ReportWire

Tag: Turkey

  • Analysis-Turkey Pressing for Western Fighter Jets to Claw Back Regional Edge

    [ad_1]

    By Ece Toksabay and Jonathan Spicer

    ANKARA (Reuters) -Anxious to bolster its air power, Turkey has proposed to European partners and the U.S. ways it could swiftly obtain advanced fighter jets as it seeks to make up ground on regional rivals such as Israel, sources familiar with the talks say.  

    NATO-member Turkey, which has the alliance’s second-largest military, aims to leverage its best relations with the West in years to add to its ageing fleet 40 Eurofighter Typhoons, for which it inked a preliminary agreement in July, and later also U.S.-made F-35 jets, despite Washington sanctions that currently block any deal. 

    Strikes by Israel – the Middle East’s most advanced military with hundreds of U.S.-supplied F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighters – on Turkey’s neighbours Iran and Syria, as well as on Lebanon and Qatar, unnerved Ankara in the last year. They laid bare key vulnerabilities, prompting its push for rapid air power reinforcement to counter any potential threats and not be left exposed, officials say.

    Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has sharply criticised Israel’s attacks on Gaza and elsewhere in the Middle East and once warm relations between the two countries have sunk to new lows. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Turkey’s bases, rebel allies and support for the army in Syria posed a threat to Israel.  

    Greece, a largely symbolic but sensitive threat for Turkey, is expected to receive a batch of advanced F-35s in the next three years. In years past, jets from the two NATO states engaged in scattered dogfights over the Aegean, and Greece has previously expressed concerns about Turkish military build-up.

    TURKEY WOULD BUY SECOND-HAND PLANES TO GET THEM FAST

    For the Typhoons, Turkey is nearing a deal with Britain and other European countries in which it would promptly receive 12 of them, albeit used, from previous buyers Qatar and Oman to meet its immediate needs, according to a person familiar with the matter. 

    Eurofighter consortium members Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain would approve the second-hand sale proposal, in which they would provide Turkey with 28 new jets in coming years pending a final purchase agreement, the person said. 

    Erdogan is expected to discuss the proposal on visits to Qatar and Oman on Wednesday and Thursday, with jet numbers, pricing, and timelines the main issues. 

    Erdogan is then expected to host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz later this month, when agreements could be sealed, sources say. 

    A UK government spokesperson told Reuters that a memorandum of understanding that Britain and Turkey signed in July paves the way “for a multibillion-pound order of up to 40 aircraft,” adding: “We look forward to agreeing the final contracting details soon.”

    German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who was in Ankara last week, said Berlin supported the jets purchase and later told broadcaster NTV that a deal could follow within the year.

    Turkey’s defence ministry said no final agreement had been reached and that talks with Britain were moving in a positive direction, adding other consortium members backed the procurement. Qatar and Oman did not immediately comment. 

    TURKEY, US HAVE POLITICAL WILL TO RESOLVE ISSUES

    Acquiring the advanced F-35s has proven trickier for Ankara, which has been barred from buying them since 2020 when Washington slapped it with CAATSA sanctions over its purchase of Russian S-400 air defences. 

    Erdogan failed to make headway on the issue at a White House meeting with President Donald Trump last month. But Turkey still aims to capitalise on the two leaders’ good personal ties, and Erdogan’s help convincing Palestinian militant group Hamas to sign Trump’s Gaza ceasefire agreement, to eventually reach a deal. 

    Separate sources have said that Ankara considered proposing a plan that could have included a U.S. presidential “waiver” to overcome the CAATSA sanctions and pave the way for an eventual resolution of the S-400 issue and F-35 purchase. 

    Turkey’s possession of the S-400s remains the main obstacle to purchasing F-35s, but Ankara and Washington have publicly stated a desire to overcome this, saying the allies have the political will to do so. 

    The potential temporary waiver, if given, could help Ankara increase defence cooperation with Washington and possibly build sympathy in a U.S. Congress that has been sceptical of Turkey in the past, the sources said.

    “Both sides know that resolving CAATSA needs to be done. Whether it is a presidential waiver or a congressional decision, that is up to the United States,” Harun Armagan, vice chair of foreign affairs for Erdogan’s ruling AK Party, told Reuters.

    “It looks awkward with all of the other diplomacy and cooperation happening at the same time.” 

    Turkey’s foreign ministry did not respond to questions about floating a waiver to U.S. counterparts or discussions on resolving the S-400 issue. The White House did not immediately comment on whether Ankara raised a waiver option.

    A State Department spokesperson said Trump recognizes Turkey’s strategic importance and that “his administration is seeking creative solutions to all of these pending issues,” but did not elaborate further.

    Asked about Turkey’s separate agreement to buy 40 F-16s, an earlier generation fighter jet, a U.S. source said that talks have been dogged by Turkish concerns about the price and desire to buy the more advanced F-35s instead. 

    TURKEY HAS DEVELOPED ITS OWN STEALTH FIGHTER

    Frustrated by past hot-cold ties with the West and some arms embargoes, Turkey has developed its own KAAN stealth fighter. Yet officials acknowledge it will take years before it replaces the F-16s that form the backbone of its air force.

    Jet upgrades are part of a broader effort to strengthen layered air defences that also includes Turkey’s domestic “Steel Dome” project and an expansion of long-range missile coverage. 

    Yanki Bagcioglu, an opposition CHP lawmaker and former Turkish Air Force brigadier general, said Turkey must accelerate plans for KAAN, Eurofighter and F-16 jets. 

    “At present, our air-defence system is not at the desired level,” he said, blaming “project-management failures.”

    (Reporting by Ece Toksabay in Ankara and Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul; Additional reporting by Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)

    Copyright 2025 Thomson Reuters.

    Photos You Should See – Oct. 2025

    [ad_2]

    Reuters

    Source link

  • Erdogan Turns Trump’s Gaza Deal Into a Power Play for Turkey

    [ad_1]

    By Samia Nakhoul, Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay

    ANKARA/DUBAI (Reuters) -Turkey’s ties to Hamas, once a liability in Washington, have turned into a geopolitical asset. By persuading Hamas to accept Donald Trump’s Gaza deal, Ankara has reasserted itself on the Middle East chessboard, to the dismay of Israel and Arab rivals.

    Initially resistant to the U.S. president’s ultimatum — free the Israeli hostages or face continued devastation — Hamas leaders relented only when Turkey, a country they view as a political patron, urged them to agree to the American plan. 

    Two regional sources and two Hamas officials told Reuters that Ankara’s message was unequivocal: The time had come to accept.

    “This gentleman from a place called Turkey is one of the most powerful in the world,” Trump said last week, referring to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, after the Palestinian militant group agreed to a ceasefire and hostage-release plan. 

    “He’s a reliable ally. He’s always there when I need him.”

    Erdogan’s signature on the Gaza document supercharged Turkey’s push for a central role in the Middle East, a status Erdogan has increasingly sought to reclaim, often invoking Ottoman-era ties and leadership.

    Now, after the deal, Turkey is seeking to reap dividends, including in bilateral issues with the U.S., the sources said.

    Sinan Ulgen, director of the Istanbul-based think tank EDAM and a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe, said Ankara’s success in delivering Hamas’s acceptance of Trump’s Gaza deal has given it new diplomatic leverage at home and abroad.

    Turkey, he said, is likely to use its renewed goodwill in Washington to push for progress on stalled F-35 fighter jet sales, an easing of U.S. sanctions and U.S. help in advancing Turkey’s security goals in neighbouring Syria.

    “If those laudatory statements from Trump translate into lasting goodwill, Ankara could use that momentum to resolve some of the long-standing disagreements,” Ulgen told Reuters.

    AT TRUMP-ERDOGAN MEETING, A REVAMP OF TIES BEGAN

    The diplomatic recalibration between Ankara and Washington, officials said, began during Erdogan’s September visit to the White House, his first in six years.

    The meeting addressed unresolved flashpoints, including Turkey’s push to lift U.S. sanctions imposed in 2020 over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems, a move that angered Washington and also led to its removal from the F-35 program.

    Syria was another key topic. Turkey wants to pressure the U.S.-backed Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to merge into the Syrian army. Ankara views the SDF as a threat due to its ties to the PKK, which Turkey designates a terrorist group.

    That push appears to be gaining ground. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi confirmed a mechanism to merge with the Syrian army, an outcome Turkey sees as a strategic win.

    The Gaza deal follows other boosts to Turkish prestige. Trump praised Erdogan for hosting Russia-Ukraine talks earlier this year, and Ankara’s influence grew after Bashar al-Assad’s fall in Syria in 2024, where Turkey backed opposition forces.

    Turkey’s ambition to reclaim a dominant Middle East role recalls for some sceptics the legacy of the Ottoman empire, which once ruled much of the region. Its collapse a century ago left modern Turkey inward-looking as it built a secular republic and somewhat sidelined from regional diplomacy.

    For years, Ankara was not part of high-level efforts to solve the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, a core source of regional instability. Turkey’s support for Islamist movements — including political and diplomatic backing for Hamas, whose leaders it has hosted — strained ties with Israel and several Arab states, and its perceived drift under Erdogan from NATO norms further distanced it from peacemaking.

