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The hottest Substack posts of The Strategy Toolkit

And their main takeaways

A refuge for the displaced, Mersin adapts to a post-quake population surge

117 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
  1. Mersin has experienced a surge in population due to earthquakes, straining public services and increasing rental prices.
  2. City officials and NGOs in Mersin are providing humanitarian relief, temporary housing, and food for displaced residents.
  3. Displaced individuals like a priest and a young woman face challenges like damaged homes, discrimination, and uncertainty about the future due to rising rent costs.

Rural exodus: Earthquake survivors take shelter in Hatay’s villages

117 implied HN points • 03 May 23
  1. After devastating earthquakes, thousands have relocated from Hatay to rural areas for easier living conditions.
  2. Villages in Hatay still depend heavily on humanitarian aid due to lack of official distribution and damaged infrastructure.
  3. Hatay faces long-term challenges like water shortages and damaged irrigation systems post-earthquakes, impacting agriculture and daily life.

Tilting the balance: What does ErdoÄźan get by meeting with Putin?

117 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
  1. ErdoÄźan's meeting with Putin may help Turkey maintain its NATO mediator role.
  2. Pushing for the grain deal could boost ErdoÄźan's public image.
  3. The meeting may also advance ErdoÄźan's domestic and international interests beyond Russia-Ukraine dynamics.

Erkan’t Always Get What You Want

78 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
  1. Rental prices in Turkey are surging, making affordable housing a growing problem.
  2. Access to credit is becoming more challenging due to increased interest rates.
  3. Recent monetary tightening moves in Turkey have sparked foreign investor interest.
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Amid soaring housing costs, Ä°stanbul is packed with vacant, newly-built homes

98 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
  1. Amid soaring housing costs in Istanbul, there is a high percentage of newly-built homes sitting vacant.
  2. Real estate investments have been a popular choice in Istanbul due to steady price growth, earthquake concerns, and economic policies.
  3. The government is considering a vacant property tax to encourage homeowners to put their houses on the market rather than keeping them empty.

Smack My Pitch Up

78 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
  1. Turkey was involved in a football scandal with violence against a referee during a match, leading to matches being suspended and condemnation from various parties.
  2. Violence in Turkish football is not uncommon but this incident was significant because a club president was involved, sparking discussions about the culture of violence in the sport.
  3. Football in Turkey is closely intertwined with politics, with powerful political and economic actors involved in the sport, leading to a culture of impunity for misconduct.

Stuck In The Middle With YĂĽz

98 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
  1. President ErdoÄźan delivered a significant speech on Turkey's centennial, emphasizing future plans and criticisms of the opposition.
  2. ErdoÄźan also addressed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, condemning attacks and positioning Turkey as a mediator.
  3. The speech outlined future goals for 2024 elections, focusing on economic growth, youth support, housing, and inflation control.

Op-ed | Constitution arithmetics in Ankara

78 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
  1. Presidential elections in Turkey may involve changes to constitutional rules like the 50+1 rule.
  2. AKP may need to collaborate with various parties to pass constitutional amendments.
  3. Constitutional debates in Ankara are driven by power struggles and could shape the future of right-wing parties in Turkey.

100 Years Of Interlude

98 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
  1. The newsletter celebrates Turkey's 100 years since the fall of the Ottoman empire.
  2. Recent political shifts in Turkey include reactions to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
  3. Economic concerns are raised, such as interest rate increases and challenges in the Turkish economy.

What comes next for Hamas members in Turkey?

98 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
  1. Hamas members in Turkey may face increased scrutiny after recent events.
  2. Turkish public sentiments are largely pro-Palestine, impacting decisions regarding Hamas.
  3. There is a risk to the recent progress in restoring bilateral ties between Turkey and Israel.

Adıyaman overlooked: Residents express anger as earthquake death toll grows

98 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
  1. Residents in Adıyaman are expressing anger over delayed emergency response efforts and insufficient media coverage following devastating earthquakes.
  2. Lack of aid in Adıyaman led to preventable deaths and challenges in retrieving bodies from the rubble.
  3. Coordination challenges persist in distributing aid effectively, as survivors face urgent needs for tents, heating devices, toilets, and hygiene products.

