"It is a beautiful feeling that allows you to discover new things, but it also makes you feel very unhappy and lonely." This paradoxical description comes from a research participant in Türkiye in our multi-country investigation of social connection. In Türkiye-a culture synonymous with çay (tea) shared among friends and legendary hospitality- loneliness wears an unexpected face. Türkiye reports high loneliness rates despite cultural traditions emphasizing warmth and connection.
Pope Leo has embarked on his first foreign trip as Catholic leader with a visit to two Muslim-majority countries of Turkiye and Lebanon, where he is expected to make appeals for peace in the Middle East, ravaged by conflicts, and urge unity among long-divided Christian churches. The pontiff, who has a crowded three-day itinerary in Turkiye starting on Thursday, before heading on to Lebanon, will be closely watched as he makes his first speeches overseas and visits sensitive cultural sites.
Turkiye will host next year's COP31 summit in the city of Antalya, ending a long standoff with Australia over the location of the top United Nations climate meeting. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday morning that Australia had reached an arrangement with Turkiye to host negotiations in the lead-up to the 2026 UN climate meeting along with Pacific nations while Turkiye will assume the presidency of the official meeting.
Few travel experiences capture the imagination quite like a journey across Türkiye and Egypt. Both countries are cradles of civilization, where history, culture, and natural beauty intersect in extraordinary ways. From the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and from the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the tranquil shores of the Red Sea, this 15-day itinerary offers travelers the chance to immerse themselves in ancient wonders while enjoying modern comforts.
The wildfires that have engulfed Turkiye for weeks have surrounded the country's fourth-largest city, leading to the evacuation of more than 1,765 people and causing the tragic death of one firefighter.
Members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party have started the process of laying down their arms in northern Iraq after announcing the end of their armed struggle against Turkiye. This significant development follows decades of conflict and marks a shift towards democratic politics. The reactions from the Kurdish community are divided, with some perceiving this as a hopeful step towards peace, while others view it as a forced concession without tangible gains.