Nick Ashdown
@nickashdown.bsky.social
Canadian journalist/writer in Brussels writing mostly about Turkey. New Lines Magazine, LA Review of Books, Times Literary Supplement, Foreign Policy, Globe & Mail, etc.
Selected clippings: https://nickashdown.weebly.com/selected-published-works
Selected clippings: https://nickashdown.weebly.com/selected-published-works
Pinned
Nick Ashdown
@nickashdown.bsky.social
· Oct 11
They
On dehumanizing rhetoric in Trump's America and Erdoğan's Turkey
open.substack.com
Following the Kirk murder, I noticed the constant use of ‘they’: “They killed him,” “They are at war with us,” etc. It reminded me of Erdoğan’s use of ‘bunlar,’ and the brutal nature of Turkish politics, especially the feverish period from 2015-16, which I’ve long wanted to write about.
Reposted by Nick Ashdown
A sad day for Turkey and a new stage in the government's operation against the municipality of Istanbul: Ekrem Imamoglu will officially appear in court on 142 charges; he faces up to 2,352 years (?!) in prison.
m.sabah.com.tr/gundem/2025/...
m.sabah.com.tr/gundem/2025/...
Son Dakika | İmamoğlu suç örgütü iddianamesi hazır! İşte Ekrem İmamoğlu için istenen ceza
Son dakika haberler - Son dakika haberi! İstanbul Cumhuriyet Başsavcısı Akın Gürlek basın mensuplarıyla toplantı gerçekleştirdi. 'İmamoğlu çıkar amaçlı suç örgütü' iddianamesinin hazır olduğu belirtil...
m.sabah.com.tr
November 11, 2025 at 12:26 PM
A sad day for Turkey and a new stage in the government's operation against the municipality of Istanbul: Ekrem Imamoglu will officially appear in court on 142 charges; he faces up to 2,352 years (?!) in prison.
m.sabah.com.tr/gundem/2025/...
m.sabah.com.tr/gundem/2025/...
Reposted by Nick Ashdown
With the Imamoglu indictment, political competition ("establishing an organization for the purpose of raising funds to nominate a presidential candidate") is now officially criminizalized.
November 11, 2025 at 2:22 PM
With the Imamoglu indictment, political competition ("establishing an organization for the purpose of raising funds to nominate a presidential candidate") is now officially criminizalized.
Just catching up with @turkeyrecap.bsky.social podcasts, and this one was the most enjoyable by far. Andrew, please write your memoirs!
I am a great fan of @Turkeyrecap so pleased to be asked to do a livestream interview on their substack on Tuesday 19 August at 9.00 AM EDT on the topic; "Why Turkish newspapers sometimes lie." open.substack.com/live-stream/...
LIVE SOON: Why Turkish newspapers sometimes lie with Andrew Finkel
Starting Aug 19 at 9:00 AM EDT
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Just catching up with @turkeyrecap.bsky.social podcasts, and this one was the most enjoyable by far. Andrew, please write your memoirs!
Reposted by Nick Ashdown
How many ways could Trump try to subvert the 2026 elections? More than you can probably imagine, and many of them might work. My deep dive in @theatlantic.com, posted today: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
Donald Trump’s Plan to Subvert the Midterms Is Already Under Way
Our election system is reaching a breaking point.
www.theatlantic.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:59 PM
How many ways could Trump try to subvert the 2026 elections? More than you can probably imagine, and many of them might work. My deep dive in @theatlantic.com, posted today: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
Reposted by Nick Ashdown
Imagine an EU-wide government shut down in its 6th week leading to serious disruption of air traffic. We would not hear the end of it in Anglophone media.
Look forward to more grand declations about how Europeans must emulate an America whose government is in the sixth week of shutdown and now can't provide safe air travel
✈️ FAA Ops Summary - 09/0300 ✈️
____________________________________________________________________
ADDITI0NAL STAFFING TRIGGERS ISSUED. LGA GROUND DELAY PROGRAM TIMED
OUT. DFW, IAH AND HOU GROUND DELAY PROGRAMS WERE CA... More info in image.
FAA Details. #AvGeek
____________________________________________________________________
ADDITI0NAL STAFFING TRIGGERS ISSUED. LGA GROUND DELAY PROGRAM TIMED
OUT. DFW, IAH AND HOU GROUND DELAY PROGRAMS WERE CA... More info in image.
