Photo Shronicle

PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009

PHOTO CHRONICLE 2009

PROJECT EDITOR: MEHMET KAMIÞ

PHOTO EDITOR: SELAHATTÝN SEVÝ

COVER DESING: NURETTÝN ASLANTAÞ

© DECEMBER 2009

ISBN: 978-975-7678-37-3www.todayszaman.com

Notes for the future, photographs for eternity

We have left behind one more year of heavy debate. With each development we expe-

rienced, we grew hopeful at times for the future of Turkey and the world, and at times we

felt bereft of hope. In 2009 Turkey, an integral component of global change, became a

country that also underwent domestic change and transformation at a level not experienced

by other nations.

For every ounce of excitement that comes with living in a colorful country in which the

waves of global change are intertwined with the dynamics of national change, there is an

equal amount of stress involved. Perhaps today we have fallen short of assessing the depth

of the revolutionary change we're going through towards a more democratic, freer, more

pluralistic, more civilian and more self-reliant Turkey. But I'm sure that the historians who

come along in a few decades will be able to evaluate much more accurately than we the

scale of the historic importance of this period while looking at today's debates and devel-

opments.

2009 has been one of the most important bends in the historic road that we've been

traveling. Perhaps 2009 will be remembered in history as a year during which courage faced

a number of historic, cultural and social problems that had been ignored for years, that have

been thrown into deep freeze and denied. As journalists, we followed this process step by

step and did our best to present accurate news to contemporary readers and political ana-

lysts and also endeavored to leave behind reliable notes for the historians of the future. In

2009, a year of facing up to past deeds, had it not been for the Kurdish initiative, the

Armenian rapprochement, the trial of military junta members and the pursuit of deep-state

gangs, treasonous plans and conspiracies, there would have been little to distinguish this

year from others.

As we wrote and reported on new entries in the history books each day, we always

turned to photographs as the soundest documentation for these entries. Every step along

the way of the rapprochement with Armenia, the Kurdish and Alevi initiatives, the

Ergenekon investigation and the unearthing of coup plots, one of our photojournalist col-

leagues was pressing the shutter, creating a timeless frame and a valuable document.

Throughout the year, we got these documents out to our readers while the press was still

hot from publishing newspapers. But as we have done every year, this year we also want-

ed to bring these historically valuable photographic documents together in one place and

present them to you.

As I write to you, our esteemed readers, I would like to extend my thanks to each and

every one of the photojournalists, editors and page designers whose hard work made this

beautiful and meaningful photo chronicle possible, for their generosity in offering this visu-

al history for our benefit.

BÜLENT KENEŞ

EDITOR IN-CHIEF

P H O T O C H R O N I C L E 2 0 0 9F R O M T H E E D I T O R

Turkey becomes a ‘center of gravity’If the year 2009 were to be described in one word for Turkey, I suppose this word could

be “initiative.” In the run-up to the March 29 local elections, this magical word was used

more by opposition parties than by the ruling administration and often had words such as

“turban,” “headscarf” or “Quran course” placed before it to describe a range of different

initiatives that could materialize. It was in the wake of the local elections that the ruling AK

Party took the reins when it came to leading an “initiative.” This initiative, which is ongo-

ing and concerns Kurdish, Alevi and Roma citizens, has begun to be referred to generally

as the “democratic initiative.” And, in fact, this word turns out to have been so captivating

for many that it has become a driving force in foreign policy for Turkey. Through the “Ser-

bian initiative,” for example, networks of friendship and peace have been widened for Tur-

key through the Balkans.

On another front, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan's “one minute” outburst at the

Davos summit opened doors for Turkey in the Middle East. And it was Turkish television se-

ries that first slipped through these open doors, and then business figures. Within this fra-

mework, new initiatives broached with Syria, Jordan and Qatar led in 2009 to reciprocal mo-

ves to start visa-free travel between our nations. In the meantime, relations with northern

Iraq deepened, and there was a Ministers Council meeting that took place with the central

Iraqi government. When a new “zero problems with neighbors” policy was added to all of

the above, the real fruits of the initiatives with countries from Iran to Greece began to be har-

vested. As for another of Turkey's important neighbors, Armenia, the relations with “no pre-

conditions” that had begun one year earlier moved to a whole new level when protocols we-

re signed between the two countries and then presented to their respective parliaments. And

football diplomacy had a chance to show off its strength during the second match that took

place between the Turkish and Armenian national football teams in Bursa.

At the same time, while relations with Russia are going well when it comes to energy,

energy routes that will ultimately tie Turkey to Central Asia also found life in the Nabucco

project. In fact, Turkey has turned into a “center of gravity” that makes itself felt across its

region. Actually, Turkey's status as a center of gravity has become a factor felt around the

world. And the Zaman newspaper's young, assertive and experienced photojournalists ha-

ve captured many of these developments in Turkey and the world, leaving them in the ca-

re of memories in the future. These photojournalists have in fact captured the spirit of pla-

ces from Palestine to Switzerland, from Diyarbakýr to Ýstanbul. And nothing, not “frozen

accreditation” nor bullets flying in mid-air, could prevent their excitement in doing this.

Things as completely different from one another as a turtle in all its innocence to the tech-

nology-rejecting Amish, who live in a superpower nation across the ocean from us, have

inspired our camera lenses. Every aspect of life here in Turkey -- and around the world --

has enhanced our vision. But at the center of our viewfinder has always been humans and

trying to capture them. And thus we present a visual summation of photographs to remem-

ber from 2009. With best wishes for even better shots in the coming year...

SELAHATTİN SEVİ

PHOTO EDITOR

P H O T O C H R O N I C L E 2 0 0 9F R O M T H E E D I T O R

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GAZA DESTROYEDAs a result of an attack by Israelthat lasted 22 days, a total of1,300 Palestinians were killed,one-third of them children. Anestimated 4,000 buildings werealso destroyed.

TURGUT ENGÝN


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PHOSPHORUS BOMBS RAIN DOWN ON GAZAThe world entered the new year of 2009 in the shadowof the Israeli attack on Gaza. Israel used white phos-phorus bombs against Palestine during the offensive.There are debates about whether or not this bombcan be defined as a chemical weapon, but whitephosphorus causes severe burns to anyone it hits.

ÝSA ÞÝMÞEKJan. 6, 2009

TURGUT ENGÝN

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HUMAN DRAMA IN GAZA Over the course of a 22-day Israeli attack on Gaza, 1,300 peopledied, one-third of them children. At the same time, 4,000 build-ings were destroyed and 20,000 were damaged. Tens of thousands of people were left homeless.

TURGUT ENGÝN


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‘ONE MINUTE' OUTBURST IN DAVOSThough Turkey took on the role of mediator in peace talks between Israel andPalestine, it was also the nation that showed the strongest reaction to theIsraeli attack on Gaza. At the Davos World Economic Forum (WEF) which tookplace after the Gaza attack, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðanreacted with an outburst aimed at Israeli President Shimon Peres in whichErdoðan said, “You know quite well how to kill people.” Upon his return toTurkey, Erdoðan was met by thousands waiting for him at the airport. In addi-tion, the prime minister's “one minute” outburst when his speech was cutshort by the moderator at Davos was the talk of the nation for a long time.

ÝSA ÞÝMÞEKJan. 30, 2009


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SUPPORT FOR GAZA FROM LEADERS' SPOUSESAid campaigns were launched all over the world for victims of the Gaza attack. And a meeting that tookplace in Ýstanbul that was organized by Emine Erdoðan, the wife of the prime minister, was the scene ofmany emotional words and heartfelt concerns. From right to left at the Gaza meeting: Aisha Muammer AlGaddafi, the daughter of Muammer Gaddafi of Libya; Begüm Fauzia, the wife of Pakistani Prime MinisterYusuf Ruza Gilani; Asma al-Assad, the wife of the Syrian president; the wife of the emir of Qatar, HerHighness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned; Emine Erdoðan; Jordanian Queen Rania; Wafa Sleiman,the Lebanese first lady; Azerbaijani Parliament Deputy Speaker Bahar Muradova.

