Turkish Spring... perhaps

[knocky1]

These problems are compounded by the strong economic growth of Turkey over the last few years creating a burgeoning middle class, who want a say in Turkey's future. They do not want Erdogan making all decisions for them. He is best described as an Islamist embracing Western Globalisation. I drove my Mazda Bongo to and round Turkey last September and October. The sense of an economy on the move was immense. Driving past Galatasary's ground was like being in a wealthy Italian city such as Milan. In January they booed Erdogan here and he responded by threatening to close the ground. The stock market is up 80% in 12 months.

Furthermore, they had operation Sledgehammer to curb future coups and if thre is one, which as said above is still possible, they will be thrown out of NATO. Tricky times indeed. Hope everyone there is safe and good luck for the future of Turkey.

 

[knocky1]

Good morning everyone. No change here. Protests still entrenched in the big cities and much the same going on. All quiet here in Karsiyaka.

MK, sorry you need to be here but it is not as you think. I doubt that this is an Arab Spring , true, not least because Erdogan has a democratic mandate and there are parties opposing him in the mainstream sphere. However, the military has been de-fanged over the last ten years and they have neither the power nor the will to get involved. And this is probably just as well as the problem with Turkey in the past is that political awareness did not develop because whenever there was a crisis the military got involved..... people stayed divorced from the process. perhaps what is happening now is just part of Turkey growing up politically. I dont know. As for Ataturk.... the attitude to him has changed. he is no longer a godhead... Still a unifying force but unlikely to motivate a whole movement of disparate beliefs.

You have it' Turkey is growing up politically' and it is a unique situation. With a bit of West and a bit of East, a secular society, new middle class, more democracy(?) and less military interference.

 

[knocky1]

On a footballing note the new growth has been illustrated by Bursaspor becoming only the 5th team to win the Turkish League this year. Apart from Trabzonspor repeatedly in the 70's all other winners have been from Istanbul; Galatasary, Fernebache and Besiktas.

 

[dougdeep]

On a footballing note the new growth has been illustrated by Bursaspor becoming only the 5th team to win the Turkish League this year. Apart from Trabzonspor repeatedly in the 70's all other winners have been from Istanbul; Galatasary, Fernebache and Besiktas.

Idiot.

 

[knocky1]

Idiot.

You must be if you do not see the link between the economic growth in Turkey with the current protests. Glad to see your educated response.

 

[pork pie]

Hi Everyone!

Ive been away for most of the day today as things have really kicked off here in the last 24 hours. Anti-government protest in most big cities and widespread use of tear gas et al. If you're planning on coming out here you might want to think twice right now.

For the last hour people have been out on their balconies around us banging on pots and pans and switching their lights on and off. Will this get anywhere I dont know but we'll see.

Head aches
Wrecked pots and pans
blown bulbs

This is not good for a member of NATO

 

[Super Steve Earle]

It's just dawned on me that the first place I think I'm getting the truth about Turkey is NSC!

 

[Return of the Rev]

head aches
wrecked pots and pans
blown bulbs

this is not good for a member of nato

try pooping on the floor that will cause a stir

 

[dougdeep]

You must be if you do not see the link between the economic growth in Turkey with the current protests. Glad to see your educated response.

This thread is about lives being in danger, water cannon and CS gas being used on innocent people. Then you start a post with "On a footballing note". There are more important things going on .

 

[vegster]

A Turkish girl I know says that Erdogan's re-election was rigged. She know hardly anyone who voted for him second time around. That may only be a small snapshot of the voting but there are a very large number of people who feel that Erdogan has cheated.

This could be likened to the time when Maggie pushed through the Poll Tax, lots of normally quiet, acquiescent people decided that enough was enough and that they would not be pushed any further......but that's another story !

 

[knocky1]

This thread is about lives being in danger, water cannon and CS gas being used on innocent people. Then you start a post with "On a footballing note". There are more important things going on .

Never mind. I expected a few thicko replies from ignoramuses like yourself. Read all the posts and you will see I am looking at cause not effect..

 

[SULLY COULDNT SHOOT]

MK is right about the voting... definitely not rigged unfortunately.

protesters now cleaning up and planting flowers before the onslaught likely to begin again this afternoon/evening. Rushing in and out right now. Will try and get down to centre of Izmir myself later to see whats going on

 

[ferris_ferrit]

Russia Today have a live feed of the protests if the UK media agencies are not covering the action sufficiently:

http://rt.com/on-air/turkey-protest-istanbul-park/

 

[SULLY COULDNT SHOOT]

Quick piccy of protesters cleaning up:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...0876486404685.431018.640964684&type=1&theater

Same people government are accusing of being extremists.

 

[SULLY COULDNT SHOOT]

One more. A top rock group wrote the following song for the protest but the video has some of the most memorable images/videos of the protest:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=586407428056780&set=vb.171633248622&type=2&theater

 

[dougdeep]

Mt Erdogan DEMANDED an end to the protests and said, " Taksim Square cannot be allowed to be a place where marginal groups can freely roam"
He sounds a right tit.

 

[SULLY COULDNT SHOOT]

Mt Erdogan DEMANDED an end to the protests and said, " Taksim Square cannot be allowed to be a place where marginal groups can freely roam"
He sounds a right tit.

hahahaha! Can I quote you on that?

 

[SULLY COULDNT SHOOT]

Am now in centre of Izmir very loud about 10000 people here chanting. Evidence of water cannons and rare tear gas and arrests but generally calm. Almost party atmosphere. Will be leaving b4 gets worse. Have some pics and crap video will try to downloAd later. Police push now so will retreat

 

[SULLY COULDNT SHOOT]

Just walked round to get a better view. Chemical smell everywhere like after a bonfire. Streets wet. Suddenly everyone turns and runs towards you. Staying on the periphery so don't get cAught up

 

[The Fifth Column]

Cheers.... today was OK but tonight its got a lot more electric. Think we may keep the kids in tomorrow. And Izmir is notoriously one of the sleepiest places in Turkey.. still 10000 people got gassed here this evening and there are twitter reports from Istanbul of Agent Orange....

Why would they be spraying a defoliant around Istanbul, Are the protestors hiding amongst the trees?