Yusuf Can
@yusufcan.bsky.social
Research Associate @ Stimson Center. Formerly @ Wilson Center. All things MENA & Turkey. Alum @ Georgetown Uni. Views my own. ycan@stimson.org
The Turkish opposition leader Ozgur Ozel gave a forceful speech at today’s Istanbul rally, significantly raising the stakes against Erdogan. There’s no sign of retreat and in fact, protests, political action, and calls for boycott are progressing steadily. Here are some notes🧵
Ey cuntanın başı Erdoğan!
Duyuyor musun Şişli’yi?
Millet yine sokakta, yine ayakta!
Cümle alem bilsin!
Ekrem Başkan özgür kalana kadar, seçim sandığı milletin önüne gelene kadar durmayacağız!
Duyuyor musun Şişli’yi?
Millet yine sokakta, yine ayakta!
Cümle alem bilsin!
Ekrem Başkan özgür kalana kadar, seçim sandığı milletin önüne gelene kadar durmayacağız!
April 9, 2025 at 11:42 PM
The Turkish opposition leader Ozgur Ozel gave a forceful speech at today’s Istanbul rally, significantly raising the stakes against Erdogan. There’s no sign of retreat and in fact, protests, political action, and calls for boycott are progressing steadily. Here are some notes🧵
Reposted by Yusuf Can
Turkish politics analyst @yusufcan.bsky.social told me this extraordinary move was intended to demonstrate İmamoğlu's appeal across the country:
"It makes them look quite democratic in this in this context, plus it gives them a very strong legitimacy in the eyes of the people."
"It makes them look quite democratic in this in this context, plus it gives them a very strong legitimacy in the eyes of the people."
March 22, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Turkish politics analyst @yusufcan.bsky.social told me this extraordinary move was intended to demonstrate İmamoğlu's appeal across the country:
"It makes them look quite democratic in this in this context, plus it gives them a very strong legitimacy in the eyes of the people."
"It makes them look quite democratic in this in this context, plus it gives them a very strong legitimacy in the eyes of the people."
Reposted by Yusuf Can
Protests erupted in #Turkey over the arrest of #Istanbul mayor & presidential candidate Ekrem Imamoglu. @wilsoncentermep.bsky.social Program Coordinator @yusufcan.bsky.social provides insight into the political landscape in Turkey and the country's next presidential election.
buff.ly/soZ0e12
buff.ly/soZ0e12
A Shift in Power: CHP Win Ushers in Recalibration in Turkish Politics
The CHP defeated leading AKP in a surprise reversal in Turkey’s municipalities. Driven by worsening economic conditions, voters supported CHP’s welfare policies. This will mark a major reset in…
buff.ly
March 24, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Protests erupted in #Turkey over the arrest of #Istanbul mayor & presidential candidate Ekrem Imamoglu. @wilsoncentermep.bsky.social Program Coordinator @yusufcan.bsky.social provides insight into the political landscape in Turkey and the country's next presidential election.
buff.ly/soZ0e12
buff.ly/soZ0e12
I realized I stepped away from this platform for no good reason and ended up posting excessively on Twitter about the Turkish protests. It’s good to be back.
From Twitter censorship to millions of Turkish people protesting, so much has happened.
From Twitter censorship to millions of Turkish people protesting, so much has happened.
March 26, 2025 at 2:08 AM
I realized I stepped away from this platform for no good reason and ended up posting excessively on Twitter about the Turkish protests. It’s good to be back.
From Twitter censorship to millions of Turkish people protesting, so much has happened.
From Twitter censorship to millions of Turkish people protesting, so much has happened.
I’ll be discussing the tension in northern Syria following Assad’s fall and Erdoğan’s advances, the implications for the U.S., and potential paths to peace at a webinar hosted by the Kurdish Peace Institute and moderated by Meghan Bodette.
December 14, 2024 at 9:53 PM
I’ll be discussing the tension in northern Syria following Assad’s fall and Erdoğan’s advances, the implications for the U.S., and potential paths to peace at a webinar hosted by the Kurdish Peace Institute and moderated by Meghan Bodette.
