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Analysis of “__Turkey__”
I. Introduction
• Discuss the purpose of the analysis, a short background about
the certain country and what can readers expect from the
analysis.
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II. Country
• People
In terms of citizenship, the people living in Turkey are called
Turkish or Turks regardless of their beliefs and identity.
According to Article 66 of the Turkish Constitution, a "Turk" is
defined as someone who holds Turkish citizenship. While the
legal definition differs as the majority of Turks are of Turkish
ethnicity and most practice Islam, predominantly following the
Sunni and Alevi faiths.
Turkey has a diverse population speaking various Turkish
dialects and is home to diverse culture and ethnicity as it is
being bridged between two major continents– the Asia and
Europe. According to an article published by Study in Turkey,
which is managed by the Council of Higher Education, Turkish
people are naturally harmonious, friendly, hospitable and helpful.
Despite of language and cultural barriers, Turks are easy to
reach out to ask for help as they are approachable and helpful,
especially to tourists and international students that are studying
there. Turkish families are also known for being hospitable on
how they give warmest welcome to their guests and the refugees
from neighboring countries due to war. Offering treats and gift-
giving are also common in Turkey especially, when there is a
first-time guest, a new neighbor or a new born baby. Everyone
should note that it is an insult for them if you wont accept the
gift or treat offered to you. In addition, Turkish people are
observant with their religious and public holidays, hence, they
usually celebrate them together with their family and friends.
Speaking of which, people in Turkey also care more about their
ties and relationship they have with their families and friends. By
learning the genuine personality and strengthening a strong
bond with Turkish people, one can assure a peaceful stay in
Turkey.
• Religion
Turkey is considered as a secular state according to Turkey
Constitution, which gives them freedom to choose their religious
beliefs and practice what they believe to. Vast majority of
Turkish people are adhere to Islam while the remaining
population are Jews, Christians, and self-identified atheists and
nonbelievers, which are mostly migrants.
In a nation where people doesn’t have the same ideologies or
religious beliefs with everyone, hatred and disrespect are
inevitable among its citizens. In Turkey, there were reports about
religions having feuds, hence, the Turkish government created a
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law about it to give respect and maintain peace and order all
over the country. The law of Blasphemy shows how the
government care and respect for the diversity of its citizens as it
will punish those who publicly disrespect or insults an individual's
religious beliefs and values. However, it didn't stop some
citizens to commit crime about such blasphemous acts even
though, there is a penal code about it.
Overall, this law is beneficial for the citizens of Turkey as it gives
them freedom to practice their beliefs without people judging
them.
Being overly devoted to religion could lead to hypocrisy, which
also results in occurring conflicts with people that have opposing
beliefs. Despite the diversity in religion, respect and unity are
still evident in the country by respecting people with different
beliefs and by working together with them regardless of their
religion.
• Type of Market
As of now, there is no data that could provide information of the
progress in the economy of Turkey for this year. However,
International Trade Administration published a data that
discusses key economic indicators and trade statistics in Turkey
last year. According to their report, the country's economy is
currently recovering from economic challenges like inflation and
unemployment brought by the pandemic. Like most countries,
Turkey struggles with economic downturns during the COVID19
outbreak in 2018, which mainly affects progress in their markets
and trading industry.
Speaking of market, the world's largest and oldest market is
located in the capital of Turkey— in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. This
local market has more than 4000 shops and is always crowded
with local consumers and tourists exploring around the city as it
becomes a commercial center and a tourist spot at the same
time. Before the pandemic, the Grand Bazaar is visited by
approximately 200,000 people a day making it the world's most
visited tourist attraction. As it is the most visited tourist
attraction in the world, the pricing of goods will costs incredibly
higher than elsewhere in the city, hence, bargaining is often
done to acquire stuffs preferably in lower prices.
It is important to note that like most countries, Turkey also
struggling with the system of their trade industry as they often
have complex and challenging market, which requires the
investors and trading partners adaptability, persistence, and
patience. Hence, Turkey has recently shown best prospect
sectors, major infrastructure projects, significant government
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procurements and business opportunities, which will certainly
keep their markets and economy in progress.
