Columns & Interviews Archive
A chronological archive of Cem Kar’s columns published in Star Kıbrıs, Havadis Newspaper, Vatan and Cumhuriyet, alongside his Bir Zamanlar interview series.
Dad, Why Don’t We Have McDonald’s?
I was finally able to keep a promise I’d made to my son (who is 8) for years.
Who Has the Best Excuse?
Especially when it comes to the country’s problems and their causes, we have imposed our own truths on the public in line with our interests. When our interests clash, our truths change a little.
Whose Excuse Is the Best?
Especially when it comes to the country’s problems and their causes, we have imposed our own versions of the truth on the public in line with our interests. And when our interests clash, our truths become a little different.…
That migration issue
You were born, you grew up, and you were educated as much as possible or as much as your family could afford. Over the years, you witnessed war, fought, and endured hardship... In times of hardship, you kept making promises to yourself: “I went through this; my children won’t”…
Is anyone among you willing to be a leader/hero?
Among the most important services a state should provide its people (if it is indeed a welfare state, as those governing us claim) are healthcare, education, and security.
Does anyone among you want to be a leader/hero?
Among the most important services a state provides to its people (if it is indeed a welfare state, as those governing us claim) are healthcare, education, and security.
Loving your country means...
Someone picks up a flag and says, “My motherland, Türkiye—I’m a nationalist”; someone else waves the flag harder and says, “I’m the greatest nationalist of all.”
The first sun of 1964 is rising. The first morning of 1964…
Sometimes a film, a book, a paragraph, or a piece of writing that tells someone else’s story can bring about profound changes in your life.
The first sun of 1964 is rising. The first morning of 1964…
Sometimes a film, a book, a paragraph, or an article recounting someone else’s memories can bring about profound changes in your life.
People from Turkey came, and this is what happened
There is no doubt that the most hotly debated issue in recent days has been the verbal exchange between Doğuş Derya and Zorlu Töre and its repercussions beyond the chamber.
People from Turkey came, and this is what happened
Without a doubt, the most hotly debated issue in recent days has been the war of words between Doğuş Derya and Zorlu Töre and its public fallout.
I’ll storm Parliament, go on hunger strike
A state—or, more precisely, the governments that run it—has a primary duty to treat every citizen equally. When this is not the case, distrust and grievances arise.
A Day to Face the Facts
Today is the day of those who say, “The world doesn’t recognize the TRNC, so what Republic are you celebrating?” and those who say, “Even if the world doesn’t recognize it, we have a country and a Republic of our own...”
I was appointed, I'm being appointed, they were appointed...
In fact, it is such an incident that it lays bare how the appointment process works...
Today is a day to make memories…
Whenever I put on socks, I think of my father. I open my eyes and see him putting on his socks before going to work. He looks at me and winks… And with a slight smile, I practically see him off and go back to sleep…
Let’s do it ‘again, again, again…
Our politicians were competing with one another, and cleanups were taking place all across the country.
Formulas for Announcing a Presidential Candidacy
Making claims about who will or will not run for president has become a popular pastime in recent days…
Formulas for Announcing Presidential Candidates
Making claims about who will or will not run for president has become a popular pastime in recent days…
Lack of Local Governance
The results of the “Municipalities Satisfaction Survey,” prepared by the Girne Research Institute (GAE), which operates under Girne American University (GAU), were announced yesterday at the Arabahmet Cultural Center.
Can the Press Be Free?
Especially now, on the eve of the elections, our country's politicians have become the biggest advocates of press freedom
Why Did the Alliance End?
Actually, we have some good sayings: “Don’t say amen to a prayer that won’t be answered,” “The fish rots from the head down,” and so on…
President Erdoğan, Prime Minister Gül
Developments in Turkey have reached dizzying proportions. As election debates gradually die down, discussions about the presidential election to be held in August have already begun…
Will the Alliance Succeed?
Given the alliance that UBP and DP formed in previous local elections, it was not very successful. An alliance will be formed again in the upcoming local elections. Party officials describe the alliance in question as “partial”…
Will the alliance succeed?
Considering the alliance UBP and DP previously formed in local elections, it was not very successful. An alliance will be formed again in the upcoming local elections. Party officials describe this alliance as “partial”…
A society that loses its imagination has no future!
For a long time, I have been emphasizing the importance of justice on the television programs I appear on as a guest, on my own program, and in my writing. I know that seeking peace…
What should be done in the negotiations?
The negotiation process began after a difficult period. There will be cross-community talks during the week, and I hope these meetings, which will take place in Ankara and Athens, will make a positive contribution to the process.
Our Social Injustices
Justice is not a right sought only in the courts. Social justice among citizens is at least as important as legal justice. It is hardly possible to speak of social justice in our country.
How did Denktaş and Küçük meet?
In the coming days, we will hold very important commemorative ceremonies for our country. We will remember Dr. Fazıl Küçük, the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, and our Founding President, Rauf Raif Denktaş.
Garden of Dreams
I don’t know whether you’ve seen the film ‘Garden of Dreams’. For those who haven’t, let me briefly tell you about it: after his wife dies, a man buys a run-down zoo with his two children in order to make a fresh start. He has found his own…
What are we going to do with these jobs?
First, the Prime Minister said that the contracts of temporary employees hired during the UBP congress period would not be renewed. Then Deputy Prime Minister Serdar Denktaş said his conscience would not allow it. Then UBP…
It's Not Just About Football!
As you know, the agreement signed last night in Zurich between the Cyprus Turkish Football Association (KTFF) and the Greek Cypriot Football Federation (KOP), with the votes of 42 club presidents and the KTFF President at the KTFF General Assembly…
Repercussions of the KTFF-KOP Agreement in the Greek Cypriot Side and Recommendations
Talks between the KTFF and KOP, which had been ongoing for a long time, were put into writing in Zurich last week, and as the details emerged, a series of debates followed. Some criticized Sertoğlu, while others supported him…
This Is the TRNC
I’ve realized that my recent columns have been full of pessimism and dead ends. I suppose I’ve been spending my time lately with pessimistic people who are at a dead end—or perhaps I’m the one like that. Whatever the case, the result is the same: my columns are about pessimism and dead ends…
Who Did You Vote For?
It’s worth being frank. The TRNC is a public-sector country, and the private sector here is always left struggling to survive. In recent days, whoever I talk to, the conversation keeps coming back to this! Why? Let me explain…
Can U.S. Power Solve the Problem?
Developments concerning the Cyprus Problem have reached dizzying proportions in recent days. Almost every day, statements—especially those made by the Turkish side—based on a timetable create the impression that negotiations will proceed according to a set timetable…
Can U.S. power solve the problem?
Developments in the Cyprus problem have reached dizzying proportions in recent days. Almost every day, statements from the Turkish side in particular, framed around a timetable, create the impression that negotiations will proceed according to a specific timetable…
Nothing Will Ever Come of This Country
I don't know whether you're experiencing this too, but lately, the conversations I've had about the country's problems
A man shouting in the hospital?
You must know Adrien Brody. You know, the actor who won an Oscar for the film The Pianist, in which he starred in 2002… He has made many films, but you must have seen “The Experiment,” in which he and Forest Whitaker did a wonderful job…
I Don’t Understand Maraş!
The Maraş proposal is among the most talked-about topics of recent days… Everyone has something to say. Something like this happened once before, and I focused on the issue. I tried to understand it, but couldn’t. I still can’t. One side says, “Maraş should be returned to its former owners…”
How long will the government last?
**This question, one of the most hotly debated topics in recent days, is generally asked when coalition governments are formed. On the one hand, people complain that elections are held too often, while on the other, they predict how long the current government will last…
Could Coalition Talks Set an Example for the Cyprus Problem?
Yesterday, I followed the press conferences held by both CTP-BG and DPUG. The press conferences gave me the opportunity to learn why the negotiations between the two parties had ended negatively and how they had proceeded.
Liver with Yogurt
CTP-BG’s consultations continue as part of efforts to form a government. The CTP delegation, which met with UBP and TDP the day before, visited DP Ulusal Güçler yesterday. I was among those covering the visit. Coalition…
Liver with Yogurt
The CTP-BG’s consultations as part of efforts to form a government are continuing. After meeting with the UBP and TDP the day before, the CTP delegation visited the DP National Forces yesterday. I was among those following the visit. The visit must have attracted even more interest because people from various parts of society were commenting that the coalition government should consist of CTP-DP-UG; media interest in the visit was very high. In statements made after the meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, we saw that both Mr. Denktaş and Mr. Yorgancıoğlu were in very good spirits. Jokes were flying during the press conference. The joking mood, which began with yogurt and milk being served, continued after the meeting. This good humor was reflected in the statements, too: the parties announced that they agreed on every issue except the Cyprus problem. Meanwhile, we learned an interesting detail from Mr. Denktaş’s remarks: liver had been served during DPUG’s visit to CTP. But it turns out that Mr. Denktaş doesn’t like liver; what’s interesting is that Mr. Yorgancıoğlu doesn’t like the milk served by DP-UG, either. In fact, neither offering was meant to be eaten or drunk:
Who cut whom more effectively?