    But to break the deadlock in Gaza ceasefire talks, Trump turned to Erdogan, betting on the Turkish leader’s sway over Hamas. Turkish officials, led by spy chief Ibrahim Kalin, assured Hamas the ceasefire had regional and U.S. backing, including Trump’s personal guarantee.

    By enlisting Erdogan, Trump handed Ankara the role it craved as a dominant regional Sunni power. The move unsettled Israel and rival Arab states, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, long wary of Erdogan’s Islamist ambitions, two diplomats said.

    “Erdogan is a master in expanding his influence, seizing opportunities, taking advantage of events, turning them to his own interest and taking credit for them,” said Arab political commentator Ayman Abdel Nour. “Obviously the Gulf countries were not happy about Turkey taking a leading role on Gaza but at the same time they wanted this conflict to end, to see an agreement and to see Hamas sidelined.”

    While Arab states shared an interest with Turkey in ending the war, said Lebanese analyst Sarkis Naoum, the larger role given to Ankara was worrisome for them, recalling the history of Ottoman imperial rule over many countries in the region.

    Turkey’s Foreign Ministry and MIT intelligence agency did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. The U.S. State Department did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

    For Hamas, the main concern was that Israel might renege on the deal and resume military operations. Deep distrust nearly derailed the process, regional sources said.

    “The only real guarantee,” a senior Hamas official told Reuters, “came from four parties: Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and the Americans. Trump personally gave his word. The U.S. message was: ‘release the hostages, hand over the bodies, and I guarantee there will be no return to war.’”

    CRUSHING PRESSURE ON HAMAS

    Turkey’s entry into the talks was initially vetoed by Israel, but Trump intervened, pressuring Tel Aviv to allow Ankara’s involvement, two diplomats said.

    There was no immediate comment from Israel’s foreign ministry.

    A senior Hamas official said Gaza’s military leaders accepted the truce not as surrender, but under the crushing pressure of relentless mediation, a collapsing humanitarian situation, and a war-weary public.

    The deal won the release of Israeli hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which killed 1,200 people, and triggered an Israeli offensive that has since left over 67,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health authorities.

    Whether the Gaza deal will eventually open a way toward a Palestinian state remains unclear. Turkey and Arab states including Qatar and Egypt say the plan lacks a roadmap toward a two-state solution, a historic Palestinian demand.

    Asked about a potential Turkish troop deployment to Gaza in a post-war scenario and ways to ensure the enclave’s security, Erdogan said on October 8 the ceasefire talks were critical for discussing the issue in detail, but the priority was achieving a full ceasefire, aid deliveries and rebuilding Gaza.

    (Additional reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu, Ece Toksabay in Ankara and Maya Gebeily in Beirut; Writing by Samia Nakhoul, Editing by William Maclean)

    Copyright 2025 Thomson Reuters.

    Photos You Should See – Oct. 2025

    [ad_2]

    Reuters

    Source link

  • Turkish Cypriots Vote for a Leader as Peace Talks Hang in Balance

    [ad_1]

    NICOSIA (Reuters) -Voters in breakaway north Cyprus went to the polls on Sunday in a presidential vote seen as a test on whether talks to reunify the divided island can be revived.

    Incumbent Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, who backs a two-state solution, faces the main centre-left rival Tufan Erhuman, who favours renewed United Nations-sponsored negotiations on a federal settlement with Greek Cypriots.

    Tatar’s position for a two-state deal has been rejected by Greek Cypriots, while peace talks have been in deadlock since 2017.

    Seven candidates are standing, but polls suggest the race will hinge on Tatar and Erhuman, with a runoff on October 26 if there is no outright winner.

    Cyprus was split in 1974 in a Turkish invasion triggered by a brief Greek-backed coup, which followed sporadic fighting after the breakdown of a power-sharing administration in 1963.

    North Cyprus is recognised only by Turkey. Polls opened at 0500 GMT and will close at 1500 GMT, with results expected late on Sunday.

    (Writing by Michele Kambas; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)

    Copyright 2025 Thomson Reuters.

    Photos You Should See – Oct. 2025

    [ad_2]

    Reuters

    Source link

  • Key moments from a momentous day for Israelis and Palestinians

    [ad_1]

    (CNN) — The last 20 living hostages held in Gaza were released on Monday, reuniting with their families in jubilant scenes as world leaders gathered in Egypt to discuss the future of Gaza and the next phases of the US-brokered ceasefire deal.

    For the first time in more than two years, Hamas and its allies are not holding any living hostages in Gaza.

    Meanwhile, 1,718 Palestinian detainees who were being held in Israel without charge were released on Monday and returned to Gaza. Israel also released 250 Palestinians serving long-term sentences.

    Addressing the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, on Monday during his trip to the Middle East, US President Donald Trump said the “long and painful nightmare is finally over.”

    “This is a historic dawn of a new Middle East,” Trump told Israeli lawmakers, having earlier projected confidence that the ceasefire deal would hold and that the war in Gaza was over.

    But a number of issues related to the 20-point plan brokered by Trump, alongside Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, remain unresolved.

    Here are some key moments from Monday and where the peace process may go next:

    Hostages freed

    The remaining 20 living hostages were released in two groups on Monday, prompting elation and relief throughout Israel.

    In Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, large crowds cheered, waved flags and chanted “thank you, Trump!” as news of the hostages’ freedom was announced.

    Emotional scenes unfolded at the Re’im military facility in southern Israel, where the released hostages were reunited with their immediate families after more than two years in captivity.

    In footage shared by the Israeli military, 24-year-old Guy Gilboa-Dalal, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival, was met by his parents and siblings. His family cried and embraced him in a large hug.

    Omri Miran embraces his father Dani in Re’im, Israel, after his release from captivity on October 13. Credit: Israel Defense Forces / Reuters via CNN Newsource

    Omri Miran, 48, who was kidnapped when Hamas gunmen broke into his family’s home in kibbutz Nahal Oz, was met by his wife Lishay Miran-Lavi and his father Dani Miran. Photos showed him playing with his children for the first time in more than two years.

    “We are at the beginning of a complex and challenging, yet moving, journey of recovery,” Miran’s family said in a statement.

    Under the agreement brokered by the US, Hamas and its allies were meant to release all of the remaining hostages, including 28 dead ones, within 72 hours of the ceasefire being announced.

    Israeli authorities said that Hamas had handed over four coffins said to contain the remains of four deceased hostages to the Red Cross on Monday.

    Later in the day, Israeli police said the coffins had been released into Israel, before being escorted to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for formal identification. Israel has not yet confirmed the identities of the remains being returned.

    Palestinian prisoners released

    Israel released 1,718 Palestinian detainees – detained by its forces in Gaza over the past two years and held without charge – on Monday. The detainees were brought back to Gaza on buses, where they were met by large crowds at Nasser hospital in the southern part of the enclave.

    A freed Palestinian is hugged by a relative in Ramallah, West Bank, after he was released from an Israeli jail on October 13. Credit: Ammar Awad / Reuters via CNN Newsource

    Israel also released 250 Palestinians serving life or long-term prison sentences.

    Some of those released prisoners were taken to the occupied West Bank, where they were hugged by family and friends as they emerged from buses in Ramallah. CNN also witnessed a substantial presence of Palestinian security forces and medics at the scene.

    A further 154 Palestinian prisoners who had been serving long sentences in Israeli jails were deported to Egypt, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Society. Israeli authorities had demanded that prisoners convicted of “violent offenses” be deported to third countries rather than be allowed to return to the West Bank or Gaza.

    Trump’s pointed address to Israel

    Trump spoke for more than an hour in the Israeli parliament, taking a victory lap for the ceasefire deal and repeatedly, pointedly telling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to not restart the war.

    “Israel, with our help, has won all that they can by force of arms. You’ve won. I mean, you’ve won,” Trump said. “Now it’s time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East. It’s about time you were able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.”

    The US president also warned that more war would diminish Netanyahu’s legacy, adding that he will be remembered for the truce “far more than if you kept this thing going.”

    Netanyahu has previously been accused of prolonging the war in Gaza in order to delay and distract from his corruption cases and domestic political troubles, an accusation he’s rejected.

    World leaders meet in Egypt

    Trump traveled on to Egypt to meet with other world leaders, including the leaders of Qatar, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. They converged on the resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, where Egypt and the US are co-hosting a summit on the end of the Gaza war and the next phases of a peace plan.

    World leaders took part in a signing ceremony for the Gaza ceasefire deal during the summit.

    Netanyahu said he was invited but did not attend.

    The 20-point ceasefire plan brokered by the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey still has several unresolved issues and details that must be hammered out.

    Those sticking points include how the largely destroyed Gaza Strip will be governed after the war, as well as how Hamas’ disarmament and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza will be carried out.

    Next steps of ceasefire plan

    The full withdrawal of the Israeli military is contingent on Hamas’ disarmament, according to the agreement, leaving some wiggle room for Netanyahu to say Israel still has the freedom to resume fighting.

    Hamas’ chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, said last week that the group has received guarantees from the US and international mediators confirming that this deal means “the war has ended permanently,” rather than representing a temporary ceasefire. It’s not clear in what form those guarantees came.

    The key unanswered question is what will happen to Hamas, according to Burcu Ozcelik, senior research fellow for Middle East security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a British think tank.

