eat out or in the hotel every day, then there's the classic shopping + gifts for the family that costs and the prices in the tourist areas have become really expensive.

And the alternative of going into town and eating out there doesn't help much, because the cab ride there and back makes up for the saving.

And your point is?

That i am right.
 

Sanchez

Experienced member
Moderator
Think Tank Analyst
DefenceHub Diplomat
Messages
1,961
Reactions
66 8,840
Nation of residence
Turkey
Nation of origin
Turkey
Sisi to visit Turkey as a president for the first time ever since he assumed office after the coup more than 10 years ago. He'll be in Ankara in Sept 4. They have much to discuss like Gaza, Israel, Iran, Gulf, Libya, Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. As well as further partnerships in energy and defence.


It was always a necessity to keep good relations with Egypt. And with everything going on around the region, process increased momentum. TCG Kınalıada's visit to Egypt instead of Jordan on its return from Japan was also surely related to the rapprochement when it wasn't planned originally. Wonder if Rabia supporters will stage a protest or two against the butcher. I'm sure the Egyptian Ikhwan members residing in Turkey are pretty much in unease right about this moment. Maybe even an extradition treaty is in the works for greater cooperation between two newly found partners.
Looks like no delays or last minute cancellations. Sisi is set to visit Turkey for the first time since 2014. Multiple topics on agenda from energy, security, trade and a possible big weapons sale.

 

Sanchez

Experienced member
Moderator
Think Tank Analyst
DefenceHub Diplomat
Messages
1,961
Reactions
66 8,840
Nation of residence
Turkey
Nation of origin
Turkey
We are determined to strengthen our consultations with Egypt, with whom we share similar positions and objectives on many issues.

During our meetings, we agreed to establish regular consultations to resolve regional issues, particularly Gaza.

In addition to Gaza, we also discussed regional issues, including the Eastern Mediterranean, Syria, Libya, Libya, Sudan and the Horn of Africa.

During our meeting with Mr. Sisi in Cairo, we decided to restructure our High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. We held the first meeting of this mechanism today. In our joint declaration, we confirmed our will to advance our cooperation in all fields, including industry, trade, defense, health, environment and energy.

We are keen to develop our cooperation with Egypt in the field of energy, especially natural gas and nuclear energy.

source.
--
 

Kartal1

Experienced member
Lead Moderator
Messages
4,963
Reactions
97 18,375
Nation of residence
Bulgaria
Nation of origin
Turkey
If my understanding of the kurdish issue is right, then you are partially wrong

The PKK, in 1991, was officially founded as a political entity that envisioned the formation of Kurdistan on Turkish and other lands by force/military intervention. Such an entity couldnt have been formed without arming, training, finance, and logistics which has all been supplied by the USA; thus, making the USA its maker

From my understanding, it seems that you are talking about the pre-1991 period when those who announced the creation of the PKK like Ocalan was involved in political turmoil with the Turkish state in different forms albeit non-violent in nature.

When I say the US made the PKK; I meant that it was the US who convinced them, radicalised them, and encouraged them to hold a gun and shoot at other soldiers/citizens within the Turkish state which began the period of real havoc and actual blood being spilled as explained in the video shared before

According to Wikipedia, in pre 1991, core PKK members like Ocalan mainly established multiple student organisations that aimed in instilling the false belief that Turks were oppressing kurds. While it was certainly radicalising the minorities in Turkey, it was peaceful in nature with every time the govt closes such institutions, ppl like Ocalan just creates a new one
First of all, I am sorry for the late answer as I am pretty busy these couple of weeks.

The PKK was not founded and activated in 1991 as you say. PKK has a history going to the 60s, but its formation as an organization started in the 70s with the Abdullah Ocalan cult. They grew slowly at first, trying to eliminate left opposition figures and trying to establish a control over the left politics in the southeast. This move is actually a controversial one and is a question for a debate, but there is no firm evidence or even a serious hint that Abdullah Ocalan is a MIT/CIA asset used to take control over the left. Some may debate me, but as there's not enough information it is pointless and this point can't be proved and remain a theory of conspiration.

PKK's attacks and activity prior to the 1991:

1979
April 10 - Kazım Güner, a member of the salvation of the left -wing people in Tunceli, was killed by the PKK.

April 13 - Hüseyin Sancar, a member of the salvation of the left -wing people in Tunceli, was killed by the PKK.

29 May - Aslan Göncü, a member of the salvation of the left -wing people in Kars, was killed by the PKK.

1980
January 11 - In Gaziantep, the liberation of the left -wing people Recep Köse, Resul Yıldırım, Ali Mengüç, Ekrem Kurt were killed by the PKK.

March 24 - Veli Gültekin, a member of the salvation of the left -wing people in Tunceli, was killed by the PKK.

2 April - Hıdır Demir, a member of the salvation of the left -wing people in Tunceli, was killed by the PKK.

April 3 - İsmail Sevdiger and İsmail Gezici, a member of the salvation of the left -wing people in Gaziantep, were killed by the PKK.

