Qualification for the 2026 World Cup represents one of the most important moments in Turkish football over the last decades. An achievement built through planning, consistent work, and a new international mentality that has allowed the Turkish national team to become competitive again at the highest level.

Behind this journey is also the work of Italian coach Vincenzo Montella, who in a short time has become one of the symbols of Turkey’s football renaissance. With balance, tactical discipline, and great ability in managing the group, Montella succeeded in transforming a young and talented squad into a credible, modern, and ambitious national team.

Turkish fans are now dreaming of a new achievement similar to the one in 2002. Enthusiasm is growing every day not only in Turkey, but also in the United States, where major preparations are already underway ahead of the World Cup tournament. Thousands of supporters will arrive from Europe and Turkey to follow the national team and support Montella and his players during their World Cup journey.

In the United States, a large logistical and institutional organization surrounding the presence of the Turkish national team has already begun. An important role in this process is attributed to Çağrı Kanver, Vice President of the External Relations Council of the Turkish Football Federation and regional representative in the United States.

According to sources close to the federation, Kanver had already begun working with a clear vision two years ago, when İbrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu was elected President of the Turkish Football Federation. The objective was clear: to prepare the international future of the national team and build a strong Turkish presence in the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Based mainly between New York City and Miami, Cagri Kanver is now considered one of the emerging figures in the landscape of international sports diplomacy. An entrepreneur active in real estate development, innovation, culture, and sports, he has contributed to strengthening the connections between Turkish football and the American continent.

His vision concerns not only the present of the national team, but above all the future of new generations. Through sports projects and international relations, Kanver has for years supported the discovery of young Turkish talents in the United States and across the American continent, convinced that modern football must increasingly embrace a global dimension.

According to people close to his projects, Kanver considers talent a heritage to be protected through modern infrastructure, international education, and global networks capable of creating new opportunities for young athletes.

Alongside sports, he also continues to invest in architecture, contemporary art, and cultural innovation, building a modern entrepreneurial model in which business, culture, and social development coexist within a single international vision.

Turkey’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup therefore represents much more than a sporting result. It is the symbol of a new generation, a new organization, and a new international mentality that looks to the future with ambition.

Twenty-four years after that historic night in 2002, the Turkish people are dreaming again. And this time, they want to experience the World Cup not only as protagonists, but as a possible surprise of world football.

Semi-final

Hull City reached the final after defeating Millwall 2-0 on aggregate.

Chaos before the final

Southampton were expelled from the play-offs due to the “Spygate” scandal, and Middlesbrough were brought into the final instead. During the process, Acun Ilıcalı stated, “Under normal circumstances, we should be promoted directly to the Premier League,” and even consulted lawyers.

Final day

The match kicked off at 3:30 PM at Wembley, where Hull City secured their first Premier League ticket since 2017.

Huge reaction in England and Turkey

Acun Ilıcalı had previously promised, “If we get promoted to the Premier League, I’ll take the team to Las Vegas.” Following the match, Turkish media and social media exploded with reactions:

• Ertem Şener: “Hull City are in the Premier League play-off final! All fans meet at Wembley on May 23.”
• Fanatik announced the victory with the headline: “ONE LAST STEP TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE!”
• Demirören Haber Ajansı quoted Acun Ilıcalı after the match: “We haven’t won a trophy yet, but our performance showed that we deserve to be in the top division.”
• Vatan Öz said: “On behalf of the Turkish community in England, we thank you. Our support is endless. Congratulations.”

Acun Ilıcalı had also said before: “If we get promoted to the Premier League, I’ll go crazy. The destiny of the city changes — Premier League cities become economic centers.” Now, that day has arrived.

Back after 9 years

Hull City last played in the Premier League during the 2016/17 season. This marks the club’s third promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

Welcome back to the Premier League, Hull City A.F.C.! 🧡🖤

The Turkish flag officially waved at Wembley tonight.

“We learned with deep sorrow and outrage about the armed attack carried out against Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca. Our greatest consolation is that Mr. Alim Karaca, whose achievements in serving our homeland we proudly follow and appreciate from Europe, is reported to be in good health.

As European Turks, we clearly state that we strongly condemn this heinous armed attack targeting democracy, the rule of law, and social peace, as well as the gunman and all dark forces behind it.

We expect the relevant authorities to fully investigate the incident, and to swiftly apprehend both the perpetrator and those who orchestrated the attack, ensuring that all legal penalties are applied without exception.