    “You have what looks like a pathway to Palestinian statehood … but this, ultimately, is a Palestinian state that does not seem to have any place for Hamas. To what extent Hamas will agree to this and comply with this in the weeks and months to come – I think that is a big question,” Ozcelik told CNN.

    “I think Israel will retain what it sees as its national security imperative to operate in Gaza if it believes that there is a credible threat to its security and its border communities,” Ozcelik said. “But at the same time, there needs to be a governing body in Gaza. There needs to be security and law enforcement. There needs to be basic service delivery and distribution of vital humanitarian aid.”

    She added that other regional actors will be expected to play an important role in the transition, particularly Egypt and Turkey. “I think for the time being, all sides are going to want to be seen as doing all that they can to make Trump’s plan work.”

    CNN’s Kevin Liptak, Ivana Kottasova, Kara Fox, Tim Lister, Abeer Salman and Eyad Kourdi contributed to this report.

    [ad_2]

    Lauren Kent and CNN

    Source link

  • UK PM Starmer to Attend Middle East Peace Summit in Egypt

    [ad_1]

    LONDON (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Egypt to attend the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit, where leaders are expected to sign a U.S.-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, his office said on Saturday.

    The first phase of the plan is set to begin with the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners by Monday, marking what Britain called a “historic turning point” after two years of war.

    The British leader would pay tribute to the role of U.S. President Donald Trump and the diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey in brokering the deal, his office said.

    He is expected to call for continued international coordination to implement the next phase, which includes deploying a ceasefire monitoring mission and establishing transitional governance in Gaza.

    Starmer will reiterate Britain’s “steadfast support” to help secure the ceasefire and deliver humanitarian aid.

    (Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; Editing by Alex Richardson)

    Copyright 2025 Thomson Reuters.

    Photos You Should See – Oct. 2025

    [ad_2]

    Reuters

    Source link

  • Turkey Pleased With Gaza Ceasefire Deal, Will Monitor Implementation

    [ad_1]

    ANKARA (Reuters) -President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday he was very pleased that Hamas-Israel negotiations had resulted in a Gaza ceasefire deal, adding that Turkey would closely monitor its strict implementation and continue to contribute to the process.

    Turkey, which participated in the ceasefire negotiations in Egypt, has been one of the harshest critics of Israel’s assault on Gaza, calling it a genocide. It has halted all trade with Israel, repeatedly called for international measures against its government, and demanded a two-state solution.

    “I am very pleased that the Hamas-Israel talks taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, with contributions from us as Turkey, have resulted in a ceasefire in Gaza,” Erdogan posted on X.

    TURKEY WON’T REST UNTIL PALESTINIAN STATE SET UP

    He thanked U.S. President Donald Trump “who demonstrated the necessary political will to encourage the Israeli government towards the ceasefire”, and also thanked Qatar and Egypt.

    “As Turkey, we will closely monitor the strict implementation of the agreement and continue to contribute to the process,” he added, saying Ankara would not stop until a sovereign Palestinian state was established.

    Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin attended the talks in Egypt. Ankara, which calls Hamas a resistance group, has taken an increased role in discussions after last month’s White House meeting between Erdogan and Trump.

    Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said ahead of the truce announcement that after the sides declare a ceasefire as a first step in Trump’s plan to end the war, they would work on “heavier” issues like ensuring security in Gaza and post-war scenarios.

    In a statement, Turkey’s foreign ministry said it hoped the momentum in these talks could lead to a two-state solution.

    “We welcome the establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza and hope that this ceasefire will bring an end to the genocide that has continued for the past two years,” it said.

    “With the ceasefire in place, it is imperative that humanitarian aid be delivered to Gaza … and that efforts for the reconstruction of Gaza be launched without delay,” it added, saying Ankara would continue providing humanitarian aid.

    (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu. Writing by Daren Butler. Editing by Sharon Singleton and Mark Potter)

    Copyright 2025 Thomson Reuters.

    Photos You Should See – Oct. 2025

    [ad_2]

    Reuters

    Source link

  • Celebrations Erupt in Gaza and Israel at News of Deal to End Two-Year War

    [ad_1]

    KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza/TEL AVIV (Reuters) -Palestinians and the families of Israeli hostages broke into wild celebrations on Thursday after news of a pact between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza and return home all the Israeli hostages, both living and dead.

    In Gaza, where most of the more than 2 million people have been displaced by Israeli bombing, young men applauded in the devastated streets, even as Israeli strikes continued in some parts of the enclave.

    “Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,” said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

    “I am not the only one happy, all of the Gaza Strip is happy, all the Arab people, all of the world is happy with the ceasefire and the end of bloodshed. Thank you and all the love to those who stood with us.”

    In Tel Aviv’s so-called Hostages Square, where families of those seized in the Hamas attack that sparked the war two years ago have gathered to demand the return of loved ones, Einav Zaugauker, the mother of a hostage, was ecstatic.

    “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe, I can’t explain what I’m feeling … it’s crazy,” she said, speaking in the red glow of a celebratory flare.

    “What do I say to him? What do I do? Hug and kiss him,” she added, referring to her son, Matan. “Just tell him that I love him, that’s it. And to see his eyes sink into mine … It’s overwhelming — this is the relief.”

    Israel and Hamas agreed on Wednesday to the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for the Palestinian enclave, a ceasefire and hostage deal that could open the way to ending a bloody two-year-old war that has disrupted the Middle East.  

    “I have no words to describe it,” said former hostage Omer Shem-tov, when asked how the moment felt.  

    Just a day after the second anniversary of the cross-border attack by Hamas militants that triggered Israel’s devastating assault on Gaza, indirect talks in Egypt yielded a deal on the initial stage of Trump’s 20-point framework for peace.

    In Gaza, circles of young men in the streets applauded the news, one of them clapping as he was hoisted onto the shoulders of a friend. 

    “These are moments … long awaited by Palestinian citizens after two years of killing and genocide,” said Khaled Shaat, a Palestinian in the city of Khan Younis.

    If fully adopted, the accord would bring the two sides closer than any prior effort to halt a regional war that drew in neighbours Iran, Lebanon and Yemen, deepened Israel’s international isolation and changed the Middle East.

    Gaza authorities say more than 67,000 people have been killed and much of the enclave flattened since Israel began its military response to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. 

    About 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage back to Gaza, according to Israeli officials, with 20 of the 48 hostages still held believed to be alive.

    (Reporting by Rami Amichay and Andreea Popescu; Writing by Clarence Fernandez; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)

    Copyright 2025 Thomson Reuters.

    Photos You Should See – Oct. 2025

    [ad_2]

    Reuters

    Source link

  • Weekly Meal Plan Oct 13, 2025

    [ad_1]

    Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan, take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!

    [ad_2]

    Holly Nilsson

    Source link

  • Istanbul Rattled by 5.0-Magnitude Earthquake, No Major Damage Reported

    [ad_1]

    ISTANBUL (Reuters) -A 5.0-magnitude earthquake rattled buildings in Turkey’s largest city Istanbul on Thursday, sending some people rushing out into the streets, Reuters witnesses and the AFAD disaster and emergency authority said.

    There were no immediate reports of serious damage in the city of 16 million people, the Istanbul Governor’s office said on X, adding that its field teams had begun inspections.

    The earthquake occurred at 2:55 p.m. (1155 GMT) in the Marmara Sea, southwest of Istanbul and near the coastal town of Marmaraereglisi, along a geological faultline long regarded as a risk for the city.

    In April, more than 150 people were injured when they jumped from buildings after a 6.2-magnitude quake in Istanbul, marking one of the city’s strongest tremors in years.

    Two years ago Turkey suffered the deadliest and most destructive earthquake in its modern history. That 7.8-magnitude quake in February 2023 killed more than 55,000 people and injured more than 107,000 in southern Turkey and northern Syria.

    (Reporting by Daren Butler; Editing by Jonathan Spicer and Mark Heinrich)

    Copyright 2025 Thomson Reuters.

    Photos You Should See – Sept. 2025

    [ad_2]

    Reuters

    Source link

  • 4 more turkey farms in Minnesota hit by bird flu, officials report

    [ad_1]




































    How Minnesota’s turkey farmers are fighting bird flu



    How Minnesota’s turkey farmers are fighting bird flu

    02:28

    Avian influenza has been found in flocks at four more turkey farms in Minnesota, according to animal health officials. This comes mere weeks after officials last reported the spread of the disease. 

    The H5N1 virus, colloquially known as bird flu, has been found in flocks at commercial turkey farms in Le Sueur, Blue Earth and Stearns counties, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health website states. More than 70,000 birds are believed to be affected. 

    Earlier this month, the board said it had detected the virus in a Redwood County flock. It was the first time bird flu had been detected in Minnesota since April 23. 

    Turkey farmers say they are hopeful a vaccine could be available in the next year or two. 

    Minnesota is the nation’s top turkey producer, and the USDA has said turkey remains safe to eat. 

    A nationwide bird flu outbreak that began at the end of 2024 and spread into 2025 sent egg prices soaring and resulted in the first human death linked to the virus in the United States. 

    Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in January approved more than $1 million in state lottery money to research bird flu in wildlife. Two months later, he promised “a unified front around biosecurity and protection of our agricultural business and the health of Minnesotans.” 