Reposted by Yusuf Can
I agree. New arrangements in Syria could dramatically alter the political economy inside Turkey. There will be appetite to return refugees, and possibly send troops to AANES. The first may be popular but undermines aspects of RTE’s clientele, the second could prove more of a slog than anticipated.
I find it unlikely that Erdoğan would opt for an early election when he has until 2028 to govern. And, they seem to be prioritizing constitutional changes before holding any elections. Also, the economy is dire, making this a very different moment compared to the early election after Afrin in 2018.
December 8, 2024 at 7:28 PM
I agree. New arrangements in Syria could dramatically alter the political economy inside Turkey. There will be appetite to return refugees, and possibly send troops to AANES. The first may be popular but undermines aspects of RTE’s clientele, the second could prove more of a slog than anticipated.
I find it unlikely that Erdoğan would opt for an early election when he has until 2028 to govern. And, they seem to be prioritizing constitutional changes before holding any elections. Also, the economy is dire, making this a very different moment compared to the early election after Afrin in 2018.
December 8, 2024 at 7:17 PM
I find it unlikely that Erdoğan would opt for an early election when he has until 2028 to govern. And, they seem to be prioritizing constitutional changes before holding any elections. Also, the economy is dire, making this a very different moment compared to the early election after Afrin in 2018.
Reposted by Yusuf Can
I am not yet sure of the narrative that TR is the "winner" of the developments in Syria. It is too early to tell. Much depends on the dynamics among local actors (particularly the HTS and SDF), the dynamics between HTS and Ankara, and their social&political implications for internal politics in TR.
December 8, 2024 at 3:23 PM
I am not yet sure of the narrative that TR is the "winner" of the developments in Syria. It is too early to tell. Much depends on the dynamics among local actors (particularly the HTS and SDF), the dynamics between HTS and Ankara, and their social&political implications for internal politics in TR.
Erdogan’s political victories or “wins” often come at Turkey’s expense rather than its benefit. While online propaganda suggests otherwise, I doubt developments in Syria will serve the broader interests of Turkish society, especially if Turkey becomes further entangled in Syria’s domestic affairs.
December 8, 2024 at 6:53 PM
Erdogan’s political victories or “wins” often come at Turkey’s expense rather than its benefit. While online propaganda suggests otherwise, I doubt developments in Syria will serve the broader interests of Turkish society, especially if Turkey becomes further entangled in Syria’s domestic affairs.
Reposted by Yusuf Can
Reposted by Yusuf Can
I wrote about the opposition offensive in Syria and Ankara's approach to the evolving situation, exploring its potential implications for Turkish domestic politics, with comments from @gonultol.bsky.social, @stevenhyde.bsky.social and @omerozkizilcik.bsky.social
www.wilsoncenter.org/article/what...
www.wilsoncenter.org/article/what...
What Syria’s Opposition Resurgence Means for Ankara
Ankara’s Syria strategy intertwines with HTS-led opposition offensives against Assad, aiming to weaken Kurdish groups, facilitate refugee returns, and solidify Turkey’s regional role. Balancing opposi...
www.wilsoncenter.org
December 7, 2024 at 12:51 AM
I wrote about the opposition offensive in Syria and Ankara's approach to the evolving situation, exploring its potential implications for Turkish domestic politics, with comments from @gonultol.bsky.social, @stevenhyde.bsky.social and @omerozkizilcik.bsky.social
www.wilsoncenter.org/article/what...
www.wilsoncenter.org/article/what...
I wrote about the opposition offensive in Syria and Ankara's approach to the evolving situation, exploring its potential implications for Turkish domestic politics, with comments from @gonultol.bsky.social, @stevenhyde.bsky.social and @omerozkizilcik.bsky.social
www.wilsoncenter.org/article/what...
www.wilsoncenter.org/article/what...
