Lizzie Porter
@lcmporter.bsky.social
Award-winning correspondent based in Turkey for The National newspaper. English, français, العربيّة, فارسى, Türkçe öğreniyorum. I like elegant writing, translation, textiles, and the sea. All views are my own.
My sister is a sheep keeper in our family’s home village & I know how important livestock is to rural communities (& ultimately, the urban ones they feed). Their devastation doesn’t just wipe out food supplies; it destroys ways of life.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Israel's war wipes out 90 per cent of Gaza's livestock | The National
Cattle, sheep and poultry killed by air strikes or slaughtered in desperation
www.thenationalnews.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:49 AM
My sister is a sheep keeper in our family’s home village & I know how important livestock is to rural communities (& ultimately, the urban ones they feed). Their devastation doesn’t just wipe out food supplies; it destroys ways of life.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Reposted by Lizzie Porter
Why some Syrians are returning to refugee camps in their country after their homes were reduced to rubble
'Living like refugees:' Syrians returning from Lebanon find little respite among ruins | The National
The National visited a district of Homs where people are trying to rebuild their lives and destroyed homes
www.thenationalnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Why some Syrians are returning to refugee camps in their country after their homes were reduced to rubble
Late to share (from yesterday) - #Turkey has appointed former deputy foreign minister Nuh Yilmaz as ambassador to #Syria www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Turkey appoints ambassador to Syria after 13-year absence | The National
Nuh Yilmaz will head Turkish embassy in Damascus
www.thenationalnews.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Late to share (from yesterday) - #Turkey has appointed former deputy foreign minister Nuh Yilmaz as ambassador to #Syria www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
UK gov facing more pressure over revelations by that a British Embassy Tel Aviv employee lives in an illegal West Bank settlement. Foreign Affairs Select Committee
@emilythornberry.bsky.social chair said the revelation was “shocking”. www.thenationalnews.com/news/uk/2025...
@emilythornberry.bsky.social chair said the revelation was “shocking”. www.thenationalnews.com/news/uk/2025...
Veteran MP Emily Thornberry fuels concern over settler employed at UK's Tel Aviv embassy | The National
Foreign affairs committee chairwoman says The National's revelations are 'shocking'
www.thenationalnews.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:22 PM
UK gov facing more pressure over revelations by that a British Embassy Tel Aviv employee lives in an illegal West Bank settlement. Foreign Affairs Select Committee
@emilythornberry.bsky.social chair said the revelation was “shocking”. www.thenationalnews.com/news/uk/2025...
@emilythornberry.bsky.social chair said the revelation was “shocking”. www.thenationalnews.com/news/uk/2025...
Come and edit my work! As well as that of great colleagues around the region.
Job is based in the UAE
www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...
Job is based in the UAE
www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...
The National News hiring Assistant Foreign Editor in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates | LinkedIn
Posted 1:33:43 PM. The National, an IMI company, was founded in 2008 and has since set a new standard for quality…See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn.
www.linkedin.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Come and edit my work! As well as that of great colleagues around the region.
Job is based in the UAE
www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...
Job is based in the UAE
www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...
Israeli government official, asked if #Trump administration has pressured Israel to allow Turkish role in #Gaza stabilisation force:"PM Netanyahu has made it clear & insisted that there will be no #Turkish boots on the ground inside of the Gaza Strip." Source - my ? during on record press briefing)
November 17, 2025 at 2:05 PM
"The home secretary argued that for too long those being granted asylum have ended up spending a lifetime in Britain."
Enriching and diversifying our society, now darn, we mustn't have any more of that, must we 🤦♀️
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Enriching and diversifying our society, now darn, we mustn't have any more of that, must we 🤦♀️
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Shabana Mahmood: ‘Illegal migration is tearing Britain apart’
The home secretary is planning to introduce a 20-year wait for permanent stay to end a ‘golden ticket’ for asylum seekers
www.thetimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:32 AM
"The home secretary argued that for too long those being granted asylum have ended up spending a lifetime in Britain."