In these difficult days, we stand by Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca. We extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery and send him our heartfelt get-well wishes.”

Avrupa Newspaper – Europe Agency AVA – Avrupa Times

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Ceferin praised Türkiye’s successful organization of several UEFA events and described Istanbul as one of Europe’s leading football cities. He said football culture in Türkiye is deeply rooted in everyday life.

“Türkiye can successfully host major events”

Ceferin pointed to the 2019 UEFA Super Cup, the 2023 UEFA Champions League final and the upcoming 2026 UEFA Europa League final at Besiktas Park as proof of Türkiye’s organizational strength.

While noting that areas such as transportation, security and fan flow management could still improve, he said UEFA’s overall assessment of Türkiye’s hosting performances has been highly positive.

Special praise for Istanbul

The UEFA president emphasized that Istanbul continues to stand out as one of Europe’s most important football destinations. He added that UEFA’s repeated decision to bring major finals back to the city reflects strong confidence in both Istanbul and the Turkish Football Federation.

Strong infrastructure ahead of EURO 2032

Ceferin also praised Türkiye’s modern stadium infrastructure ahead of UEFA EURO 2032, which the country will co-host with Italy.

He noted that while many European nations have discussed building new stadiums for years, Türkiye has already completed major projects and gained a significant advantage with its modern facilities.

Optimistic about the national team

Ceferin said he expects Türkiye to be highly competitive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and stressed that the national team should aim not only to qualify but also to become a side that opponents fear facing.

He also praised Türkiye’s talented generation of players, highlighting Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız as two of the brightest young stars in European football. Hakan Çalhanoğlu was commended for his leadership and experience.

“Turkish clubs need consistency”

Ceferin said Turkish clubs should focus on building long-term success in European competitions rather than celebrating isolated achievements.

He praised Galatasaray as well as the recent European performances of Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, İstanbul Başakşehir and Sivasspor.

According to Ceferin, sustainable progress in Turkish football will require investment in youth academies, coaching systems, refereeing standards, financial discipline and women’s football.

Turkish international Enes Ünal came off the bench in the 89th minute for Bournemouth.

The result allowed Arsenal to move four points clear at the top with only one match left to play, sealing their first league title since the 2003-04 campaign.

Under the guidance of Spanish manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal claimed the 14th league title in the club’s history.

The presentation, held at the magnificent Princess Anne Theatre of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in central London, was attended by Arzu Aliyeva - the film's executive producer, and President of the Baku Media Center, along with producer Orman Aliyev, director Zaur Gasimli, People’s Artist Parviz Mammadrazayev, as well as ambassadors and numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps from Georgia, Türkiye, Uzbekistan and other countries, officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, members of the House of Lords, representatives of the City of London Corporation, the Commonwealth of Nations, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other organizations, representatives of bp, public and political figures, and members of the Azerbaijani community living in the United Kingdom.

The film was produced by the Baku Media Center with support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and the Cinema Agency. The project was also supported by NEQSOL Holding, Kapital Bank, Bakcell, and Norm companies. “Taghiyev” is the first part of a multi-film project exploring the life and legacy of Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev amid the rapid transformation of Baku during the oil boom period.

Addressing the event, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK Elin Suleymanov highlighted Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev’s immense contribution to Azerbaijan’s economic and cultural life, stressing that despite numerous difficulties and challenges, he remained steadfast in his ideals. He underscored that Taghiyev’s foremost aspirations included promoting education and founding the first secular school for girls in the Muslim East.

The ambassador underlined that Azerbaijan’s history has been shaped by remarkable individuals who played vital roles in the nation’s destiny. He also mentioned the recent celebration of the 103rd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, praising his indispensable role in rescuing Azerbaijan from deep political and economic crises and guiding the country toward stability and progress in the late 20th century.

Viewers at the London screening expressed admiration for the film, commending the Baku Media Center for its strong production standards and highlighting its meaningful portrayal of Azerbaijan’s history, culture, and identity on the global stage.

As a continuation of her widely acclaimed “Sweet Waters of Europe” project, this new programme presents a comprehensive artistic journey in which historical and cultural connections are reinterpreted through music. Inspired by the rich, multi-layered heritage of the Silk Road, the recital brings to the stage the musical traces of a vast geography stretching from Russia to Türkiye, and from the Caucasus to Central Asia.