    Note: The video above originally aired Sept. 18, 2025.

    [ad_2]

    Alicia Esteban

    Source link

  • Global Reaction to Trump’s Proposal for a Gaza Peace Plan

    [ad_1]

    BRUSSELS/ANKARA/BERLIN (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end nearly two years of war in Gaza has received the backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while the plan has been shared with Palestinian militant group Hamas.

    Here are some reactions to the peace plan.

    ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU”I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which achieves our war aims.

    It will bring back to Israel all our hostages, dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities, end its political rule, and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.”

    PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY STATEMENT CARRIED ON STATE NEWS AGENCY WAFA

    “The State of Palestine welcomes the sincere and determined efforts of President Donald J. Trump to end the war on Gaza and affirms its confidence in his ability to find a path toward peace.”

    ISRAELI FINANCE MINISTER BEZALEL SMOTRICH

    “It is a historic missed opportunity … and in my estimation it will end in tears. Our children will be forced to fight in Gaza again.

    We will consult, consider and decide, God willing. But the celebrations since yesterday are simply absurd.”

    EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF KAJA KALLAS

    “President Trump’s Gaza plan is an opportunity for lasting peace. It offers the best immediate chance to end the war. The EU is ready to help it succeed. Israel has signed on to the plan. Hamas must now accept it without delay, starting with the immediate release of hostages.”

    JOINT STATEMENT BY FOREIGN MINISTERS OF UAE, SAUDI ARABIA, QATAR, EGYPT, JORDAN, INDONESIA, PAKISTAN, TURKEY

    “The ministers affirm their readiness to engage positively and constructively with the United States and the parties toward finalising the agreement and ensuring its implementation, in a manner that ensures peace, security, and stability for the peoples of the region.

    They reaffirm their joint commitment to work with the United States to end the war in Gaza through a comprehensive deal that ensures unrestricted delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid to Gaza, no displacement of the Palestinians, the release of hostages, a security mechanism that guarantees the security of all sides, full Israeli withdrawal, rebuilds Gaza and creates a path for just peace on the basis of the two state solution, under which Gaza is fully integrated with the West Bank in a Palestinian state.”

    UN SPOKESPERSON IN GENEVA, ALESSANDRA VELLUCCI

    “We are also continuing to be in touch with the parties, with the various parties, about the peace efforts. For indeed, we welcome all the mediation efforts. And of course, we stand ready to support any peace plan with everything we can do, including the provision of humanitarian assistance.”

    TURKISH PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN

    “I commend US President Donald Trump’s efforts and leadership aimed at halting the bloodshed in Gaza and achieving a ceasefire. Türkiye will continue to contribute to the process with a view to establishing a just and lasting peace acceptable to all parties.”

    GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ:

    “We welcome the peace plan for Gaza presented yesterday by President Trump. This plan is the best plan to end the war.

    The fact that Israel supports this plan is a significant step forward. Now Hamas must agree and clear the way for peace.”

    FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON

    “I welcome President @realDonaldTrump’s commitment to ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages.

    I expect Israel to engage resolutely on this basis. Hamas has no choice but to immediately release all hostages and follow this plan. These elements must pave the way for in-depth discussions with all relevant partners to build a lasting peace in the region, based on the two-state solution and on the principles endorsed by 142 UN member states, at the initiative of France and Saudi Arabia.”

    UK PRIME MINISTER SIR KEIR STARMER

    “The new U.S. initiative to deliver an end to the war in Gaza is profoundly welcome and I am grateful for President Trump’s leadership.

    We strongly support his efforts to end the fighting, release the hostages and ensure the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. This is our top priority and should happen immediately.” ITALIAN GOVERNMENT

    “The proposal presented today by U.S. President Donald Trump could mark a turning point, enabling a permanent cessation of hostilities, the immediate release of all hostages, and full and secure humanitarian access for the civilian population.

    Hamas, in particular – having initiated this war with the barbaric terrorist attack of October 7, 2023 – now has the opportunity to end it by releasing the hostages, agreeing to have no role in Gaza’s future, and fully disarming.”

    SPANISH PRIME MINISTER PEDRO SANCHEZ:

    “Spain welcomes the US-backed peace proposal for Gaza.

    We must put an end to so much suffering.

    It is time for the violence to cease, for all hostages to be released immediately and for humanitarian aid to be allowed access to the civilian population.

    The two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, is the only possible solution.”

    (Reporting by Steven Scheer, Charlotte Van Campenhout, Gavin Jones, Madeline Chambers, Sabine Wollrab, Alexander Cornwell, Emma Farge and Tuvan GumrukcuWriting by Charlie Devereux; Editing by Aidan Lewis)

    Copyright 2025 Thomson Reuters.

    Photos You Should See – Sept. 2025

    [ad_2]

    Reuters

    Source link

  • The Land Bridge You’ve Never Heard Of

    [ad_1]

    For many of us, when we think of land bridges, we tend to think of the Bering Land Bridge (actually more of a swamp), which ancient humans traversed to reach North America from modern-day Siberia during the last Ice Age. But there may have been another, crucial stretch of land that aided early human migration—this time, far across the continent, on the Anatolian coast.

    That’s the major new finding from a team of Turkish archeologists who have uncovered over 100 stone artifacts from ten different sites along the peninsula. They indicate that a land bridge, now underwater, had once existed between the western edge of Asia and Europe, enabling humans to move between these regions. If their theory holds, it would reveal a previously unknown chapter in the history of human migration at a critical moment in our evolution and development as a species.

    An unexplored prehistoric region

    “This study explores the Paleolithic potential of Ayvalık, a region in western Anatolia that has remained largely unexamined in Pleistocene archaeology,” the researchers wrote in their study, which was published Friday in the Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology. “These findings reveal a previously undocumented Paleolithic presence and establish Ayvalık as a promising locus for future research on early human dispersals in the northeastern Aegean.”

    The Paleolithic Period—around 2.6 million to 12,000 years ago—and the Pleistocene Epoch—around 2.5 million to 11,700 years ago—refer to roughly the same stretch of time. The former is an anthropological term, while the latter is a geological term.

    During the last Ice Age (between around 120,000 and 11,500 years ago), Earth’s landscape looked much different than today. Besides gargantuan amounts of ice, the sea level then was significantly lower. Ayvalık’s islands and peninsulas, for example, would have been part of a single stretch of land connecting Anatolia and Europe.

    An unforgettable moment of discovery

    Still, scholars have long believed that Homo sapiens mostly reached Europe from Africa by traveling through the Levant and the Balkans. But the newly discovered tools, indicate that people were present in Ayvalık’s bygone landscapes. The researchers found Paleolithic hand axes, cleavers, and Levallois flake tools (stone implements that had sharp edges and were likely used as knives). The team argues that the findings offer an alternative narrative of early human migration.

    “The presence of these objects in Ayvalık is particularly significant, as they provide direct evidence that the region was part of wider technological traditions shared across Africa, Asia, and Europe,” Göknur Karahan, an archeologist from Hacettepe University, said in a statement.

    “It was a truly unforgettable moment for us. Holding the first tools in our hands was both emotional and inspiring,” Karahan added.

    Substantive artifact dating, stratigraphic excavations, and reconstructions of the ancient environment will be crucial to determining whether their theory is correct, including possibly searching for artifacts on the bottom of the Aegean sea.

    [ad_2]

    Margherita Bassi

    Source link

  • How Demet and Alphan Eşeli’s INSTANBUL’74 Reimagines Turkey’s Role in the Global Arts Scene

    [ad_1]

    In this context, the festival takes on an especially timely theme—not only relevant in Turkey but globally—by examining the increasingly blurred, liminal space between perception and truth. At its core lies a question as old as philosophy yet more urgent than ever: “What is real?” In a world increasingly mediated and digitalized, with performative social rituals and shifting modes of perception, the festival provides a platform for artists, philosophers, intellectuals and creatives to explore how reality is shaped, fractured and reimagined.

    Reality, after all, has never been fixed—it is molded, manipulated and continually bent to the needs of those who construct it. Art becomes a tool for reshaping and reimagining reality, offering alternative visions, subverting dominant narratives and exposing the fragile seams of perception. In doing so, it underscores our vulnerability at sensorial, cognitive and emotional levels.

    The 15th edition of the IST. Festival, titled “What is Really Real?”, will unfold through a series of thought-provoking panels, conversations and debates. Bridging disciplines and opening space for critical thinking, speculation and exchange, it invites artists, thinkers and audiences alike to interrogate the fault lines between the authentic and the artificial today. This year’s lineup features notable figures from across creative industries, including celebrated artist José Parlá, Judd Foundation artistic director Flavin Judd, collector Désiré Freule, actor Waris Ahluwalia, director Paweł Pawlikowski and Cultured editor Julia Halperin, among others.

    Close-up of attendees at a panel discussion, with a diverse audience listening attentively in a warmly lit venue.
    IST. FESTIVAL is a multidisciplinary festival with panels and talks, screenings, workshops and exhibitions in a free-admission program covering art, design, architecture, film, fashion, photography, music and literature. Will Ragozzino/BFA.com

    Over the past fifteen years, the IST. Festival has staged events across a wide range of venues—museums, cultural institutions, historic buildings—hosting gala dinners at sites like Topkapı Palace and panels at Istanbul Modern. Deeply embedded in the city’s cultural fabric, the festival has consistently received support from the government and the Ministry of Culture. For the first time, the festival is also partnering with Istanbul Globetrotter, which will launch a new city guide during the event, offering a curated perspective on Istanbul’s creative and cultural landscapes.

