Political observers, including analyst Berk Esen, attribute the AKP's loss in local elections to the poor economic situation, with high inflation affecting low-income earners and pensioners. The Islamist Yeni Refah party capitalized on this, winning two provinces. The future of Erdogan's political strength is uncertain, as governing large cities offers the opposition a chance to sharpen their profile, despite media control by the state. Erdogan's adaptability and the possibility of constitutional changes to secure another term are noted. Esen suggests that despite the opposition's success, Turkey remains a competitive authoritarian regime with elections that are neither free nor fair. Istanbul's re-elected mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, strengthens his position as a potential presidential candidate, despite facing a politically motivated ban. His victory, with support from Kurdish voters, suggests he doesn't need the opposition's Six-Party Alliance, as the national-conservative Iyi Party becomes insignificant.

The local elections in Turkey have resulted in a significant defeat for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP party, marking the first time since its founding in 2002 that it became the second-strongest force in an election. The main opposition party, CHP, won 35 of 81 mayoral positions nationwide, including in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, signaling a potential political shift. High inflation and economic dissatisfaction may have influenced AKP supporters to abstain or vote for smaller conservative parties like Yeni Refah. The victory for the opposition, particularly in Istanbul where Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was reelected, could shape future national politics, although the country's media is largely state-controlled. Analysts suggest that while the opposition's success does not necessarily mean Turkey is more democratic, it could lead to a significant political break if the CHP capitalizes on the opportunity.

One year after the devastating earthquakes in Turkey, life hesitantly returns amidst the rubble in cities like Antakya, with stark contrasts in reconstruction progress across different regions. The Turkish government faces criticism for the slow rebuilding efforts and the discrepancy in reported death tolls, with official figures at 53,000 and the country's medical association estimating 120,000 to 150,000 fatalities. Human Rights Watch has condemned the lack of legal accountability for officials involved in approving substandard construction projects. President Erdogan's visit to Hatay highlighted political tensions, as he blamed the slow recovery on lack of cooperation with the central government, ahead of local elections. Meanwhile, survivors like Hatice Yalcimin and her daughter Fatma Nur continue to cope with the trauma, and displaced citizens like Hüseyin Girgen and Gülseren Bügür express discontent with the government's promises versus the harsh reality they face.

A year after the devastating earthquake in Turkey, survivors like Yalcimin's family continue to struggle with trauma, living in container villages with limited psychological support. President Erdogan attributes reconstruction disparities to lack of cooperation with the central government, particularly criticizing opposition-governed Hatay ahead of local elections. The government's death toll estimate is significantly lower than figures from the country's medical association. Human Rights Watch has criticized the lack of legal accountability for officials involved in substandard construction. The government's reconstruction promises have been scaled back, with many still living in containers, contrary to official claims of no one living in tents. Personal stories of loss and the refusal to leave the region highlight the ongoing emotional and physical toll on the affected communities.

A year after the earthquake in Turkey, survivors like Yalcimin and her daughter Fatma Nur continue to struggle with trauma, living in a container village with psychological support. Turkish President Erdogan blames slow reconstruction on lack of cooperation with the central government, particularly criticizing opposition-governed Hatay ahead of local elections. The government's death toll is disputed, with estimates ranging from 53,000 to 150,000. Human Rights Watch has criticized the lack of legal accountability for officials. The government reports 110,450 workers rebuilding on 930 sites, with 690,000 people living in containers. Discrepancies between government claims and reality are evident, with reports of people like Hüseyin Girgen and Gülseren Bügür still waiting for housing or being displaced, and Gönül Poyraz mourning her lost relatives without leaving her hometown.

A year after the earthquake in Turkey, survivors like Yalcimin and her daughter Fatma Nur continue to struggle with trauma, with many still living in container villages. President Erdogan blames slow reconstruction on lack of cooperation with the central government, particularly criticizing opposition-governed Hatay ahead of local elections. Human Rights Watch has criticized the lack of legal accountability for officials involved in approving substandard building projects. The government's initial promise to rebuild 319,000 buildings has been revised, and many, like Hüseyin Girgen and Gülseren Bügür, still await proper housing or have been displaced. Gönül Poyraz, who lost family members, refuses to leave the region, underscoring the emotional attachment to the place despite the devastation.

Turkey has pledged to continue its military operations against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Iraq and northern Syria following an attack on a Turkish base in Iraq that killed nine soldiers. President Erdogan's office announced that 45 Kurdish militants were neutralized in the ongoing offensive, and a security meeting was held in Istanbul. The Defense Ministry reported retaliatory airstrikes against PKK positions, and 113 individuals with suspected PKK links were detained across Turkey. The conflict with the PKK, labeled a terrorist organization by the EU and the US, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths over the years.

The defeat of the ruling AKP in the municipal elections has shaken Turkey's political landscape, with the opposition CHP gaining significant ground, including major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. President Erdogan faces challenges due to high inflation and economic dissatisfaction. The election results suggest a potential political shift, with CHP's Ekrem Imamoglu emerging as a key figure. Despite the opposition's success, analysts caution that Turkey remains an authoritarian regime under Erdogan.

Turkey is holding a crucial election with 61 million voters deciding on a new parliament and president. Incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces a tight race against opposition leader Kemal Kılıcdaroglu. The election atmosphere is tense, with concerns about Erdogan accepting a potential defeat. The election is closely watched internationally, especially by NATO and the EU. Kılıcdaroglu promises a return to a parliamentary system and better relations with the EU, while Erdogan's campaign focuses on economic promises and a strong stance against the opposition. The outcome could significantly impact Turkey's political direction and international relations.

In the earthquake-ravaged city of Adiyaman, the first breaking of the fast during Ramadan is marked by a somber mood. Families like the Kaplans gather in makeshift shelters, mourning the loss of loved ones and the destruction caused by the February 6 earthquake. The city, still grieving, sees aid organizations distributing food and providing entertainment for children. Personal stories of loss and hope, such as those of Ekrem Kaplan and Taha Erdem, underscore the emotional impact of the disaster on the community.