TURGUT ENGÝNJan. 10, 2009


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‘HOW HAPPY IS HE WHO CALLS HIMSELF A TURK!’ Famous actor Kevin Costner starred in anad for Turkish Airlines (THY), and the hat hewas wearing when he arrived in Ýstanbul toshoot the ad attracted lots of attention.

HÜSEYÝN SARIJan. 11, 2009

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ERSÖZ ARRESTED The investigation into the Ergenekon terroristgroup continued into 2009, with much talk ofhow retired Lt. Gen. Levent Ersöz became a “key name” in the investigation.

ALÝ ÜNALJan. 15, 2009

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TRT STARTS KURDISH LANGUAGE BROADCASTS WITH ‘ÞEÞ'The TRT Kurdish broadcast channel TRT 6, or TRT Þeþ,marked the start of its broadcasting with folk songs in Kurdishfrom famous singer Rojin.

ALÝ ÜNALJan. 1, 2009


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IT'S NOT THE SIZE THAT MATTERSIn 2009, the Turkish lira banknote was reissued.The new Turkish lira being printed are smallerthan the previous notes, and one of the first peo-ple to get to use them was Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdoðan. Members of the press got a firstglimpse of the money that Erdoðan withdrewfrom a Ziraat Bank ATM.

BAHAR MANDANJan. 2, 2009


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A CROW WHO'S A FRIEND!Kýz Haným Sarýçayýr, who has liveda rather lonely life since retire-ment, is kept company by a crownamed Kral (King) and a pelicannamed Arzu and lives happily in ahome with her avian friends onthe shores of Lake Çýldýr.

M. ALÝ POYRAZJan. 10, 2009


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NATIONAL CHOICE Turkish soccer player Mesut Özil, who grew up in Germany, wascaught in a dilemma between playing for the Turkish nationalteam and the German national team. In the end, Özil chose theGerman team, a decision that led to great debate in Turkey.

M. BURAK BÜRKÜKJan. 7, 2009


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TURAN WAS ONCE A BALL BOY, TOO Turkish soccer player Arda Turan is one of those rare playerswhose life both on and off the field reflects a certain amountof modesty. While a group of kids whose job is to collect straysoccer balls gather around him after a match, he returnstheir warmth, as he, too, at one time collected stray balls.

M.BURAK BÜRKÜKJan. 19, 2009

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NIGHT RAID ON HORSE MANOR Atlý Köþk (Horse Manor), the home of Toprak Holding CEO Halis Toprak,was raided by police and foreclosure officials after a ruling by SavingsDepost Insurance Fund (TMSF) authorities. Toprak, confined to bed due torespiratory problems, showed reporters whom he called to his bedsidedocuments purportedly proving that the TMSF ruling was unjust.

HÜSEYÝN SARIFeb. 15, 2009


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HABERTÜRKTurkey was introduced to a new newspaper in 2009: Habertürk.Habertürk Editor-in-Chief Fatih Altaylý answered questions fromZaman reporters, and Altaylý posed for pictures in front of theHabertürk printing plant in Ýstanbul's Kurtköy district.

ÝSA ÞÝMÞEKFeb. 26, 2009

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THY PLANE CRASHES A Turkish Airlines (THY) plane crashed on approach toAmsterdam's Schiphol Airport; four crew members andfive passengers died in the crash. The bodies of thecrew were brought back to Istanbul for funerals, and aceremony was held in front of THY headquarters.

ÝSA ÞÝMÞEKFeb. 28, 2009

BASRÝ DOÐAN


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GRAND AWARD FOR ALTAN Former deputy and journalist Çetin Altan received the2008 Culture and Arts Grand Award from the TurkishCulture and Tourism Ministry. He was presented withthe award by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan.

BAHAR MANDANFeb. 1, 2009

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‘SACRED CARE' Outgoing Istanbul University Rector MesutParlak formally handed the position over toYunus Söylet. Parlak noted that the ceremo-ny marked the turning over of this positionwithin the university for the first time in 28years, a sign of stability at the university,and said, "I am very happy to have entrustedthis sacred position to another."

ONUR ÇOBAN


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DÖNMEZ ARRESTED Another military officer arrested as part of the Ergenekon investiga-tion was Lt. Col. Mustafa Dönmez. After being placed under arrestin connection with ammunition found in the Zir Valley of Ankara'sYenikent district, Dönmez was sent to Hasdal Military Prison.

MEHMET YAMANFeb. 4, 2009


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KANADOÐLUFormer Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Prosecutor Sabih Kanadoðlu, whowas at the center of many constitutional debates during his tenure, was aspeaker at the "Turkey in the 85th Year of the Republic" conference.

ALÝ ÜNALFeb. 22, 2009


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FATHER OF TURKISH SERIALS DIED Gazanfer Özcan, a veteran actor of the stageand screen, died at the American Hospital inÝstanbul, where he had been undergoing treat-ment. Özcan, who was best known for his fami-ly-man roles on the stage, in films and in hittelevision comedy series in a career thatspanned more than five decades, passed awayat the age of 78. He was the founder of GönülÜlkü-Gazanfer Özcan Theater.

HÜSEYÝN SARI


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TOO MANY BALLS All over the world, soccer is a game played with one ball and 22 players.But from time to time, this basic rule becomes almost unrecognizableduring the match, such as when many red cards are given out and ballstechnically not in play somehow make their way onto the field.

M. MAHMUT BÜRKÜKFeb. 22, 2009


PITCHING IN TO HELPIzmir witnessed something it was not accustomed to duringthe Altay-Güngören Belediyespor Bank Asya 1st Leaguematch: An ambulance pitch-side got stuck in the mud duringthe game and was helped by fans and football players.

MUSTAFA YÜKSELFeb. 9, 2009

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YAZICIOÐLU DIES As Turkey was preparing for the March 29 regional elec-tions, a helicopter carrying Muhsin Yazýcýoðlu, the leader ofthe Grand Union Party (BBP), crashed in Kahramanmaraþ,Göksun province, killing Yazýcýoðlu and five others.

ÖMER SARIMarch 28, 2009

RESCUE TEAMS SEARCH IN SNOW AND HAIL After search parties worked throughheavy snow, hail and fog for days, the siteof the helicopter crash and the bodies ofGrand Union Party (BBP) leader MuhsinYazýcýoðlu and five others were found. Inthe end, local villagers located the site,though members of the TurkishMountaineering Federation as well as aspecial police force and soldiers had alsosearched for the crash site.

MUSTAFA KÝRAZLIMarch 27, 2009


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PEOPLE'S CEREMONY A formal ceremony was held inParliament for the late Grand UnionParty (BBP) leader MuhsinYazýcýoðlu. Following the ceremony,tens of thousands of people attendeda prayer service for Yazýcýoðlu atAnkara's Kocatepe Mosque.

ALÝ ÜNALMarch 31, 2009

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FROZEN ACCREDITATION During the search for the site where a helicopter carrying Grand Union Party (BBP) leaderMuhsin Yazýcýoðlu had crashed, a press accreditation scandal also occurred. Cihan photojour-nalist Lütfi Aykurt, who had been photographing the site at elevations of 2,500 meters in thefreezing cold, was left to walk for many hours in the harsh temperatures while other journalistswere transported away from the scene by military helicopters because it was discovered thatAykurt's press agency was not included on the list of officially accredited news agencies.

MUSTAFA KÝRAZLIMarch 30, 2009


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CLINTON IN TURKEYUS Secretary of State Hillary Clintonpaid a visit to Turkey after acceptingher new job in the US capital. Clintonhad a press conference with herTurkish counterpart, Ali Babacan.