    Alongside its nomadic programming, the organization maintains a permanent home at the restored ’74 Gallery in Arnavutköy, a Bosphorus-side neighborhood in the Beşiktaş district. Housed in a three- to four-story historical yalı (waterside mansion), the space hosts contemporary exhibitions while honoring the ties to tradition and history embedded in the building itself. Presenting a diverse range of exhibitions and interdisciplinary events, the gallery has become a creative hub and connector for both local and international artists. For this edition of the festival, however, the goal is to move beyond the gallery’s walls—activating the neighborhood and transforming the city into a living laboratory, where installations, performances and ephemeral interventions disrupt and reframe the rhythms of everyday life.

    Ultimately, one of the festival’s core aims is to reclaim its role as an international platform—inviting people from abroad, connecting them with local creatives, and demonstrating just how vibrant and alive the cultural scene in Istanbul, and in Turkey more broadly, still is.

    Gallery interior featuring contemporary artworks, including sculptures and wall pieces, by artists such as Bosco Sodi and Ahmet Doğu İpek.Gallery interior featuring contemporary artworks, including sculptures and wall pieces, by artists such as Bosco Sodi and Ahmet Doğu İpek.
    “WE BELONG” was the first exhibition at ISTANBUL’74’s new space in Clubhouse Bebek, with works by Bosco Sodi, Jorinde Voigt, Anselm Reyle and Ahmet Doğu İpek, among others. KAMiL ONEMCi

    As the conversation turns to how the art and cultural ecosystem is evolving—not only in Turkey but globally—Demet Müftüoğlu Eşeli and Alphan Eşeli agree that we are witnessing a sweeping transformation across creative industries. Technological shifts, the pandemic and the rise of A.I. have accelerated changes already underway. “I’m a filmmaker, and if you just look at cinema, the landscape has completely changed,” Alphan Eşeli noted. “I believe we’re living through a historic moment of profound change—something as seismic as the Industrial Revolution, which didn’t just reshape production but altered how people thought and how they engaged with the world.”

    Today, we stand on the cusp of a similarly radical transformation, this time driven by computers and digital technology. “I don’t think it’s possible to remain untouched by it—especially in the arts. The way we create, think and communicate is already changing,” he said. “In cinema alone, the rise of streaming platforms, social media and algorithm-driven content has been a total shift. And I see Turkish artists and creatives at the forefront—many actively explore and embrace new technologies in their work.”

    Black-and-white photo of the exterior of ISTANBUL’74’s Arnavutköy gallery, a historic multi-storey Bosphorus-side yalı with ornate details.Black-and-white photo of the exterior of ISTANBUL’74’s Arnavutköy gallery, a historic multi-storey Bosphorus-side yalı with ornate details.
    Since 2024, ISTANBUL’74 has had a permanent space in a renovated five-story traditional wooden building in Arnavutköy. Courtesy ISTANBUL’74

    After a surprising detour into the global rise of Turkish soap operas—currently and somewhat unexpectedly, outpacing even K-movies in popularity—Demet Müftüoğlu Eşeli and Alphan Eşeli return to a core point: Turkey has a huge youth population, and with it a growing wave of young artists who are deeply attuned to what’s new. “There’s definitely still an underground scene evolving, especially in a city like Istanbul,” they noted. The younger generation is also far more connected to global currents, largely thanks to social media. “That kind of access and awareness is moving so much faster than it did 20 years ago, back when the internet was still limited,” Demet added. “Now, communication between international communities happens almost instantly, and I think the arts are becoming increasingly interconnected because of it.”

    Through ISTANBUL’74, the Eşelis are working to amplify and facilitate these exchanges, building bridges through new formats and channels—including Instagram, where they are notably active. Their extended ecosystem, ’74GROUP, produces culturally relevant stories across multiple divisions, spanning everything from the festival itself to ’74PODCAST, which hosts ongoing talks with creatives from around the world, and ’74ONLINE, a shop dedicated to curated collaborations with artists, galleries and designers. Also under its umbrella is ’74STUDIO, a creative agency that specializes in brand direction, strategy, design and communications across art, fashion, gastronomy and hospitality.

    A modern listening room featuring a record player, vinyls displayed on white shelves, and vintage speakers under natural light.A modern listening room featuring a record player, vinyls displayed on white shelves, and vintage speakers under natural light.
    Located in ISTANBUL’74’s Arnavutköy space, Listening Room bridges generations of music, offering era-defining classics alongside pioneering compositions. ILAY.ARTWORKS

    As if that weren’t enough, they also co-founded the arts and social club CLUBHOUSE BEBEK in Istanbul and launched a seasonal creative space in Bodrum: 74ESCAPE, a community-based platform that features a store championing craft and design alongside an online diary spotlighting travel and culture from around the world.

    Even the permanent gallery, ISTANBUL’74, has evolved into a year-round site for activations and creative connections—not only through an artist residency program for international talents but also as a gathering place for Istanbul’s younger generation. “That’s really the spirit behind what we’re doing, with the art combining with book clubs and the record and vinyl listening room,” Demet concluded. “It’s about creating spaces where people can come together, share ideas and build something meaningful.”

    The Istanbul International Arts and Culture Festival (IST. FESTIVAL) takes place October 10-12, 2025.

    Drone shot of Steve Messam’s installation on a seaside jetty in Bodrum, featuring modular platforms, pink inflatable spheres, and lush greenery.Drone shot of Steve Messam’s installation on a seaside jetty in Bodrum, featuring modular platforms, pink inflatable spheres, and lush greenery.
    Jetty, a work by Steven Messam in “BETWEEN HUMANKIND AND NATURE” at ESCAPE’74, Brodrum. © Volkan Calisir

    More Arts interviews

    [ad_2]

    Elisa Carollo

    Source link

  • 🤯 Lamine Yamal gives Spain a scare after losing his passport in Turkey

    [ad_1]

    One of the most ‘random’ news stories from Turkey 0-6 Spain featured Lamine Yamal and gave Barcelona a scare.

    After the match, Yamal lost his passport. As seen in the images, there were moments of nervousness after the winger couldn’t find his documentation in the locker room, his suitcase, or the bus.

    However, the star will be able to be in Barcelona without any issues and will return to training under the orders of Hansi Flick in the coming hours, a piece of news confirmed by ‘Radio MARCA’.

    Advertisement

    This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

    📸 OZAN KOSE – AFP or licensors

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Turkey’s ‘big move’ of cutting economic ties with Israel probably won’t last

    [ad_1]

    Turkey has suspended trade and airspace access to Israel, but past patterns suggest rhetoric may outpace impact as Israel adapts and Ankara weighs its own costs.

    Turkey announced Friday that it is cutting all economic and commercial ties with Israel. Turkish ports would be closed to Israeli vessels. Turkish ships will be barred from Israeli harbors. Israeli aircraft will not be allowed in Turkish airspace.

    Many hours after the announcement, Turkish diplomatic sources said that the closure of airspace only applies to official Israeli government planes as well as aircraft carrying weapons to Israel, and not to civilian flights. Still, the Turkish government has yet to make an official announcement regarding this clarification.

    The measures mark a sharp escalation in already tense relations, though experience shows Ankara’s declarations often sound tougher than their actual impact.

    The question is not whether these measures sting in the short term, but whether they will endure or materially change the balance between the two countries. Israel has navigated Turkish restrictions before, with more noise than bite. The country’s diversified supply chains and its habit of building redundancies give it room to maneuver.

    Consider the numbers. In 2023, two-way trade was roughly $7 billion. Turkish exports to Israel accounted for about six percent of Israel’s total imports, and Israeli exports to Turkey were in the range of $1.5-$1.6 billion.

    Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan poses with Hisar medium air defense surface-to-air missile system and Siper high to medium air defense surface-to-air missile system ,during a ceremony at Aselsan Golbasi Campus in Ankara, Turkey, August 27, 2025. (credit: Murat Kula/Presidential Press Office/Handout)

    When Ankara tightened the screws, the Bank of Israel stated that the economy’s “open” structure helped mitigate the shock and that the impact on imports and prices was limited. In other words, Israel found substitutes at a rapid pace, including for sensitive inputs such as cement.

    Enforcement has also proved inconsistent. “Sweeping” proclamations in 2024 were followed by reports of goods moving via third countries. Reuters reported that Turkish exporters with firm orders quickly explored routes through hubs such as Greece, Bulgaria, or Romania once the ban hit.

    A Reuters data graphic later highlighted a jump in recorded exports to the Palestinian territories, raising questions about whether some goods were still reaching Israel after transshipment.

    Even during the boycott period, practice diverged from politics in surprising ways. As the Post reported in August 2024, “IDF bases are powered by [a] Turkish-owned plant,” an awkward reminder that business realities, long-term contracts, and infrastructure ties rarely stop on a dime. That dissonance is not an argument for complacency; it is a reason to treat Ankara’s latest move as pressure, not permanence.