• Associations/organizations/affiliations
Turkey has list of associations or organizations an alliance with
NATO
These organizations develop political and economic stability
Turkey is a founding member of the United Nations,[1] the Organisation of
the Islamic Conference (now the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation),
[2] the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [3] and
the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe,[4] a member state
of the Council of Europe since 1949,[5] and of NATO since 1952.[6] Since
2005, Turkey is in accession negotiations with the European Union, having
been an associate member since 1963 and is also in European Customs
Union.[7] Turkey is also a member of the G20 industrial nations which brings
together the 20 largest economies of the world.
Turkey entered NATO in 1952 and serves as the organization's vital eastern
anchor, controlling the straits leading from the Black Sea to
the Mediterranean and sharing a border with Syria, Iraq, and Iran. A NATO
headquarters is located in İzmir, and the United States has maintained air
forces at a Turkish base called Incirlik that is located near
the Mediterranean city of Adana.
Turkey is also member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). It has signed
free trade agreements with the European Free Trade
Association (EFTA), Israel, the United Kingdom[8] and many other countries.
In 1992, Turkey and 10 other regional nations formed the Black Sea
Economic Cooperation Business Council to expand regional trade and
economic cooperation.
In December 2000 Turkey became an observer state of the Association of
Caribbean States (ACS).[9] In 2017 ASEAN-Turkey Sectoral Dialogue
Partnership was recognized by the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting
in Manila, Philippines
• Media
We all know how powerful and influential the media is as it
spread diverse and essential information regarding a country’s
situation, if it is progressing or no longer in good hands. Media
stands a crucial role in a society as it can also become a tool to
disseminates controversial and contemporary issues happening
in a country.
In Turkey’s situation, freedom of expression is now becoming a
taboo as journalists cannot speak against their government, such
as giving criticisms of their leader for it will only bring them to
jail. Such act is considered as a crime in the country as they have
law where journalists are forbidden to publish news content that
contains insults or criticisms about their government, especially
of their president. Hence, the journalists are continuously
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fighting for their freedom to release unbiased news and critical
information to Turkish citizens.
Moreover, media has now serves as a tool of the government in
Turkey, they are mostly tamed by the government based on an
article published by BBC News. Headlines and front-pages
published by news media outlets are filled with topics regarding
politics’ controversial issues like the military, Kurds and political
Islam according to some journalists in Turkey. The Press, media
outlets, televisions, radio and the internet are controlled by their
government perhaps in order to avoid media illiteracy and any
reports that are associated with propaganda and involvement in
terrorism in the country. However, this can also eradicates press
freedom in the country making the citizens become voiceless.
Ideally, I am expecting that Turkish people will soon gain full
press freedom and transparency in the government because
these things are what the countrymen truly deserves.
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Telefax No. 086-214-4221
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III. Past issues or crises faced and the solution.
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IV. Present unresolved issues/crises.
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V. SWOT
• Strength (economy, strategic position, tourism)
• Weakness (inflation, etc.)
• Opportunities (investments, trades, etc.)
• Threats (insurgency, terrorism, etc.)
Strength
Turkey possesses a diverse and rapidly growing economy supported by
a strong manufacturing sector, well-developed infrastructure, and a large
domestic market. These factors are further boosting its potential in the years
to come, as it has a unique position at the crossroads of world trade routes
and is near to the energy producing regions in the Caspian and Central Asia.
The country's economy has grown significantly over the last few years,
characterized by important advances and modernization with major sectors
such as vehicles, textiles, electronics and infrastructures playing an
important role. The country's manufacturing industry, which contributes to
its growth, has been gaining in competitiveness and technological progress.
Turkey has been considered an important country because of its
geographic location between Europe, the Middle East and Asia, which gives it
easy access to strategically important regions and major energy resources.
This location has the advantage of being able to engage in trade and culture
exchange, making Turkey a major business hub for regions and global
commerce. The country’s well-connected transportation networks, including
ports, airports, and railways, further enhance Turkey's strategic position by
facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people.
Turkey is an underrated tourist destination that has so much to offer,
from archaeological ruins and cities to a spectacular aquamarine coastline.
There’s no question that their Tourism contributes greatly to the country's
economy and provides opportunities for employment as well as attracting
foreign exchange. The country's rich cultural heritage, historic sites as well
as nature with its splendid coasts, ancient buildings and undisturbed
landscapes such as Cappadocia attract a large number of tourists. The
Turkish tourism sector is a major force and brings millions of tourists to the
country each year.