The elections are behind us, but the cutting and chopping are not… As you know, because of our electoral system, if a candidate wants to get ahead of the others and be elected, they have to get “ticks” from either party votes or mixed votes…
The system within the system
Lately, like everyone else, I too have started watching our television channels a lot. If I had to describe the time I spend doing this, I’d say it’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. Let’s start with the entertaining…
Audio Recordings Operation
Aslanbaba, who said he had taken a bribe, told the court that he had not taken a bribe. Okay, but if there was no bribery, what was everything we went through?
“Why didn’t you run?”
The list of parliamentary candidates for the early general election to be held on July 28 has been announced. We all witnessed how much difficulty the parties had putting these lists together. Everyone’s passion for serving the country…
Banner Headline for Sale
**The campaign period will begin shortly, and I’m already eagerly wondering which newspaper will serve us advertisements as “news”… The experience we had during the LTB elections is what fueled this curiosity.**
The earliest early election...
“They’re not ready for an election...”, “We’re the party most ready for an election...”, “No, we are!”, “We’re very, very ready...”
Modern Nationalism
When nationalism is mentioned, there is no doubt that the first thing that comes to mind is “Homeland, Nation, Sakarya” rhetoric… But nationalism today is developing somewhat differently… Let us consider how the concept of nationalism is changing under today’s conditions and what it means…
İrsen Küçük’s Big UBP?
I wrote an article titled “After the Party Convention” on October 21, 2012. In it, I said: “The UBP leader to be elected tomorrow will, in my view, be the person who takes the country to an early election... I can almost hear those of you asking, ‘Will an election solve anything?’…
An Article About “Galatasaray”…
You know how they say, “journalists are impartial”… No, journalists are not impartial, they cannot be… This saying is always misunderstood, whereas impartiality applies to news and commentary. Taking sides and being a journalist are different things. The two…
Mismanagement Takes Skill...
Do you pay attention to how those who govern our country assess any article or news story about the problems in our country? If there is a news story or article saying the economy is not doing well, you must have heard the cries of “our economy is soaring…
Mismanagement takes skill...
Do you pay attention to how those governing our country assess any article or news report about the problems in our country? If there is a report or article saying the economy is not doing well, you must have heard the cries of “our economy is soaring”…
Clean Nicosia!
The LTB 2013 by-election took place after an interesting election period and produced an interesting result. You must have followed the opinions, comments and discussions about the low turnout and the polls...
Chaos of Statements
We saw very well how the country is being governed. We witnessed everything: who and what are being sacrificed, and for what… Debates over employment, dismissals, appointments, favors for delegates, favors for businessmen—all of it…
Here Is the Great UBP!
The boast we’ve been hearing from the Prime Minister for some time—“I increased UBP from 24 MPs to 30”—strikes me as very strange… It’s much like hiring only people related to delegates, or someone over the age of 50, and saying, “If giving our young people jobs is a crime…
The Latest in the LTB Mayoral Race…
Perhaps none of us knew, as we began the week, that the LTB mayoral race would heat up this much… Tuesday
Küçük, “I’m hearing things to this effect too
As you know, the second round of the UBP congress will be held on February 24… Immediately after this announcement, I got comments from the parties firsthand on the Günlük program I host on Ada tv…
Küçük, “I’m also hearing things to this effect
As you know, the second round of the UBP Congress will be held on February 24… Immediately after this announcement, I got reactions from the parties involved on the spot during the Günlük program I host on Ada TV…
"Justice must first come from the state. (Aristo)
Following the UBP congress held on October 21, Ahmet Kaşif, a candidate for UBP chairman, believed there had been an injustice. Taking inspiration from the words “Overthrow an unjust regime with justice. (GANDHI),” he sought justice, saying, “There is nothing as great and divine as justice. (ADDISON),” and keeping in mind the proverb, “Justice limps and walks slowly, but sooner or later it reaches its destination. (MIREBAU)”…
A Very Economical Economic Program
A while ago, I wrote an article titled “That Economic Program We Prepared, You Know” and criticized the government over its preparation of an economic program. In that article, I said the following:
At LTB, “Okay, the fault is mine…”
I believe that one of our most chronic problems, both in the case of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality and throughout the country, is the absence of an “Okay, the fault is mine” approach. In fact, this is the result of our search for inner peace, driven by the urge to confirm our own beliefs and evade responsibility by blaming others…
After the Congress?
When I think about what we’ve been through during the congress process, I feel like saying, “Wow…”
Is the UBP Growing or Shrinking?
For quite some time, I had been wondering how Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu viewed the UBP congress process. At last, we met on the “Günlük” program I host on Ada Tv, and, so to speak, I bombarded him with questions.
That Economic Program We Prepared, You Know
On September 19, TRNC Economy and Energy Minister Sunat Atun said, “The Economic Program is the work of the people of the TRNC”…
Could the Ercan Tender Be Canceled?
As you know, the country’s agenda can change every minute. Against this backdrop, DP Leader Serdar Denktaş held a press conference yesterday with a large team. I attended the meeting as well, and there were many points and statements that caught my attention…
Is Dismissing Someone Wrong? Or Not Resigning?
Serhat Kotak was the guest on the previous day’s episode of “Daily,” the program I started doing on Ada Tv… We remembered our esteemed mentor İsmet Kotak and discussed current affairs. In our conversation, we talked about intraparty democracy and dismissals…
Intraparty Violence...
It seems that peace is needed not only for the Cyprus issue; internal peace must be established in many areas of our country.
High Season!
Recently, my work has given me the opportunity to become closely involved with businesses operating in the tourism sector… Every restaurant I went into, every tourism-oriented business, was empty during what is known as the “tourist season” or “high season”… There could be three reasons for this…
My son and his questions…
Would you believe it? Sometimes I struggle to explain things to my five-and-a-half-year-old son… Yes, trying to explain things to children that age is always difficult, and they ask questions constantly (just as we did at that age)…
The Most Authentic Turkish Cypriots
I am someone whom some circles have come to call “Turkish Cypriot,” but originally describe as “from Turkey”...
Ali Başman: “The TRNC economy is experiencing its worst days...
I interviewed Ali Başman, one of the successful figures in the business world, for the newly launched BayMen Magazine... You can read the full interview and see the photos in the magazine, but I wanted to share some of its striking points with you…
When Was the Last Time?
In recent days, I haven’t been reading newspapers or watching the news… I can say that I gave myself permission not to read newspapers or watch the news. You know the saying, “ignorance is bliss”? That was exactly the mode I was in, that is, the news…
“The bells of civil war are ringing for Greece…”
I had the opportunity to discuss the latest situation in Greece with my dear friend Nikos Stelgia, Kathimerini Newspaper’s Athens correspondent. I asked, and my friend Niko answered… Are you wondering what is happening in Greece?
So, Where Are We Supposed to Swim?
Which beach is safe for swimming? Which one is clean? Which beach isn’t being polluted by sewage and wastewater?
#toparlanıyoruz
The “Toparlanıyoruz movement” also caught my attention on social media. The statements reflect an approach that is on all our minds and hits the bull’s-eye in identifying problems…
‘A partridge in the bag’
We’re living through jackal season… \ The country has reached such a state that everything has become a fog of (ideas)… Just as some people wanted; take a closer look at the issues being raised in the country, where ideas are getting lost in the dust and smoke…
Plan B
“But what if this process produces no result? In other words, what happens if the process ends negatively? Would this negative outcome be the end for us Turkish Cypriots, or a beginning?…
‘This, too, is another massacre’
Speaking about the EIA Report on the Öğlen Ajansı program broadcast on Ada TV, DP General Chairman Serdar Denktaş, a guest of Cem Kar, said: “There is an overlooked detail in the EIA Report: before all regions were connected to municipalities, construction within the 100-meter limit…
Erk: The ban is an overreaction
Yesterday I published a letter from Azerbaijan and included criticism of CTP Secretary General Kutlay Erk and his delegation. Mr. Erk sent a response. I am publishing it verbatim…
Free “Race”ism
A debate has taken off… Confusion is at an all-time high, and everyone has their own definition of freedom: freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom of thought… But the issue is…
What is Brother Faruk thinking now?