    Erdogan makes bold statements, weak actions

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rhetoric has consistently escalated alongside these steps, often framing Israel in apocalyptic terms to satisfy domestic politics and regional positioning. Yet the economic and diplomatic calculus points in another direction.

    Turkey remains a NATO member that depends on Western markets and investment. A prolonged freeze on all Israel-related trade, shipping, and overflight would also exact costs on Turkish producers who value access to Israel’s consumer market and to Israeli technology and services.

    The rivalry is part of a wider competition that stretches from the eastern Mediterranean to northern Syria. In April, the Post reported that Israel and Turkey were exploring a “deconfliction mechanism in Syria,” with the aim to “prevent friction” as both operate in the same battle space. A companion analysis argued that such a channel is necessary given the pace of Israeli air activity and Ankara’s ambitions to shape Syria’s future.

    What should Israel do now? First, keep the temperature low and the logistics nimble. Importers have already diversified toward Europe and Asia. The government should accelerate regulatory smoothing for substitute suppliers, monitor spot prices for key materials, and publish regular updates on supply chains to reassure consumers and builders alike.

    Second, treat the embargo as a strategic lesson, not just an inconvenience. Reducing single-country dependencies is prudent, and the last year has shown that private ingenuity, combined with clear government signals, can close gaps.

    Third, maintain focus on the strategic theater where miscalculation would be most costly. If there is a real channel to coordinate in Syria, Israel should test it, carefully and quietly, with clear redlines. This does not mean normalizing relations with Ankara on Turkey’s terms – it means minimizing operational risk where both sides already operate, while continuing to expose and counter Turkish support for actors that threaten Israeli security.

    In the near term, expect more drama than transformation. Turkey may enforce the new measures tightly for weeks or months; a complete and enduring rupture is unlikely. Turkish products can still reach Israel through third-party hubs, and Israeli buyers will lean harder on alternate suppliers, which reduces Ankara’s leverage over time.

    The smart bet is that, after the shouting, practice will again creep ahead of proclamation.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Israel and Turkey on collision course after Ankara severs ties

    [ad_1]

    Turkey fully suspends trade and closes airspace to Israel, a wartime-level rupture that analysts warn could fuel dangerous escalation.

    Turkey’s full suspension of economic and trade relations with Israel, coupled with the closure of its airspace, marks an unprecedented escalation that could have far-reaching consequences, Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen-Yanarocak of Tel Aviv University warned in an interview with Maariv.

    “A country will completely cut its economic and trade relations with another and closes its airspace to its planes, only during wartime,” Cohen Yanarocak said. “This move is unprecedented, removes mutual dependency, and could lead to strategic escalation.”

    The rupture followed Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s announcement earlier this week. According to Cohen-Yanarocak, the deterioration had been building for months. “It didn’t surprise me. I’ve been waiting a long time for these gradual steps,” he said, pointing to earlier maritime sanctions. “The moment Israel declared its intention to expand the military operation in Gaza, they made the decision that very same day to impose maritime sanctions.”

    Israeli forces exposing surveillance devices that had reportedly been sold to Damascus by Turkey gave Ankara the trigger it needed. “You could say it was expected to happen, but they were waiting for a specific incident in order to play this card,” he noted.

    Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-800 plane TC-JVV taxies to take-off in Riga International Airport (credit: REUTERS)

    Danger to the economy, tourism

    While immediate disruptions are logistical, flights to Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan will now take longer, and Turkish airlines will be barred from Israeli airspace, the real danger is strategic.

    “All the mutual dependency between the two countries disappears, and once there is no dependency, it becomes very dangerous because there is nothing to lose,” Cohen Yanarocak warned. “If there’s economy, if there’s tourism, if there are relations—then there’s something to lose, and so each side may ultimately think twice.”

    Without tourism, trade, or even shared flight corridors, he cautioned, “the natural restraint vanishes,” paving the way for “more dramatic and undesirable escalations.”

    The break also reflects President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s wider ambitions. “Erdogan wants to restore past glory, to once again make Turkey the strongest Muslim state,” Cohen Yanarocak explained. “And when there is some Muslim entity, such as Gaza, that is in serious trouble, the Turkish leader sees himself as the leader of all Sunni Muslims.”

    Still, Erdogan is moving cautiously. “He’s not doing it overnight, but rather taking gradual steps,” the analyst said, stressing that this “matches his overall vision.”

    The chances of mending ties soon are slim. “As long as we don’t see an end to the war, I don’t think it’s possible to put the genie back in the bottle,” Cohen Yanarocak said. “On paper, it can be done, but there’s a political price.”

    With Turkey “reaping major political capital from the war in Gaza,” he added, reversing course will be increasingly difficult. What began as a temporary protest, he concluded, has now become “a structural change in relations, with consequences that will extend far beyond the end of the current war.”

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Turkey Bacon Avocado Sandwich (Honey Avocado Sauce)

    [ad_1]

    This post may contain references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Oh Sweet Basil may receive compensation when you click on links to such products.

    This Turkey Bacon Avocado Sandwich stacks the flavor in a whole new way! First, make a creamy honey avocado spread. Next, pile turkey, avocado, crispy bacon and tomato on your favorite bread. Finally, dig into the best sandwich you’ve ever eaten!

    Honey Avocado Sauce

    Carrian Cheney

    My friend introduced me to the ULTIMATE sandwich spread- Honey Avocado- and I cannot stop making it!

    This sauce is the real deal. I mix mayo, avocado, honey and lemon juice with a little garlic in a blender to cream everything together. It’s simple, lasts for days and tastes better than any sandwich shop. Swap in any fillings or breads you like, but don’t skip that special-sauce!

    Make it on 7 Grain Bread or Scroll down to watch on Focaccia!

    all the ingredients for a turkey bacon avocado sitting on a wooden cutting board

    Turkey Bacon Avocado Sandwich Ingredients

    • Favorite bread: Go for a good sturdy 7 grain or focaccia– trust me.
    • Havarti cheese: Mild and creamy; a great complement, but not necessary.
    • Bacon: Make it on a sheet pan, starting in a cold oven or pan for ultimate fat-rendering-crispness.
    • Deli turkey: Choose fresh deli slices or use leftover Thanksgiving turkey if you’ve got some!
    • Avocado: Use a perfectly ripe avocado for a creamier texture; slice thinly.
    • Tomato: Always sprinkle a little salt and pepper on tomatoes in a sandwich!
    • Greens: I love to used mixed greens or peppery arugula, but anything will do! Romaine or green leaf lettuce would be great!
    • Honey Avocado sauce: Blend together the ingredients in a small bowl for the ultimate sandwich spread!
    half of a turkey bacon avocado sandwich on focaccia breadhalf of a turkey bacon avocado sandwich on focaccia bread

    How to Make Turkey Avocado Sandwiches with Honey Avocado Dressing

    1. Make sauce: Blend together the sauce ingredients and store in the fridge until ready to use.
    2. Assemble: Spread sauce on BOTH slices of bread. On one slice, layer greens, cheese (if using), turkey, crisp bacon, avocado and tomato (don’t forget the S&P!).

    Variations

    The beauty of a sandwich is that you can totally customize it to your liking. Omit certain toppings or add other toppings to make it just how you want it. I’d highly recommend NOT omitting the avocado sauce on this sandwich, but if you wanted to added some other toppings, here are some ideas:

    • Cheese: Swap the Havarti for Gouda, Provolone or Swiss cheese
    • Red Onions
    • Black Olives
    • Mustard or Honey Mustard
    half of a turkey bacon avocado sandwich on focaccia great with avocado sauce, tomatoes, lettuce, thick turkey slices and crispy baconhalf of a turkey bacon avocado sandwich on focaccia great with avocado sauce, tomatoes, lettuce, thick turkey slices and crispy bacon

    What To Serve Alongside The Avocado Turkey Sandwich

    two halves of a turkey bacon avocado sandwich on multigrain bread stacked on each othertwo halves of a turkey bacon avocado sandwich on multigrain bread stacked on each other

    Recipe Tip

    If you want an extra boost in texture and flavor, toast the multigrain bread and spread a little butter on it before assembling the sandwich. Yowza it’s good!

    More Sandwich Recipes to Try…

    turkey bacon avocado sandwich on focaccia bread cut in half and sitting on a piece of brown parchment paperturkey bacon avocado sandwich on focaccia bread cut in half and sitting on a piece of brown parchment paper

    Check out this Version on Focaccia…

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    For the Dressing

    • Throw all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and no chunks remain.

      1 Avocado, 1 Lemon, 4 teaspoons Garlic, ¼ Cup Honey, ¼ Cup Veganaise, ¼ teaspoon Salt

    • Add a little more honey if your avocado wasn’t ripe enough and the sauce is a bit too tart.

    To Assemble

    • Place two slices of bread on a cutting board and spread the avocado sauce on each half.

      8 Slices 7 Grain Bread

    • Add a layer of mixed greens, then tomatoes, then turkey, bacon, cheese, and avocado slices to one half o the bread. Sprinkle with S & P to taste!

      Mixed Greens, 2 Tomatoes, 8 Slices Turkey, 8 Pieces Bacon, 1 Avocado, 4 Slices Havarti, Salt and Black Pepper

    • Place the other half of the bread on top. Enjoy!