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SPORTS BEHIND THE WALLSThe Justice Ministry allowed media access to Sincan Prisonnear Ankara's Sincan Yenikent district. Members of the presswere allowed to see the F and L-type prison blocks as well asthe social services and sports areas used by prisoners.



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CHAMPION ARKAS In the Teledünya Turkish Volleyball Cup Final, theArkas and Ziraat Bank volleyball teams played eachother. Arkas won the match 3-2 and walked awayfrom the finals with the Teledünya Turkish Cup.


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VOTERS OF THE FUTURE Voters heading to the polls for the 2009 Turkishregional elections chose candidates to lead their citiesover the next fives years. There was a large turnout forthese elections, with some voters even showing up atthe ballot boxes with their babies in their arms.

ÝSA ÞÝMÞEKMarch 29, 2009


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PRIME MINISTER CASTS HIS VOTE Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðanwent to vote with his wife, Emine Erdoðan. SELAHATTÝN SEVÝ

March 19, 2009


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A LONE MAN One way to share your loneliness withthe world is by heading to sea. As thecold winds brush your face, all sorts ofdreams can take you away.

ONUR ÇOBANMarch 19, 2009


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MR. OBAMA GOES TO ANKARA US President Barack Obama, who won the2008 US presidential elections, made oneof the first foreign trips of his new presi-dency a visit to Turkey. Obama had PrimeMinister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan by his sideas he addressed the Turkish Parliament.

ALÝ ÜNALApril 6, 2009

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ÇANKAYA WELCOMES OBAMAPresident Abdullah Gül hosted USPresident Barack Obama at Ankara'sÇankaya presidential palace.



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US PRESIDENT WOWED BY SULTANAHMET One of Obama's stops while in Turkey was Ýstan-bul. Obama took time to tour both the AyasofyaMuseum and the Sultanahmet Mosque while inÝstanbul and was briefed on these sights.

CÝHAN, POOL April 7, 2009


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UNDERGROUND WEAPONS CACHE Excavations that took place on land in Poyrazköy belonging to the Ýstek Foundationrevealed the largest cache of weapons found yet during the Ergenekon investiga-tion. The excavation, which took place not far from the Underwater Assault TeamsCommanders' Training Center, uncovered many light anti-tank weapons, rifles andhand grenades. Journalists were not allowed into the military site.

MÜHENNA KAHVECÝApril 22, 2009

ERGENEKON EXHIBITThe weapons and ammunition found duringexcavations that took place on land belongingto the Ýstek Foundation were later displayed bythe Ýstanbul Police Counterterrorism Unit.

AYTEN KAYA April 29, 2009

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BURNING THE EVIDENCEA lawyer's two-story villa located near Ankara's EymirLake was searched as a part of the Ergenekon investiga-tion. It appeared that some of the documents found in acabinet in the villa's garden had been burned.



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FLYING MOTORBIKESPrior to the third leg of the World Motocross Championships,which took place in Ýstanbul, some of the world's most talentedmotocross bikers put on a memorable acrobatic show.

ONUR ÇOBAN April 5, 2009


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BAHAR MANDAN April 16, 2009


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PRESIDENTIAL CYCLING TOUR Eighteen professional teams from 23 countries -- a total of 160 athletes -- took part in the 45thPresidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, which fol-lows a 1,212-kilometer-long course. Participantsincluded the national bicycle teams of bothTurkey and Germany. The tour was broadcast for16 hours on Eurosport and was a great opportu-nity to promote Turkey.

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HABERAL ARRESTED Baþkent University Rector Mehmet Haberal was arrestedas a part of the Ergenekon investigation and was sent toprison after appearing before a court.

CELÝL KIRNAPCIApril 17, 2009

ERGENEKON'S PAPER TRAIL Erol Manisalý was arrested after his villa in Ýstanbul'sLevent neighborhood was searched by police as a partof the Ergenekon investigation. Documents and papersfilling two sacks and one large bag were removed fromhis home as evidence in the investigation.

MEHMET YAMANApril 13, 2009


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SHOTS OF RAGE A young man living in the village ofHallaçlý near Istanbul's Çatalca dis-trict shot his older brother, sister-in-law and four nieces andnephews. Villagers wept at the sightof the row of coffins.



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VIOLENT SHOOT-OUT A bloody clash took place in Ýstanbul's normally quiet district of Bostancýas police from the city's counterterrorism department carried out anhours-long operation against a residence being used by an illegal group,the Revolutionary Headquarters. After hours of gunfire and grenade explo-sions, the group's leader, Orhan Yýlmazkaya, was killed by police.

MUSTAFA KÝRAZLIApril 27, 2009


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BOSTANCI ROCKED BY CLASH While the residents of nearby apartment buildings poured outonto the streets during a clash between police and membersof a terrorist cell known as Revolutionary Headquarters, oneyoung man watching the clashes much the way someonewould watch a film was killed by a stray bullet.

MUSTAFA KÝRAZLIApril 27, 2009


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TERÝM BIDS FAREWELL The Turkish national soccer team, thoughexpecting to head to the upcoming 2010 WorldCup finals in South Africa, experienced great dis-appointment at not making it through the elimi-nation matches. Coach Fatih Terim, acceptingresponsibility for this failure, seemed to be bid-ding farewell to the fans as he waved into thestands after the match.

M.BURAK BÜRKÜKApril 1, 2009


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SOCCER CLASH The tension that gets played out during the semi-annual Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray derby match has almost become a traditional part of theevent, but this same tension has now started to show itself more clearlyon the soccer field. While players themselves are supposed to provide agood example for the people in the stands, the last few derbies haveinstead seen unprofessional behavior from players, adding fuel to the fire.

M.BURAK BÜRKÜKApril 12, 2009


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TURKISH MASSAGE Many massage centers have been opening inTurkey recently, attracting the attention of peo-ple with all sorts of aches and pains. The suddenproliferation of these massage centers hassparked debates about hygiene.

ONUR ÇOBANApril 11, 2009


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BRIDGE HUGGERSThough the Bosporus Bridge has also been known as thestage for many suicide attempts in the past, this year alsosaw a bridge protest take place, with four people protestingagainst NATO by chaining themselves to the sides of thebridge. Police intervened to end the protest.

MEHMET YAMANApril 4, 2009


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RUSSIA PROTECTS THE BORDER Although the move to see the borders open upbetween Turkey and Armenia has begun, andwhile debates over how best to solve theNagorno-Karabakh problem and the events of1915 have picked up speed, all of Armenia'sborders with Turkey are still guarded byRussian soldiers. These days, the Russiantanks displayed at a World War II memorial inthe Armenian capital of Yerevan have become aplayground for children.

SELAHATTÝN SEVÝApril 18, 2009


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TURKISH-ARMENIAN BORDER Following the 2008 match between the Turkish and Armeniannational soccer teams, which were in the same 2010 World Cupqualifying group, Turkey brought the question of reopening theAlican border crossing between the two nations to the agenda.Relations between the two nations improved throughout 2009.While Armenia prepared its own side for the opening, soldierson the Turkish side stood guard amongst the trees.



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TURKEY PLAYS MEDIATOR Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Afghan President Hamid Karzai came together formeetings in Ankara to try to find solutions to disputes between the two nations. Followingmeetings, the two leaders posed for photographs with Turkish President Abdullah Gül andPrime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan. Turkey's role as a mediating nation betweenPakistan and Afghanistan received a great deal of praise in the foreign press.



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FRIENDLY COMPETITION Despite the tough competition betweenFenerbahçe and Galatasaray, rivalry is not the onlything fans of the two teams share. Former teamchairmen Ali Þen and Faruk Süren delivered mes-sages of friendship to both teams' fans during apanel discussion held at Fatih University.