Five years ago, on July 24, 2006, I wrote an article about Brother Faruk, the son of our bookseller uncle in İzmit, where I spent my childhood. In that article…
“THE MINISTER’S WORDS WILL BE USED AGAINST US”
The opposition has also criticized a speech by Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources Zorlu Töre at a reception in İskenderun. Özdil Nami, a CTP-BG MP and guest of Cem Kar on the Öğlen Ajansı program broadcast on Ada TV, said these statements would be used against the Turkish side…
‘The visits will be for show’
The talks that the UBP will begin today to form a coalition have also prompted claims that they are for show and that the UBP has in fact already determined its course of action. Senior officials from political parties who answered Cem Kar’s questions on the Öğlen Ajansı program broadcast on Ada TV…
Even the first strike was for political reasons
Nejat Konuk, the TRNC’s first Prime Minister, answered Cem Kar’s questions on the Öğlen Ajansı program on Ada TV, where he was a guest. Describing Cyprus during his time in office and Cyprus today, Konuk stressed that politics lay behind the country’s first general strike, noting that politics had been used for many different purposes in the country up to now…
SARAY Is Being Privatized
Prime Minister İrsen Küçük’s announcement that Saray Hotel would be leased because it was operating at a loss sparked debate. In an exclusive interview with Cem Kar, Foundations Administration Director General Mustafa Kemal Kaymakamzade said that leasing Saray Hotel could be considered privatization…
“WE BECAME THE SCAPEGOATS”
The search for someone to blame continues over the problems that erupted when the properties of foreigners who bought homes at the Kulaksız site were put up for auction. Banks…
‘There will be a crisis at the negotiating table’
Özdil Nami, a CTP-BG Nicosia MP who once served as Special Representative to Second President Mehmet Ali Talat, assessed the new negotiation process. Özdil Nami, a guest on Öğlen Ajansı, broadcast on Ada TV, answered Cem Kar’s questions.
The TRNC under Europe’s close watch
Ozan Ceyhun, a former Member of the European Parliament and guest of Cem Kar on the Öğlen Ajansı program broadcast on Ada TV, discussed developments concerning the country’s current affairs.
Who Is the Public Behind Now?
In the last presidential election, you had the chance to show what you wanted by voting… You took that chance and, by voting while wondering whether it was yesterday or the world, showed whom you stood behind…
Eroğlu: “I’m a better Talat”
The question of ‘what kind of solution,’ which we have been unable to resolve, is probably one that the people of our country cannot answer fully either; the most recent presidential election is an indication of this…
What Are You Voting For?
What are we voting on? Why are we choosing someone? What will it bring us? Which candidate can provide a solution? Is the solution in the candidates’ hands? And what kind of solution? Federation? Confederation…
Sometimes Flaws Are Beautiful…
Take the Tower of Pisa, for example: Built on unsuitable ground, the tower gradually took on a strange, tilted appearance over the years… It was born of a mistake; although its tilt may seem like a flaw, it is a bell tower that has become the symbol of Pisa, today one of the most visited cities in the world…
The Solution Lies with Eroğlu!
Cem Kar examines partisan labeling and the language of elections in Cypriot politics.
THE “THANK-YOU” SYNDROME
I don’t know whether it’s the hardships or their inability to do business that have brought them to this point, but there’s an interesting “thank-you” syndrome among the merchants in my country… Let’s start with Dereboyu… Dereboyu…
Who and what will you vote for?
The campaign period officially begins today. Yesterday, the TRNC Supreme Election Board (YSK) announced the final list of candidates for the presidential election on April 18. The UBP’s…
You Sneaky Lot
On January 19, I wrote an article and said, “We’re Suckers, We Pay.” It was about the overzealousness of the Güzelyurt police. That day, I wrote exactly this: “At the entrance to Güzelyurt, almost every oncoming vehicle was flashing its headlights, which brought me out of the dream world these beautiful surroundings had taken me to…
The right to interpret the bylaws belongs to the party
After the UBP Party Council decided to revoke the membership of Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, who had announced his candidacy for the presidency, he said while appearing on the Günaydın Ada program that he would initiate legal proceedings. Comment on Ertuğruloğlu’s decision came on the Öğlen Ajansı program hosted by Cem Kar…
UNCERTAINTY
Who knows how many articles this is? Every time, I delete what I’ve written, telling myself, “No, Cem, you’re not ready to write yet.” But this time, I think I’m ready to write… Because I, too, have missed…
“I WILL RUN IF THE VOTING PSYCHOLOGY CHANGES”
Özgürlük ve Reform Partisi (ÖRP) Chairman Turgay Avcı, who recently visited Ankara, spoke by phone on the Öğlen Ajansı program hosted by Cem Kar about developments related to his visit. Just before the phone call, they had hosted the DİSİ party…
‘RUN INTO THE GROUND AND SOLD’
Speaking by phone on the Öğlen Ajansı program hosted by Cem Kar about claims that the Turkish Cypriot Electricity Authority (KIB-TEK) would be privatized, El-Sen President Tuluy Kalyoncu said that Kıb-Tek faced a danger as the election period approached. Kalyoncu,…
“LET MONOPOLIES BE ELIMINATED”
The “Difference of Opinion” program, broadcast on Ada TV and moderated by Nazar Erişkin and Cem Kar, hosted prominent guests. In the program, which was also attended by Finance Minister Ersin Tatar, economist Ünal Akifler and Kamu-Sen President Mehmet Özkardaş examined the country’s economy.…
TALAT: I DID NOT MAKE CONCESSIONS; I AM NEGOTIATING
As the presidential elections approach, the country’s agenda is growing increasingly crowded. Undoubtedly, one of the busiest people amid this activity is President Mehmet Ali Talat. On the Special Agenda program, hosted by Cem Kar and featuring questions from Mehmet Davulcu, Editor-in-Chief of Star Kıbrıs Newspaper…
‘HE TALKED ABOUT AS THE SUN SETS’
The much-anticipated and widely discussed film As the Sun Sets, which has been among the most talked-about films in recent days, was discussed on the Midday Agency Program hosted by Cem Kar. The film’s director, Cemal Yıldırım, answered questions about the film.
“Eroğlu Asked British Officials for a Meeting, but Was Turned Down”
Hasan Hastürer, who joined the Öğlen Ajansı program hosted by Cem Kar by phone, claimed that Prime Minister Eroğlu had requested a meeting with British government officials and received a negative response. Hastürer added that this negative response was very thought-provoking.…
“THE MEDIA CANNOT DECIDE WHETHER A PERSON IS GUILTY”
Speaking on the Öğlen Ajansı program as Cem Kar’s guest, Emine Erk, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Kıbrıs Türk İnsan Hakları Vakfı, said that media organizations had often failed to act sensitively when human rights issues arose and when respect for human rights was at stake, and added that human rights cannot be addressed “in a specific, short period of time”…
“OUR AIM WAS TO INSTILL CYPRIOT CULTURE”
Dr. Bahar Özkan, head of Hacettepe University’s Children and Youth Folk Dance Ensemble, and Ayhan Bıçaklı, president of the Güzelyurt Art Association, appeared as guests on the Öğlen Ajansı program hosted by Cem Kar to bring clarity to the “folk dance” issue that has emerged in recent days…
‘Come to Ban in the Light of the ‘Moon’
Are you among those saying, “Nothing’s happening, so why is Ban coming?” Or are you saying, “You said there was no progress in the negotiations. Look, the UN Secretary-General is coming to the island. He isn’t coming for nothing…”
A Complex Solution
Should we look for someone to blame, or come up with solutions? This must be what they call chaos… And now we are right in the middle of it. And once again, we’ve managed to get everyone talking at once. \\\…
Politics Everywhere…
The flood disaster in Güzelyurt, the Orams case and politics… \ First I uttered cries of “ohhh, ohhh,” and immediately afterward said, “wow, what a maneuver,” one after the other.…
If I Were in Talat’s Place!
From time to time, certain opportunities come your way… But it is not enough to see them… The most important thing is to have the courage to seize them. \\\ As Mr. Talat’s approval ratings continue to fall…
We're suckers, we'll pay
The other day, I drove my own car to Gemikonağı to film. All along the way, I said to myself, “Oh, my beautiful country…” I love Cyprus at this time of year. Because…
Unraveled Minds
“Pro-solution,” “anti-solution”… With no plan, this is what the divide has become! Since we can’t say yes-sayers and no-sayers, we say “pro-solution,” “anti-solution”… We don’t struggle at all… Our assessments are so clear that…
The Communication Age? What's That?