What Syria’s Opposition Resurgence Means for Ankara
Ankara’s Syria strategy intertwines with HTS-led opposition offensives against Assad, aiming to weaken Kurdish groups, facilitate refugee returns, and solidify Turkey’s regional role. Balancing opposi...
www.wilsoncenter.org
December 7, 2024 at 12:51 AM
I wrote about the opposition offensive in Syria and Ankara's approach to the evolving situation, exploring its potential implications for Turkish domestic politics, with comments from @gonultol.bsky.social, @stevenhyde.bsky.social and @omerozkizilcik.bsky.social
www.wilsoncenter.org/article/what...
www.wilsoncenter.org/article/what...
A wave of “Schengen anxiety” is evident in the EU-Turkey relationship, with an increasing number of visa apps from Turkish citizens being denied. This calls for EU and Turkish authorities to provide clear explanations for the rejections and outline steps to address grievances.
December 5, 2024 at 5:08 AM
A wave of “Schengen anxiety” is evident in the EU-Turkey relationship, with an increasing number of visa apps from Turkish citizens being denied. This calls for EU and Turkish authorities to provide clear explanations for the rejections and outline steps to address grievances.
Reposted by Yusuf Can
Follow @wilsoncenter.org's Middle East Program on Bluesky!
December 4, 2024 at 5:19 PM
Follow @wilsoncenter.org's Middle East Program on Bluesky!
A Thread: Turkey’s Possible Moves in Syria with Trump’s Return
1/ With Trump returning, Turkey may be preparing to sit at the table with stronger leverage. One strategy could be creating a weakened Syrian regime that lacks the legitimacy or the power to grant Kurdish autonomy.
1/ With Trump returning, Turkey may be preparing to sit at the table with stronger leverage. One strategy could be creating a weakened Syrian regime that lacks the legitimacy or the power to grant Kurdish autonomy.
December 1, 2024 at 4:11 AM
A Thread: Turkey’s Possible Moves in Syria with Trump’s Return
1/ With Trump returning, Turkey may be preparing to sit at the table with stronger leverage. One strategy could be creating a weakened Syrian regime that lacks the legitimacy or the power to grant Kurdish autonomy.
1/ With Trump returning, Turkey may be preparing to sit at the table with stronger leverage. One strategy could be creating a weakened Syrian regime that lacks the legitimacy or the power to grant Kurdish autonomy.
Folks expect leftists to live as if they earn minimum wage, even when they make a decent or above-average income, because of one of the most absurd framings of moral consistency
November 26, 2024 at 3:41 AM
Folks expect leftists to live as if they earn minimum wage, even when they make a decent or above-average income, because of one of the most absurd framings of moral consistency
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Turkish police violently suppressed women in İstanbul protesting femicides and gender-based violence, turning a day of awareness into a display of state hostility. Nothing new yet still gruesome.
November 25, 2024 at 4:52 PM
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Turkish police violently suppressed women in İstanbul protesting femicides and gender-based violence, turning a day of awareness into a display of state hostility. Nothing new yet still gruesome.
Reposted by Yusuf Can
Governor of Istanbul has banned all events in Beyoğlu on 25 November marking the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women.
One might think they really don't like/appreciate women...
One might think they really don't like/appreciate women...
🟣 Beyoğlu'nda '25 Kasım' yasağı: Tüm etkinliklere yasak
www.dokuz8haber.net/beyoglunda-2...
www.dokuz8haber.net/beyoglunda-2...
Beyoğlu'nda '25 Kasım' yasağı: Tüm etkinliklere yasak
İstanbul Valiliği, 25 Kasım Kadına Yönelik Şiddete Karşı Mücadele Günü kapsamında düzenlenmek istenilen etkinlik ile ilgili, İstiklal Caddesi ve çevresinde toplanma çağrıları yapıldığının belirlendiği...
www.dokuz8haber.net
November 24, 2024 at 5:45 PM
Governor of Istanbul has banned all events in Beyoğlu on 25 November marking the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women.