M. BURAK BÜRKÜKApril 8, 2009

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LABORERS IN TAKSÝM SQUARE While May 1 marches and demonstrations were forbidden for years in Taksim Squarefollowing the deaths of 36 people on May 1, 1977 during protests on that day, this yearit hosted workers and laborers on May 1 once again, for the first time in 32 years. Agroup of around 5,000 people, made up largely of members of the Confederation ofRevolutionary Workers' Unions (DÝSK) and the Confederation of Public Sector TradeUnions (KESK), gathered this year in Taksim Square to shout slogans and dance thehalay; some protestors even climbed Taksim's famous memorial statue.

AYTEN KAYAMay 1, 2009

BÝLGE VILLAGE MASSACRE The village of Bilge, outside Mardin, was the scene of a massacre the likesof which Turkey had never seen before. A total of 43 people were killed inan attack that took place during a village wedding; the attack was rootedin long-standing enmity between two families. Those who survived theattack or lost family members were devastated by the incident.

M. ALÝ POYRAZMay 4, 2009


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MOLOTOV COCKTAIL Despite the fact that May 1 was declared an officialholiday this year, there were once again clashesbetween police and protestors on that day. Stonesand Molotov cocktails thrown at police by protestorswere answered with pepper gas and water cannons.

AYTEN KAYAMay 1, 2009


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POLICE WOUNDED AT PROTEST A head police commissioner intervening in the mass of protes-tors marching on May 1 from Okmeydan to the organized protestat Taksim lost his balance after being hit in the leg with a rockand was injured when a police tank rolled over him.

HÜSEYÝN SARIMay 1, 2009

SHELTER IN A TELEPHONE BOOTH People trapped in the clashes between May 1 protestors andpolice took shelter in telephone booths to shield themselvesfrom the stones and pepper gas all around them.

ONUR ÇOBANMay 1, 2009


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AMMUNITION LATCHES ONTO FISHING ROD Fishermen trying their luck from the Çubuklu docks in Beykozfound ammunition caught on their rods. Divers entering the waterto investigate found bombs, guns and cartridges that had beenplaced in plastic bags and thrown into the water. The findings wereimmediately investigated as part of the larger Ergenekon case.

MÜHENNA KAHVECÝMay 10, 2009


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BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT IN TURKEY Brazilian President Luiz Ýnacio Lula da Silva,whose country first formed diplomatic rela-tions with Turkey during the Ottoman period,arrived in the Turkish capital for an officialvisit. President Abdullah Gül hosted his guest,and they posed together for photographs.

ALÝ ÜNALMay 22, 2009


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INCIDENT AT RASMUSSEN'S HOTEL Former Danish Prime Minister and NATO Secretary-General Anders FoghRasmussen arrived in Ýstanbul to attend the second forum of the Alliance ofCivilizations. Rasmussen had an accident at his hotel, slipping and dislocat-ing his shoulder while here. Rasmussen's candidacy for the position ofNATO secretary-general was met with an initial veto from Turkey, and itwas only after Germany and France intervened that the problem was solved.

ONUR ÇOBANMay 6, 2009

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‘NO LIMIT' BAYKAL Republican People's Party (CHP) leader DenizBaykal got behind the wheel for the TurkishRadio and Television Corporation (TRT) pro-gram "Limit Yok," or “No Limit,” driving a race-car at the Ýstanbul Park Formula 1 tracks.

MUSTAFA KÝRAZLIMay 19, 2009


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‘I AM NOT JUST A FLOWER POT' Legendary Turkish pop music singer Erol Büyükburçattracted a great of attention over an angry outburst on livetelevision when his views were not solicited when servingas a member of the jury in a song contest. His words, "I amnot just a flower pot," resonated strongly with the public.

MUSTAFA KÝRAZLIMay 6, 2009


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OFFSHORE ON THE GOLDEN HORN The World Offshore 225Championship was held thisyear in Ýstanbul's GoldenHorn. A total of 10 teamsparticipated in the power-boat race, including com-petitors from Turkey,France, Germany andFinland.

CELÝL KIRNAPCIMay 16, 2009


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AND THE CUP GOES TO LUCESCU Mircea Lucescu, who in the past led both Beþiktaþ and Galatasarayto championships, this time saw his Shakhtar Donetsk team beatGermany's Werder Bremen 2-1 to become UEFA champions. Thecup was presented to him by Turkish Prime Minister Recep TayyipErdoðan and UEFA President Michel Platini.

M. BURAK BÜRKÜKMay 20, 2009

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KERÝMOÐLU RETIRES While all of Turkey applauded the efforts of Sivasspor, which played consis-tently for the past two seasons and made a credible bid for the championship,Sivasspor players stood to applaud the career of player Tugay Kerimoðlu, whoretired after representing Turkey in the UK for eight years.

M.BURAK BÜRKÜKMay 30, 2009


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PANORAMIC CONQUEST The Panorama 1453 Museum, whichopened on the 555th anniversary of theTurkish conquest of Ýstanbul, presents vis-itors with a three-dimensional depiction ofthe conquest itself.

TURGUT ENGÝNMay 16, 2009


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BEÞIKTAÞ CHAMPIONBeþiktaþ was the Turkcell Super League championfor the 2008-2009 season and with this titleachieved its 13th ever championship. The BlackEagles accepted their victory cup at a ceremonyheld at Inönü Stadium.

CELÝL KIRNAPÇI May 31, 2009

CHAMPION BEÞÝKTAÞ Beþiktaþ fans, who for six years had longed to taste the sweetvictory of the domestic championship, were overjoyed whentheir team became the 2008-2009 Turkcell Super Leaguechampion. Thousands of fans accompanied the bus carryingthe team as it traveled from Akaretler towards Dolmabahçe.

CELÝL KIRNAPCI May 31, 2009


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THE PRIDE OF DENÝZLÝ Beþiktaþ team coach Mustafa Denizli rose to thechampionship podium in front of thousands ofcheering fans at the team's stadium.

CELÝL KIRNAPCI May 31, 2009


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LESSON IN DEMOCRACY ON YASSIADA The Genç Siviller, or Young Civilians, who have attracted much attentionlately, held a press conference on Yassýada, the island where AdnanMenderes and his circle of supporters were executed many years ago.

MEHMET YAMANMay 24, 2009


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GREAT LOSS FOR POLITICS A key player for many years in Turkish politics, AbdülmelikFýrat, died this past year. Fýrat, a grandson of Sheikh Said,became a deputy for the Democrat Party (DP) in 1957 afterpretending to be seven years older than he really was.

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TURKISH OLYMPIADS GLITTERING GALA FOR TURKISH OLYMPIADS The opening gala of the 7th Turkish Olympiads held at Ankara's ASKI Sports Salon wasattended by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan and his wife, Emine Erdoðan. There, theTurkish prime minister embraced two young siblings, aged 4 and 5, from the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo who had memorized the 10 stanzas of the Turkish national anthem.Prime Minister Erdoðan also handed out the Meyve Awards to the winners.

MUSTAFA KÝRAZLIJune 6, 2009


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TURKISH OLYMPIADS GO TO THE HIGH JUDICIARYForeign students who came to Turkey from 115 countries around the world for the TurkishOlympiads had a chance to meet Supreme Court of Appeals President Hasan Gerçeker. ALÝ ÜNAL

June 1, 2009

PRESIDENTIAL VISIT FOROLYMPIADS CONTENDERS Children who arrived in Ankara forthe Turkish Olympiads paid a visitto President Abdullah Gül at thepresidential palace during whichone youth from Kenya askedPresident Gül to sign the Beþiktaþjersey he was wearing.