The programme features works by prominent 19th-century Romantic composers such as Mikhail Glinka, Alexander Borodin, and Sergei Lyapunov, alongside compositions by leading contemporary figures including Kamran İnce, Aziza Mustafazadeh, and Cypriot composer Sayram Akdil. This repertoire highlights how the musical colours of the East have been reflected within the Western classical tradition and how they continue to evolve today.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the recital is its emphasis on the musical heritage of Azerbaijan and Central Asia. In addition to works by composers such as Vasif Adigözalov and Rovshen Nepesov, Rüya Taner’s own piano arrangements of traditional Turkish melodies further reinforce the programme’s focus on cultural continuity and transformation. Within the framework of this special project, the world premiere of “Rüya”, a work composed and dedicated to Rüya Taner by the distinguished composer Rovshen Nepesov, will also be presented for the first time.

Through this project, the artist brings together the musical memory of diverse regions, underlining the power of music as a medium for intercultural dialogue and shared human expression. The concert is presented as part of the “Sweet Waters of Asia” project, under the auspices of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in London and in cooperation with the TRNC London Representative Office; with the support of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Development and Economic Cooperation Office of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Lefkoşa; under the main sponsorship of Bromcom; and with the contributions of the Yunus Emre Institute, Tower Garments London, and the Turkish Women’s Philanthropic Association.

Concert Details

St James’s Piccadilly, London

13 June 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Tickets: £8 (full), £6 (student)

Online Tickets: https://ruyataner.eventbrite.co.uk/

Prof. Dr. Juan Lafont, CFA

The lecture was delivered by Juan Lafont, who is known for his academic and professional work in project finance. The session covered project finance structures, risk assessment frameworks and international funding models, according to participants.

The company said Ceylan’s participation forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen engagement with international academic and professional networks and to support knowledge sharing across the financial sector.

Strategy Finance Global, a London-based master broker, operates across shipping, private aviation, superyacht and project finance, providing advisory and structuring services for large-scale transactions.

Alp Ceylan, Managing Director of London-based brokerage Strategy Finance Global, attended a Project Finance lecture

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Semifinal A: OLYMPIACOS PIRAEUS – FENERBAHCE BEKO ISTANBUL will tip-off at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT)

Semifinal B: VALENCIA BASKET – REAL MADRID will tip-off at 21:00 local time (18:00 GMT)

Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Tip-off: 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT)
The opening semifinal promises an electric atmosphere as Greek giants Olympiacos face Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. With passionate fanbases and championship pedigree on both sides, this matchup could become one of the defining games of the season.

Semifinal B
Valencia Basket vs. Real Madrid
Tip-off: 21:00 local time (18:00 GMT)
The second semifinal features an all-Spanish showdown between Valencia Basket and Real Madrid. Valencia continues its rise among Europe’s elite, while Real Madrid enters the Final Four once again carrying its unmatched legacy and championship expectations.

Athens Ready for Europe’s Biggest Basketball Weekend

The 2026 EuroLeague Final Four Athens presented by Etihad is expected to draw thousands of fans from across the continent, transforming the city into the center of European basketball for the weekend. With high-profile rivalries, elite talent, and a championship berth on the line, the semifinal night on 22 May promises drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments on the road to the EuroLeague title.

According to the official results, Alessandro Georgiou received 2,047 votes, while Alara Ayyildiz won 1,858 votes.

With these results, both Conservative Party candidates earned the right to represent Cockfosters Ward on Enfield Borough Council.

The vote totals for the other candidates were as follows:

Arzu Aydemir (Labour Party): 466 votes
Mutlu Beyzade (Liberal Democrat): 217 votes
Felicity Aoibhinn Brown (Reform UK): 456 votes
Brian Cronk (Liberal Democrat): 237 votes
Samuel Norris (Reform UK): 465 votes
Caley Elizabeth Powell-Mitchell-Dolby (Green Party): 580 votes
Paul Shaverin (Labour Party): 422 votes

Officials also confirmed that voter turnout reached 47.1 percent. A total of 12 ballot papers were rejected for various reasons.

The results were officially declared by Deputy Returning Officer Perry Scott on behalf of Enfield Borough Council.

Turkey’s Strategic Positioning: From Medical Tourism to Market Power

Turkey is rapidly evolving from a cost-driven medical tourism destination into a global command center for aesthetic medicine and longevity services.

