Latest news with #EmineErdoğan
Euronews
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Turkey investigates Spotify over 'insensitive' playlist names
Another day, another investigation in Turkey — this time targeting Spotify, which is under scrutiny for allegedly "insulting societal beliefs" and engaging in anti-competitive behaviour. The controversy began with what appeared to be a highly coordinated backlash on social media, and has since escalated. On Friday, Spotify told The Times that it is considering temporarily suspending its services in Turkey or even pulling out of the market entirely. The Swedish music streaming giant stated that it was "not prepared for its users to be censored" but added that it was "working to co-operate with Turkish authorities." Company representatives told The Times that all options were being evaluated, including "pausing operations in the market or exiting Turkey altogether." Spotify is well known for its user-generated playlists, many of which feature satirical or humorous titles, ranging from celebrity references and fictional characters to political jabs. However, some playlist titles have sparked political controversy in Turkey. Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Batuhan Mumcu accused the platform of "hosting content that targets our religious and national values and insults the beliefs of our society." He claimed the platform included "insidious and provocative" playlists directed at First Lady Emine Erdoğan. "The platform's failure to act is incompatible with our nation's cultural and moral values," Mumcu said, arguing that such content undermines social unity. The playlist titles that caused a stir One playlist in particular — titled "Songs Emine Erdoğan listens to while cleaning the palace" — triggered outrage among pro-government social media users, often referred to as 'AK trolls' (a reference to President Erdoğan's ruling Justice and Development AK Party). The campaign to ban Spotify gained traction among conservative voters, with users tagging government officials on X and demanding action. Screenshots of the controversial playlist titles quickly went viral. Religious-themed playlists also provoked anger. Two lists — titled "The playlist Prophet Muhammad listened to while escaping the Mushrikites" and "Songs the Prophet listened to in the cave" — also drew heavy criticism in conservative circles. Spotify currently has more than 12 million monthly active users in Turkey.
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Turkey threatens Spotify with legal action after it hosts user-made playlists claiming the president's wife has a golden toilet
Turkey's Deputy Culture Minister has threatened music streaming platform Spotify with legal action over playlists allegedly mocking the President's wife. Dr Batuhan Mumcu, 42, called for legal action against Spotify in a post on X on Friday, stating that the platform 'persistently refuses' to take 'necessary steps' to remove 'offensive' content. He tweeted that 'content that targets our religious and national values and insults the beliefs of our society' has been allowed 'under the guise of "playlists"'. In a video attached to his post, he highlights the 'playlists' in question, including one which translates to 'Songs Emine Erdoğan listened to when her golden faucet broke' and another titled 'Emine Erdoğan's hot girl playlist'. Mr Mumcu described them as 'insidiously provocative and morally unacceptable'. Ms Erdoğan is the wife of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and it has long been claimed that the couple have gold-plated toilets in their presidential palace. Located in the Beştepe neighborhood of Ankara, the complex has 1,000 rooms and is bigger than the White House. It has been criticised for its £400million building costs. Mr Erdoğan previously invited leader of the main opposition party Kemal Kilicdaroglu to inspect the building, saying he would resign if a golden toilet was found. As well as content that 'targets the esteemed wife of our President', Mr Mumcu pointed to playlists that disregard 'our religious sensitivities toward our Prophet Mohammed, deliberately and unacceptably targeting the beliefs, sacred values, and spiritual world of our people'. 'Spotify persistently refuses to take the necessary steps despite all our previous warnings,' he wrote. He added that Turkey had been 'closely monitoring content on Spotify for a long time'. The Deputy Culture Minister urged 'competent institutions' in Turkey to 'take action' as he argued Spotify's 'irresponsibility and lack of oversight' had now 'become a legal matter'. Mr Mumcu's post has since gone viral and has been viewed more than 2.4million times on X, formerly Twitter. As expected, some Turkish residents could not help but comment. 'Sometimes the state doesn't like the name of your playlist,' one said. 'Imagine you have a title like Deputy Minister, and you're out hunting for playlists on Spotify,' a second tweeted. 'They've completely lost the plot.' A third seemed to tease the politician by posting a playlist titled: 'Songs listened to by the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Turkey while opening an investigation'. Another playlist translates to: 'What the Prophet Muhammad listened to while running away from the polytheists' Songs included in the satirical playlist included Not Allowed by TV Girl and I Bet on Losing Dogs by Mitski. Later the same day, Turkey's competition authority launched an investigation into Spotify for anti-competitive practices. In a statement released on Friday, the competition authority said it had opened an investigation into 'various allegations that the strategies and policies implemented by Spotify... in Turkey has caused anti-competitive effects in the music industry'. It said the probe would seek to establish whether Spotify gave more visibility to some artists and engaged in unfair practices in the distribution of royalties, thereby violating the competition law. In a statement, Spotify, which launched in Turkey in 2013, said its operations complied with 'all applicable laws' but it would cooperate with the investigation although it lacked 'details on the inspection's scope or focus'. 'We are cooperating with the investigation, are actively seeking to understand it, and will work toward a swift, constructive resolution with the Turkish Competition Authority,' the statement said, without making any mention of the playlist allegations. It said in 2024, it had paid 'over 2 billion Turkish lira ($25 million) to the local music industry' with its service playing a 'pivotal (role) in growing Turkish artists' royalties globally'.