ALÝ ÜNALJune 3, 2009


TURKISH: A LANGUAGE OF LOVE The Turkish Olympiads are one of the events that helpspread Turkey's name internationally, and studentswho come to Turkey to compete in Turkish do so from115 Turkish schools that have been opened on fivecontinents around the world.

MUSTAFA KÝRAZLIJune 6, 2009

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TURKISH VAN GOGHS?Twenty-five Turkish artists headed to different spots inFrance to paint images originally depicted by famous artistVincent Van Gogh from the same perspective the artist used.The results of this project were presented to art lovers.

AYTEN KAYA

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FLYING INTO THE WATERS OF THE AZMAK RIVER The Azmak River in the Ula area of Muðla attractsthe attention of both local and foreign visitors. Somepeople, tired of the relentless summer heat, come tothe river and jump into the cool waters below fromthe wooden bridge that spans the river.

CELÝL KIRNAPCIJune 17, 2009

104

NAZLI THE TURTLE Iztuzu Beach in Dalyan in the province of Muðla is one ofthe most important egg-laying areas for the famousCaretta Caretta sea turtle and fills with people every yearhoping to see the eggs hatch. This year, an injured sea tur-tle named Nazlý, who had been found on the seashore, wasreleased back into the sea after undergoing treatment.

CELÝL KIRNAPCIJune 13, 2009


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ÞÜKÜR FAMILY TOGETHERNESS Former Turkish national team playerHakan Þükür expresses delight at hav-ing his family next to him.

ÝSA ÞÝMÞEKJune 18, 2009

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HONORARY DEGREE FROM XINJIANG UNIVERSITY FOR GÜLPresident Abdullah Gül visited the Uighur AutonomousRegion on the final day of his trip to China and was awardedan honorary degree by Xinjiang University.

OSMAN EROLJune 29, 2009


107

GÜL IN CHINAPresident Abdullah Gül, who has placed ever more impor-tance on contacts abroad since coming to office, made an offi-cial visit to China. President Gül toured the streets of Chinawith his wife, Hayrünnisa Gül, and the two were treated togreat shows of affection from the Uighur Turks in China.

OSMAN EROLJune 27, 2009


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BASEBALL IN HAKKARÝOne of the sports most loved bychildren living in Durak, a tiny vil-lage connected to the larger villageof Korgan, which is near theÞemdinli town of Hakkari, is base-ball. Children here play the sportwith plastic balls and bats fash-ioned out of wood from local trees.

MÜHENNA KAHVECÝJune 23, 2009


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ÇEVÝK BÝR ON TRIALIt was revealed that retired Gen. Veli Küçük, arrested as apart of the Ergenekon investigation, had gained access to theclassified files of retired Gen. Çevik Bir. Both Bir and Küçükare currently being tried as part of the Ergenekon case.

MEHMET YAMANJune 25, 2009


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HEADSCARVED MPThe Turkish presence in Europe becomesclearer with each passing day. Elections forthe Brussels parliament held this year sawthree Turkish MPs taking their oaths to jointhe legislative body. One of these new MPs,Mahinur Özdemir (26), is not only Brussels'youngest-ever MP, but also the first everheadscarved MP in the Brussels parliament.

VEDAT DENÝZLÝJune 23, 2009


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ARROW SHOT FROM HORSEBACK The traditional Kaðýthane Cirit festivities werethe scene of a special demonstration of skill bya member of the Sivas Horse Club, who hit tar-gets with an arrow shot from horseback.

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NABUCCO SIGNING Governments involved in the Nabucco natural gaspipeline project, intended to transport natural gasfrom the Caspian Sea and the Middle East throughTurkey and into Europe, convened to sign off on aproject agreement. Prime Minister Recep TayyipErdoðan hosted the signing ceremony, after whichphotographs were taken.

ALÝ ÜNALJuly 9, 2009


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HALÝT REFÝÐ DIES Halit Refið, an important name in the world of Turkishcinema, died at the age of 75. Refið became involvedin film in 1960 and wound up working as not only adirector but as a scriptwriter for numerous films.

BAHAR MANDAN


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ZAMAN HOLDS 3G PRESS BRIEFING FROM YOZGAT A new era in communications began in Turkey with thecompletion of tenders for 3rd generation (3G) cell phones.Zaman newspaper's Editor-in-Chief Ekrem Dumanlý wentto his home city of Yozgat along with top editors from thepaper and there held a 3G press conference.



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THE TECHNOLOGY-REJECTING AMISH The Amish, who live largely in the US state of Pennsylvania,carry on lives far removed from most technological advancesof the world. They do not use electricity in their homes nor dothey use cars. They make their living from agriculture, andthey get meat by hunting. By living in these very basic condi-tions, they believe they are living as the Bible commands themto. There are around 200,000 Amish in the US, not only inPennsylvania but also in Ohio, Indiana and Maryland.

MEHMET DEMÝRCÝJuly 21, 2009


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NAUTICAL COMPANIONSFOLLOWING THE TRAIL OF CRUMBSSeagulls are faithful companions for ferryboatsheading off to the islands from Eminönü. Thesebirds befriend passengers who toss them some oftheir simit and spend the balance of the trip follow-ing the boat as trusty companions.

M. ALÝ POYRAZJuly 17, 2009


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FOR REASONS OF HEALTH Retired Gen. Hurþit Tolon was allowed toremain free on his own recognizance whilestanding trial in the Ergenekon case due tohealth problems. Heading into his hearing atthe Silivri courtroom, however, Tolon appearedto be quite healthy and in good spirits.

ONUR ÇOBANJuly 20, 2009


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SUPPORTED BY HER SPOUSE Ferda Paksüt, the wife of ConstitutionalCourt Chief Justice Osman Paksüt, wasone of the suspects free on her ownrecognizance in the Ergenekon case.Ferda Paksüt arrived at the hearingsaccompanied by her husband.

ONUR ÇOBANJuly 20, 2009


126

CIGARETTES EXIT COFFEEHOUSES A cigarette ban that went into effect in 2008moved into its second phase this past year,expanding the prohibition to all closed publicspaces, including one particular favorite ofsmokers in Turkey, the coffeehouse.

SELAHATTÝN SEVÝJuly 20, 2009

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RESCUE REHEARSALRescue tugboats have been introduced onIstanbul's Bosporus as a precaution against thehazards of the waterway. Rescues demonstratedby a tugboat team at the opening ceremony of theproject were appreciated by viewers.

MEHMET YAMANJuly 1, 2009

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GRADUATION ANTICSStudents at Istanbul Technical University's marinefaculty celebrate at graduation ceremonies by toss-ing their friends into the nearby sea.

KÜRÞAT BAYHAN July 2, 2009

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AN EDUCATOR'S DREAM President of the Board of Higher Education (YÖK) Yusuf Ziya Özcanreceived the motorbike he had always dreamed of since childhood on his58th birthday as a gift from his wife. Özcan, thrilled by the present, thenwent on to get his license to drive it, receiving 95 points on his driving test.



130

POP MUSIC LOSES ITS KING The king of pop, Michael Jackson, died, plung-ing fans all over the world into grief and elicit-ing an outpouring of expressions of love.

MEHMET DEMÝRCÝJuly 9, 2009

131

50 CENT IN ÝSTANBUL American hip-hop artist 50 Cent came toÝstanbul, where he performed a concert fora large audience. With many of his songsat number one on the charts all over theworld, 50 Cent played to appreciativeTurkish fans at the Kuruçeþme Arena.

MEHMET YAMANJuly 13, 2009

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ANKARA ON HIGH ALERTDURING PUTIN VISIT Russian PresidentVladimir Putin arrived inAnkara amid a strongsecurity presence.

ALÝ ÜNALAug. 6, 2009

PUTIN-ERDOÐAN-BERLUSCONI Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðanhosts Russian President Vladimir Putinand Italian Prime Minister SilvioBerlusconi, both of whom came toTurkey. Many energy agreements weresigned during their meetings.