The scale is no longer marginal:

• Over 1.5 million international patients annually

• More than $2 billion in sector revenue

• Consistently high global rankings in aesthetic procedures (ISAPS)

• Rapid inflow of patients from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond

But the real shift is not volume—it is market positioning.

Turkey is no longer competing for patients. It is competing for category ownership.

How Turkey is Quietly Cornering the Market

The country’s rise is not accidental. It is structural—and built on four compounding advantages:

1. The cost-quality arbitrage no longer exists as a “discount story”

Turkey has broken the old narrative of “cheap alternative healthcare.” Instead, it now offers high-skill, high-volume clinical performance at structurally lower cost bases—a combination few markets can replicate.

2. Industrial-scale medical expertise

High patient throughput has created something rare in Europe: procedural intensity at scale, accelerating surgical specialization and operational precision across leading institutions.

3. Geographic convergence advantage

Istanbul sits at the intersection of three major regions—Europe, the Middle East, and Asia—functioning as a natural funnel for cross-border medical demand.

4. The emergence of “health + hospitality + longevity” hybrids

Turkey is no longer selling procedures. It is selling end-to-end health experiences—where surgery, recovery, hospitality, and wellness are fused into a single commercial ecosystem.

This is where the model begins to resemble a new category entirely: luxury longevity infrastructure.

Why This Sector Doesn’t Behave Like a Normal Market

Unlike traditional luxury goods or discretionary travel, health and aesthetic spending is increasingly treated as non-deferrable self-investment.

Even under economic pressure, consumers continue to prioritize:

• physical appearance

• perceived social value

• long-term wellness outcomes

• preventive aging strategies

In other words: this is a sector where demand does not collapse with sentiment cycles—it reallocates.

Case Study: Esteworld and the Institutionalization of Experience-Based Medicine

Within Turkey’s expanding ecosystem, Esteworld Health Group represents a defining example of the sector’s evolution.

Beyond clinical performance, the group is actively building a full-spectrum patient experience model, integrating medical treatment with recovery environments and lifestyle design.

Its emerging Wellworld concept signals a further shift: from aesthetic medicine toward structured longevity ecosystems, where healthcare becomes continuous rather than episodic.

The Bigger Picture: A Silent Redistribution of a Global Market

What is unfolding is not simply Turkey’s growth in medical tourism. It is something more strategic:

A gradual redistribution of global health and longevity demand toward new geographic hubs that can combine clinical capability, cost efficiency, and lifestyle integration.

Turkey is not just participating in this shift. It is actively shaping it.

It is positioning itself to capture a disproportionate share of one of the fastest-growing segments of global healthcare.

Market Context & Data Sources

The global expansion of the health, aesthetic medicine, and longevity sector is supported by several leading institutional datasets and industry reports.

According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the global wellness economy reached approximately $5.6 trillion in 2023, highlighting the scale and continued expansion of the sector.

Research from McKinsey & Company indicates a structural shift in consumer behavior, where wellness and personal care expenditures are increasingly prioritized and reframed as “self-investment” rather than discretionary spending.

On the medical tourism side, data from the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism and USHAŞ (International Health Services Inc.) shows that Turkey receives over 1.5 million international patients annually, with total sector revenue exceeding $2 billion.

In addition, findings from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) consistently place Turkey among the leading global destinations for aesthetic procedures, reflecting both high procedural volume and accumulated clinical expertise.

ESTEWORLD HEALTH GROUP – FACT SHEET (Editorial Brief)

Founded: 1994
Sector: Aesthetic Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Medical Tourism, Longevity & Wellness

Overview

Esteworld Health Group is one of Turkey’s established private healthcare organizations, operating since 1994 and playing a long-standing role in the development of the country’s international medical tourism ecosystem.

The group represents a hybrid model of clinical medicine and experience-based healthcare delivery, integrating surgical care with patient journey design, recovery services, and cross-border medical tourism operations.

Scale & Operations

• 5 hospitals (including one upcoming facility)

• 1,200 employees

• 70 physicians and medical specialists

As of 2024, Esteworld serves approximately:

• 28,000 – 30,000 patients annually

Total annual service volume exceeds approximately:

• £24 – 26 million GBP (approx.)

This reflects combined demand from both domestic and international patient segments.