Sharjah 24
10-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Sheikha Fatima visits Sheikh Zayed Children's Complex in Istanbul
Presentation highlights the Complex's comprehensive care During the visit, Sheikha Fatima and Emine Erdoğan attended a presentation outlining the complex's extensive programmes for child care. The session began with a Quranic recitation by one of the children, symbolising the spiritual and emotional grounding provided to those in the centre. The presentation detailed the centre's commitment to providing a holistic environment for children, including educational, social, and health services. It also emphasized the complex's role in strengthening UAE-Türkiye collaboration in early childhood development. Redevelopment project unveiled Sheikha Fatima was briefed on a major redevelopment project for the complex, supported by the UAE Ministry of Community Development and the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation in coordination with Türkiye's Ministry of Family and Social Services. The initiative includes extensive expansion, maintenance, and modernization efforts aimed at raising care standards and aligning with international best practices. A humanitarian symbol of bilateral relations Sheikha Fatima praised the complex as a leading humanitarian institution, noting its role in advancing social solidarity and joint cooperation. She reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to prioritizing child welfare as part of its global humanitarian mission. Stories of impact and hope The visit featured a heartfelt speech by a young adult who was raised in the complex, describing it as a nurturing and life-shaping environment. His testimony reflected the impact of the UAE's initiatives on individual lives and broader humanitarian efforts. Children from the centre also performed a choir presentation, expressing their aspirations and celebrating the support they receive. Tour of nursery facilities Sheikha Fatima visited the nursery section of the complex, which caters to infants and toddlers up to two years old. She commended the centre for its high standard of care during the most formative years of childhood. UAE's longstanding support for children and families In a speech, Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, highlighted the historical ties between the UAE and Türkiye and the lasting legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. She underlined the UAE's dedication to family and child welfare, supported by the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikha Fatima. She also referenced the designation of 2025 as the 'Year of Community' in the UAE, stressing the importance of family as the foundation of a strong society. Türkiye affirms strong bilateral cooperation Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Türkiye's Minister of Family and Social Services, acknowledged the UAE's global role in supporting humanitarian and social initiatives. She praised Sheikha Fatima's leadership in championing the rights of women and children and expressed Türkiye's eagerness to deepen cooperation with the UAE in child protection and family support. Distinguished delegation accompanies Sheikha Fatima Sheikha Fatima was accompanied by several high-level UAE officials, including members of the presidential family and ministers representing various sectors. Their presence reflected the importance of the visit and the UAE's commitment to fostering strong international partnerships in humanitarian development.
Al Etihad
10-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Fatima bint Mubarak visits Sheikh Zayed Children's Complex in Istanbul
10 May 2025 18:25 ISTANBUL (WAM)Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, visited today the Sheikh Zayed Children's Complex in Istanbul, accompanied by Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Tü the visit, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima and Emine Erdoğan viewed a presentation introducing the complex's comprehensive programmes dedicated to child care, highlighting its efforts to provide an integrated educational, social, and healthy environment for session opened with recitations from the Holy Quran, delivered by one of the children at the presentation also emphasised the complex's role in supporting bilateral cooperation between the UAE and Türkiye in early childhood development. It spotlighted educational initiatives designed to instill humanitarian values, enhance children's mental and creative abilities, and provide academic and psychological support to gifted of the complex delivered an overview of its goals and vision, focusing on nurturing children in a safe and stimulating environment. They explained the centre's dedication to supporting the educational, psychological, and social aspects of child development, empowering children to discover their talents and potential, and thus preparing a distinguished generation capable of positively contributing to the visit, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima also received a detailed presentation on the redevelopment project of the Sheikh Zayed Children's Complex in project stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry of Community Development and the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation with the Ministry of Family and Social Services in Türkiye. With a value of Dh40 million, the project marks a transformational step in delivering specialised child care presentation included details about expansion, maintenance, and modernisation work carried out under a comprehensive plan to ensure the facility continues to operate at high efficiency, aligned with global best practices in child care. The development covered facility expansion, enhancements to living, learning, and psychological support Highness Sheikha Fatima praised the outstanding efforts invested in the complex, calling it a prominent humanitarian institution that reflects the historic and distinguished relations between the UAE and Türkiye. She underscored the importance of such humanitarian projects in strengthening joint cooperation and achieving social solidarity, emphasising that child care and ensuring a dignified life for children is a top priority of the UAE's humanitarian mission her visit, Her Highness listened to a moving speech by a young adult raised in the complex, who described the facility not merely as a residence but as a nurturing and humanitarian environment that shaped his character and instilled in him hope and ambition. He expressed