You must have heard the phrase “We are in the communication age” many times. Think about it: many of the people you watch on screen must have referred to this phrase and used it in sentences many times… Yes, communication…
You Smile, and the World Smiles
I thought long and hard about what the title of the final column of 2009 should be; in the end, the title above is what came out... I’ll return to the subject of this title toward the end of my column…
‘POLLS ARE A MIRROR OF THAT DAY’
Dr. Salih Egemen, director of the Redborder research company, appeared yesterday on Öğlen Ajansı, hosted by Cem Kar. Assessing the results of their public opinion survey, Egemen said the real problem was the government’s practices, pointing out that foregrounding the Cyprus problem and relegating the economy and social structure to the background was a chosen political practice…
Who is your presidential candidate?
Things are heating up in the country… We still have two presidential candidates who have not yet declared their candidacies: Both are confident! Both make their statements on the basis of “I…
Not Doing a Second Job Is Against the Law!
Laws are often the product of things that have happened… Let’s explain with examples from different countries: In Denmark, a driver who sees someone under their car is forbidden from starting it…
Murder by the State
I don't much like being... Yet we experience such events that it's impossible not to “go crazy”... Because before these events, you write articles and issue warnings, and still, unfortunately, nothing changes in this country...
Isn’t This People Deserving of Pity?
Before you can start something, you have to make a decision. In other words, immediately before what you do, there is actually a decision that has already been made. Your brain automatically carries out some activities that have become habitual, and even if you think you haven’t made a decision, there is resolve in that too…
You Can't Blow Through My Money
The people are equal before the state. Yet in the TRNC, the people are not equal in the eyes of the state! “Individuals should be equal within the state. The primary duty of those who govern the state is to eliminate inequality among the people…”
‘They’
Our people have become ‘them.’ We sent them away. They were sent away. Or they left of their own accord; to London, Melbourne, Montreal or Istanbul… They left a homeland behind. In their homeland…
“There is also the possibility that we may become friends with the Greeks.”
The author of ‘Those Crazy Turks,’ a book about the first war of liberation in the world to be fought and won against imperialism, won under the leadership of Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and which has reached millions of readers through 353 printings…
What Language Was the Law Written In?
I've been so confused lately! The question that's been puzzling me is this: Why is UBP taking this gamble when it knew this would happen? Just look at this: The unions are saying, “Heyyy, government, if you pass this law, we'll do this and that…”
Atwan: “Turkey Is Emerging as a Regional Superpower”
There had been a cabinet reshuffle in Türkiye, and I had written a two-part article about it. What I drew attention to in the article was Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu’s appointment as Türkiye’s Foreign Minister…
Our Plan: ‘Crying’
The words “I cried on the day the TRNC’s independence was declared,” in the book “Adam Talat’s Cyprus,” which consists of interviews our President gave to Erdal Güven, Managing Editor of Radikal Newspaper, were widely discussed in our country and even in Turkey…
Özgürgün’s formula for a solution: “Confederation is the most realistic solution”
On Tuesday, I published part of my interview with our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hüseyin Özgürgün. He said he found it amusing that he was being criticized for holding meetings in Turkey…
Özgürgün’s “Peace Initiative”
Last week, I did my first interview with our Foreign Minister, Hüseyin Özgürgün, since he became minister. In fact, I had met the minister at many receptions and we had talked about many things…
Confucius in Cyprus!
Yesterday marked 2,560 years since Confucius was born. If Confucius, who has guided humanity for centuries through his teachings and philosophy, were alive today and living in Cyprus,…
Talat’s Calendar
In his previous speeches and overseas contacts, our President had invited various circles (although these are generally referred to as the “international community,” we know that the circles meant are the EU and the US…
Inflationary Eid Allowances…
God forbid, but if you woke up one morning remembering only your childhood, what would be the most memorable thing among those memories? If I were asked this question…
Where Is the Stone?
You must have encountered problems in your life that became impossible to resolve. Yet even if at first glance you said, “It’s impossible to solve this problem,” you must have witnessed the problem solving itself over time…
Road (Un)safety
Perhaps you’ve noticed that since 2006, I’ve ended my articles by saying, “Be respectful in traffic.” Because I believe traffic accidents can be prevented through respect…
Achievements That Were 100% Left Out
As you know, the day before yesterday, Prime Minister Derviş Eroğlu spoke at a press conference about the government’s 100% achievements in its first 100 days. What the Prime Minister mentioned was collected in a booklet…
Whose Property Are You Protecting from Whom?
I’m in one of Berlin’s most popular areas, the museum district and/or Museum Island, which Germans call “Museuminsel.” One of the most important museums on this island—and indeed in the world—is a museum we know well, called the “Bergama Museum” by us and the “Pergamon Museum” by Germans…
Kosovo's Talisman
This may be a rather bold thing to say! Perhaps you’ll say, “Oh, come on!” ... Despite everything, I’ll say it: “Kosovo, which played a significant role in launching the process now under way, could also play a very significant role in bringing it to a resolution…”
Forgetting…
Forgetting painful experiences! Locking memories away in a corner of your brain, never to remember them again… Perhaps it is a way out; a way to avoid experiencing the same pain again… And yet…
Free Beach Economy
I had realized the importance of the “clean beach” phenomenon years ago, when I went to “Alagadi Beach.” After all, it wasn’t much fun for me to sunbathe among the watermelon rinds and accumulated rubbish around me…
“Who Is the Most Beloved? Denktaş or Tatar?”
The question is simple: “Who is right?” The answer is “It’s complicated, depending on the position of the person answering.” Ahhh, this business of taking sides! Isn’t it our taking sides that gets in the way of steps to solve our problems?…
Çakıcı lashes out
Mehmet Çakıcı, leader of the TDP, made strong criticisms while appearing on the Öğle Ajansı program, hosted by Cem Kar and broadcast on Ada TV.
A Nightmare at the Prime Ministry
He had not been able to sleep that night... All night, he had been working on strategies for how to get out of the situation he was in. His tired body was telling him to lie down, but his brain would not let him…
Politicized Brains, Thoughts
Sleeping is biological; it is a need of the body. You have to give it what it needs… You do it so your body won’t hold you back! In other words, you have a purpose, an interest in it;…
Roundaboutism
The other day, as I was passing through one of my homeland’s seemingly endless roundabouts, a question came to mind: “I wonder how this roundabout thing got started?” Could it have happened like this? Two…
Who Is Ercan’s “Temel”?
“It’s a subject I’ve been planning to write about for a long time but never found the chance to, and one I’m now saying, ‘thank goodness I didn’t write about it.’ It’s the old ‘modern’ parking system at Ercan!” The other day…
The Corruption of Failing to Perform One’s Duty
As you know, the Prime Ministry Inspection Board (BDK) became law the day before yesterday. It is already clear that once this board, which was established amid controversy, begins operating, the debates will grow even more heated…
Neither the First Nor the Last!
I’m at a cocktail reception in Ankara, and right beside me is our Ambassador to Ankara, Namık Korhan! The first subject Mr. Korhan and I discussed was the “appointment crisis.” The Appointment Crisis: As you may recall…
Another Branch to Hold On To!
I had never seen him so eager to leave this country… He had studied here, married here, started his career here, and had a child here! With the birth of his child…
Continuing with the Wordsmith
To be honest, as someone working in the media, I was reluctant to see Mr. Ferdi Sabit Soyer leave the CTP-BG chairmanship. The vocabulary Soyer used was so colorful that his absence from the political scene as party leader would undoubtedly be felt.…
Soyer in the Court Corridors!
That victim, deceived in the name of justice, believed; thought it had existed for years… Until he ended up in those court corridors! “Where is justice?” asks that victim, who has sat for years in that court’s…
Don't Black Out the Solution!
And finally, President Mehmet Ali Talat is briefing Parliament on the stage reached in the Cyprus negotiations. The issue has been widely debated in our country, with everyone expressing a different opinion.…
Is It Talat’s Tactic?
The other day, Hasan Erçakıca, spokesperson for the Presidency, was my guest on Öğlen Ajansı. Part of this interview appeared in the Star Kıbrıs Newspaper. But there were such…
“The state is a burden on KIB-TEK.”
Before getting to the topic in the headline, I want to raise a question that has been on my mind. Who will get the money if Kıb-Tek is privatized? The CTP-ÖRP government’s most vaunted achievement…
Are the ‘representatives’ temporary?
While following current events on the Star Kıbrıs Newspaper website, www.starkibris.net, a news item caught my attention! The headline read, “Half of Greek Cypriot MPs are doctors”…
Hey, Turkish Cypriot…
Are you aware? This country is being tried in a case to which it is not a party! Some people are suing one another, while others are seeking advice from still others in order to make a decision about the people suing one another…
Behind the Photograph
On April 29, 2009, the leaders of the political parties represented in parliament gathered at the Presidential Palace and discussed the ECJ’s interpretation of the Orams case. This…
What Does This Flag Represent?