    Use any ingredients that are in your fridge, cucumbers, peppers, ground meat, deli meat, tomatoes, etc.
    Wrap left overs and store in the refrigerator.

    Serving: 1sandwich, Calories: 796kcal, Carbohydrates: 56g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 53g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 20g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 76mg, Sodium: 1026mg, Potassium: 973mg, Fiber: 11g, Sugar: 22g, Vitamin A: 917IU, Vitamin C: 22mg, Calcium: 294mg, Iron: 3mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    For the Dressing

    • Throw all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and no chunks remain.

      1 Avocado, 1 Lemon, 4 teaspoons Garlic, ¼ Cup Honey, ¼ Cup Veganaise, ¼ teaspoon Salt

    • Add a little more honey if your avocado wasn’t ripe enough and the sauce is a bit too tart.

    To Assemble

    • Place two slices of bread on a cutting board and spread the avocado sauce on each half.

      8 Slices 7 Grain Bread

    • Add a layer of mixed greens, then tomatoes, then turkey, bacon, cheese, and avocado slices to one half o the bread. Sprinkle with S & P to taste!

      Mixed Greens, 2 Tomatoes, 8 Slices Turkey, 8 Pieces Bacon, 1 Avocado, 4 Slices Havarti, Salt and Black Pepper

    • Place the other half of the bread on top. Enjoy!

    Use any ingredients that are in your fridge, cucumbers, peppers, ground meat, deli meat, tomatoes, etc.
    Wrap left overs and store in the refrigerator.

    Serving: 1sandwich, Calories: 796kcal, Carbohydrates: 56g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 53g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 20g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 76mg, Sodium: 1026mg, Potassium: 973mg, Fiber: 11g, Sugar: 22g, Vitamin A: 917IU, Vitamin C: 22mg, Calcium: 294mg, Iron: 3mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    [ad_2]

    Sweet Basil

    Source link

  • Contributor: Armenians deserve more than a transactional peace deal with Azerbaijan

    [ad_1]

    On Aug. 8, as the White House hosted the trilateral signing of a peace agreement between Armenia, Azerbaijan and the United States, I spoke to a group of Armenian high school students from Los Angeles. We paused to watch the news conference on a laptop in the corner of our crowded room. Their faces — curious, cautious and skeptical — mirrored a sentiment across the Armenian diaspora: hope tempered by doubt, pride shadowed by mistrust.

    This conflict’s roots run deep. After the Soviet Union collapsed, Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a brutal war over a region within Azerbaijan’s borders but claimed by both nations. Azerbaijanis call it Nagorno-Karabakh; Armenians call it Artsakh. A ceasefire held for years but left core disputes unresolved — over territory, governance and the right of self-determination for the region’s Armenian population.

    War erupted again in 2020. Backed by Turkey and armed with advanced weapons, Azerbaijan gained control of much of the disputed territory. The Trump administration did nothing to meaningfully intervene. For Armenians, it was a devastating loss — of land, security, trust and cultural heritage. For Azerbaijan, it was a political and military victory that shifted the balance of power.

    In December 2022, Azerbaijan launched a blockade of the Lachin corridor — the only road linking Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh to Armenia — tightening its grip on a region already reeling from war. For the next 10 months, gas, electricity, internet, food and medicine were cut off to 120,000 Armenians, many of them children and elderly. Families rationed bread. Surgeries were postponed. Schools closed.

    I visited the region during this time and stood at the Armenian end of the corridor, where a silent convoy of trucks stretched out of sight up the road — each loaded with food, medicine and basic supplies, each driver knowing they might never be allowed to deliver them. The air was heavy with frustration and helplessness. In the limited coverage of the siege, the isolated Armenians spoke in hushed tones, their faces drawn from months of fear and deprivation. The International Court of Justice ordered Azerbaijan to reopen the corridor, but Baku ignored it.

    I took pride when President Biden officially recognized the Armenian genocide — a moral milestone decades overdue. But his administration failed to punish Azerbaijan during the blockade, and it failed to prevent what came next: Azerbaijan’s full-scale military assault on Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh in September 2023. The attack lasted just 24 hours but forced more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians — virtually the entire population of the region — to flee their homes. Centuries-old communities were emptied almost overnight, and families left behind homes, businesses and places of worship, uncertain if they would ever return.

    I’ve felt conflicted watching the Trump administration’s peace-making efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On one hand, I love seeing my country, the United States, stand with Armenia and prioritize Armenian issues on the world stage. On the other, this moment feels hollow. And to me, this reflects a deeper problem: U.S. policy toward the South Caucasus has long lacked consistency, accountability and the will to confront aggressors, no matter which party is in power. And in Washington, Armenians have few friends and weak representation.

    This agreement — like much of U.S. foreign policy in the current administration — is unmistakably transactional. Armenia gains U.S. security assurances and cooperation on artificial intelligence, including support for an emerging AI hub, which is meant to anchor its Western trajectory. Azerbaijan walks away with de facto immunity instead of being held accountable for its actions against the Armenians of Artsakh, as well as arms sales and a transit corridor to Turkey. The United States gets a geopolitical trophy: Trump’s name on the corridor to Turkey, leverage in the region and an apparent diplomatic “win” to market at home.

    But this deal is far from complete. It omits the right of return for displaced Armenians to Artsakh, ignores the destruction of Armenians’ towns, homes and businesses, makes no commitment to preserve Artsakh’s cultural heritage and says nothing about prisoners of war. For many in the Armenian diaspora, these are glaring and unacceptable omissions.

    On paper, the newly named Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, the link from Azerbaijan to Turkey, is billed as a neutral, cooperative route to be administered by the U.S. In reality, it raises serious questions about Armenia’s sovereignty. The corridor will run through Armenia’s southern Syunik province — its only direct land link to Iran — and could weaken Yerevan’s ability to fully control its own borders, regulate trade and ensure unimpeded access to a vital southern lifeline.

    At best, the Aug. 8 agreement offers a slim hope for a real resolution of the region’s conflicts. If implemented fully, it could help build a more stable and prosperous Armenia for future generations. The challenge is in ensuring this deal yields a U.S. investment in reconstruction, accountability and lasting security, something more than a photo op.

    And even incomplete, flawed agreements can create openings. Armenia’s pivot West, which the deal underlines, carries risk, but it also offers the possibility of stronger security partnerships, economic renewal and cultural preservation, if those benefits reach the people who have endured war and blockade, not just the leaders who signed the papers. In recent years, Armenia has seen a surprising economic boom, driven by tech investment, tourism and a wave of returning diaspora talent. This fragile momentum could be strengthened or squandered depending on what comes next.

    I respect President Trump for pursuing peace agreements — leaders everywhere should make peace their highest priority. The Armenian American students I met on Aug. 8, who carry the inherited pain of their parents and grandparents, deserve more than symbolic gestures or transactional deals. They deserve justice and the freedom to envision a better future for their ancestors’ homeland. Ultimately, that is the hope we all share.

    Jirair Ratevosian served as senior policy advisor for the State Department in the Biden administration.

    [ad_2]

    Jirair Ratevosian

    Source link

  • Best Oven Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Ever – Oh Sweet Basil

    Best Oven Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Ever – Oh Sweet Basil

    [ad_1]

    A classic turkey recipe for making the best oven roasted Thanksgiving turkey ever! It starts with a brine, gets smothered in lemon herb butter, and ends with a perfectly roasted whole turkey to feed your Thanksgiving crowd!

    I’ve done it all. Over cooked, undercooked, bland, you name it. Thanksgiving has always been a stitch lame to me because the turkey was absolutely never exciting, hence why I loved the leftover sandwiches the best!

    Mmmmm, potato rolls, mayo, turkey and a little cheese! Or, lately I’ve been doing a little cream cheese, poppyseed dressing, cheese and turkey on a roll and oh my goodness it’s life-changing.

    But back to the turkey, you guys I’m serious I have spent every year for the past 15 years trying to figure out the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe and this is it. The secrets are for sure brining and proper herbs and rest time three things to make the perfect combo.

    a photo of a whole roasted turkey with one breast cut off and sitting on a plate next to the roasting pan

    Turkey Basics

    Before we jump in to making this roasted whole turkey, I want to cover a few of the basics:

    • A frozen turkey will need thaw 24 hours per every 5 pounds.
    • Turkey will need to cook for 13-15 minutes per pound.
    • Safe internal temperature for a turkey is 175 degrees F the thigh and 165 degrees F in the breast.

    So let’s assume you are going to roast a 12 pound turkey that is frozen when you purchase it and you want to have your meal on Thursday afternoon. Here is your brief timeline:

    • Remove turkey from freezer to thaw in the fridge: 4 1/2 days ahead of time (Sunday morning – Tuesday afternoon)
    • Brine: 24 hours (Tuesday afternoon – Wednesday afternoon)
    • Turkey rests in fridge: 4-12 hours (overnight Wednesday to Thursday morning)
    • Turkey rests at room temperature: 1 hour
    • Turkey roasts in the oven: 3 hours
    • Turkey rests: 30 minutes

    Now the turkey is ready to carve and eat Thursday afternoon! Now here are those same steps in a little more detail…

    A photo of a whole turkey submerged in brine in a stock pot.A photo of a whole turkey submerged in brine in a stock pot.