his deep gratitude to the UAE for its continued care and noble initiatives, which reflect its profound humanitarian commitment to supporting and empowering children Highness also watched a performance by a choir group composed of children from the centre, who expressed their dreams of a bright future, and conveyed hopeful messages filled with optimism and confidence in Her Highness Sheikha Fatima visited the nursery section of the complex, where she reviewed its facilities and services offered to children from newborn to two years old, praising the high standard of care and attention provided during this critical early stage of that, Sana bin Mohammed Suhail, UAE Minister of Family, delivered a speech in which she affirmed that the Sheikh Zayed Children's Complex in Istanbul stands as a testament to the deep and close ties between the two friendly countries and their peoples. She noted that the centre represents a continuation of the legacy of giving established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who left behind an enduring legacy of achievements reflecting goodness, compassion, and humanity around the stated that since its inauguration in 1990, the complex has provided a safe and nurturing environment for children in need of care — not only offering them shelter, but also ensuring their proper upbringing, enabling them to build a promising future through a variety of services including education, healthcare, and psychological and emotional added that the UAE and the Republic of Türkiye enjoy strong historical relations built upon a shared vision and deep-rooted values that connect the two brotherly peoples, foremost among them being social solidarity and care for the most vulnerable—the foundation upon which we build a prosperous future for generations to also emphasised that under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the UAE places great importance on supporting families and children, and works sustainably to provide comprehensive support and care, which has contributed to the country's pioneering achievements in this further noted that with the designation of 2025 as the Year of Community in the UAE, the importance of strengthening societal cohesion is reaffirmed. The family is the foundation of society, and caring for its members is essential to building a strong community capable of facing challenges and achieving conclusion, she reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to this strategic partnership with the Republic of Türkiye, and pledged to continue working together to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for both brotherly her part, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services of Türkiye, delivered a speech in which she emphasised the depth of the relationship between the Republic of Türkiye and the UAE, praising the pioneering role played by the UAE in supporting humanitarian and social initiatives at both the regional and international commended the efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in championing women's and children's issues on regional and global stages. She praised Her Highness's visionary humanitarian leadership, which has served as an inspiration for numerous social and developmental initiatives around the expressed her country's aspiration to further strengthen this constructive cooperation, particularly in areas related to child protection and family empowerment, through experience exchange and the development of joint programmes. This, she noted, reflects the shared vision of both countries in enhancing quality of life and achieving sustainable development for their Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak during her visit were His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, Her Highness Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, wife of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, wife of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region. The accompanying delegation also included Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation; Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Community Development; Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education; Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment; Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, UAE Minister of Family; Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet; Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of State; Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, UAE Minister of State for Government Development and The Future; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State; Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, UAE Minister of State; Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women's Union; and Reem bint Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Motherhood and Childhood.
Sharjah 24
09-05-2025
- Sharjah 24
Fatima bint Mubarak visits Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul
Tour of a historic landmark During the visit, Sheikha Fatima toured the palace's halls and corridors, renowned for their historical significance and architectural grandeur. She viewed the Bosphorus-facing sections, rare artefacts, and ornate Islamic art embedded in the palace's design. Insights into Ottoman history Palace custodians briefed Sheikha Fatima on its rich history. Construction of Dolmabahçe Palace began in 1834 under Sultan Abdulmejid I and took 13 years. The palace blends European and Eastern architectural styles and includes over 285 rooms and 46 reception halls. Appreciation of art and heritage Sheikha Fatima expressed her admiration for the palace, highlighting its artistic and historical significance. She noted how it reflects the depth of Turkish civilisation and its impact on heritage, art, and human development. Cultural highlights and fashion show As part of the visit, Sheikha Fatima attended a Turkish fashion show hosted within the palace, featuring heritage-inspired designs with modern elements that preserve authentic Turkish culture. Luncheon hosted by Emine Erdoğan Emine Erdoğan hosted a luncheon in honour of Sheikha Fatima and her delegation, attended by several leading Turkish women. High-level UAE delegation in attendance Sheikha Fatima was accompanied by a prominent UAE delegation, including His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Her Highness Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, senior UAE ministers and officials, including Reem Al Hashimy, Shamma Al Mazrouei, Sarah Al Amiri, and others.