FAA Details. #AvGeek
November 9, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Imagine an EU-wide government shut down in its 6th week leading to serious disruption of air traffic. We would not hear the end of it in Anglophone media.
Reposted by Nick Ashdown
"Turkey’s parliament on Friday received 18 summaries of proceedings seeking to lift the immunity of 12 lawmakers, including main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel"
www.turkishminute.com/2025/11/07/m...
www.turkishminute.com/2025/11/07/m...
Main opposition leader among 12 MPs facing removal of parliamentary immunity - Turkish Minute
Turkey’s parliament on Friday received 18 summaries of proceedings seeking to lift the immunity of 12 lawmakers, including main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel. Seven of t...
www.turkishminute.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:15 PM
"Turkey’s parliament on Friday received 18 summaries of proceedings seeking to lift the immunity of 12 lawmakers, including main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel"
www.turkishminute.com/2025/11/07/m...
www.turkishminute.com/2025/11/07/m...
Reposted by Nick Ashdown
The situation of the so-called rule of law in Turkey: while some within the ruling bloc are calling for compliance with ECHR rulings and the release of Selahattin Demirtas, at the same time, Turkish courts are refusing to enforce the rulings of the Constitutional Court (Tayfun Kahraman case).
Mahkeme AYM'nin Tayfun Kahraman hakkındaki yeniden yargılama talebine uymadı
Mahkeme AYM’nin Tayfun Kahraman hakkındaki yeniden yargılama talebine uymadı
Gezi Parkı davasında tutuklu bulunan Tayfun Kahraman için Anayasa Mahkemesi'nin verdiği hak ihlali kararı uygulanmadı.
medyascope.tv
November 8, 2025 at 10:31 AM
The situation of the so-called rule of law in Turkey: while some within the ruling bloc are calling for compliance with ECHR rulings and the release of Selahattin Demirtas, at the same time, Turkish courts are refusing to enforce the rulings of the Constitutional Court (Tayfun Kahraman case).
At a certain point in Turkey, virtually every non-public person I interviewed refused to give their last name. Eventually I stopped even writing "______ declined to give his/her last name for fear of government reprisal," because it became redundant, and editors understood. But here's the thing...
October 26, 2025 at 2:14 PM
At a certain point in Turkey, virtually every non-public person I interviewed refused to give their last name. Eventually I stopped even writing "______ declined to give his/her last name for fear of government reprisal," because it became redundant, and editors understood. But here's the thing...
Reposted by Nick Ashdown
Like previous legislation targeting Turkey's minorities, the draft law seeks to criminalize an identity.
Here, any expression or support of LGBTQ+ identities could be subject to prosecution. Speech, behavior, journalism, social media, healthcare access...
This is Turkey's "Year of the Family."
Here, any expression or support of LGBTQ+ identities could be subject to prosecution. Speech, behavior, journalism, social media, healthcare access...
This is Turkey's "Year of the Family."
#Turkey: A draft law, soon to be submitted to the Parliament, includes a provision to restrict and possibly criminalise the reporting on LGBTQ+ community. If enacted, journalists face up to three years imprisonment. We call for the withdrawal of this provision. @tgs.org.tr
Turkey: Journalists reporting LGBTQ+ issues risk criminalisation
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined the undersigned organisations in calling for the removal of the reported anti-LGBTQ+ provision from ...
europeanjournalists.org
October 22, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Like previous legislation targeting Turkey's minorities, the draft law seeks to criminalize an identity.
Here, any expression or support of LGBTQ+ identities could be subject to prosecution. Speech, behavior, journalism, social media, healthcare access...
This is Turkey's "Year of the Family."
Here, any expression or support of LGBTQ+ identities could be subject to prosecution. Speech, behavior, journalism, social media, healthcare access...
This is Turkey's "Year of the Family."