Nagorno-Karabakh: What the Zangezur Corridor means for Turkey and the region

98 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
  1. Turkey and Azerbaijan are focused on developing the Zangezur Corridor through Armenia.
  2. The Zangezur Corridor has strategic importance for economic growth and regional power dynamics.
  3. The corridor's completion could impact various countries and influence trade routes in the region.

The Reis Is On

98 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
  1. Presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkey are set for May 14, with key details and challenges highlighted.
  2. The earthquake aftermath in Turkey continues to impact various aspects, such as politics, foreign relations, and the economy.
  3. Turkey's engagement with international issues, like NATO expansion and relations with Russia, reflects a dynamic and evolving landscape.

Conflict Of Interest Rate

98 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
  1. The Central Bank of Turkey increased its key policy rate after over two years, signaling a return to orthodox economic policies.
  2. Analysts expected a sharper rate adjustment, and the Turkish lira weakened following the announcement.
  3. Despite skepticism about the long-term sustainability, the recent rate hike by Turkey's Central Bank is seen as a step towards addressing inflation targets.

Keep Your Eyes On The Ballot

98 implied HN points • 11 May 23
  1. 5 million first-time voters may play a crucial role in the upcoming elections.
  2. Main opposition candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is close to ending the contest in the first round.
  3. Potential for violence and irregularities on election day highlighted by analysts.

Voting amid rubble: How people in Turkey’s earthquake zone are thinking about elections

98 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
  1. Voting patterns in Turkey's earthquake zone may not change significantly despite initial anger and turmoil.
  2. Many voters in earthquake-affected areas need to return to their home provinces to cast their ballots, impacting election logistics.
  3. Concerns exist about election integrity in the upcoming May 14 elections in Turkey, with past irregularities and logistical challenges noted.

Push factors: Why young people in SE Turkey want to move to Europe

117 implied HN points • 05 Dec 22
  1. Three out of four young people in Turkey want to move abroad, especially those with professional degrees.
  2. Push factors for young people in SE Turkey to move to Europe include poor economic prospects and democratic backsliding.
  3. Job prospects, quality of life, and economic opportunities are major reasons why young individuals in SE Turkey want to move to Europe.

What Syrians in Antep say about rising anti-refugee sentiments

117 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
  1. Many Syrians in Gaziantep face discrimination and economic struggles.
  2. Anti-refugee sentiments in Turkey are fueled by economic downturn and political discourse.
  3. Syrian refugees in Turkey desire better working conditions and rights.

You Can Go Your Self-Own Way

58 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
  1. In Turkish politics, the opposition bloc is facing divisions ahead of elections.
  2. HEDEP and Ä°YÄ° Party have decided to field their own candidates for the upcoming elections.
  3. There is uncertainty over potential collaborations and candidate selections in critical provinces.

IS members continue to shelter in Turkey, some with Yazidi captives

157 implied HN points • 23 Aug 22
  1. Yazidis are being held captive by IS members in Turkey, with some families resorting to unofficial means to secure their release.
  2. There are IS members and returnees living in various Turkish cities, with little arrest or prosecution of Turkish citizens involved.
  3. Counterterrorism operations in Turkey are mostly focused on foreign IS members, while Turkish citizens with IS affiliations often go undisturbed.

Why are child abuse cases rising in Turkey?

78 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
  1. The rise in child abuse cases in Turkey is attributed to lack of effective policies, perception of impunity for abusers, and difficulty accessing comprehensive data.
  2. A psychologist highlights that child abuse cases may not receive enough attention in Turkish society unless they involve particularly 'cruel' actions.
  3. Various societal pressures, including economic and cultural factors, contribute to the vulnerability of children to sexual abuse in Turkey.

Groundhog Bey

78 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
  1. Global affairs are at a tipping point between different ice cream gif trends.
  2. NATO is experiencing challenges and delays, like a brain freeze.
  3. Sweden's NATO accession process is stuck in a repetitive cycle and faces uncertainties.

Leaving Kabul for Ä°stanbul, a new Afghan community grows in BeylikdĂĽzĂĽ

78 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
  1. A new Afghan community is growing in BeylikdĂĽzĂĽ, Istanbul.
  2. Afghan residents face rising anti-refugee sentiments and difficulties in Turkey.
  3. For many Afghans, BeylikdĂĽzĂĽ offers a sense of community, cultural comfort, and access to amenities like water that were rare in Afghanistan.

