Latest news with #Türkiye
Al Bawaba
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Kerem Bürsin drops Aşk for Çarpıntı, skips rehearsal for Maldives vacation with Melisa Tapan
ALBAWABA - Kerem Bürsin shocked both fans and people in the industry by changing his plans for his next project at the last minute. The actor was long rumored to be in the highly anticipated show Aşk (Love), but he has now agreed to lead the group of Çarpınṯ iinstead. Thisis a bold choice, especially since filming began almost right away. Before going to work on the movie, Bürsin and his girlfriend,Melisa Tapan,chose to take a quick trip to the Maldives. The actor, who is about to start a busy filming schedule, felt better after spending time with his wife at the beach. But because they were in the tropics, Bürsin missed the series group table read. Fans won't have to wait long, though, to see him play. Bürsin will start shooting his scenes on Friday, just a few days after coming back from a well-deserved break. In Reşadiye, filming for the new season of Çarpıntı, which will air on Star TV, started today. Scenes from the beginning of the show took place in the Alkan family's huge home. Burcu Alptekin, who is known for her great visual storytelling, is in charge of the show, which stars a lot of well-known actors. Lizge Cömert Instagram profile Filming for the new season of the series, which will air on Star TV, began today in Reşadiye. Directed by Burcu Alptekin, the series' first shoot began at the Alkan family mansion. Sibel Taşçıoğlu (Tülin Alkan), Deniz Çakır (Hülya Güneş), Lizge Cömert (Aslı), and Şerif Sezer (Figen Alkan) filmed their first scenes. Even though Kerem Bürsin missed the first practice, just being there will be a big deal once shooting starts. Çarpıntı is going to be one of the biggest shows of the year thanks to its strong cast, interesting direction, and the support of Star TV.
Al Bawaba
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Russia and Ukraine conclude third round of peace talks in Istanbul
ALBAWABA- The third round of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine concluded in Istanbul on Wednesday, with cautious optimism emerging from both sides and renewed calls for a ceasefire. Hosted by Türkiye, the negotiations focused on prisoner exchanges, humanitarian concerns, and the prospects of ending the ongoing war. LIVE: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan delivers opening speech at the third round of renewed direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul⁰ — TRT World (@trtworld) July 23, 2025 Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed hope for a positive outcome and reiterated Türkiye's commitment to facilitating peace. 'We must end this bloody war as soon as possible,' he said, emphasizing that Türkiye has exerted intense diplomatic efforts under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's leadership since the outbreak of the conflict. Fidan noted that the ultimate goal remains a sustainable ceasefire and the beginning of result-oriented dialogue between the two countries. Ukrainian delegation head Rustem Umerov stated that Kyiv is prepared for an immediate ceasefire and urged Russia to demonstrate a constructive approach. Also Read Turkey unveils hypersonic ballistic missile TAYFUN Block-4 He announced that the Russian delegation had agreed to Ukraine's demand to release all detainees held for more than three years and proposed a leadership-level summit by the end of August. Umerov also noted expectations for 'further progress' on prisoner of war (POW) exchanges. Meanwhile, the head of the Russian delegation confirmed that both sides had finalized an agreement on the exchange of the bodies of deceased soldiers, signaling a small but significant step in confidence-building. The talks in Istanbul mark a continuation of Türkiye's efforts to mediate between the two warring parties and revive diplomacy in a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and destabilized the broader region.
Russia Today
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Third round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks: Live Updates
A new round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks kicked off in Istanbul, Türkiye on Wednesday. The delegations are being hosted at the Ciragan Palace on the European shore of the Bosporus. The talks follow two rounds of direct negotiations held in Istanbul earlier this year. The negotiations have focused primarily on various humanitarian issues, including the exchange of the remains of fallen soldiers and prisoner swaps. The two sides have also exchanged draft memorandums outlining their vision of a peace settlement. The Russian delegation is headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who led the previous negotiations with Ukraine. Kiev has also fielded the same team as before, which is headed by now-former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who was appointed head of the country's Security Council during a major government reshuffle last week. The new round of negotiations is expected to 'mainly focus on issues related to those draft memorandums that were exchanged during the second round, and also a discussion on the continuation of a very important process of mutual [POW] exchanges,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier in the day, cautioning against making any predictions. 'It's hardly possible to talk about this now. We need to see how it goes,' Peskov told reporters. 'No one expects an easy path. Naturally, this will be a very difficult conversation. The draft proposals are diametrically opposed.'