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ERDOÐAN AND DTP MEET FOR DEMOCRACYPrime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan, whoseJustice and Development Party (AK Party) intro-duced the democratic initiative aimed at bringingKurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorism to anend, met with Democratic Society Party (DTP)leaders Ahmet Türk and Emine Ayna to hear theirviews on the matter.



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DERAILED TRAIN KILLS 5, WOUNDS 21A Republic Express train derailed on the Eskiþehir-Ýstanbul line when it hit a work machine that rolledonto the tracks in Bilecik. The accident killed fivepeople and wounded 21 others.

AHMET GÜMÜÞAug. 28, 2009

137

ÇAKMAKLI DIES One of the foremost directors of Turkish cinema over thepast century, Yücel Çakmaklý, died at the age of 72. CELÝL KIRNAPCI


140

SOCCER FACE-OFFSoccer is one of the world's most popular sports. Fenerbahçe playerSemih Þentürk, known as the "Nöbetçi Golcü" [On-Call Goalmaker],and Manisaspor goalie Ýlker Avcýbay provided some memorablemoments on the field as they faced each other on the pitch.

AYTEN KAYAAug. 30, 2009

NIAGARA FALLS A POPULAR SPOT FOR ALLNiagara Falls, North America's largest waterfalls, continue to draw tourists from all over the world.

MEHMET DEMÝRCÝAug. 3, 2009


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FAMILY KEEPS WARM ON COLD SOCCER NIGHT OUTThis must be what they mean when they talk about a family's well-being. A family huddles together to stay warm while watching amatch between Ýstanbul Büyükþehir Belediyespor and Beþiktaþ atÝstanbul's Olympic Stadium on a chilly night.

M.BURAK BÜRKÜKAug. 7, 2009


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SURF'S UP!The PWA Windsurf World Cup was held in Ýzmir'sAlaçatý neighborhood and saw 64 male athletesand 14 female athletes from 30 different coun-tries competing. Though insufficient winds meantthat some of the competitions were delayed orcancelled, many athletes nevertheless managedto pull off stunning performances.

MEHMET YAMANAug. 15, 2009


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STORKS EMBARK ON LONG ROUTE SOUTHStorks, known for their faithful migratory habits,start heading for warmer climes as winterapproaches. Ýstanbul is an important point on themigratory paths of storks, and thus the cityenjoys some unforgettable visuals as storks headon their annual seasonal journey.

MEHMET YAMANAug. 25, 2009


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CLIMBING TO PROSPERITYCedar trees that dot the peaks of the Toros Mountains arein fact an important means of livelihood for agriculturalworkers in the area. In order to gather some of the small-er branches from these trees, which can grow up to 40meters in height, workers climb the trunks with greatdexterity and skill to get what they are looking for.

ÜMÝT PITIRAug. 28, 2009

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CELEBRATING NATURESiirt's Eruh Municipality organized the 1st Eruh-ÇýravNature and Culture Festival, drawing many participantsfrom nearby cities and towns.

ONUR ÇOBANAug. 15, 2009

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CELÝL KIRNAPCISept. 8, 2009

FLOODS RAVAGE ÝSTANBUL Heavy rains turned the Selimpaþa area of Ýstanbul into some-thing resembling a war zone. As a result of downpours theErseven Site, located right next to the E-5 highway, was practi-cally underwater. Hundreds of cars that had been parked in andaround the compound were carried into the Sea of Marmara.

WAITING TO BE RESCUED People caught on the roads in heavy downpours triedeverything they could to get themselves rescued andbrought to safety. Some people who had been waitingfor a municipal bus on the Basýn Ekspres Roadwound up having to scramble atop a bus to avoidbeing swept away by the angry floodwaters. .

M. ALÝ POYRAZSept. 9, 2009

153

CARS CARRIED AWAY TO SEA Ýstanbul residents woke up to an extremely rainy morningon Sept. 8 this year. The rain that came down did its best toexpose some of the enormous flaws in uneven city planningand construction. Many locations throughout the city experi-enced flooding and water accumulation problems.

SELAHATTÝN SEVÝSept. 8, 2009

FLOODING AND LOOTING Many businesses sustained damage fromthe floods in Ýstanbul. In some spots, mer-chandise swept out of stores by the rush-ing waters were grabbed up by looterstaking advantage of the disaster's effects.

MUSTAFA KÝRAZLISept. 9, 2009


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BASIN EKSPRES ROAD UNDER WATERAs the strongest rains of the last 80 years fell inÝstanbul over only a few hours, the city'sAyamama Creek swelled and overflowed itsbanks. Waters as high as three meters in someareas took lives, and by the end of the floods, 24people had died while hundreds of homes andbusinesses were flooded. One critical transporta-tion artery, Ýstanbul's Basýn Ekspres Road,remained under water as a result of the flooding.



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CULPRIT: GARÝPOÐLU Cem Garipoðlu, who grew a beard in order to dis-guise himself as authorities searched for him,shaved after he was taken into police custody.

M. ALÝ POYRAZ

KARABULUT MURDER SUSPECT SURRENDERSA 197-day police investigation ensued after the body ofMünevver Karabulut -- stuffed into a guitar case andleft in a trash container in Etiler -- was discovered onthe evening of March 4, 2009. While the search forprime suspect Cem Garipoðlu gained momentum, pos-sible accomplices were also investigated. The investi-gation continued after Garipoðlu turned himself in.

MÜHENNA KAHVECÝSept. 20, 2009

157

SAMI YUSUF AT RAMAZAN Ethnic-Azeri British artist Sami Yusuf performed a concert inÝstanbul during the month of Ramazan. CELÝL KIRNAPÇI

Sept. 21, 2009

158

BAYRAM TRADITIONS THROUGH THE CENTURIES Bayram traditions that have continued for hundreds of years between the residents ofthe Çanakkale villages of Bademli and Koyunevi were once again observed in 2009.Villagers walk to see each other at bayram, food is eaten, graves are prayed over andbayram is celebrated with traditions that span centuries.

BÜNYAMÝN KÖSELÝSept. 21, 2009


159

PEOPLE OF THE REPUBLIC EXCHANGEBAYRAM GREETINGS WITH PRESIDENTPresident Abdullah Gül went to the SultanahmetMosque for his bayram prayer and exchanged holidaygreetings with the crowd gathered there.


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EDUCATION MINISTER CONSOLES NEW STUDENT Education Minister Nimet Çubukçu huggedand consoled a little girl who was cryingon her first day at primary school.

HÜSEYÝN SARISept. 24, 2009

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL A LONG ONE Students starting primary school in the 2009-2010 academic yeartried to get accustomed to school ways. One of the first things thesenew students had to learn is how to wait in line for the bathrooms.

ÝSA ÞÝMÞEKSept. 14, 2009


161

TROUBLED GENIUS David Helfgott, who spent 12 years in a mental hospital after being diag-nosed with schizophrenia and is now considered one of the world's toppianists, performed an unforgettable concert for fans at Ýstanbul's Aya IriniMuseum. Helfgott is also the subject of the Oscar-winning film "Shine."

HÜSEYÝN SARISept. 13, 2009


162

GÜNAYDIN'S LOVE FOR THE STAGEA renowned name in Turkish theatrical circles, ErolGünaydýn, says that despite his advanced age, hecannot imagine being separated from the stage.

ÝSA ÞÝMÞEKSept. 1, 2009

163

THE LAST OTTOMAN The oldest member of the Osmanoðlu family, Ertuðrul Osman Osmanoðlu, closedhis eyes for the final time at the advanced age of 97. After the fall of the OttomanEmpire, Osmanoðlu did not visit Turkey until he was 72. Though in an interview, he had earlier stated that he wanted to be buried in Turkey. Funeral prayers forOsmanoðlu, who was born at Yýldýz Palace, took place at the Sultanahmet Mosque.