Enriching and diversifying our society, now darn, we mustn't have any more of that, must we 🤦♀️
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Enriching and diversifying our society, now darn, we mustn't have any more of that, must we 🤦♀️
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
The second phase of Trump's ceasefire plan for Gaza is hinging on a UN Security Council resolution that would provide a mandate for an international stabilization force. Contours of that draft seem complicated.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
New UN draft on way for Gaza stabilisation force, says Egypt's Foreign Minister | The National
Badr Abdelatty reveals latest talks at meeting with Turkey
www.thenationalnews.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:46 AM
The second phase of Trump's ceasefire plan for Gaza is hinging on a UN Security Council resolution that would provide a mandate for an international stabilization force. Contours of that draft seem complicated.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
#Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long called on women to have 3 children. The country's actual fertility rate is well below 2.1 replacement level.
Now he says, "Why not at least four, or five?"
www.iletisim.gov.tr/turkce/haber...
Now he says, "Why not at least four, or five?"
www.iletisim.gov.tr/turkce/haber...
Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, Azerbaycan dönüşü uçakta gazetecilerin sorularını yanıtladı
Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Cumhurbaşkanlığı İletişim Başkanlığı Resmî Sitesi
www.iletisim.gov.tr
November 10, 2025 at 8:51 AM
#Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long called on women to have 3 children. The country's actual fertility rate is well below 2.1 replacement level.
Now he says, "Why not at least four, or five?"
www.iletisim.gov.tr/turkce/haber...
Now he says, "Why not at least four, or five?"
www.iletisim.gov.tr/turkce/haber...
Cracking (and alarming) story by my colleague Thomas Helm on how a British embassy employee owns property in an illegal West Bank settlement built by an organisation sanctioned by the UK government
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Revealed: UK embassy worker in Tel Aviv owns property in settlement built by movement sanctioned by Britain | The National
Government described Amana organisation as ‘funding Israeli settlers involved in perpetrating acts of violence against Palestinian communities’
www.thenationalnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Cracking (and alarming) story by my colleague Thomas Helm on how a British embassy employee owns property in an illegal West Bank settlement built by an organisation sanctioned by the UK government
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
C’était un vrai plaisir de partager mes expériences en tant que correspondante dans le Moyen-Orient avec des journalistes de pays africains (le Tchad, Niger, Sénégal, etc) et des journalistes turcs. 1/2
November 7, 2025 at 10:11 AM
C’était un vrai plaisir de partager mes expériences en tant que correspondante dans le Moyen-Orient avec des journalistes de pays africains (le Tchad, Niger, Sénégal, etc) et des journalistes turcs. 1/2
This is completely symbolic. Kazakhstan already has v. good diplomatic relations with Israel. When I went to Astana & interviewed senior Kazakh officials in May, none were willing to criticise Israel. Trade between the 2 countries is pretty robust too.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2025...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2025...
Kazakhstan to join Abraham Accords, Donald Trump says | The National
US leader hosts call between country's President and Israeli Prime Minister and declares there are 'many more countries trying to join this club of strength'
www.thenationalnews.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:44 AM
This is completely symbolic. Kazakhstan already has v. good diplomatic relations with Israel. When I went to Astana & interviewed senior Kazakh officials in May, none were willing to criticise Israel. Trade between the 2 countries is pretty robust too.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2025...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2025...
Now both Turkey and Qatar, Hamas' main interlocutors, seem to have assurances from the group that they are willing to cede governance of Gaza. But pledge to disarm still elusive. www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Hamas ready to hand over power in Gaza, Turkey says | The National
Ministers from Arab and Muslim nations gather in Istanbul to advance Gaza ceasefire
www.thenationalnews.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Now both Turkey and Qatar, Hamas' main interlocutors, seem to have assurances from the group that they are willing to cede governance of Gaza. But pledge to disarm still elusive. www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Senior members of Turkey's largest pro-Kurdish party are expected to meet with President Erdoganon Thursday evening in an attempt to advance the dissolution of the militant Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Pro-Kurdish party to meet Erdogan to advance PKK dissolution | The National
Talks come after PKK announces withdrawal from Turkey
www.thenationalnews.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Senior members of Turkey's largest pro-Kurdish party are expected to meet with President Erdoganon Thursday evening in an attempt to advance the dissolution of the militant Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
You couldn't make it up:
#Turkey's football federation has named 150+ match officials accused of collectively placing tens of thousands of bets on matches.
