Turkish top court bans pro-Kurdish party

Turkey’s Constitutional Court has voted to ban the country’s largest pro-Kurdish party because of alleged links with Kurdish separatist rebels.

Turkey’s chief prosecutor Abdurrahman Yalcinkaya argued that the Democratic Society Party (DTP) took orders from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The DTP is the latest in a series of pro-Kurdish parties to have been closed down in Turkey.

The EU, which Turkey hopes to join, expressed concern over Friday’s ruling.

“While strongly denouncing violence and terrorism, the presidency recalls that the dissolution of political parties is an exceptional measure that should be used with utmost restraint,” the EU’s Swedish presidency said in a statement reported by Reuters.

The 11 judges in Turkey’s Constitutional Court ruled that the DTP had become a “focal point of activities against the indivisible unity of the state, the country and the nation”, court president Hasim Kilic told reporters.

He said DTP leaders Ahmet Turk and Aysel Tugluk had been stripped of parliamentary immunity and banned from politics for five years along with 35 other party members.

The treasury would seize all party assets, Mr Kilic added.

The DTP holds 21 seats in Turkey’s 550-member parliament.

Some 40,000 people have died since the outlawed PKK launched an armed campaign in the mainly Kurdish southeast in 1984.

The BBC’s Jonathan Head, in Istanbul, says the DTP’s ban is another blow to the government’s hopes of ending the conflict.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has tried to push through a package of reforms aimed at winning over the alienated Kurdish community and persuading militants to lay down their weapons.

Reacting to the ban, DTP chairman Mr Turk said it would not help to end the 25-year conflict.

“Turkey cannot resolve this problem by closing down parties,” he said.

The court case has already caused unrest in Kurdish areas.

In the city of Hakkari - near the Iran and Iraq borders - Turkish police used water canon to break up a protest by Kurdish rebel supporters on Friday, Anatolia news agency reported.

Kurds make up about 20% of Turkey’s population of more than 70 million.

Turkey, the EU and the US list the PKK as a terrorist organisation.

For more information visit: www.bbc.co.uk / www.reuters.com

Turkey Is The Place To Be For The New Year

Keen overseas investors and holiday-home buyers for early 2011 have been recommended to consider Turkey as an ideal location. The number of holidaymakers in Turkey is on the increase, particularly from the UK, due to the pound’s strength against the Turkish lira compared to the euro.

The three locations that were specifically mentioned were Bodrum, Dalaman and Altinkum, although Bodrum is widely known as the preferred destination of the three. With its stunning marina, sandy beaches and lively old-town, the Bodrum peninsula is especially popular due to the building restrictions that protect it from overdevelopment and its excellent investment potential, compared to other areas of Turkey.

However, with or without the beauty, glamour and character of Bodrum, all three destinations have inexpensive property with plenty of rental demand. Some developments, including renowned property developers Cumberland Properties, that operate on the Bodrum Peninsula, can also arrange and facilitate rentals.

Venturing further from Europe, Hurghada in Egypt and Tenerife in the Canary Islands were also noted as good investment prospects for 2010.

Earlier this month, international mortgage firm Conti identified Turkey as a fast-growing market, noting that 13 per cent of its mortgage enquiries so far this year concerned the country, making it the third most popular buyer destination. This figure was an increase in the 11 per cent total for 2008, Conti revealed.

Turkey’s Ultimate Celebrity Destination

Home to The Mausoleum, one of seven wonders of the ancient world, Bodrum has long been recognised as a celebrity hotspot. Nowadays, jet-setting actresses including: - Nicole Kidman, Uma Thurman and Liz Hurley have holidayed in Bodrum, but more than two thousand years ago, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony used to stay in Bodrum when travelling to Rome.

The elegant celebrity tradition thrives in Bodrum; both Shakira and Beyonce Knowles have announced plans to buy property in Bodrum. The price of property for sale in Bodrum has increased significantly with this celebrity attention. This year has seen increases of around 30%.

With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, Bodrum is renowned for its exquisite range of wildlife and natural setting of pine trees and olive groves. However, it also offers an extensive range of leisure activities including water sports, golf and yachting. Hollywood actor Tom Hanks who sojourned in Bodrum for a few days whilst cruising the Turkish coastline on board a magnificent yacht has enjoyed the latter of these pastimes.

Gloriously tranquil fishing villages frame the peninsula, offering the serenity of an unspoiled coastline and an authentic taste of Turkey’s rich cultural history.

In contrast fashionable celebrities have long appreciated the distinguished nightlife presented in Bodrum centre. Whilst living in Bodrum, singer Norah Jones worked at the animated nightclub Hadigari and Dustin Hoffman held an exclusive party at Europe’s largest open-air disco, Halikarnas. The unique nightclub was also home to the very first international beauty pageant, Miss Globe, in 1988.