Reposted by Nick Ashdown
The recent elections in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have gone under the radar in Western media. That's a shame because they are a big deal. A center-left candidate--Tufan Erhurman--ROUNDLY defeated the hardline nationalist President, 63% to 36%.+
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
Turkish Cypriots elect Tufan Erhurman in northern Cyprus polls
More than 218,000 people voted in TRNC leadership election that could shape the island’s political direction.
www.aljazeera.com
October 22, 2025 at 7:10 PM
The recent elections in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have gone under the radar in Western media. That's a shame because they are a big deal. A center-left candidate--Tufan Erhurman--ROUNDLY defeated the hardline nationalist President, 63% to 36%.+
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Nick Ashdown
This hypothesis is all the more plausible given that, a few hours before the verdict, a new investigation (for espionage) was launched against the imprisoned mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu.
I am not surprised that the court today dismissed a case seeking to oust Ozgur Ozel, and annul the CHP's 2023 congress over irregularities. Following the tactical retreat in last month's hearing, Ankara seems to have decided to limit the assault on the CHP to Imamoglu.
October 24, 2025 at 9:02 AM
This hypothesis is all the more plausible given that, a few hours before the verdict, a new investigation (for espionage) was launched against the imprisoned mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu.
Reposted by Nick Ashdown
Pro-opposition TV network Tele1 has been placed under state management following the arrest of its editor-in-chief in an espionage investigation. The channel’s broadcast was cut off while on air after trustees arrived. bianet.org/haber/truste...
Tele1 TV seized by state, broadcast interrupted mid-air
The network's chief editor was was detained as part of an espionage investigation earlier in the day.
bianet.org
October 24, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Pro-opposition TV network Tele1 has been placed under state management following the arrest of its editor-in-chief in an espionage investigation. The channel’s broadcast was cut off while on air after trustees arrived. bianet.org/haber/truste...
Following the Kirk murder, I noticed the constant use of ‘they’: “They killed him,” “They are at war with us,” etc. It reminded me of Erdoğan’s use of ‘bunlar,’ and the brutal nature of Turkish politics, especially the feverish period from 2015-16, which I’ve long wanted to write about.
They
On dehumanizing rhetoric in Trump's America and Erdoğan's Turkey
open.substack.com
October 11, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Following the Kirk murder, I noticed the constant use of ‘they’: “They killed him,” “They are at war with us,” etc. It reminded me of Erdoğan’s use of ‘bunlar,’ and the brutal nature of Turkish politics, especially the feverish period from 2015-16, which I’ve long wanted to write about.
Reposted by Nick Ashdown
One of the big stories underway in Turkey is the process by which the ruling party is pulling in opposition leaders at both the municipal level and, more importantly, in parliament
It has both symbolic importance and direct political implications, moving TR towards a consolidated autocracy
It has both symbolic importance and direct political implications, moving TR towards a consolidated autocracy
🔴 7 belediye başkanı AKP'ye katıldı: Rozetlerini Erdoğan taktı
www.dokuz8haber.net/7-belediye-b...
www.dokuz8haber.net/7-belediye-b...
7 belediye başkanı AKP'ye katıldı: Rozetlerini Erdoğan taktı
Ardahan, Gümüşhane, Muş, Bingöl ve Giresun'dan 7 belediye başkanı AKP'ye katıldı. Erdoğan, Milletvekilleri Buluşması programında partiye katılan belediye başkanlarına rozetlerini taktı.
www.dokuz8haber.net
October 8, 2025 at 10:47 AM
One of the big stories underway in Turkey is the process by which the ruling party is pulling in opposition leaders at both the municipal level and, more importantly, in parliament
It has both symbolic importance and direct political implications, moving TR towards a consolidated autocracy
It has both symbolic importance and direct political implications, moving TR towards a consolidated autocracy
For my first Substack post, I wrote about the noxious rhetoric and virulent political atmosphere following the Charlie Kirk assassination, and how it reminds me of my time living and reporting through a very bleak period in Turkey.
They
On dehumanizing rhetoric in Trump's America and Erdoğan's Turkey
open.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 4:21 PM
For my first Substack post, I wrote about the noxious rhetoric and virulent political atmosphere following the Charlie Kirk assassination, and how it reminds me of my time living and reporting through a very bleak period in Turkey.
The trick for southern Turkey is to go in May or September/October. We last came in June and it was already too hot. Now it’s 26 degrees, mis gibi.
October 2, 2025 at 12:18 PM
The trick for southern Turkey is to go in May or September/October. We last came in June and it was already too hot. Now it’s 26 degrees, mis gibi.