The news story begins: “On the invitation printed by the Adana Tennis, Mountaineering and Water Sports Club (ATDSK) for its international tennis tournament, the map of Cyprus on the flag of the Greek Cypriot side…
National Democrat Model
UBP emerged from the April 19 snap general election as the largest party! It did emerge as the largest party, but “will it govern alone or enter a coalition?”…
Election Without a Solution
The election, awaited with curiosity and excitement, has finally taken place. There will undoubtedly be many comments about the results. Probably, comments about the results will include phrases like “I told you so,” “I said so,” and so on.…
“Games are being played over the TRNC”
National Unity Party (UBP) parliamentary candidate Erkan Çeliker, who said that “some games are being played over the TRNC,” answered Cem Kar’s questions on the Öğlen Ajansı program broadcast on Ada TV.
Open Letter
Dear holders of power: First of all, I congratulate you on your success in the early general election on April 19, wish that your time in office will benefit our country, and thank you in advance for taking the time to read these…
A Fight Over Rents!
From the opposition to the ruling party, almost every candidate is talking about the country's problems. Let's mention a few: \- On the Cyprus issue, every party…
What Kind of Society Are We?
It is a topic of debate that comes up spontaneously in every conversation and that we can no longer help bringing up: what kind of society are we? A society that looks different to each of us…
DP’s Enver Baturalp talked up a storm!
Enver Bturalp, 12th on the DP Lefkoşa candidate list, was Cem Kar’s guest on Öğle Ajası yesterday.
ELECTION ANALYZED
- Journalist Mehmet Altan: Even if there were a thousand elections, CHP could not win even one. - CHP Deputy Chair Öymen: AKP’s collapse has begun. - Journalist Cenk Mutluyakalı: AKP should steer clear of an aggressive stance. - Journalist Mete Tümerkan: Every political party should learn a lesson from this election.
I Forgot!
There’s a question that’s been on my mind for days: “Are we the ones with a fish’s memory, or are the fish?” I’ve started questioning myself over this. No doubt, having this question on my mind is benefiting…
Heyyy, 40%…
I’m driving along the Nicosia-Girne highway, enjoying my favorite time of year in the TRNC. You rarely come across nature dominated by shades of green in the TRNC. Right now is exactly the time…
What Serdar Denktaş Said
At the DP Festival held over the weekend, Serdar Denktaş said, “We will not divide our people as they have… We will embrace and unite the people without making any distinctions.” TRNC…
Media Wars: Partisan Media
The label “partisan media,” which our politicians sometimes bandy about, is not a flattering one—and, though it pains me to say so, it does have some basis in reality…
My Free(!) Media
One of the most popular subjects of debate in recent days is ‘press freedom’… As all these discussions were taking place, I thought just one thing: “Am I living in a different country, or are the people debating it…
Chimpanzee Politics
According to the latest observations by Swedish scientists, chimpanzees apparently plan for the future! The scientists base these observations on chimpanzees collecting and storing stones…
Torturous Flights
—Mr. Manager, I don’t think we should do that; the timings won’t line up, and we won’t be able to get a big enough crowd! —Actually, you’re right… Yes, yes, let’s do it your way. —All right, then now…
A Grasshopper’s Spirit
“Hop, grasshopper. Jump, grasshopper. My dear grasshopper. Piti-piti-piti, grasshopper.” \\\ While writing the article “Young Fleas” the other day, this folk song was constantly on my mind…
Young Fleas
Years ago, I wrote an article that tried to raise awareness of situations that influence our thoughts, limit our freedom of thought and behavior, develop a kind of ‘involuntary self-control mechanism’, shape our social judgments, and so on…
Citizen-lessness
I follow with interest the “initiatives” the parties are putting forward on citizenship. To tell the truth, the debates about citizenship that are continuing, albeit feebly, in our country at the moment seem very funny to me…
Citizen-less-ness
I follow with interest the ‘openings’ the parties have made on citizenship. I must admit, the discussions about citizenship that are continuing—weakly, to be sure—in our country these days seem very funny to me…
Green Line Trap
After a possible settlement, the point on which almost every section of society living in our country agrees is that the Greek Cypriot side’s economic size will overwhelm us! Before the economic crisis…
The Solution Is in Talat’s Hands!
Akel’s newly appointed General Secretary Kiprianu recently made a statement arguing that “whether there will be a solution in 2009 depends on Talat.” Here, one feels like saying, “Then…
If You Hadn't Been There, Bush!
If you hadn't been there, how would we have known that Osama bin Laden was an international terrorist! Thanks to your ‘War on International Terrorism!’, the world became a more peaceful, more…
What Does Our President Want?
Let’s do something different today; let’s practice looking at a news story from different perspectives. I wonder if we can find common ground. \\\ News: “The young fanatics of Apoel Sports Club in Southern Cyprus…”
What Does Our President Want?
Today, let's do something different; let's practice looking at a news story from different perspectives. Let's see if we can find common ground. \\\ News: “The Apoel Sports Club in South Cyprus…
Being Elected
The other day, in my column titled “Choosing,” I underlined the importance and difficulty of choosing. Being elected is just as difficult and important! The examples I gave in Tuesday’s column…
Choosing
I don’t know how aware we are of it, but our lives are spent ‘choosing.’ However, making a choice is sometimes difficult… \\\ Sometimes we come to a crossroads, about work or our lives…
We are aligning with the EU acquis
European Union (EU) Coordination Center President Erhan Erçin said that, through the EU Financial Aid Program, they had managed to establish a structural relationship with the EU, even if not a legal one. Appearing as a guest on the Öğlen Ajansı program, Erhan Erçin answered Cem Kar’s questions. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus…
Where Are the 13th-Month Salaries?
He is Uncle Mehmet, the grocer at our neighborhood’s Sismar Market! He sits in his corner, right beside the cash register, and chats with whoever comes and goes! We generally discuss the state of the country, the world, and Turkey with him,…
What Did We Do?
We are in the “National Struggle and Martyrs” week, December 21–25. These days, we remember our martyrs and talk about what happened during the years of the national struggle. But we do the talking, and we do the listening…
One of You, Pick Up That Phone!
If you live in the TRNC, the dreams you have can sometimes be very strange! Just like mine… \\\ Yes, I know Albert Einstein’s saying, “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” and…
Happiness Brought by a Shoe!
So, what happened now? Has the US withdrawn from Iraq? Or has the war that caused the deaths of thousands of innocent Iraqis ended? Who gained what? \\\ It’s a story that has become a classic;…
Oh my God, is it rearing its head again?
Oh my God, could the “Yes” versus “No” debate be rearing its head again? Can a person still cause harm even as they die? \\\ Papadopulos’s death has risen to the top of our agenda…
How Can CTP Be Saved?
The question is simple! How can CTP be saved? But I think we need to fully understand the situation before answering it. For this reason, it is useful to proceed point by point… Self-criticism: Some within CTP…
Opposition “Headlight Flashers”
I actually thought a lot about what to call it: “Social Consensus” or “Unsigned Agreement”? I admit it! I couldn’t make up my mind about the name, but the name doesn’t really matter! This…
You're Unhappy!
Where is the anxiety and uncertainty building up inside you, in proportion to the stagnation the global financial crisis you follow in the media every day has caused around the world, leading you? This…
One Second, I’ll Connect You!
I’m really, really starting to hate the response I get when I call government offices. Every time I call, the answer I get from the people who—I assume—are switchboard operators…
I Want to Be Afraid
He’ll have girlfriends! He’ll recognize his girlfriend’s scent everywhere. He’ll even get mad at other women, asking, “Why are you wearing my girlfriend’s perfume?” \\\ These days are wonderful…
Pişti Diplomacy
In recent days, everyone has had one question on their mind: “What do leaders talk about in one-on-one meetings?” In response, officials say, “The two leaders meet one-on-one to resolve the issues between them…”
Government Offices (A Place for Doing as You Please)
“This is our place to relax; you can’t enjoy it… \\\ What’s it to you? Who do you think you are?” Perhaps because I hate going to government offices, civil servants…
Uzun explains…
Finance Minister Ahmet Uzun recently answered questions from Cem Kar of Ada TV. In a television program he appeared on about the privatization of Turkish Cypriot Airlines, Minister Uzun said, “If we hadn’t bought it, the Arabs would have,” but in his remarks to Cem Kar on Ada TV, he…
WHO IS PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS?