September 7 - Enseğmen İlyas Bayraktutar was tortured in Şanlıurfa.

1983
May 7 - 9 people were killed in the armed attack in Taraklı hamlet.

1984
August 15 - Armed and bomb attacks on the Gendarmerie Station building in Eruh district of Siirt were carried out. Gendarmerie Private Suleyman Aydin at the time of the attack, Gendarmerie Petty Officer Sergeant Memiş Arıbaş died in the hospital where he was removed 5 days after the attack. A total of 9 people, including 6 soldiers and 3 civilians, were injured.

August 17 - Officer lodging in Şemdinli, District Gendarmerie Station and Gendarmerie Officer Open Air Casino 1 officer, 1 non -commissioned officer and 1 sold were injured.

September 22 - A village guard was injured as a result of attacking Karageçit village of Eruh district of Siirt (later connected to Şırnak).

October 9 - Turkish Armed Forces were attacked near Çukurca, 8 people were killed and 2 people were injured.

November 8 - Karageçit Village Massacre took place.

15 December - The raid of the Sigirli took place.

1985
January 7 - 3 people died in the attack in Tekçınar village.

APRIL 3 - The Kırkku attack took place.

August 5 - 10 people were killed in the armed attack in the Taşbucak hamlet of Konalga Village of Çatak district.

August 23 - He attacked the Kismeteli village of Dargeçit district of Mardin and 3 people were killed.

1986
August 15 - PKK shelters in Northern Iraq were bombed by Turkish Air Force warplanes. This operation; The Turkish Air Force was the first air operation against the PKK.

October 21 - He attacked the NATO Radar station in Mardin, 1 person died, 1 person was injured.

1987
January 22 - 8 people were killed as a result of the explosion of bombs placed in the stove in the Ortabağ village of Hakkâri.

January 23 - 10 people were killed in the attack on Midyat.

February 22 - 13 people were killed and 6 people were injured in an armed attack on Taşdelen village of Uludere district of Şırnak.

March 4 - Turkish Armed Forces; In Iraq, the camps, warehouses and shelters of PKK militants were bombed.

March 7 - PKK killed 8 people in the village of Açıkyol, Nusaybin district of Mardin.

May 21 - PKK killed the village teacher Asım Özen and the village imam Mehmet Bayram in Yolçatı village in Lice district of Diyarbakır.

June 20 - Pınarcık Village Massacre took place.

June 30 - Pülümür, 4 PKK militants who came to Kabayel village killed 2 people, arsoned a house.

July 8 - 16 people were killed and 6 people were injured in the raid on the village of Pençek in Şırnak. 9 people died in the attack on Yuvalı, Hatay.

July 9 - 31 people were killed in the attack on Midyat district of Mardin.

August 20 - 25 people were killed and 1 person was injured in an armed attack on Kılıçkaya village of Eruh district. This attack also passes as the Milan hamlet massacre. 5 people died in an attack on Dargeçit Mardin.

September 21, 1987- PKK massacred 11 people in Şırnak, 2 women and 4 children, 2 of whom were pregnant in Güneyce Village.

October 10, 1987 - 11 people were killed and 9 people were injured as a result of an armed attack on the Çobandere hamlet of Şırnak, Şırnak.

1988
March 29 - He strangled 9 shepherds in Yağızoymak village of Eruh district.

April 24 - He killed 2 people in Tunceli.

May 2 - He killed 6 people in Ortabağ village of Uludere district of Hakkâri.

May 7 - 16 people were killed in an armed attack on the village of Creek in Sirnak.

May 9 - Mardin, Nusaybin district, Taşköy Balmin hamlet was held in the raid of 8 children, 2 women and 11 people were killed. 3 people were found dead.

October 22 - Former Diyarbakır Prison Commander Esat Oktay Yıldıran was killed in the municipal bus in Kısıklı, Istanbul.

1989
January 1 - Duran Kalkan (Abbas Code), Ali Haydar Kaytan (Fuat Kodan) and Selahattin Çelik (Selim Hoca Code) were arrested in 14 militants in Germany. Following this incident, the PKK carried the Central European propaganda and action center to France.

November 24 - 28 people were killed and 2 people were injured in an armed attack in İKİYAKA, Yüksekova Yasin Yasin neighborhood. 9 shepherds and 700 sheep with them PKK members who took the attack after the attack was announced that they fled to a neighboring country.

December 12 - Passenger Stone from Mardin to Cevizlik Village

And so on it continues.

In that time the PKK terrorist organization was training its people and strengthening their structure mainly in Syria and Lebanon. In order to understand PKK you should always know that they will never be not owned. At that time their sponsors were the Syrian Regime, leftist organizations including the Palestinian Liberation Organization. Among them the Bulgarian government (a Soviet satellite) was also blamed for supporting the PKK inside Syria.

