OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

By Matai Türker Political parties may change, and positions may pass from one person to another, but the law and justice cannot change according to who holds power. The emergence of İdil Mayor Türkan Kayır’s name in connection with the sealing and removal of facilities belonging to the Syriac community has raised serious questions among the public. Kayır joined the Justice and Development Party after being expelled from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party).

BETH ZABDAY-AZAKH (IDIL), Tur Abdin — Recent actions by the Department of Zoning and Urban Planning of Idil Municipality involving the sealing and demolition of properties and public structures belonging to Syriac citizens in Beth Zabday (Azakh-Idil) have sparked widespread backlash. A press release published by Melke Karagöl, lawyer of the Idil Virgin Mary Church Foundation, emphasized that these actions of targeting family homes, businesses, and a church guesthouse with continued legal proceedings have led to a sense of intimidation and severe anxiety within the Syriac community.

By Matay Türker Local government constitutes that component of democracy closest to citizens. The duty of a mayor is to unite rather than divide, to deliver public services rather than display power, and to inspire confidence rather than create fear. The mayoral office is not the prize of a political victory, but a heavy responsibility borne toward society.  Unfortunately, a mentality currently prevails across many Turkish municipalities where perception takes precedence over service, propaganda over transparency, and appearance over actual production.

BETH ZABDAY, Turkey — The historic Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church in Beth Zabday (Azakh–İdil), one of the oldest churches in the world, has been fined TL 1.17 million (approximately USD 23,000) by the İdil Municipality over alleged zoning violations, weeks after authorities sealed the church over a disputed restoration project. Robert Tutuş, president of the Virgin Mary Church Foundation, said the foundation will appeal the municipality's decision before the Administrative Court and pursue additional legal action, arguing that the measures violate the principle of equality.

ISTANBUL — The Commission Against Racism and Discrimination of the Human Rights Association (İnsan Hakları Derneği, İHD) has featured a report based on Gazete Sabro's coverage of the sealing of the historic Virgin Mary Church in Beth Zabday (Azakh–İdil), Tur Abdin. The Syriac Orthodox church is regarded as one of the oldest churches in the world. The İHD compiles its…

BETH ZABDAY, Turkey — The historic Virgin Mary Syriac Orthodox Church in Beth Zabday (Azakh–İdil), one of the oldest churches in the world, has been fined TL 1.17 million (approximately USD 23,000) by...

BETH ZABDAY (AZAKH), TUR ABDIN, Turkey — The Virgin Mary Church in the city center of Beth Zabday (Turkish: İdil), which is of great importance in Christian history, has received a notice of closure f...

TUR ABDIN, Turkey — This year marked a significant occasion as all Christian churches worldwide celebrated Easter on the same day, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Syriac Christians, known for their deep-rooted traditions, followed their unique customs to honor this sacred holiday.  For Syriac descendants from the historic town of Azakh now living in …

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.