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
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Weakness
Turkey faces a number of weaknesses which affect its macroeconomic
situation, notably with inflation high on the agenda. The country has been hit
by periods of high inflation that have drained consumer and business
purchasing power. The increased inflation resulted into reduced confidence
in the economy, which could influence investment decisions and create
uncertainty for businesses. Turkey’s inflation accelerated to its highest level
since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took power two decades ago,
challenging a push for lower borrowing costs. Turkey's currency, the Turkish
lira, has experienced significant depreciation against major foreign
currencies. The depreciation made imports more expensive, leading to
higher prices for imported goods and raw materials. As Turkey heavily relies
on imports for various goods and commodities, currency depreciation has
had an inflationary impact. The Turkish Government has then introduced
subsidies to stabilize prices or promote specific sectors on a few occasions.
Although subsidies may act as temporary relief, they can also be a
contributing factor to inflation if the proper management is not in place.
However, the subsidies distorted the market prices, leading to imbalances in
supply and demand dynamics.
The implementation of an efficient monetary policy aimed at controlling
inflation has also been a challenge for Turkey. Maintaining price stability
while supporting economic growth is a delicate balance. Instances of
expansionary monetary policies that aim at stimulating growth have taken
place over the past and contributed to inflationary pressures.
Turkey has also struggled with a relatively high external debt burden,
which refers to the total amount of money the country owes to foreign
creditors. The vulnerability of Turkey's external debt situation is amplified by
the fact that a significant portion of the debt is denominated in foreign
currencies. In 2019, the total gross domestic debt of Turkey, counting both
the public and the private sector, totals $444 billion. A total of $122 billion of
this debt is short term. The ratio of total gross external debt stock is at 62
percent, compared to nearly half this figure of 37 percent in 2011. As many
economists and rating agencies suggest, this can be a signal of dark days
ahead. Another critical indicator is the average maturity of domestic debt.
The Turkish public sector could borrow from the domestic market at an
average maturity of 74 months in 2013. Now this term has shrunk into 43
months. This unwillingness, together with the budget deficit, raise questions
about how Turkey will succeed in decreasing interest rates the way the
leader of the country President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan remains calls for. The
Treasury guaranteed external debt stock has risen to $15 billion in 2019,
from $4 billion in 2006, implying that Turkey struggles to ensure attracting
external funds even under the guarantee of the Treasury. My personal view
is that public sector’s non-interest surplus of the public sector is the root
cause of this bleak picture. The high external debt levels indicate a heavy
reliance on borrowing from abroad, which posed risks to the country's
financial stability and economic resilience.
Republic of the Philippines
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Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: [Link]
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Opportunities
Turkey has always been favored thanks to its geopolitical location and
hospitality. These features make it a significant hub for drawing local and
global investors in a variety of sectors, including tourism and real estate,
which have resulted in piqued investor interest
In recent years, the attractiveness of Turkey as an investment
destination has been steadily rising. In 2019, it garnered the 3rd rank among
rising European countries for foreign direct investment (FDI) destinations,
and by 2021, it had risen to the top spot. This upward trend is in line with an
increasing confidence and interest on the part of investors, who are
increasingly concerned about Turkey's potential for lucrative opportunities.
The technology industry in the country is one of the major sectors that has a
significant potential for investment. Turkey has been actively promoting and
developing its technology ecosystem, making it an ideal destination for
investors looking to capitalize on software development, biotechnology,
nanotechnology, and electronics. There are a large number of talented
engineers and an increasing entrepreneur ecosystem in the country, which
create favorable conditions for innovation and technical progress.
Turkey's iron and steel industry has garnered global recognition, with
exports reaching approximately $5 billion in 2022. Renowned for its quality,
Turkey has established a strong presence in the iron and steel sector,
encompassing various steel industries and related products. Turkey's iron
and steel industry boasts advanced manufacturing technologies and
expertise. The sector has seen significant investments in modernizing
production facilities, adopting state-of-the-art machinery, and implementing
efficient processes. These advancements have enabled Turkish steel
manufacturers to meet international quality standards, produce a wide range
of steel products, and cater to diverse customer needs. It also made Turkey
become one of the major exporting countries and is also currently leading
the global trade in these sectors with its exports of cars, spare parts and
accessories. Turkey has become a major exporter in that category by
exporting approximately $20 billion worth of goods in 2022.