International Reach

Esteworld has developed a diversified international patient base across 35 countries, with a strong concentration in:

• Europe (core market)

• United Kingdom (strategic priority market)

• United States

• Canada

• Australia

• Selected Asian markets

Key European source markets include:

• Netherlands

• France

• Germany

• Italy

The UK remains one of the group’s most consistent and strategically important inbound markets.

Position in Medical Tourism Ecosystem

Esteworld operates within one of the fastest-growing segments of global healthcare: cross-border aesthetic medicine and medical tourism.

The group is positioned within a broader structural shift where healthcare is increasingly defined not only by clinical outcomes, but also by:

• patient experience

• end-to-end service design

• hospitality integration

• recovery and lifestyle components

Strategic Relevance

Esteworld is part of a new generation of healthcare providers contributing to Turkey’s emergence as a global hub in aesthetic medicine and longevity-focused healthcare services.

The organization’s scale, patient diversity, and long operational history position it as a relevant case study in the evolution of:

healthcare → experience-based medicine → longevity ecosystems

Note on Market Context

Turkey’s healthcare and aesthetic medicine sector continues to benefit from structural global trends, including rising demand for self-funded medical travel, increasing prioritization of wellness-related spending, and the convergence of healthcare with luxury hospitality models.Within this context, Esteworld represents a mature institutional player in a rapidly expanding global category.

Bringing together representatives from the media, public institutions, academia, and civil society, the event further solidified its role as an important platform for journalism across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

The ceremony stood out for its international participation and was organized under the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Italian Prime Minister’s Office Department for Information and Publishing, and the Ministry of Culture’s CUG.

During the event, numerous journalists from national and international media organizations were honored for their professional achievements, independence, and commitment to high-quality journalism.

The most emotional moment of the evening was the presentation of the “Memorial Award” dedicated to the late veteran journalist Alessandro Tiberti. The award was received by his children, Lavinia and Gabriela.

Founded by journalist Dündar Kesaplı, the award aims to promote accurate and responsible journalism while strengthening international dialogue.

2026 Award Winners and Roles

• Alberto Barachini – State Secretary for Information and Publishing, Italian Prime Minister’s Office
• Emilio Carelli – Director, L’Espresso
• Alessia Lautone – Director, LaPresse
• Angela Mariella – Editorial Director, RAI
• Soledad Alvarez – Rome Director, EFE Agency (Spain)
• Tiziano Carmellini – Il Tempo
• Stefano Chioffi – Corriere dello Sport
• Gianluca Perino – Il Messaggero
• Eva Murati – Albania
• Marina Perna – ANSA / ANSAmed (Foreign News)
• Emanuele Rizzi – Adnkronos
• Barış Seçkin – Anadolu Agency (Türkiye)
• Andrea Bonini – Sky TG24
• Stefania Cavallaro – Deputy Editor-in-Chief, TG4 News
• Romano Bolković – Zagreb, Croatia
• Alberto Rimedio – Rai Sport
• Francesca Benvenuti – SportMediaset
• Gianfranco Coppola – President, USSI / AIPS Europe
• Herman Grech – Malta
• Trevisa Tufa – Albania
• Mahdi El Nemr – Egypt
• Zouhir Louassini – Morocco
• Emine Kavasoğlu – Türkiye
• Marco Lollobrigida – Special Award for “Sports Commentary” (USSI), Director, Rai Sport
• Alessandro Tiberti – RAI (Memorial Award)
• Luigi Crippa – Head of Sports Communications, Inter
• Roberto Coramusi – Press Office Head, Italian Football Federation

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Transport for London (TfL) has introduced even more features to the free TfL Go app, designed to provide mobile-friendly and accessible travel information to customers travelling across London.

The latest updates to the app, mean that anyone using pay as you go with contactless who has reached the daily or weekly cap can now see this clearly in their journey history using the app.

App users can also now opt-in to gain further insights into which maximum daily cap might apply to their regular daily travel, based upon their recent journey history. This will help further raise awareness of TfL’s daily caps and help reiterate that they will pay no more than a set amount based on their travel.

Launched in 2020, TfL Go provides real-time arrival times and information in a mobile-friendly and accessible way to customers travelling on Tube, bus, tram, and rail services across London. It also suggests alternative routes, and walking and cycling options, and provides information about which stations have toilets and where they are located.

The TfL Go app is free to download and available on both iOS and Android devices at www.tfl.gov.uk/go

Voters across the capital went to the polls on Thursday, with elections held in all 32 boroughs and more than 1,800 council seats contested. Early results suggest a more fragmented political landscape, with losses for Labour and gains for smaller parties reshaping control in key areas.