Many of the celebrity figures that have delighted in visiting have stayed at extravagant hotels or turkey holiday property. Alternatively, they have used property rentals in Bodrum or invested in luxury villas within the region. Hannah Gelbart of Cumberland Properties recommends selecting an established and guaranteed property management company or developer who offers only top-quality, high-end construction with no expenses spared and backed with an exemplary service.

So if you can picture yourself lounging by a spectacular infinity pool, shopping in an authentic Turkish market or a luxury boutique, sipping cocktails under the stars at a magnificent bar on the historic streets of Bodrum, you can see why Bodrum has been tipped as both a top tourist destination and exceptional area for property investment in Turkey for 2010.

About Woodland Regency

When buying property in Turkey only one place has real star attraction, Bodrum, and Cumberland Properties have the homes for sale in Bodrum for you.

Bodrum, the jewel of the Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise coast, is an excellent investment opportunity for Turkish property and where your dream lifestyle can come true.

The alluring feature of buying property in Bodrum is its “St Tropez of Turkey” atmosphere, which allows you to have a relaxing day followed by an exhilarating night. During the day unwind in the sun, take a stroll around the shops or visit some of the ancient sites and as the sun goes down entertain yourself at one of the many bars and clubs.

Cumberland Properties Woodland Regency site, an exhibition of modern property in Turkey, sits within 5.4 acres of peaceful woodland consisting of 62 exquisitely finished units. With a choice between 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom semi-detached villas it is the ideal development of Turkish property in Bodrum.

All the homes at Woodland Regency have been designed to offer a contemporary yet idyllic lifestyle, ensuring you peace and privacy. 24-hour security, free wireless internet and two large swimming pools give you the freedom to enjoy the many features available at Woodland Regency and your property in Bodrum. An exclusive Club House on the south side of the development, surrounded by a forest of olive and pine trees makes it the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.

Woodland Regency is an attractive development of Turkish property designed for the investor, holiday home owner and also ideally suited for all year round living. Located in Konacık, only 5 minutes from Bodrum Town Centre and the nearby sandy beaches of Bitez and Gumbet, it is in high demand by both locals and investors as its position on the arterial road gives it superb connections to the peninsula’s other villages and surrounding facilities. With unobstructed mountain views and only a short walking distance to markets, restaurants and public transportation it is an outstanding example of property in Turkey.

All of our properties in Turkey are built to the highest standards and we only use quality materials and fittings to guarantee you piece of mind. This is what makes Cumberland’s Properties homes for sale in Bodrum the very best around.

About property in Turkey

Turkey is friendly, beautiful and culturally rich country that offers great value for money, especially property in Turkey. It’s modern enough to be comfortable yet traditional enough to be interesting. In recent years Turkey has become one of the favourite tourist destinations in the world with its immense unspoiled coastline and Mediterranean climate that offers all-year round sunshine makes Turkey a location that is much in demand.

Property in Turkey is seen as a good future investment considering the fact that Turkey is on the verge of becoming a member of the EU and is one of the fastest growing emerging markets in the world.

Turkeys profile has been greatly improved due to a large increase in media exposure, property in Turkey is in great demand and Turkey’s current status as a candidate for membership of the EU with likely inclusion as a full member in the near future has added to the overwhelming interest in properties in Turkey.

Turkey is a growing country where house prices are still comparatively inexpensive and can only go up, combine this with the reduced cost of living, lower taxes and better weather and you end up with an attractive package.

Investors preferring to take advantage of the tourism market in Turkey should consider Bodrum. Bodrum is the jewel of the Turkish Riviera and people are drawn by the allure of is its “St Tropez of Turkey” atmosphere, from pretty fishing villages and idyllic secluded bays there is literally something for everyone. Bodrum’s modern infrastructure provides you with all the necessities of modern life wrapped up in a lifestyle that you can enjoy. A steady stream of both Turkish and foreign visitors every year, coupled with tight building restrictions, ensures that demand for property will always outstrip supply and, whilst property prices in Bodrum may be higher than in other areas of Turkey, this is because Bodrum is the Turkish resort to be seen in.

Taking into consideration the country’s many attributes, Turkey can hardly be rivalled in any other investment location with similar assets. Property in Turkey is also highly attractive to international property investors who can see good potential for solid return on investment.

In a location such as Turkey, with stunning natural assets, and imminent membership of the EU, the country has generated much interest. EU membership traditionally generates large increases in property values and investors are keen to buy property in Turkey in prime locations whilst prices are still low.