    How to Roast a Whole Turkey

    Roasting a whole turkey starts with a 24 hour brine. Head to our favorite turkey brine recipe for all the details of why to brine, how to brine and what goes into the brine.

    Turkey Prep

    After the turkey brines, remove the turkey from the brine, pat it dry with paper towels and put it on a baking sheet uncovered. Stick it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours to dry the skin the out. This helps it gets deliciously crispy when it roasts. You can let the turkey sit in the fridge for 2 days. Just turn the bird upside down and right side up every 12 hours.

    When you are ready to start roasting the turkey, pull it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for an hour. Because turkeys are very large in size it can be difficult to properly cook them. To help with this we turned to a technique we use in our Best Prime Rib recipe. Allowing the turkey to sit out for a bit takes the chill off and allows an evenly cooked bird. Do not let it sit out for longer than an hour.

    Roasting Pan

    When the turkey has been sitting out close to an hour, preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Then in the bottom of a large roasting pan, add the apple cider and enough cooking wine (or regular wine) to fill the pan to a 1/4-inch depth. Place half of the quartered onions, 6 garlic cloves and the bay leaves in the pan. Now your roasting pan is prepped for the bird.

    A photo of an uncooked whole turkey lathered in herb butter sitting in a roasting pan.A photo of an uncooked whole turkey lathered in herb butter sitting in a roasting pan.

    Lemon Herb Butter

    Melt the butter and add the lemon zest, garlic, sage, thyme and savory and mix everything together. Loosen the skin on the turkey and put a few tablespoons of butter directly onto the meat, under the skin and massage it around. Brush the turkey skin generously with remaining herbed melted butter.

    Roasting

    Stick the remaining onion quarters, herb bunches and the lemon quarters not used in the bottom of the roasting pan into the turkey cavity. Place turkey, breast side up, on a roasting rack set inside the roasting pan. Transfer pan to the oven and roast 30 minutes at 450 degrees.

    Open the oven and cover the turkey with aluminum foil if it looks like the turkey is getting too brown. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a thigh (without touching bones) reaches a temperature of 160-165 degrees. It will take about 2-2 1/2 hours more. Transfer turkey to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 30 minutes before carving.

    And just like that, you have a beautiful whole roasted Thanksgiving turkey. It looks fancy, complicated and like loads of work, but it’s really simple! You’ll never use another roasted turkey recipe again!

    A photo of a whole roasted turkey on a platter surrounded by roasted lemon halves and bunches of fresh herbs.A photo of a whole roasted turkey on a platter surrounded by roasted lemon halves and bunches of fresh herbs.

    How to Roast a Turkey Video

    “}” data-sheets-userformat=”{“2″:12673,”3”:{“1″:0},”10″:2,”11″:4,”15″:”Calibri”,”16″:11}”>

    Let me just suggest a few of the best Thanksgiving side dishes you could ever want!

    And it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without allllllllll the pies! Here are a few of our favorites!

    In fact, we have about a million Thanksgiving recipes and they can all be found here!

    I have done all the leg work, all the testing, and all the tasting to know that this is the best oven roasted turkey recipe ever! Brine, rest, butter, roast, rest, carve and voila…your Thanksgiving turkey is ready! Now just serve up some green beans and potatoes in an instant pot and you’ve got dinner.

    REMEMBER TO SUBSCRIBE TO our FREE Oh Sweet Basil NEWSLETTER AND RECEIVE EASY RECIPES DELIVERED INTO YOUR INBOX EVERY DAY!

    When you try a recipe, please use the hashtag #ohsweetbasil on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured in our stories!  FOLLOW OH, SWEET BASIL ON FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER FOR ALL OF OUR LATEST CONTENT, RECIPES AND STORIES.

    [ad_2]

    Carrian Cheney

    Source link

  • My Favorite Turkey Brine Recipe – Oh Sweet Basil

    My Favorite Turkey Brine Recipe – Oh Sweet Basil

    [ad_1]

    Looking for the perfect turkey brine recipe? Look no further! This delicious brine not only adds flavor to your turkey, but also keeps it moist and juicy. Watch our video tutorial and try it out for yourself!

    Every year I test, and test and test recipes for Thanksgiving. But not my simple turkey brine recipe. It’s perfect, and I use the same one every single year regardless of how I make my bird.

    Whether your roasting turkey or making Thanksgiving turkey in a slow cooker, I use the same brine on both of them.

    There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked turkey and that 100% starts with a turkey brine. You CANNOT skip it. Trust me, I’ve tested enough to know that it really is a game changer.

    Turkey Brine Basics

    Brining a turkey needs two specific ingredients and then the remaining ingredients vary based upon your own individual recipes.

    1. Liquid- Your turkey breast (or whole turkey) will sit in a liquid anywhere from 8-24 hours. The kind of liquid does in fact make a difference as they will help to flavor the meat. Brining, as well as marinating, is not made to soak into the center of the meat, but to flavor the outside so well that as it cooks that flavor emerges.
    2. Salt- It’s preferred that you use Kosher salt for brining as it’s a more coarse salt which will help to break down the meat, soak in the liquid for a more juicy meat and finally, the salt helps to flavor the meat more than just a rub later on.
    A photo of a whole roasted turkey surrounded by roasted lemon halves and fresh herbs.A photo of a whole roasted turkey surrounded by roasted lemon halves and fresh herbs.

    How to Brine a Turkey

    Brining a turkey might sound fancy or complicated but it’s as easy as dunking a turkey in salty liquid with some extra flavors if desired and letting it sit. Easy peezy! The brine is used to lock flavor and moisture into the turkey.

    A few simple ingredients is all you need for my best turkey brine recipe:

    • Apple Cider – apple juice can be used if you can’t find cider
    • Water
    • Brown Sugar
    • Kosher Salt
    • Bay Leaves
    • Garlic Cloves
    • Fresh Rosemary
    • Orange Peel
    • Lemon Peel

    Grab a large stock pot and pour all the ingredients into the pot. You can also use a brining bar if you want. They are great! Stir everything together until the sugar and salt dissolve. Place the turkey carefully into the brine, put the lid on the pot, and set it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

    PRO TIP: If your stock pot doesn’t fit into your fridge, put it in a cooler and surround the pot with ice. It will store great for 24 hours.

    How to Make A Turkey Brine

    Why Do You Brine A Turkey?

    Brining a turkey adds moisture and flavor to the final product. A basic brine recipe is salt and water. We like to add several extra spices and flavors, but the salt and water is what you need for a wet brine. The turkey absorbs all the delicious flavors to make for the most flavorful turkey after cooking.

    Brining breaks down muscle fibers and tenderizes the meat. In other words, forget that dry bird, brining will change your life!

    Do You Rinse Meat After You Brine It?

    No, just pat it dry. That way all those delicious flavors aren’t diminished. After brining, it’s important to let the bird rest in the fridge as it will dry out the skin which will bake up more golden and crisp.

    a photo of a large stock pot full of a raw turkey soaking in a brine

    If you have never brined before, do it! It’s simple and totally worth it!. You’ll be using my favorite turkey brine recipe for every turkey you ever make! I guarantee it!

    More Turkey Recipes You’ll Love:

    Servings: 1 batch

    Prep Time: 1 day 4 hours

    Cook Time: 3 hours

    Total Time: 1 day 7 hours

    Description

    The most wonderful turkey brine to totally transform your bird from boring and dry to tender, juicy, flavorful perfection

    • Place each ingredient of the brine in a large pot and stir until the sugar and salt have dissolved. 

      3 Cups Apple Cider, 3 Cups Orange Juice, 13 Cups Water, 2 Cups Brown Sugar, 1 Cup Kosher Salt, 5 Bay Leaves, 5 Cloves Garlic, 4 Sprigs Rosemary, 1 Orange Peel, 1 Lemon Peel

    • Add the turkey and put a lid on the pot.

    • Set the turkey in the brine in the fridge for 24 hours. 

    • Remove turkey from brine and pat dry. Allow the turkey to rest in the fridge so it can completely dry.

    • Proceed with classic roasted turkey recipe.

    You can make the brine 2-3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator.

    Serving: 1batchCalories: 2372kcalCarbohydrates: 599gProtein: 8gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 113490mgPotassium: 2913mgFiber: 5gSugar: 558gVitamin A: 1593IUVitamin C: 408mgCalcium: 730mgIron: 7mg

    Author: Sweet Basil

    Course: 10 Best Turkey Recipes on the Internet, Over 500 Family Dinner Recipes Ideas

    Cuisine: American

    A photo of turkey brine in a large stock pot with fresh herbs, orange and lemon peels.A photo of turkey brine in a large stock pot with fresh herbs, orange and lemon peels.

    REMEMBER TO SUBSCRIBE TO our FREE Oh Sweet Basil NEWSLETTER AND RECEIVE EASY RECIPES DELIVERED INTO YOUR INBOX EVERY DAY!

    When you try a recipe, please use the hashtag #ohsweetbasil on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured in our stories!  FOLLOW OH, SWEET BASIL ON FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER FOR ALL OF OUR LATEST CONTENT, RECIPES AND STORIES.

    [ad_2]

    Carrian Cheney

    Source link