I sometimes wonder what kind of country we live in… The other day, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Mustafa Gökmen was my studio guest on “Öğlen Ajansı” and made the following remark…
B.K.P
A great country brought back to life through a small country... Is everything really as it seems? Let’s develop some conspiracy theories! You must be wondering about the title of the article. In fact…
A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING WOMEN
A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING WOMEN (Publication Date: May 16, 2007) As we move forward amid the indulgence of all the ways we communicate with one another, have we perhaps forgotten each other? Or does what we do stem from a desire to defy the scientists eager to say, “We are in the age of communication”…
SWEETIE, MOM, FENER
SWEETIE, MOM, FENER (Publication Date: May 14, 2007) I’m looking at my computer monitor, and it just sits there in front of me, emotionless and meaningless. “Tell me, monitor, what should I write now?” I say, and it, once again…
KAWASAKI CEM
KAWASAKI CEM (Publication Date: May 11, 2007) — What happened in Dallas yesterday? Tell me... —What do you think? ‘JR’ did something bad again. *** Childhood memories never leave you alone throughout your life. Especially when those memories date back to the single-channel era…
MOSQUITOES
MOSQUITOES (Publication Date: May 9, 2007) I have always liked spring weather. Spring weather is nice, trouble-free and just right. *** Come on, brother, we get it, you need us, but ‘where is all this familiarity coming from?’ I don't have to share the same room with you all night! You're also an annoying thing... You can't make that same noise all night! We've had enough, get out of our house... All…
NOT THAT EASY!
NOT THAT EASY! (Publication Date: May 7, 2007) Year: 2003. The period: The Annan Plan was being debated most intensely. My connection: I write an article during that period. How it relates to today’s article: I’ll explain below… ***…
BALANCE
BALANCE (Publication Date: May 4, 2007) The world order is built on balances. These balances may be disrupted from time to time; however, a disrupted balance will once again fall into order through a new formation. In other words, …
FIRE OF YOUTH
FIRE OF YOUTH (Publication Date: 2 May 2007) The young people we burden with exams. The ones we push aside, telling them, “Go grow up and come back.” The ones we call our future, yet don’t care about; the ones we don’t care about. *** Recently, I…
HELLO WORLD
HELLO WORLD (Publication Date: April 30, 2007) Hello, balcony. Hello, Mom. Hello, humanity. *** These days, there’s an excitement in our home—you wouldn’t believe it! This excitement has become a waiting period divided into different stretches of time for us, a…
LONG LIVE
LONG LIVE(!) (Publication Date:27 April 2007) Goodbye to days without electricity… Hello ADSL… *** First of all, I would like to welcome Turkey’s Minister of Transport Binali Yıldırım to our country. How fortunate we are that at last…
DATE: APRIL 23, 2004
DATE: APRIL 23, 2004 (Publication Date: April 25, 2007) Where were they yesterday, and where are they today? What were they saying yesterday, and what are they saying today? *** Talking about the past does not always mean “living in the past”! If it did, it would already be impossible to speak of a history institution.…
C.K FORMULA
C.K FORMULA (Publication Date: April 23, 2007) Where can a way of life devoid of emotions take us? Can the process called life be lived solely within the bounds of facts and logic? This process…
THE PRINCESS OF THE BOSPHORUS
THE PRINCESS OF THE BOSPHORUS (Publication Date: 20 April 2007) “Whenever I start listening to her, I break up with my sweetheart.” Listening to her is like listening to someone you love very much and care about. Her…
THE STONE AGE
THE STONE AGE (Publication Date: 18 April 2007) I’m reading the news… Almost every news item uses the same headline. I can’t help asking: “Why couldn’t this have been done until now?” … *** The headline is the same everywhere, I think…
FIXED IDEA
FIXED IDEA (Publication Date: April 16, 2007) I don’t know if I’m fixed in my ways. My views are generally not fixed; I’m open-minded! *** During the week, I received a call from the Ministry of National Education. They were calling to invite me to the Minister’s press briefing on history textbooks, and I accepted, saying, ‘Sure thing.’
TIME MACHINE
TIME MACHINE (Publication Date: April 13, 2007) The project I have been working on for many years has finally paid off. The name of my project: Time machine… Yes, I have found the time machine. Is there anyone among you who wants to try it?…
ONE DAY BEFORE, ONE DAY AFTER
ONE DAY BEFORE, ONE DAY AFTER! (Publication Date: 11 April 2007) One day before, one day after… Life really is full of surprises! You never know exactly what may happen to you or when. Perhaps that is the secret of life…
THE POWER IS OURS
THE POWER IS OURS (Publication Date: 6 April 2007) Are we surprised, or is it just me? What is it that we want? Are what we say and what we expect perhaps the same? What are we pursuing? *** “Our president gave a conference on Cyprus at METU and answered questions. One of the questions was: “Do you think the platform for a solution to the Cyprus issue is the EU or the UN?”
IF THE GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO STRIKE
IF THE GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO STRIKE (Publication Date: April 4, 2007) The most popular form of action in recent days: strikes and protests… I wonder: what would happen if the government decided to strike too? *** I eagerly scan the news,…
WHEN I SAY IT
WHEN I SAY IT! (Publication Date: April 2, 2007) When I say it, they call me c... Sir, we need to look at the matter from many different angles. It’s needed, but try explaining it… *** The other day, under the heading “silly ideas,” I made a few suggestions that were actually not silly at all, and that seemed logical the more I thought about them…
EROSION
EROSION (Publication Date: March 30, 2007) —Let’s leave this place exactly as it is. —Who’s going to close this place now? Forget it, don’t bother, leave it! Look, working hours are over too. —You’re right, anyway, it’ll close on its own through minor erosion...
THEATRE
THEATRE (Publication Date: 28 March 2007) It needs only three things: 1) An auditorium where the audience sits and watches the play; 2) A stage where the play is performed; 3) The backstage area or wings, located at the sides and behind the stage, where various sets and props…
DONKEY HIDE
DONKEY HIDE (Publication Date: March 26, 2007) Donkey hide is tough. It does not get damaged that easily! Interestingly, donkey hide is even necessary for art. *** Your newspaper Vatan ran this sentence as its headline yesterday:…
ENOUGH ALREADY!
Enough Already! (Publication Date: March 23, 2007) Saying “enough already!” is a sign of distress. Sometimes, it is the effect of a great crisis. Anyway, let’s play “devil’s advocate” for a bit! *** Our President…
THAT SOUND
That sound… (Publication Date: March 21, 2007) That sound will continue to ring in my ears for a long time… I did not want to hear it; in fact, I could have pretended not to hear it. However, my interest in the source of the sound prompted me to respond…
SHAME
SHAME (Publication Date: 19 March 2007) They were the ones; I should have run away or gone somewhere they couldn't see me. I'm looking for a side street of my own. On that side street, I need to find a place that suits me; somewhere they can't see…
RIDICULOUS IDEAS(!)
RIDICULOUS IDEAS(!) (Publication Date: March 16, 2007) You can interpret what you are about to read however you like. If I were reading an article like this, I would do the same. But as you read these lines, don’t forget to ask yourself questions…
LAST WEEK
LAST WEEK (Publication Date: March 14, 2007) I will give you some words and names: TRNC, Lokmacı, France, GCASC, Soyer, Talat, Avcı… You might say, “Well, what do they mean?” You’re right; for now, nothing! *** Date:…
I DIDN’T READ NEWSPAPERS FOR MYSELF
I DIDN’T READ NEWSPAPERS FOR MYSELF! (Publication Date: March 12, 2007) Are you obsessed with the Cyprus problem? Do you disapprove of the formation of the government? Are you angry with the opposition? Is the “Cyprus Festival” held in London…
MR. SENNEROĞLU... NEVER MIND!
Mr. SENNEROĞLU… NEVER MIND! (Publication Date: March 9, 2007) Halloumi. Hellim. Greek. Turkish. PKK. * Wellllll… My head is all mixed up again. The thing that has me confused is issue 1. I remember the lines in Professor Arslan’s book Çekirge where he writes that ASALA members wandered freely around the Greek side, when I hear about PKK supporters and PKK members carrying out actions…
I KNOW(!)
I KNOW (!) (Publication Date: March 7, 2007) They are dangerous! You can't even imagine what will happen to you. You think it happened all of a sudden, but that event has a history. Danger is right beside…
MAKING A PROMISE
MAKING A PROMISE! (Publication Date: March 5, 2007) We made promises to our friends. We made promises to the future... We gave our lives, but did not reveal our secrets, because we had given our word. We kept our word; keeping a promise mattered to us. Otherwise…
DEAR MINISTER, I APOLOGIZE(!)
Dear Minister, I Apologize (Publication Date: February 26, 2007) I am very sorry. But how could I have known the situation was like this? Anyway, it is not too late for me to face the facts, and I think it is not too late to apologize…
MEB'S STUDENT LABORERS
MEB’S STUDENT LABORERS (Publication Date: February 23, 2007) No, no, the bag couldn’t be walking. I feel as if I’m at a David Copperfield show. It must be an illusion! No, no, there’s something else going on here…
IS THERE ROOM FOR THE GOVERNMENT ON THE BUS?