Zawya
7 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Accor appoints Raki Phillips as Regional President for Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Middle East, Africa & Turkiye
Dubai: Accor has announced the appointment of Raki Phillips as Regional President for the Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East & Africa & Türkiye, effective November 2025. He succeeds Paul Stevens in leading one of Accor's most strategically important regions. Phillips will oversee hotel operations performance across a network of over 250 hotels in 27 countries, and a robust pipeline of over 85 openings further anchoring Accor's presence across the region. He will report to Duncan O'Rourke, Chief Executive Officer of Accor's Premium, Midscale & Economy division in Middle East Africa & Asia Pacific. With more than 20 years of global experience, Raki Phillips is widely regarded as one of the most influential tourism leaders in the Middle East. Most recently, he held the role of CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), where he spearheaded the Emirate's transformation into one of the region's fastest growing and most progressive tourism destinations. Under his leadership, the destination tripled tourism revenues, expanded its international airlift, helped secure the Wynn Resorts deal - the largest FDI in the emirate - and launched landmark sustainability initiatives. Phillips is also a former Fairmont Raffles Hotels International executive, where he held senior commercial roles and contributed to global brand expansion, adding operational depth and luxury expertise to his wide-ranging profile, including the ramp up of the Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel Makkah Complex as well as Fairmont hotels across the Middle East and India. His earlier career includes senior roles with Ritz-Carlton and Universal Studios Orlando, blending deep operational experience with a sharp commercial mindset. In recent years, he has been consistently recognised among the Middle East's top travel and tourism executives, noted for his ability to drive results through culture, community engagement, and innovation. 'Raki brings a rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership. As we move into the next stage of growth in the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, it's important we strengthen our leadership presence locally. With his deep understanding of the region, and strong relationships across both public and private sectors, Raki is perfectly positioned to deepen our community ties, accelerate development, and continue to elevate the strength of our brands. His appointment reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our belief in the power of local leadership to drive impact,' Duncan O'Rourke, CEO, Premium, Midscale & Economy, MEA APAC, Accor. Phillips' appointment follows the announcement that Paul Stevens shall be departing in October. Paul's tenure with Accor spans nearly three decades. Under Paul's leadership, we've seen strong growth, operational excellence, and a deep cultural shift. He built a unifying One Team spirit and launched standout initiatives like Choir Games, Think Like an Owner, and Race to Survive, raising millions for children's health and community causes. A committed champion of inclusion and purpose, he led DIA, Purpose Week, Accor's Purpose Statement, and localised RiiSE and SheLeads across Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. His impact earned global recognition, including Best Business Unit and multiple Bernache Awards for ESG and business excellence. Phillips joins Accor at a time of strong momentum across the region, with over 350 hotels, 92k rooms and 140 hotels (31K rooms) in the pipeline. The Group's Premium, Midscale &Economy division has posted healthy year-on-year growth, with key markets such as the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia showing strong performance and development potential. With an ambitious pipeline and growing demand for diverse hospitality experiences, his appointment reinforces Accor's commitment to local leadership and market-led innovation. Based in Dubai, Phillips will oversee a diverse brand portfolio that includes Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure and ibis, while also supporting owners and partners to unlock long-term value and guest loyalty. ABOUT ACCOR Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels & resorts, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay, gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.
CNA
8 hours ago
- Business
- CNA
Türkiye nears Eurofighter jet purchase after UK, German agreements
ISTANBUL: Türkiye reached deals with NATO allies Britain and Germany on Wednesday (Jul 23) that pave the way to acquiring dozens of Eurofighter Typhoon jets, which Ankara has sought to bolster defences in an increasingly volatile region. Britain signed a preliminary deal allowing Ankara to operate the jets while Germany approved delivery of 40 of them to Türkiye, which has relied on both foreign purchases and its own defence industry projects, including domestic jets, to ramp up deterrence. Beyond the Eurofighters, Ankara is also in talks with Washington to purchase 40 F-16s. Israel's attacks on regional countries, including its 12-day conflict with Türkiye's neighbour Iran and more recent strikes on another neighbour Syria, have unnerved Ankara, prompting a push for rapid armament in order to counter any potential threats. Türkiye has been in talks since 2023 to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoons, which are built by a consortium of Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain, represented by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo. Speaking at a signing ceremony with British Defence Secretary John Healey in Istanbul, Defence Minister Yasar Guler said the deal brought Türkiye "one step closer to a fully comprehensive agreement" on the jets, adding it would also strengthen NATO and Türkiye aerial capabilities. "We welcome this positive step toward our country joining the Eurofighter Typhoon club, and want to reiterate our mutual ambition to complete the necessary arrangements as soon as possible," he said. Guler also told reporters that the composition of the planned acquisition was for 40 jets but that different options were being considered. NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR BAE UK FACTORY Separately, the German government - initially opposed to the sale - has cleared the way for the delivery, a government spokesperson said. Spiegel news magazine reported earlier on Wednesday that the government's Federal Security Council, which decides on arms export licences based on legal and foreign policy considerations, had made a positive decision on the order for 40 jets. "I can only confirm that the Ministry of Defence has sent a written confirmation to the Turkish government confirming that the export has been approved," a government spokesperson said when asked about the report at a regular press conference in Berlin. The agreements come after weeks of positive statements from Ankara and the Eurofighter consortium on the sale, with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan praising the German and British stance on the issue this week. Britain said negotiations with Türkiye over an ultimate sale will continue over the coming weeks. The deal would be the first export order secured by Britain for the jet since 2017 and would give a new lease of life to the final assembly line at BAE's factory in northern England. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the multi-billion dollar agreement with Türkiye would "sustain and protect 20,000 UK jobs for future years to come", while an official at BAE Systems said last week the company was confident of winning new orders from countries, including Türkiye.
