place
Good news from Turkey
Positive stories set in or affecting Turkey, gathered from the newsrooms Rally reads. Every headline links back to the publisher who reported it.
22 stories.
World's oldest shipwreck found off coast of Turkey
Archaeologists have discovered the world’s oldest known shipwreck, dating back to the Early Bronze Age. The find offers new insights into ancient seafaring and trade, helping researchers better understand early human history. It’s a remarkable glimpse into a time when the Great Pyramid was under construction.
BBC News
Tens of thousands march in Brussels demanding urgent climate action
Tens of thousands of people marched through Brussels on Sunday, 11 October, demanding stronger action on climate change ahead of next month's COP31 summit in Antalya, Turkey.
Euronews
Balloons, baths and poppy-seed cuisine: discover Afyonkarahisar
Afyonkarahisar’s ancient Phrygian rock carvings, thermal springs, and poppy-seed cuisine offer visitors a mix of history, relaxation, and culinary tradition. The region’s natural and cultural riches provide a unique travel experience, blending heritage with modern enjoyment.
Euronews
Turkey, UN arrange new Ukraine-Russia talks on Black Sea ceasefire — report
Turkey and the United Nations have organized new negotiations with Ukraine and Russia to discuss a ceasefire in the Black Sea, Bloomberg reported on Oct. 1.
NV
Turkish Confectioner Hands Out Doughnuts to Honor the Dead
In Turkey, families honor the dead by hiring doughnut makers to distribute lokma, a sweet treat, to share blessings with others. This tradition brings comfort to grieving families and spreads kindness through a simple, meaningful act. It’s a heartwarming way to remember loved ones while uplifting the community.
The New York Times
A Turkish Doughnut Maker Whose Sweets Honor the Dead
A Turkish confectioner in Istanbul turns fried dough balls into memorials, offering comfort through a deeply personal tradition. This heartfelt practice honors the dead while bringing solace to those who remember them. It’s a simple act that carries profound meaning.
The New York Times
Researchers in Turkey Have Unearthed an Ancient Fragment Inscribed With the World’s Oldest Peace Treaty
Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered a fragment of the world’s oldest known peace treaty, written in Akkadian cuneiform. The text belongs to the Kadesh Peace Treaty, which ended a long conflict between the Hittites and Egyptians. This rare find sheds new light on ancient diplomacy and the resolution of war.
Smithsonian Magazine
Turkey launches AI initiative ahead of COP31 climate summit
'We must openly discuss AI’s growing energy consumption, and it is time for governments to start setting the terms,' says COP31 president-designate Murat Kurum
Rappler
How fantasy fans are keeping a Turkish blacksmithing tradition alive
The Akdemir family’s four-generation blacksmithing craft is gaining new life in Izmir’s Kemeralti bazaar, thanks to fresh customers. This revival helps preserve a cherished tradition while supporting the family’s livelihood. It’s a heartening example of how modern interest can sustain cultural heritage.
Al Jazeera
AFRICAN AVIATION: Africa’s air travel relies on distant hubs: It’s time to fix this
Investing in African hubs like Addis, Nairobi, and Cairo, along with enforcing the Single African Air Transport Market, will help reduce the continent's dependence on distant airports. This shift not only promises to enhance Africa’s aviation resilience but also supports regional connectivity and economic growth, benefiting both travelers and local economies across the continent.
Daily Maverick
NYC's 'Baklava Guy' started selling Turkish pastries as 'a joke,' now it brings in $20K/month: 'It's my whole life'
A former high school dropout and drug addict turned his love for Turkish pastries into a thriving business, now earning $20,000 a month. By handing out free treats and selling in local parks, he’s found success and a sense of purpose. His story shows how passion and persistence can build a new life.
CNBC
Dar, Saudi and Turkish FMs follow up on understandings reached in first Makkah Defence Alliance meeting: FO
Diplomatic progress continues as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey follow up on agreements from the first Makkah Defence Alliance meeting. The foreign ministers’ discussions aim to strengthen regional cooperation, fostering stability and mutual security. This step reflects a shared commitment to constructive dialogue and collaboration.
Dawn
Push for clean energy and electrification a key focus at COP31 in Turkey
At COP31 in Turkey, leaders are prioritizing clean energy and electrification to drive sustainable progress. This push highlights growing global commitment to reducing emissions and transitioning to greener technologies. The focus on practical solutions offers hope for a cleaner future.
The Straits Times
PM Shehbaz says water ‘lifeblood’ of region, must never be weaponised
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for water to be treated as a shared resource, not a tool for conflict, at a regional summit. His message highlights the importance of cooperation in preserving this vital lifeline. This commitment to peace and sustainability offers hope for the region’s future.
Dawn
The quest to find the world’s best honey
Turkey has long aimed to produce the world’s finest honey, now also the most expensive. This dedication to quality benefits both producers and consumers who value exceptional craftsmanship. It’s a testament to how tradition and skill can create something truly special.
Financial Times
Azerbaijan bets on the pomegranate as its next big export
Azerbaijan is boosting its economy by turning pomegranates into a major export, with sales reaching €48.2 million in 2025. The country’s diverse varieties and long cultural ties to the fruit help it compete globally, offering farmers and businesses new opportunities. This growth strengthens a key non-oil industry.
Euronews
Mapping the past: Cappadocia Biennial charts new course between art and geography
The first Cappadocia Biennial celebrates contemporary art by grounding its works in the region’s natural and historical landscape. By blending creativity with geography, the event offers a fresh way to experience both art and the unique beauty of the area. This initiative invites visitors to see the landscape in a new light, fostering appreciation for both culture and nature.
Euronews
Why Did the Ancient Romans Bury This Monumental Marble Statue Facedown? They Wanted to Repurpose It as a Paving Stone
Archaeologists uncovered a 2,500-year-old marble statue of a young man in Turkey, later repurposed by Romans as a paving stone. The discovery sheds light on cultural shifts and preservation through reuse. The facedown burial accidentally protected the artwork for centuries, offering a rare glimpse into ancient craftsmanship and history.
Smithsonian Magazine
Deal beyond football: Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor boosts tourism and Türkiye's economy
Mohamed Salah’s move to Trabzonspor is expected to draw more tourists, particularly from Egypt and the Arab world, to the city. This boosts both tourism and Türkiye’s economy, showcasing how sports stars can strengthen cultural and economic ties. The deal highlights the positive ripple effects of global talent in local communities.
Euronews
Migrant flows to Greece down 34% in 2026, maritime affairs minister says
Migrant arrivals to Greece have fallen sharply, with a 34% drop in the first half of 2026. The decline is especially steep from Turkey, down 59%, easing pressure on Greek border management. This reduction in migration flows brings welcome relief to communities and authorities handling arrivals.
Euronews
‘A symbol of resistance’: the fight to save treehouse built on no man’s land next to Berlin Wall
A treehouse built on no man’s land near the Berlin Wall could become a memorial to postwar foreign laborers, honoring its Turkish creator. Supporters hope to preserve it as a symbol of resistance, rather than seeing it torn down as a safety hazard. The effort highlights a community’s dedication to keeping history alive.
The Guardian
In Istanbul, thriving tango scene draws locals and visitors together
In Istanbul, a vibrant tango community has brought locals and visitors together, creating a space for connection through dance. The expressive art form, rooted in South America, fosters a sense of belonging and shared passion among enthusiasts. This cultural exchange highlights how shared experiences can bridge distances and cultures.
The Globe and Mail