1 referee placed 18, 227 bets alone.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
#Turkey's football federation has named 150+ match officials accused of collectively placing tens of thousands of bets on matches.
1 referee placed 18, 227 bets alone.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Turkey names 150 referees in football betting scandal | The National
Officials accused of placing tens of thousands of bets are referred for disciplinary action
www.thenationalnews.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:27 PM
You couldn't make it up:
#Turkey's football federation has named 150+ match officials accused of collectively placing tens of thousands of bets on matches.
1 referee placed 18, 227 bets alone.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
#Turkey's football federation has named 150+ match officials accused of collectively placing tens of thousands of bets on matches.
1 referee placed 18, 227 bets alone.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Cumhuriyet bayramınız kutlu olsun, Türkiye! 🇹🇷
Benim hayatım burada teșekkur ederim, güzelliğiniz için teșekkur ederim.
Benim hayatım burada teșekkur ederim, güzelliğiniz için teșekkur ederim.
October 29, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Cumhuriyet bayramınız kutlu olsun, Türkiye! 🇹🇷
Benim hayatım burada teșekkur ederim, güzelliğiniz için teșekkur ederim.
Benim hayatım burada teșekkur ederim, güzelliğiniz için teșekkur ederim.
Insan haklarından konuşurken, #Avrupa'nın güvenilirligi kaybetti, #İsrail'e verdigi destek nedenliye, Fatih Tuna, AK Parti İstanbul İl Başkan Yardımcısı Dış İlişkiler Başkanı bana dedi. Röportajımız @thenationalnews.com için
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Europe has lost moral high ground over Gaza, Turkish official says | The National
Turkish contractors 'very capable' of rebuilding war-torn strip
www.thenationalnews.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Insan haklarından konuşurken, #Avrupa'nın güvenilirligi kaybetti, #İsrail'e verdigi destek nedenliye, Fatih Tuna, AK Parti İstanbul İl Başkan Yardımcısı Dış İlişkiler Başkanı bana dedi. Röportajımız @thenationalnews.com için
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Europe has lost its credibility when it speaks about human rights because of its support for Israel during the war on Gaza,
a senior AKP official tells me www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
a senior AKP official tells me www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Europe has lost moral high ground over Gaza, Turkish official says | The National
Turkish contractors 'very capable' of rebuilding war-torn strip
www.thenationalnews.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Europe has lost its credibility when it speaks about human rights because of its support for Israel during the war on Gaza,
a senior AKP official tells me www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
a senior AKP official tells me www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
The #PKK says it's withdrawing forces from #Turkey to Iraq's Kurdistan region as part of dissolution process.
Fighters' future remains unclear. Legal changes to poss. allow them amnesty not materialised.
Sinan Mahmoud in Baghdad
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Fighters' future remains unclear. Legal changes to poss. allow them amnesty not materialised.
Sinan Mahmoud in Baghdad
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
PKK withdraws all forces from Turkey to advance peace process with Ankara | The National
Kurdish group says fighters being pulled back to Iraq amid disarmament
www.thenationalnews.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:44 AM
The #PKK says it's withdrawing forces from #Turkey to Iraq's Kurdistan region as part of dissolution process.
Fighters' future remains unclear. Legal changes to poss. allow them amnesty not materialised.
Sinan Mahmoud in Baghdad
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Fighters' future remains unclear. Legal changes to poss. allow them amnesty not materialised.
Sinan Mahmoud in Baghdad
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
I had a fascinating conversation with @omerbartov.bsky.social & could have asked him questions for hours. Israel is trapped with the “ghosts and demons” of crimes it has committed since 1948. Unless it is forced to admit them, it will only become more violent
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Israel faces ‘dire future’ unless it addresses past crimes, says leading genocide scholar | The National
Omer Bartov calls for acknowledgment of the past and a truth and reconciliation-style process to break the cycle of denial
www.thenationalnews.com
October 25, 2025 at 7:16 PM
I had a fascinating conversation with @omerbartov.bsky.social & could have asked him questions for hours. Israel is trapped with the “ghosts and demons” of crimes it has committed since 1948. Unless it is forced to admit them, it will only become more violent
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
My sense is harsh US rhetoric on Israel West Bank annexation vote is in part bcos Trump knows he needs backing of Muslim & Arab nations to make his peace plan work. Supporting Israel progressing annexation would anger them & jeopardize his rep as a peace maker
www.ft.com/content/5dac...
www.ft.com/content/5dac...