ON THE BUS, IS THERE ROOM FOR THE GOVERNMENT? (Publication Date: February 21, 2007) “I think we're doing something wrong! Well, so many people aren't insisting on something for no reason... Anyway, let's get back to our subject. Where are we going this week? London…”
GLOBAL POPULISM
GLOBAL POPULISM (Publication Date: February 19, 2007) The phrase “In Our Globalizing World” sparked many debates, and its pros, cons, consequences, and side effects were discussed at length. These days…
THEY and US
THEY and US (Publication Date: February 14, 2007) It all began with saying “they” and “we.” The distinction between “they” and “we”… The problems were bigger than before. But saying “they” and “we” was always an obstacle to overcoming problems…
READING THE NEWSPAPER
READING THE NEWSPAPER… (Publication Date:12 February 2007) It has become a way of behaving for me. A habit I’ve had since childhood; I have to comment… Whether I’m right or wrong. *** As I do every Sunday, this Sunday too…
WACKY IDEAS
WACKY IDEAS (Publication Date: February 9, 2007) We will prevent drought with plastic bottles. We will promote the TRNC with posters. In the areas governed by mayors accused of ‘populism’…
WAS THERE NO ELECTION IN GÖNYELİ EITHER?
WAS THERE NO ELECTION IN GÖNYELİ EITHER? (Publication Date: February 7, 2007) There is an area in our country whose condition I won't ask you about, and I won't tell you either. What indifference... What disregard... You can't help asking: ‘Wasn’t there a…
SO IT CAN BE DONE!
SO IT CAN BE DONE! (Publication date: February 5, 2007) So what are we supposed to do? We can’t sell, produce, or market our goods. Is that our fault? The world ignores us. Under these difficult conditions, we should be grateful for what we’ve managed to do! ***…
OPPORTUNITY and A REQUEST TO THE MAYOR
OPPORTUNITY and A REQUEST TO THE MAYOR (Publication Date: February 2, 2007) Uncle Mehmet was saying to his grandchild: “Son, don’t pay attention to them; this is not how it should be done.” Thinking his grandfather was old-fashioned, his grandchild snapped back: “Times have changed…
COPYRIGHT-LESS!
COPYRIGHT-LESS! (Publication Date: January 31, 2007) Those in government use every opportunity to talk about what they have done. I appreciate and respect that. But what about what they have not done and/or have been unable to do? *** Dreams…
DON'T SAY YOU DIDN'T HEAR!
DON'T SAY YOU DIDN'T HEAR! (Publication Date: January 29, 2007) -Hmm, look at those people—nationalist types, what can you expect... -Leave them be, brother, they're collaborators. -They're all like that, opposed to a solution. * South Cyprus too…
THANK YOU, MATERNITY WARD
THANK YOU, MATERNITY WARD (Publication Date: January 26, 2007) I’m not a doctor... I’m certainly no midwife. My only connection with the health sector is when I’m sick. That aside, I’m a good driver.…
ELECTRICITY VICTIMS
ELECTRICITY VICTIMS (Publication date: 24 January 2007) In recent days, I have heard the same complaint over and over, in many different settings and from people from all walks of life... There is a general sense of grievance. It seems that the authorities are either unaware of this grievance, are not at fault, or are ignoring this important issue because it does not suit them…
ÇEKİRGE
ÇEKİRGE (Publication Date: January 19, 2007) Is Lieutenant Colonel Orhan still alive? What happened to Metin Karayel? Will ‘Çekirge 2’ be published soon? How did he fare in his struggle alone against ASALA, which took the lives of so many Turkish diplomats…
IMBALANCES
IMBALANCES... (Publication Date: January 17, 2007) While you were talking about the Lokmacı barricade, thousands of children around the world were working for you... While you were discussing the Cyprus issue at length on TV, the world was struggling with obesity…
WHO IS A CONSUMER?
WHO IS A CUSTOMER, WHO IS A CONSUMER? (Publication Date: January 15, 2007) The other day, the interim executive board of the Consumers Association and the newly established Consumer Quality and Standards Association visited Economy and Tourism Minister…
A Brother at the Betting Shop
A Brother at the Betting Shop (Publication date: January 12, 2007) I was looking at him, and he at his brother... Neither he knew me, nor did I know him... In the end, he did what he was going to do. I watched him, astonished...
MY PROPOSAL: LET'S DISMANTLE IT AND REUNITE
MY PROPOSAL: LET'S DISMANTLE IT AND REUNITE... (Publication Date: January 10, 2007) The bridge at the Lokmacı barricade was being dismantled around the time this article was written. The arguments swinging back and forth over whether the bridge should be removed or not,…
TOURISM TRENDS IN 2007
TOURISM TRENDS in 2007... (Publication Date: January 8, 2007) While following news from around the world on a well-known news website, I came across a story that particularly caught my interest! The story said that research commissioned by some organizations around the world had found that “exotic countries” would be among holidaymakers’ favorite destinations in 2007. It also said that the 10 main tourism trends for 2007 had been identified.
WHAT WAS DONE IN DIKMEN?
WHAT WAS DONE IN DIKMEN? (Publication date: January 5, 2007) I had been planning for a long time, but somehow never managed to go. The holiday gave me the opportunity, so I went and saw for myself. It turned out as I had expected. Unfortunately. And yet I had been so hopeful. ***…
2007
2007... (Publication Date: January 3, 2007) This year, Eid and New Year celebrations coincided. We entered the new year in a festive mood. Today is the last day of Eid and the third day of the new year. Happy New Year and Eid…
HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS If you woke up one morning and could remember only your childhood, which memory would stand out the most? If someone asked me that question, my answer would be, “Holidays, of course”…
HOW READY ARE WE?
HOW READY ARE WE? I think we say some things by rote. We become obsessed with any “thing” we want to happen, more than its consequences, and just want it to happen. But do we ask ourselves this question…
MEDIA AND SOCIETY
MEDIA AND SOCIETY Always a complaint, always a criticism. Can the TRNC media really address and/or reflect society’s feelings and thoughts? Or does the media have such a responsibility? *…
WE’VE SEEN THIS MOVIE BEFORE
WE’VE SEEN THIS MOVIE BEFORE! Western diplomacy must finally abandon its stereotyped policies. Because it is abundantly clear that we have all gone beyond the limits of awareness. The EU has put us in such a…
ACTION WITHOUT SELF-INTEREST!
ACTION WITHOUT SELF-INTEREST! “Today, I’m not interested in the EU, the Cyprus issue, or domestic or foreign political developments.” I have to admit that even as I say this sentence, I feel a sense of relief. I fear that…
YOU'RE SO HYPOCRITICAL!!!
YOU'RE SO HYPOCRITICAL!!! Our Olli Rehn’s train has given up crashing! Why? Because apparently Olli Rehn’s train is going to travel more slowly now. Don’t say, “What a train, huh?” This is Olli Rehn’s train... chuff... chuff... ***…
RIGHT TO LIFE
RIGHT TO LIFE We have a very big problem! This problem is not direct flights! Not commercial embargoes! Not isolation! Yes, I accept that these are also problems of ours, but! “If the flow of traffic in the country where you live causes more loss of life than any war…
TWO NEWS STORIES AND QUESTIONS
TWO NEWS STORIES and QUESTIONS First story: “Turkish students attending a British school in the Greek Cypriot side of Cyprus were subjected to a racist attack by Greek Cypriot militants. As a result of the attack, the students were brutally beaten. The families panicked when they heard that their children had been beaten by Greek Cypriot youths. The students were brought to the TRNC under Greek Cypriot police escort.”…
COMEDY
YDÜ/ACTIONS COMEDY... Let’s do something different today. Today, let’s set our interests aside and call wrong wrong and right right. Today, let’s ask ourselves sincere questions and give sincere answers. At least…
To our health services
Should we trust our health services? • Health Minister Vaiz appealed to the public: “Let’s trust our health services” Health Minister Eşref Vaiz said that unnecessary distrust of health services had arisen…
EU and MARAŞ?
EU and MARAŞ? What times we live in. EU parliamentarians have taken to discussing the situation in Maraş. Let's see what they have to say; what will come of it?... *** To write my column, in front of the desk where my computer is...
"Flash... Flash... Flash..."
“Flash... Flash... Flash...” In my recent column, I discussed the problems facing our press and the inevitable contributions that the officially inaugurated “YDÜ Faculty of Communication Complex” will make to our country’s media sector…
Are You Aware!