I think one of the main reasons that contributed to the preferences for
investment and ease in exporting from Turkey is the favorable tax policy
implemented by the Turkish government. This policy has been a great
advantage for exporters in Turkey because of the exemption of taxes from
exports. This policy eliminates the burden of taxes on exported goods,
providing a competitive edge in global markets. By exempting exports from
taxes, the government aims to promote the growth of the export sector,
boost foreign trade, and attract investments. The tax exemption on exports
enhanced the attractiveness of Turkey as an investment destination. The
availability of tax incentives for exports signals the government's
commitment to supporting businesses and creating a favorable investment
climate. This, in turn, encourages both domestic and foreign investors to
establish operations in Turkey, leading to increased job creation, technology
transfer, and economic growth.
Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
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NEMSU – MAIN CAMPUS, TANDAG CITY
Threats
Turkey has faced a lot of threats that poses challenges and struggles
to its stability and development. One such threat is the rebellion insurgency,
primarily from Kurdish separatist groups such as the Kurdistan Workers'
Party (PKK). The PKK, established by Abdullah Ocalan in 1978, has waged an
insurgency since 1984 against Turkish authorities for greater cultural and
political rights, primarily with the objective of establishing an independent
Kurdish state. Since that date, violence has devastated communities in the
country. The ongoing conflict has resulted in nearly forty thousand deaths.
Terrorism in Turkey is a significant issue for Turkish authorities as 1.6
million people were on trial for terrorism between 2015 and 2022. The
country has been targeted by various terrorist organizations, including the
Islamic State (IS) and extremist groups inspired by radical ideologies.
Prominent figures of the Turkish opposition were accused of an alleged
membership of a terrorist group. These acts of terrorism have targeted
civilians, public spaces, and security forces, aiming to destabilize the
country, create fear, and undermine societal harmony. In 2016, Turkey
has experienced numerous terror attacks. The self-proclaimed Islamic State
of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), and the
Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK), which is a splinter group within PKK,
separately conducted 29 terror attacks that have killed 377 people and
wounded 1,648.
Turkey has a broad definition of terrorism that includes so-called
crimes against constitutional order and internal and external security of the
state, which the government regularly used to criminalize the exercise of
freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. According to the Ministry of
Interior, in the first seven months of 2022, it examined 14,186 social media
accounts and took legal action against more than 6,743 social media users
whom it accused of propagandizing or promoting terror organizations,
inciting persons to enmity and hostility, or insulting state institutions. Legal
actions taken by Turkey against the accused included a mix of charges
related to terrorism or other criminal activity under Turkish law.
Cybersecurity threats also represent a growing concern for Turkey.
Like many other nations, Turkey faces risks from cyberattacks, hacking
attempts, and online espionage. With an increasing reliance on digital
infrastructure and connectivity, protecting critical systems, networks, and
sensitive information from cyber threats is of paramount importance to
ensure national security and economic stability.
Managing and mitigating these threats requires ongoing efforts, both
domestically and through international cooperation. Strengthening security
measures, investing in intelligence capabilities, promoting social cohesion,
and engaging in effective diplomacy are essential for Turkey to navigate
these challenges and maintain its stability, security, and development.
Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: [Link]
NEMSU – MAIN CAMPUS, TANDAG CITY
VI. References
• Alphabetical (APA 7th edition)
• [Link]
%20of%20Turkey%20regardless,citizenship%2C%20be%20called
%20Turkish.4
• [Link]
• [Link]
rID=ctfC0sgwTeQ=&&cId=PE4Nr0mMoY4=
• [Link]
religious-freedom/turkey/#:~:text=According%20to%20the
%20Turkish%20government,of%20which%20is%20Hanafi
%20Sunni.
• [Link]
• [Link]
%27s_membership_of_international_organizations
• [Link]
[Link]
• [Link]
matters-and-challenges-ahead/
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
seen-surging-to-new-high-as-energy-costs-soar
[Link]
recent-figures
[Link]
Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
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NEMSU – MAIN CAMPUS, TANDAG CITY
[Link]
turkey-and-armed-kurdish-groups
[Link]
case-study-radical-terrorism
[Link]
turkey/
[Link]
[Link]
explainer