Large May Day demonstration expected Tuesday

Many Turkish labor unions and workers are expected to hold large demonstrations Tuesday in honor of International Workers’ Day (May Day).

Turkish lira weakens in reaction to political standoff

The Turkish lira opens 4% weaker in reaction to the political standoff over the presidency. The dollar opened at 1.39 YTL Monday compared to 1.335 YTL Friday.

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Vote will go on despite boycott

Opposition leaders boycott round one of presidential elections. Despite not having 367 representatives present, the speaker of parliament will hold the vote.

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Apartment building collapses in Istanbul

A 6-story apartment building collapses in Istanbul’s Sirinevler district Thursday. Two people were found in the rubbish and rescue workers are looking for a third.

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Erdogan: No need for early elections

Erdogan shoots down calls by opposition leaders for early elections. He said there was no need because AK Party’s candidate will be elected by the third round.

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Tests begin for Turkish fast train

Tests for a fast train on the Ankara-Eskisehir line begin Thursday. This is the first attempt at a fast train since the Istanbul-Ankara train crashed in 2004.

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Buying a home is next to impossible for most Turks

Most people in Turkey cannot afford to buy a home. The average monthly loan payment is 1800 YTL, which is higher than 80% of the population’s monthly income.

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First round of presidential election starts this week

The first round of Turkey’s presidential election starts April 27. AK Party has 350 votes, meaning Abdullah Gul only needs 14 votes to become elected.

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Thousands of people gather for Anzac Day

Thousands of people gather in Gallipoli to honor the 8,000 Australian and New Zealand troops killed during the World War I Gallipoli campaign in 1915.

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Abdullah Gul to run for president

Prime Minister Erdogan announces Abdullah Gul, Turkey’s current Foreign Minister, as AK Party’s candidate for the presidential election Tuesday morning.

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