Are you “aware”? I don’t know whether you’re “aware” of what I’m about to say. You probably are aware. ……. This is what I was afraid of. In other words, being involved in these things knowingly. Silent…
Future Carbon Monoxide (CO) Managers
Future (CO) Managers. First of all, happy “April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day” to all our people. Well, there are so many things on my mind this week that I want to share with you. But I’ll only be able to touch on a few…
Writing history is as difficult as making history
“Writing history is as difficult as making history,” says Atatürk, the Great Leader. I will share with you a few notes from a summary of a book that came into my hands this week. The author of this book is a retired teacher of Cypriot history and…
OUR INDIFFERENCE
O people; HELLO, from now on I’ll be here with you in this column every Sunday. What you’ll read in this column will be nothing but my observations. I’ll try to write about them not as a commentator—who am I to do that?—but from the perspective of an ordinary citizen…
Emotional Vibrations
EMOTIONAL VIBRATIONS (Publication Date: January 22, 2007) There is a sound in my home! That sound is trying to make us hear something. At first, I feel that it is full of pain. Yet that sound is trying to tell us something very different…
Farewell Ceremony
FAREWELL CEREMONY (Publication Date: 16 February 2007) They were passing me, and I was stunned... For a moment I wondered: Who is the traffic monster? A short while later, my shock passed. I had found the traffic monster. ***…
Questions for the Prime Minister-???
QUESTIONS FOR THE PRIME MINISTER (Publication Date: December 13, 2006) Some terms carry meanings that directly affect our lives. One of these is “statistics.” Statistics are very important for human life, as they are...
The Bookstore Uncle's Son
The Bookstore Uncle's Son Faruk Abi (Publication Date: July 24, 2006) I mentioned in my column on Friday that I’m in Turkey. The other day, my wife and I were going to visit a friend who will soon become a father…
The Family Home
THE FAMILY HOME (Publication Date: October 16, 2006) Rocky 5 is on TV right now. As always, Rocky is asking Father Carmen for help. And, as always, Father says, “Why not?” etc., etc. Anyway…
What an Accident, Huh!
What an Accident, Huh... (Publication Date: October 16, 2006) EU officials, plunged into gloom by the possible train wreck in Turkey’s EU negotiations, are searching for solutions and offering suggestions with all the warmth of a great friend(!)…
Wind of Lies
WIND OF LIES (Publication Date: 7 July 2006) As an individual living in this land, I no longer want to listen to promises. The statements coming from the EU, the US and the UN have lost their credibility for me. Other things…
What Have You Done, YDÜ?
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, YDÜ? (Publication date: November 13, 2006) Make a note of today’s date! Today, the media sector of the TRNC is encountering an entirely different approach. Today is the official opening of the “YDÜ Faculty of Communication Complex”…
Once Upon a Time with Rauf Raif Denktaş
This week, I am bringing you an interview that I had been planning for a very long time and finally found the opportunity to do during the week—an interview that means a great deal to me. I have always wanted to interview Mr. Denktaş about something other than politics…
Once Upon a Time with Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu
This week, my guest in the “Once Upon a Time” series will be UBP Chairman Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu. I asked Mr. Ertuğruloğlu for an interview because I believe you will be interested in the views—and, in other words, the different sides—of people we are used to seeing in the political arena when it comes to topics outside politics…
Raşit Pertev and Once Upon a Time
I’m sure the devoted readers of this series will remember that last week I featured the same documentary again and welcomed its director, Fevzi Tanpınar, as my guest.
Once Upon a Time with Ertan Birinci
Readers who have been following my Once Upon a Time column will know that when I first started the series—that is, in the first week—I shared a few notes about the reopening of cinemas in 1995. Today…
Once Upon a Time with Fevzi Tanpınar
At a time when everyone was saying that films could not be made in the TRNC, he put his name to a project that addresses a much-needed subject and answers the question, “How should we tell the world about ourselves?”
Once Upon a Time with Hasan Yaman
On a weekday, I stopped by a coffeehouse near the Presidential Palace, one I often visit too. I ran into Mr. Hasan Yaman there, and I asked the questions while he answered. It was a very long interview, just as I had expected…
Once Upon a Time with Orhan Nadiren
If you remember, last week I published, right here on this page in the “Once Upon a Time” column, my interview with Mr. Hasan Yaman about cinema. In our conversations, Mr. Hasan Yaman told me about someone who currently runs a grocery store but was involved in cinema in the past…
Once Upon a Time with Ahmet Tolgay
This week, I am publishing an interview I did with Ahmet Tolgay, a senior journalist and someone who has worked for years to promote cinema culture. When I called to ask him for an appointment, I said something like this over the phone…
Once Upon a Time with Nilgün Abisel
In this series of articles, in which we seek answers to the question, “What was once happening in the cinemas of the TRNC?”, today we will develop a different perspective. Our guest today is Prof.…
Once Upon a Time with Halil İnönü
Right in front of me is someone who has devoted most of his life to this work, loved the machine he uses from the moment he first saw it and never parted from it, and observed the last 50 years of the Turkish Cypriot community’s relationship with cinema!
Once Upon a Time with the Escape Beach Club Manager
In recent days, political discussions about tourism have been taking place at the highest levels. But what do those in the tourism industry think? Are the discussions taking place these days what concern them? Or are they concerned about the problems in tourism that are waiting to be resolved…
Karpaz and Its Problems, and Once Upon a Time
As you know, for quite some time I have been sharing my interviews and observations to draw your attention to the problems our country is facing in tourism. In this context, I spent last weekend in Karpaz…
Kyrenia Harbor and Its Problems, and Once Upon a Time
One of my greatest pleasures is losing myself at night in the magnificent cove of Kyrenia Harbor. Its beauty makes you feel like becoming a poet.
Once Upon a Time with Mert Bölükbaşı
In an interview I published recently, I said that tourism faces problems beyond the political debates of recent days, and brought one of the most striking of these—the “music ban”—to the fore…
Once Upon a Time with Vasfiye Çakırtaş
On the evening of May 28, as part of the 11th Northern Cyprus International Bellapais Music Festival, the Cyprus Turkish Peace Force Regional Band, conducted by Band Major Özdemir Bayhan and accompanied by soloist Vasfiye Çakırtaş…
Once Upon a Time with Ebru Aydın
A full 10 years have passed since her last album, and Ebru Aydın has made some very candid and bold statements about her new album. Here are Ebru Aydın’s very special comments, given exclusively to Cem KAR…
Once Upon a Time with Jonnie Hawkins and Funky Monkey
I previously wrote an article about Jonnie Hawkins and his band Funky Monkey, and said that I would interview him as soon as possible. Today, I’m featuring the interview I did with him.
Once Upon a Time with Oğuzhan
You must have heard your friends say things like, “We’re at Farinelli on Saturday night.” Of course, it’s worth thinking about what makes them say this. Oğuzhan is probably one of the main reasons. Oğuzhan…
Once Upon a Time with Okyay Sadıkoğlu
Interest was very high in the “2nd Wedding and Wedding Preparations Fair,” held recently at the Lefkoşa Fairgrounds, and I had published on my page a short interview I conducted with Okyay Sadıkoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Fairex Fuarcılık…
Once Upon a Time with Öldüren Şampanya
Pelin on vocals, Altuğ on drums, Serhan on electric guitar, Çığır on bass guitar, and Çağın on keyboards: meet Öldüren Şampanya, the band in demand on stage since 2004.
Once Upon a Time with Ahmet Aydeniz
At Girne Niazi’s, we sit down for a long conversation with Director Ahmet Aydeniz and get firsthand information about the Niazi’s Full Kebab tradition, which I have been very curious about. In this interview, you will discover the Full Kebab tradition, which dates from 1949 to the present day…
Once Upon a Time with Atakan Gürkan
If you often visit Kyrenia Harbour, you must have heard the exuberant sounds coming from Harbour. On today’s page, you’ll find our interview with the source of those exuberant sounds! Without further ado…
Niyal Öztürk and The Tunes: Once Upon a Time
You must have heard the rumors lately that “Niyal Öztürk & The Tunes are amazing.” I had a brief interview with Niyal Öztürk, vocalist of the band, which performs at City and has quickly become a favorite, especially among students…
Once Upon a Time with Serkan Yıldırım
Readers who follow me will know that on the “Food Enjoyment” page, I feature the distinguished establishments in our country and their special dishes. The venue I’m featuring for the first time today is Dereboyu’s first fast-food restaurant…
Alpay PayPay and Ali Aslan: Once Upon a Time
You see them in the DJ booth. You think they’re enjoying themselves, when in fact they’re trying to entertain you! And then comes a moment when they play a song you love, and you look toward the booth…
Once Upon a Time with İlhan Kızılkaya
Considering the TRNC’s natural conditions and the opportunities it offers, as many directors I have had the chance to speak with before have said time and again: our country is a “natural film set” for cinema.…