ÝSA ÞÝMÞEK Sept. 26, 2009

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SUIT!This young man, caught up in the thrill anddesire to please both his wishes and hiswallet, is a finely nuanced reference to thecontradictions that fill our lives.

M.BURAK BÜRKÜK Sept.12, 2009

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PURPLE UNIFORMOne topic in addition to Galatasaray's performanceon the pitch this season has also received muchattention: the purple uniform newly designed forthem. The enthusiastic reaction to a goal during thematch against Eskiþehirspor was almost as inter-esting to watch as the new purple jersey.

M.BURAK BÜRKÜKSept. 27, 2009


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STARTING SHOT The Ýstanbul-Europa Race, Europe's largest and mostprestigious sailing competition, had its starting shotfired by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan. Erdoðantook the gun to fire the signal to start but was slightlytaken aback by the sound of the gunfire.

SELMAN EÞTÜRKLERSept. 22, 2009


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RETURNING HOME A group of 34 people from Kurdistan Workers' Party[PKK] camps in Makhmour and Kandil in northern Iraqturned themselves in as a part of a newly launched"democratic initiative." The group, who returned toTurkey by crossing the border at Habur, were met bymembers of the Democratic Society Party [DTP].

KÜRÞAT BAYHAN Oct. 21, 2009


ÞÝVAN PERWER GIVES TRILINGUALPERFORMANCE Singer Þivan Perwer, a leading namein Kurdish music, sang songs in Arbilin Kurdish, Turkish and English.

ALÝHAN HASANOÐLUOct. 17, 2009

SURRENDERING TO AUTHORITIESMilitants from the Kandil Mountains met up with a groupfrom the Makhmour camp in Arbil before heading toTurkey to turn themselves over to authorities.

ALÝHAN HASANOÐLU Oct. 19, 2009

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INITIATIVE DIPLOMACYAs the democratic initiative process moved forward,Turkey's diplomatic efforts in the region also con-tinued. Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoðlu headedto northern Iraq to meet with Regional KurdishAdministration President Massoud Barzani.

ALÝHAN HASANOÐLU Oct. 30, 2009

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BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIERSOne sign of a complete thaw in formerly icy relationsbetween Turkey and Syria was the signing of an agreementto eliminate visa requirements between the two nations.Following the signing of the agreement, the foreign minis-ters of both countries symbolically removed a barricade attheir shared border before proceeding to a bilateral meet-ing with other ministers.

ALÝ ÜNALOct. 14, 2009


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FOOTBALL DIPLOMACYThe Turkish and Armenian national soccer teams faced offin a World Cup elimination match held at Bursa's AtatürkStadium. President Abdullah Gül, who in 2008 went to theArmenian capital of Yerevan to watch another gamebetween the national teams, this time hosted ArmenianPresident Serzh Sarksyan in Bursa.

SELAHATTÝN SEVÝOct. 14, 2009


177

FLAG CRISISThe match between the Turkish and Armenian national soc-cer teams in Bursa went down in history as the first suchmatch to take place on Turkish soil. The game, however,was the scene for a flag crisis sparked by fans who broughtAzerbaijani flags to the stadium despite a FIFA decision toban them. Armenian journalists present at the match whounfurled an Armenian flag in the media section of thestands also violated regulations governing the match.

SELAHATTÝN SEVÝOct. 14, 2009


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LAST-MINUTE CHANGES CAUSE A FUSSNew protocols meant to guide theestablishment of diplomatic rela-tions between Turkey andArmenia were signed by ForeignMinister Ahmet Davutoðlu andArmenian Foreign MinisterEdward Nalbandian. Turkeyblocked new additions Armeniatried to have placed in the proto-col at the last moment, causingsome problems for Nalbandian.

ONUR ÇOBANOct. 10, 2009


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86 YEARS AND COUNTINGA series of celebrations commemorated the 86th anniver-sary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. A ceremonymarking the occasion took place at Parliament and wasattended by both Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan andChief of General Staff Gen. Ýlker Baþbuð.

ALÝ ÜNAL Oct. 29, 2009


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‘DIE HARD' IN ÝSTANBULThe star of the "Die Hard" film series, BruceWillis, arrived in Ýstanbul with his wife, EmmaHeming. The famous actor, who attended theFashionable Ýstanbul by Avea fashion show,couldn't hide his excitement about visitingÝstanbul for the first time.

CELÝL KIRNAPÇIOct. 26, 2009


182

PHILANTHROPIC KOÇ FAMILY HONOREDA reception held at New York City's Museum of Natural History inhonor of the Koç family, which received one of the world's most pres-tigious philanthropic awards, the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy,brought together many well-known names. Present at the eveninggathering were Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent, Ali Koç, Rahmi Koç andCarnegie Corporation of New York President Vartan Gregorian.

MEHMET DEMÝRCÝOct. 15, 2009


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PAPANDREOU GRABS ELECTION VICTORYEarly general elections held in Greece led toa victory by the main opposition party, thePanhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), ledby George Papandreou. Papandreou sharedthe moment of victory with party supporters.

HASAN HACIOct. 4, 2009

184

MINARET MESSAGES UNDER DEBATEA variety of lit-up messages strung between minarets onÝstanbul's Sultanahmet Mosque, Yeni Mosque andSüleymaniye Mosque sparked controversy. Some of the word-ing on these messages, such as the one that spelled out "Weare indebted to our military," were a cause for debate.

HÜSEYÝN SARIOct. 5, 2009


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FASHION IN ÝSTANBULFollowing shows in fashion capitals such asNew York, Milan and Paris, Ýstanbul for the firsttime hosted Fashionable Ýstanbul by Avea,which featured giants from the fashion industrysuch as Roberto Cavalli, Missoni, GianfrancoFerre and Salvatore Ferragamo.

CELÝL KIRNAPÇIOct. 26, 2009


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‘ÝSTANBUL DECISIONS' GO DOWN IN HISTORY Ýstanbul has in recent years has become an importantvenue for international meetings and conferences.This year saw the annual meetings of the InternationalMonetary Fund [IMF] and the World Bank. In fact, deci-sions made at these meetings, seeking an exit fromthe global economic crisis, went down in history as theIstanbul Decisions. Pictured is World Bank PresidentRobert Zoellick trying to hear a question from areporter following a press conference.

MUSTAFA KÝRAZLIOct. 2, 2009

187

PROTESTORS RALLY AGAINST IMFDemonstrators in Ýstanbul fill city squares in protestas officials from the International Monetary Fund [IMF]and the World Bank meet to talk about the world'seconomic situation. Protestors, staking out their posi-tions against global capital, inflicted physical damageon the Ziraat Bank and many other institutions.

MEHMET YAMANOct. 6, 2009



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LURED BY HIGH-TECH DISCOUNTS An increasing number of stores specializing intechnological merchandise use large discountsto try and compete for customers. One suchnew store at the Forum Ýstanbul mall had thou-sands line up outside the store in hopes of buy-ing cheap tech goods once the store opened.



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VICTORY PRAYERIvory Coast national soccer team playerAbdul Kader Keita, who after his transfer toGalatasaray began his first press confer-ence with the words "Assalamu Alaikum,"attracted attention for praying at ÞükrüSaracoðlu Stadium before his team's derbyagainst rival Fenerbahçe.


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WHAT KILLED CEYLAN?Ceylan Önkol was killed by an explosive devicethat hit her in the stomach as she tended herflock in the tiny village of Hambaz outside ofLice, Diyarbakýr province. The actual cause ofthe 14-year-old's death was the subject ofintense speculation, and many across the coun-try staged protests, calling on authorities toidentify and locate those responsible.