The Green Party’s victory in Hackney marks a notable breakthrough in one of Labour’s traditional strongholds, signalling growing support for alternative parties in inner London. Meanwhile, Reform UK’s win in Havering represents a historic moment for the party, giving it its first foothold in London local government.

The Conservatives have also made important gains. They have regained control of Westminster from Labour, held onto Kensington and Chelsea and Bexley, and emerged as the largest party in Wandsworth, which now falls into no overall control. These results indicate a partial recovery for the party in parts of the রাজধান.

The Liberal Democrats successfully defended their positions in Richmond upon Thames and Sutton but fell short in their attempt to take Merton from Labour. Labour, despite suffering losses elsewhere, has managed to retain control of Hammersmith and Fulham as well as Ealing.

Counting has taken place overnight in several boroughs, with results from others expected later on Friday and into Saturday. Prior to the election, Labour controlled 21 boroughs, compared with five for the Conservatives, three for the Liberal Democrats, one for the Aspire Party, and two under no overall control.

As the remaining declarations come in, the full picture is still emerging. However, early outcomes point to a capital moving away from traditional two-party dominance, with voters increasingly backing a wider range of political parties.

Anniversary Medal of the Azerbaijani National Press” and its official certificate to KGK Chairman Mehmet Ali Dim in Ankara. The award was handed over by Elshad Eyvazlı, Vice Chairman of the Azerbaijan Press Council.

Eyvazlı: “GJC Stood Firmly with Azerbaijan”

Speaking during the ceremony, Elshad Eyvazlı emphasized that the media support provided by the Global Journalists Council to Azerbaijan should never be underestimated.

“During the Karabakh War, (GJC) stood firmly behind Azerbaijan, helping shape international public opinion in our favor. The council repeatedly brought international journalist delegations to Azerbaijan and made our rightful position on Karabakh heard across the world,” he said.

Eyvazlı also noted that (GJC) had developed strong ties with Azerbaijani media organizations and gained significant recognition among Azerbaijani journalists and officials.
“It is a great honor for me to present this prestigious state medal to (GJC) Chairman Mehmet Ali Dim on behalf of the Azerbaijani authorities, who deeply appreciate (GJC)’s contributions,” he added.

Dim: “We Are Deeply Honored”

Receiving the medal, KGK Chairman Mehmet Ali Dim described the award as a source of great pride and honor.

“Since the establishment of our council, we have always regarded brotherly Azerbaijan as special. We have always said: one nation, one media, two states,” Dim stated.
He highlighted KGK’s efforts during Azerbaijan’s justified struggle in Karabakh, noting that the council organized visits for international journalists to Azerbaijan in order to ensure accurate reporting and raise global awareness.

“We attended press conferences held by President Ilham Aliyev and met several times with Presidential Assistant Hikmet Hajiyev. We also established various forms of cooperation with Azerbaijani media organizations. Most recently, we signed a cooperation protocol with the Press Council in Alanya,” he said.
Dim stressed that the collaboration between KGK and Azerbaijani media institutions would continue to grow in the future.

“I accept this medal on behalf of all KGK members and will proudly display it in the most distinguished corner of our council. I would like to sincerely thank President Ilham Aliyev, Media Agency Chairman Ahmad Ismayilov, and Elshad Eyvazlı for personally presenting this meaningful award in Ankara,” he concluded.

The order, introduced by Enfield Council, took effect at 12:00 am on 20 December 2025 and will remain in place until 11:59 pm on 20 December 2026. It includes a power of arrest, meaning individuals who breach the ban could be detained.

The injunction aims to prevent disruptive and potentially dangerous car cruising activities, which have raised concerns around public safety, noise, and antisocial behaviour.

Residents or individuals who believe they are affected by the order are advised to seek independent legal advice. Those wishing to challenge or respond to the injunction may submit evidence no later than 4 pm on 23 October 2026.

Official documents and further details are available on the council’s website.

The first female presenter of UEFA Champions League broadcasts

Murati made history in her country as the first female presenter to host UEFA Champions League broadcasts. For more than a decade, she has been a key figure of prime-time programming on Tring TV. This success earned her the nickname “Champions Girl,” which has since evolved into a strong personal brand.