Build Back Bettor

78 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
  1. Turkey continues to recover from devastating earthquakes, with significant loss of life and extensive damage, requiring extensive rebuilding efforts.
  2. Political implications of the earthquakes are seen in the upcoming elections, with Erdogan aiming to rally voters around post-earthquake rhetoric.
  3. Controversies arise regarding the Turkish Red Crescent's handling of aid, leading to public outrage and questions about accountability.

Pretty Fly For An Aday

78 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
  1. Learn about the free online game 'Hajj Trail' simulating the pilgrimage to Mecca in the 17th-century Ottoman empire.
  2. Discover the latest political developments in Turkey, including visitations, party strategies, and alliances.
  3. Get updates on the aftermath of the recent earthquakes in Turkey, international aid efforts, and economic initiatives.

Does a LĂĽtfĂĽ SavaĹź candidacy mean CHP is abandoning Hatay?

39 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
  1. CHP's candidate LĂĽtfĂĽ SavaĹź is not seen in key party events in Hatay before the elections.
  2. There is speculation whether CHP is abandoning Hatay due to the absence of candidate LĂĽtfĂĽ SavaĹź.
  3. Event details show SavaĹź missing from a key gathering, raising questions about the party's stance in Hatay.

Ekrem Brûlée

98 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
  1. This is the last recap of 2022 with Christmas themes
  2. Read the reports in English and Turkish from this past year with local journalists
  3. The post is for paid subscribers but new subscribers can join to access the content

For many Alevis in Turkey, Erdoğan’s gestures fall short

78 implied HN points • 31 Jan 23
  1. Many Alevis in Turkey feel that ErdoÄźan's gestures are inadequate.
  2. There is a newly built complex in İstanbul's Küçükçekmece neighborhood that is making Birol Yıldız proud.
  3. The complex in Küçükçekmece will soon host the İstanbul Cemevi Eğitim and Kültür Vakfı.

No surprises: How voters in Diyarbakır view the HDP closure case

98 implied HN points • 07 Dec 22
  1. Some voters in Diyarbakır are not surprised by the potential closure of the pro-Kurd HDP party.
  2. Previous closure of Kurdish parties has led to them returning stronger.
  3. Closure of HDP may not sway pro-Kurdish voters in Diyarbakır, who may shift support based on parties' policies on the Kurdish issue.

Q+A: Kerim Has on Turkey-Russia relations

78 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
  1. Turkey, under President ErdoÄźan, is asserting itself in regional developments.
  2. Turkey's unique relationship with Russia is a topic of high interest.
  3. There is significant coverage on President ErdoÄźan in recent years.

Yargıtay The Knot

58 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
  1. Legal conflict between top Turkish courts over a recent ruling
  2. Yargıtay's refusal to accept AYM's decision led to criminal charges and political tensions
  3. Possible judiciary crisis if AYM does not have enough members to investigate the charges

How Turkey’s "new economic model" affects exporters in Konya

157 implied HN points • 28 Jun 22
  1. Turkish exporters in Konya are negatively impacted by the new economic model's focus on growth and exports.
  2. Inflation is a major challenge for businesses like GesaĹź due to rising costs in energy and salaries.
  3. Despite historical support for ErdoÄźan, AKP loyalists in Konya are questioning their backing as economic difficulties grow.

Mir Mortal

117 implied HN points • 22 Sep 22
  1. A lawyer is trying to ban BeyoÄźlu's fortune tellers, affecting the newsletter's content.
  2. A 1925 law in Turkey prohibits mystical practices, like fortune telling.
  3. Turkey recap newsletter and fortune cookies are now considered partners in crime.

Thinly Veiled Bet

98 implied HN points • 27 Oct 22
  1. Three years ago, things were different: contagion was just a movie, exchange rates were different, Kanye was still Kanye, and Turkey was still on Facebook.
  2. Covid changed things, but Turkey Recap celebrated its three-year anniversary this week.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers, showing gratitude to the community for their support.

Seismic Shift

58 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
  1. A crucial discussion regarding the earthquake in Turkey will be hosted through an Earthquake Q+A event on Feb 17 at 1500 GMT.
  2. The earthquakes in Turkey have revealed issues like faulty construction, inadequate emergency response, and the impact on displaced populations.
  3. The earthquakes are likely to influence Turkey's political landscape, with debates on election dates, relief efforts, and economic recovery in the spotlight.