One might think they really don't like/appreciate women...
One might think they really don't like/appreciate women...
Discover the story of @metcihan.bsky.social the journalist who uncovered Turkey’s ongoing trade with Israel—including Erdoğan’s son. This documentary reveals his reporting, which forced him into exile after exposing an AKP official’s involvement in the murder of a child.
November 24, 2024 at 5:23 PM
Discover the story of @metcihan.bsky.social the journalist who uncovered Turkey’s ongoing trade with Israel—including Erdoğan’s son. This documentary reveals his reporting, which forced him into exile after exposing an AKP official’s involvement in the murder of a child.
I think both hate speech and disinformation do exist on bluesky but the main difference is that they are not spread or exacerbated by the very owners of the platform in the name of so called free speech
I think it speaks volumes that right wingers criticize bluesky for being “liberal” and “left wing”, when it’s really just that hate speech isn’t allowed.
November 23, 2024 at 9:28 AM
I think both hate speech and disinformation do exist on bluesky but the main difference is that they are not spread or exacerbated by the very owners of the platform in the name of so called free speech
Erdogan has once again undermined democracy by illegally replacing the elected mayors of Tunceli and Ovacık—representing the DEM Party and CHP, respectively—with government-appointed trustees. So far, Erdogan has illegally taken over 6 mayorships since losing the local elections last March
November 22, 2024 at 8:41 PM
Erdogan has once again undermined democracy by illegally replacing the elected mayors of Tunceli and Ovacık—representing the DEM Party and CHP, respectively—with government-appointed trustees. So far, Erdogan has illegally taken over 6 mayorships since losing the local elections last March
I’ll be participating as a panelist at the Second ALECSO Forum for Twinning Arab Universities this Thursday (Nov 21). I’ll be talking about US, EU, and MENA collaboration on workforce education for green entrepreneurship. The forum is hosted by University of Sharjah and ALESCO.
November 20, 2024 at 6:19 AM
I’ll be participating as a panelist at the Second ALECSO Forum for Twinning Arab Universities this Thursday (Nov 21). I’ll be talking about US, EU, and MENA collaboration on workforce education for green entrepreneurship. The forum is hosted by University of Sharjah and ALESCO.
Reposted by Yusuf Can
If you're keen to learn content verification for fact-checking and open source investigations, this is a step-by-step guide on how to verify images and videos that I posted a while ago.
Once you familiarise yourself with reverse search, you'll become much better at spotting online misinformation.
Once you familiarise yourself with reverse search, you'll become much better at spotting online misinformation.
THREAD: How to verify online images
Social media is awash with false or misleading images, some of which get millions of engagements.
So here's a simple guide on ways you can quickly check the veracity of images you see on your social media feeds with major elections coming up this year.
Social media is awash with false or misleading images, some of which get millions of engagements.
So here's a simple guide on ways you can quickly check the veracity of images you see on your social media feeds with major elections coming up this year.
November 14, 2024 at 12:56 AM
If you're keen to learn content verification for fact-checking and open source investigations, this is a step-by-step guide on how to verify images and videos that I posted a while ago.
Once you familiarise yourself with reverse search, you'll become much better at spotting online misinformation.
Once you familiarise yourself with reverse search, you'll become much better at spotting online misinformation.
Reposted by Yusuf Can
For information and to apply, see www.wilsoncenter.org/opportunity/...
November 15, 2024 at 10:55 PM
For information and to apply, see www.wilsoncenter.org/opportunity/...
Please share with those who may be interested. Thank you!
Applications are now open for the Wilson Center’s Agents of Change Youth Fellowship!
👥 Applicants: Must be from the #MENA region
🗓️ Deadline: Dec 15, 2024
📍For more info and to apply: buff.ly/49FxH
👥 Applicants: Must be from the #MENA region
🗓️ Deadline: Dec 15, 2024
📍For more info and to apply: buff.ly/49FxH
November 15, 2024 at 10:46 PM
Please share with those who may be interested. Thank you!