More than just a sports presenter

What sets Eva Murati apart is not only her on-screen success. With a background in law, she brings analytical depth to her communication style. Her ability to convey the atmosphere of matches, the excitement of the crowd, and the emotional rhythm of the game places her beyond traditional sports presenting, representing a modern and dynamic narrative approach.

In addition to sports broadcasting, Murati has also appeared in culture and entertainment programs, making her a symbol of a multifaceted success story for Balkan youth.

A powerful figure in the digital age

Murati’s influence extends far beyond television. With over 1.4 million followers on Instagram and a total digital reach exceeding 2 million, she stands out as a powerful figure in the new media landscape. Her social media presence reaches millions, transforming her into not just a presenter but also a regional media phenomenon.

A bridge between journalism and diplomacy

The Euro-Mediterranean Journalism Awards aim to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among countries in the region while promoting accurate and responsible journalism. In an increasingly complex global communication environment, the role of media in maintaining intercultural balance has become more critical than ever.

With numerous diplomatic representatives expected to attend, this year’s ceremony will once again highlight the strategic importance of journalism in international dialogue. The event will be hosted by RAI journalist Roberto Ammendola.

A success story from the Balkans to Europe

Eva Murati’s rise represents not only an individual career achievement but also the transformation of the Balkan media landscape. Her journey from local screens to international recognition continues to inspire a new generation of journalists. With the prestigious ceremony taking place in Rome on May 4, Murati is set to make her mark once again on the Euro-Mediterranean media stage.

If you want, I can also make it more “news agency style” (shorter, punchier) or adapt it for a specific outlet like Reuters/AP tone.

Benchmark Brent crude briefly surged nearly 7% to over $126 per barrel before retreating later in the day. The spike comes as tensions in the Iran conflict intensify and negotiations appear to have stalled.

A key factor behind the surge is the continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Ongoing threats and blockades in the area have raised concerns about global energy supply.

According to reports, the US Central Command has prepared options involving targeted strikes on Iran, as well as potential efforts to regain control of parts of the waterway to resume shipping. Iran, meanwhile, has signaled it will defend the route and respond to any escalation.

Oil price volatility was also influenced by technical factors, including the expiration of June futures contracts, which contributed to a later drop in prices. More active July contracts traded lower, around $110 per barrel.

Rising crude prices are already affecting consumers. In the UK, petrol and diesel costs have increased significantly compared to pre-conflict levels, putting pressure on households and businesses.

Experts warn the impact could extend beyond fuel. Higher energy costs are expected to drive up prices for food, flights and goods, as supply chains absorb the increased expenses. Fertiliser prices have also risen, adding further pressure on global food production.

Analysts say continued escalation could keep oil prices elevated into next year, increasing uncertainty for both markets and policymakers.

This programme focuses on the arts that shape and adorn the sacred, including stained glass (vitray), woodcarving, architectural ornament, and related decorative traditions, explored through hands-on workshops, engaging talks, and live demonstrations. Participants will encounter the material language of the sacred, from carved wood surfaces and patterned glass to ornamental motifs rooted in spiritual architecture and craftsmanship. Return to London Craft Week for our ninth consecutive year. Bringing the timeless elegance and living traditions of Türkiye’s arts to the heart of London, this year’s theme—Ornamenting the Sacred: Pattern, Light, Form—invites you to explore the profound connection between craftsmanship and meaning.

Exclusive series of workshops designed to bring these living traditions to life. From plaster carving and Ottoman calligraphy to tile painting, stained glass, and wood marquetry—each session offers a deep dive into the mastery behind these time-honoured crafts.

Explore our full programme and reserve your place to learn from the best:

• Plaster Carving with Mariam Ashraf

• The Letter Waw | Ottoman Architectural Calligraphy with Gulnaz Mahboob

• Ottoman Tile Painting on Paper | Rumi & Şemse from Yeni Cami with Nagihan Seymour

• İznik Ceramic Brooch | Floral or Geometric Design with Nagihan Seymour

• Stained Glass Taster Workshop | Traditional Geometric Patterns with Demet Tokbay

• Weekend Wood Marquetry with Adam Williamson

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Age requirement: 16+. Please check individual workshop details before booking.

For any questions or queries: https://yeelondon.org.uk/lcw2026/

AVRUPA TIMES NEWSPAPER PAGES

Brexit is just around the corner, the issue of direct flights to North Cyprus is becoming never increasing important. Who will you be supporting?

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