The US didn't supported PKK in 1991. Their weapons came from the black market in Syria and Iraq which was mainly consisting of old Iraq-Iran war stocks. Later weapons came from the Peshmerga in Iraq and black market stocks after the Gulf War, 2003 Iraq war, Yugoslavia War etc. In the 90s the US was an opponent to the PKK. Both the US and Israel cooperated in the fight against PKK due to the PKK's relationship with the Soviets and also some of the Palestinian Resistance. In fact, the US and Israel both played a critical role in the operation that resulted in the capturing of Abdullah Ocalan in Kenya which was to be hijacked by the Greek intelligence to the Netherlands. If we can talk about US support for the Kurdish cause, we can talk about the US support to the local Kurdish powers in Iraq in this period.

During all this period NATO's Stay Behind network (you can read about it) was very active in combating leftist influence including the PKK and not only, but due to the harsh methods of the newly established counter-guerilla teams and the meddling of Stay Behind in Turkiye's internal affairs including sabotages, executions of important figures etc, this not only didn't solved the problems, but aggravated them even more. Some of the people that were tasked by the Stay Behind network in Turkiye also turned rogue and this among many other problems resulted in internal fractures within the Turkish State mechanisms from which we can't recover even till today. All of the current bullshit in the everyday Turkish politics that we are forced to see is in result of this fracturing of the State and the continuing tensions.

From the days of the war in Korea, Turkiye was keen to enter NATO and protect itself from the Soviet threat. Within the newly established Truman Doctrine in 1948 a team of 16 important figures went to the US in order to receive Special Warfare training. After Turkiye was accepted in NATO in 1952 a large scale restructuring of both the intelligence and also the Turkish Armed Forces started in order to prepare Turkiye for a guerilla war in case of a Soviet invasion. Let me tell you who are two of the people that received this training. General Danis KARABELEN and Alparslan Turkes (the leader of the MHP). All of the 16 figures played a critical role in Turkiye's internal affair, took critical decisions on these issues and also some of them played a serious role in Turkiye's military coup history.

In 1952 after a National Security Council decision, General Danis KARABELEN was given the authority to form the Tactical Mobilization Group which is the first "version" of the Turkish Special Forces from a modern perspective which were later restructured to the Special Warfare Department and the Special Forces Command (current), while Alparslan Turkes was not only responsible for leading the MHP, but also had a responsibility within the special warfare concept to play a hand in establishing the "civilian" paramilitary structure of the Turkish far right. You can research on your own by combining the terms of "Special Warfare Department" and "Grey Wolves" and see the results of this counter-guerilla formation. Extremely professional done jobs, but unfortunately often serving someone on the other side of the ocean. When we talk about this structure we should know very well that it is not an ordinary "Special Forces" structure as in the most cases in other countries. This command and its subordinates had the luxury to do whatever it wants without fear of legal retribution, receive unlimited amounts of money and training, because it was the center of the NATO's Stay Behind organization brain in Turkiye. "Black Operation" was an every day term for the command. There are hundreds if not thousands of killings with unknown perpetrator that are attributed to the Special Warfare Department. Among them are politicians, journalists, military personnel, statesmen etc. Decisions that were taken in this command influenced global processes. For example people like Mehmet Ali Agca were directed by this structure. With both its military and civilian personnel it had access and positions everywhere.

What followed after that was Turkiye being extremely lucky to receive advising from the highest level of NATO on Special Warfare, creating a serious paramilitary structure that is able to defend Turkiye's interest inside the country and beyond, but everything came with a price. As I many times stated, the US doesn't want partners, but pawns. Strategic decisions were taken in full coordination with the highest echelons in NATO, including decisions that are not in Turkiye's interests. A chance was given for Stay Behind to grow roots into all of the important institutions of the State which we can't fully destroy till today, because this is comparable to cancer. After the far right was not so modern anymore, the Stay Behind changed concepts and Islamism started to be the modern term. While Stay Behind crushed some of its servants from the far right, it kept some of them which we can see even till today active in the Turkish politics. Now Islamism starts to lose its track and we are going to be liberal lefties and the show goes on.

Why am I writing these you may ask. Well, I know that it is some kind of a trend to blame everything on the Americans. This has its points, but it is important to blame them for the things they really did and of course with local cooperation. In two words, the dynamics around PKK is changing with time and we know that both the US and Russia have their strategic plans for the Kurdish minorities in our region, but we should be more accurate when talking about it. We can clearly state that currently the US is supporting the reformist branch of the PKK, but the US was not the reason for the PKK to grow in the 80s and the 90s. Yes, events that were caused by US interventions in the region were important in the creation for the environment in which PKK can grow, but we can't talk about a direct role at that time.

NOTE: It will be unfair to talk of the special forces in such a negative way and ignore the positive records of its history.

General Danis KARABELEN commemorated by the TRNC President, Ersin Tatar. General KARABELEN was among the team that was sent to Cyprus, organized the Turkish Resistance Organization and turned it into an armed forces.

1725487496912.png
 

Follow us on social media

Top Bottom