Dialogue

By Deniz Torcu

The parliamentary elections on June 7th marked the end of one-party government in Turkey after 13 years. While the Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP) still managed to come out as the most voted party in the country, receiving 40.8% of the vote and claiming 258 seats in the Parliament…

This Thursday (June 18, 2015) marks the first day of the month of Ramadan – the ninth and the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, which is very significant also for the European Muslims. Thousands are expected for the Ramadan opening prayers at the Islamic and Cultural Centre of Belgium (CICB). The building is located in the Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels and is sometimes called the ‘Great Mosque of Brussels.’ Curiously, it’s a gift from the Belgian King.

Krakow is perhaps the most famous city in Poland. Its history, beauty and architecture attract thousands of tourists and students annually. However, all its splendour is being clouded by microparticles which float in the air, invisible to the eye but toxic, and which penetrate surreptitiously into the body, causing serious damage to the health of those who inhale them. Can you imagine a child (or anyone else, for that matter) smoking 2,000 cigarettes a year?

By Georgina Higueras

A reality or just an illusion? The Silk Road is China’s great strategic project and a commitment loaded with opportunities not only for Beijing but also for Europe and other countries. Of course, there are obstacles, especially the instability in Central Asia and the Middle East.

“A heroic mercantile exploit with no prospects”

False. The Silk Road is China’s great strategic commitment as a superpower.

By Deniz Torcu

On the afternoon of Sunday, 7 June, citizens of the Republic of Turkey followed their post-general election ritual: they turned on their TVs to catch the incoming results, poured a cup of tea and engaged in some country-saving debate that always pairs well. For the past three elections, the only “winners” have been the voters of the governing Justice and Development Party, with celebrations kicked off by one of Mr. Erdogan’s infamous “balcony speeches” in which he would proudly embrace the will of the people, dutifully accepting his role as the leader of the country.

In an unexpected turn of events, the Turkish general elections on 7 June did not end well for the conservative Islamists who have governed the country for the past thirteen years. The Justice and Development Party (AKP), which obtained 41% of the vote, has effectively—and unexpectedly—lost its majority in the Parliament and will now be forced to share power through a political coalition with other parties if it holds onto hope of governing the country.

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