MEHMET YAMANOct. 15, 2009


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DP-ANAVATAN TIE THE KNOTThe Motherland Party (ANAVATAN) and theDemocrat Party [DP] merged. ANAVATANleader Salih Uzun and DP leaderHüsamettin Cindoruk attended a joint partycongress at which the merger was final-ized. Former party leaders, includingMesut Yýlmaz, were also in attendance.

ALÝ ÜNALOct. 31, 2009

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BAHAR MANDANOct. 18, 2009

SHARKS TAKE CENTER STAGE Turkuazoo, one of Europe's largest aquari-ums, opened its doors in Ýstanbul. The facili-ty holds some 10,000 fish from 2,000species. The sharks and stingrays, however,attracted the most attention.

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SWINE FLU As the swine flu epidemic sweeping the worldbegan to take its toll on Turkey, precautions weretaken to prevent the spread of the virus, includingdisinfection of schools and public transportationvehicles such as city buses and metros.

M.ALÝ POYRAZNov. 27, 2009

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ZERE RELEASED Thirty-seven-year-old Güler Zere, who was a serving a 34-year prison sentence for mem-bership in the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C), an illegal leftistorganization, was diagnosed with cancer in the 14th year of her prison term. Followingher diagnosis, President Abdullah Gül officially pardoned Zere, allowing her release.

SELMAN EÞTÜRKLERNov. 13, 2009


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NATION OF EARTHQUAKES Indonesia, known for its frequent earthquakes,was rocked by a magnitude-7.4 earthquake,which caused many homes and businesses inthe Padang region to collapse. Around 10,000people trapped in the rubble lost their lives,while thousands more were injured.

M. ALÝ POYRAZNov. 8, 2009

202

CHP BACKS ‘COUP-SUPPORTING LAW SOCIETY'A demonstration against legal wiretapping was organized on Ýstan-bul's Ýstiklal Caddesi by members of the Ýstanbul Bar Association aswell as other lawyers' groups from nearby areas. Spokespeople forthe bar association read a declaration in Taksim Square. As they didso, members of the Young Civilians civil society group held a signreading "Coup-supporting law society, welcome to Taksim" from thenearby windows of the Taksim Square Hotel. Republican People'sParty (CHP) deputies Þahin Mengü and Mehmet Sevigen as well asCHP Ýstanbul branch head Gürsel Tekin joined in the protest, express-ing support for the lawyers of defendants in the Ergenekon case.

MUSTAFA KÝRAZLINov. 2, 2009


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‘DO YOU REMEMBER ME?'The Sinpaþ Group sponsored a conference entitled "Leadershipfor Sustainable Success" at which the most famous speaker wasformer US President Bill Clinton. After his speech was over, aspecial surprise awaited Clinton: A baby he had held 10 yearsago when touring earthquake-stricken regions of Turkey as theUS president now met him as a 10-year-old boy. Erkan, who hadplayfully grabbed Clinton’s nose a decade ago, once againreached out the grab his nose.



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FAMILY PHOTOGRAPH The 25th session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of theOrganization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) took place in Ýstanbul, with many heads of state in attendance.After the summit was over, leaders joined in a "family photograph" with an unparalleled view of theBosporus serving as a backdrop. Heading the summit was President Abdullah Gül, who hosted manyprominent guests such as Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.



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KARZAI ENJOYS THE BOSPORUS Hamid Karzai, recently re-elected president ofAfghanistan in closely watched and fiercely debated elec-tions, arrived in Ýstanbul to attend the StandingCommittee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation(COMCEC) of the Organization of the Islamic Conference(OIC) summit. After the summit group photo, Karzai tookin the breathtaking view of the Bosporus.


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‘CHAOS PLAN'The steps known by some as the "Action Plan to Finish Off theJustice and Development Party (AK Party) and the GülenMovement" were detailed in a document signed by Col. DursunÇiçek, who was sent to prison twice on different occasions. Çiçekspent only 18 hours in jail after his first arrest when the originalversion of the photocopied document could not be found, but whenthe original signed document emerged three-and-a-half monthslater, Çiçek was arrested once again, this time for 43 hours.

M.ALÝ POYRAZNov. 13, 2009


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NO MORE COUPS Plots that emerged during 2009 took the Ergenekon caseto a whole new level. Civil society organizations gatheredon Ýstiklal Caddesi to march in support of the trials ofthose accused of being coup and junta supporters.

ONUR ÇOBANNov. 2, 2009


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PRESIDENT VISITS TUNCELÝPresident Abdullah Gül became the first Turkishpresident to visit Tunceli in 14 years. During hisvisit to the city, President Gül went to the TunceliCemevi. It was noticed by many that members ofGül's delegation did not remove their shoesbefore entering the cemevi, instead choosing toput protective covers over their footwear.

ONUR ÇOBANNov. 5, 2009

SAZ PRESENT During President Abdullah Gül's visit to Tunceli, an Alevielder presented the president with a saz as a gift. ONUR ÇOBAN

Nov. 5, 2009


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BLUE SYMPHONY A painting titled "Blue Symphony" by Turkish artist Burhan Doðançaysold for TL 2.2 million at auction. The sale was recorded as the highestprice ever paid for a work by a living Turkish artist.

TURGUT ENGÝN

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BACHELOR ROOMS Hundreds of people flooding into Ýstanbul from Turkey's eastern provinces hoping to findwork in the city crowd together in "bachelor rooms" in Eminönü. Sometimes there are any-where from five and 25 people staying in just one of these rooms. The rooms cost around TL500 a month, and the young men who live in them struggle to make a living in the city.

KÜRÞAT BAYHAN


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SARAYSPOR PROJECT IN EDIRNE The Sarayspor soccer project, launched by the Edirne policedepartment, has already started to bear fruit: Now, 400 eth-nic Roma children are learning to follow the ball and forgetabout life's other challenges, if only for a little while.

SELMAN EÞTÜRKLER


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Z A M A N A N O T D Ü Þ E N F O T O Ð R A F L A R

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A LAND OF DUST AND SUN War has been on the daily agenda foryears now in Afghanistan, a nation ofdust and sun. There were battles againstthe Russians, the civil war of the Talibanyears and of course the clashes betweenAmerican forces and members of theTaliban and al-Qaeda post-Sept. 11. Allof this has worn out the Afghan people.And so Afghans struggle through dailylife in their poverty-stricken country,becoming refugees in their own lands.

KÜRÞAT BAYHAN


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THE PAIN OF MOTHERS The Commission to Research Unsolved Murders has put the number of missingpeople and unsolved murders in Turkey from the 1980s to the present at 17,000.Fatma Ýbak, Emine Deniz, Rabia Tanýþ, Emine Danýþýk, Adile Þen and Fadile Üstünare just some of the mothers of the missing who wait with tears in their eyes fortheir children to return in the cities of Cizre, Silopi and Diyarbakýr.

KÜRÞAT BAYHAN


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REFUGEE DRAMA The problems associatedwith refugees coming toEurope from nations suchas Afghanistan, Ethiopia andSudan seem to be growingin dimension. Some of thetough new policies institut-ed for refugees in Franceare making things more dif-ficult for those currently liv-ing in the French city ofCalais who hope to travel tothe UK soon.

ONUR ÇOBAN


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ZAMAN'S GUESTS "Guest of the month" interviews done byZaman Editor-in-Chief Ekrem Dumanlý andeconomy editor Turhan Bozkurt havebrought some of the most importantnames in Turkey to the pages of the news-paper. Some of the more notable names tobe interviewed by Zaman are Koç HoldingCEO Mustafa Koç, Doðuþ Holding CEO FeritÞahenk, Eczacýbaþý CEO Bülent Eczacýbaþý,Alarko Holding head Ýshak Alaton and FÝBAHolding CEO Hüsnü Özyeðin.

SELAHATTÝN SEVÝ

ONUR ÇOBAN

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