JD Vance lashes out at ‘very stupid’ Israeli vote to annex West Bank
Move by parliament prompts heated exchanges between US, Arab allies and Israeli far right
www.ft.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:10 PM
My sense is harsh US rhetoric on Israel West Bank annexation vote is in part bcos Trump knows he needs backing of Muslim & Arab nations to make his peace plan work. Supporting Israel progressing annexation would anger them & jeopardize his rep as a peace maker
www.ft.com/content/5dac...
www.ft.com/content/5dac...
"In #Gaza, when you come home you face a broader question: How do you start again, when there’s nothing left to start from?.... Gaza is trapped in a life that barely resembles one at all."
Husam Maarouf @prospectmagazine.co.uk www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/israel...
Husam Maarouf @prospectmagazine.co.uk www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/israel...
Going home in Gaza, after the war
How do you start again when there’s nothing left to start from?
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
October 23, 2025 at 1:45 PM
"In #Gaza, when you come home you face a broader question: How do you start again, when there’s nothing left to start from?.... Gaza is trapped in a life that barely resembles one at all."
Husam Maarouf @prospectmagazine.co.uk www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/israel...
Husam Maarouf @prospectmagazine.co.uk www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/israel...
Reposted by Lizzie Porter
“What makes breakfast in Diyarbakir special is that we use traditional products that are special to this region,” Ibrahim Polat, 43, owner of the Palace Gate cafe, tells @lcmporter.bsky.social “We have sun-dried tomatoes, local cheeses and scrambled eggs with chili pepper and kavurma.”
Does Diyarbakir serve the best breakfast in Turkey? | The National
The nation may be a republic, but it takes the adage 'breakfast like a king' very seriously - especially here in the Fertile Crescent where farming first developed
www.thenationalnews.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:10 PM
“What makes breakfast in Diyarbakir special is that we use traditional products that are special to this region,” Ibrahim Polat, 43, owner of the Palace Gate cafe, tells @lcmporter.bsky.social “We have sun-dried tomatoes, local cheeses and scrambled eggs with chili pepper and kavurma.”
Turkish President Erdogan is in Doha as part of Gulf tour. #Turkey & #Qatar pushed #Hamas to accept #Gaza ceasefire as mediators in ongoing process.
Spy chief Ibrahim Kalin and FM Fidan met with Hamas officials in Doha last night.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Spy chief Ibrahim Kalin and FM Fidan met with Hamas officials in Doha last night.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Turkey and Qatar seek permanent Gaza ceasefire in Doha talks | The National
President Erdogan on three-country Gulf tour as he seeks closer regional ties
www.thenationalnews.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Turkish President Erdogan is in Doha as part of Gulf tour. #Turkey & #Qatar pushed #Hamas to accept #Gaza ceasefire as mediators in ongoing process.
Spy chief Ibrahim Kalin and FM Fidan met with Hamas officials in Doha last night.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Spy chief Ibrahim Kalin and FM Fidan met with Hamas officials in Doha last night.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
The video version of our story on the #PKK’s dissolution. Different groups in #Turkey have very different views about how the process should work. Can they find any common ground ?
youtu.be/9PQEZyrQ3h0?...
youtu.be/9PQEZyrQ3h0?...
'I was shocked to see her on TV': As PKK disarms, will fighters ever come home?
YouTube video by The National News
youtu.be
October 20, 2025 at 2:14 PM
The video version of our story on the #PKK’s dissolution. Different groups in #Turkey have very different views about how the process should work. Can they find any common ground ?
youtu.be/9PQEZyrQ3h0?...
youtu.be/9PQEZyrQ3h0?...