Reposted by Nick Ashdown
Imagine if the EU institutions bungled their budget-setting process so badly that all staff would be placed on leave without pay. You'd never hear the end of it! But oh hey it's America so just one of those things.
October 1, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Imagine if the EU institutions bungled their budget-setting process so badly that all staff would be placed on leave without pay. You'd never hear the end of it! But oh hey it's America so just one of those things.
Reposted by Nick Ashdown
I wasn't making it up:
US won't sell F110 w/out the F-16 and cannot sell F-110 to SSB w/out CAATSA being resolved. Can't resolve CAATSA w/out S-400 compromise. Tr also cannot "rejoin" the F-35 consortium. It can purchase F-35 but only w/ compromise on S-400. www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-...
US won't sell F110 w/out the F-16 and cannot sell F-110 to SSB w/out CAATSA being resolved. Can't resolve CAATSA w/out S-400 compromise. Tr also cannot "rejoin" the F-35 consortium. It can purchase F-35 but only w/ compromise on S-400. www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-...
September 29, 2025 at 4:43 PM
I wasn't making it up:
US won't sell F110 w/out the F-16 and cannot sell F-110 to SSB w/out CAATSA being resolved. Can't resolve CAATSA w/out S-400 compromise. Tr also cannot "rejoin" the F-35 consortium. It can purchase F-35 but only w/ compromise on S-400. www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-...
US won't sell F110 w/out the F-16 and cannot sell F-110 to SSB w/out CAATSA being resolved. Can't resolve CAATSA w/out S-400 compromise. Tr also cannot "rejoin" the F-35 consortium. It can purchase F-35 but only w/ compromise on S-400. www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-...
Erdoğan said/did this to Antakya after the earthquake, but at least he was a tad subtler about it.
Trump on Mamdani: "He is going to have problems with Washington like no Mayor in the history of our once great City. Remember, he needs the money from me, as President, in order to fulfill all of his FAKE Communist promises. He won’t be getting any of it, so what’s the point of voting for him?"
September 30, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Erdoğan said/did this to Antakya after the earthquake, but at least he was a tad subtler about it.
Layover in Sabiha Gökçen and it is *utter chaos*. “Sistem yok,” no way to pass through passport check. Anyone know what’s going on or is it just like this all the time now?
September 28, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Layover in Sabiha Gökçen and it is *utter chaos*. “Sistem yok,” no way to pass through passport check. Anyone know what’s going on or is it just like this all the time now?
This American Life has been killing it lately. Great reporting from Gaza too.
On the radio this weekend: A group of immigration judges, who almost never speak to the press, describes the dismantling of our immigration court system from the inside. bit.ly/4neQ5Fi
September 28, 2025 at 10:58 AM
This American Life has been killing it lately. Great reporting from Gaza too.
AI's dizzying progress has gotten all the attention, while similar advances in robotics have not. When the two combine, which they will soon, I think it will be one of the defining innovations of our time.
Move Aside, Chatbots: AI Humanoids Are Here
Today on "Uncanny Valley," we talk about why the AI industry is investing in the development of humanoid robots, and what that means for us non-robots.
www.wired.com
September 27, 2025 at 7:53 AM
AI's dizzying progress has gotten all the attention, while similar advances in robotics have not. When the two combine, which they will soon, I think it will be one of the defining innovations of our time.
“You just see these lines of people shackled at the feet…being loaded onto planes, and only a few hundred feet away are people obliviously getting on with their rounds of golf. To me it was this kind of extremely telling image of where America is at the moment.”
www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
‘Like Amazon Prime but with human beings’: inside Trump’s deportation machine – podcast
Data leak gives Guardian US investigations team an unprecedented look into Trump’s deportation regime – and how people are seemingly being ‘disappeared’. Oliver Laughland and Maanvi Singh report
www.theguardian.com
September 26, 2025 at 7:55 AM
“You just see these lines of people shackled at the feet…being loaded onto planes, and only a few hundred feet away are people obliviously getting on with their rounds of golf. To me it was this kind of extremely telling image of where America is at the moment.”
www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
Just finished. Cozy, heartfelt, funny, just a great flick.
26) The Ballad of Wallis Island. A moving and at times very funny film about grief and love. Really go and see it. Wonderful.
September 20, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Just finished. Cozy, heartfelt, funny, just a great flick.