Turkey is a country that often makes headlines in international news. With a large and relatively young population and the second-largest army in NATO, it possesses a rich history and culture dating back centuries. Coupled with its strategic geographical location, Turkey emerges as a “bridge” between East and West.
Turkey is involved in active regional conflicts across the broader Southeastern Mediterranean region, with engagements in Syria, Libya, and Nagorno-Karabakh, among others. The nation’s volatile economy, its relations with the European Union, the 2016 coup, the impact of the devastating 2023 earthquake and the elections of the same year, the persisting Kurdish issue, and the significant refugee populations within the country attract numerous journalists from international media to visit and work there. However, the environment for journalists is not always welcoming. In 2022, Turkey ranked among the top 5 countries globally for the highest number of journalists arrested, according to CPJ. An estimated 40 journalists were detained in the country during that year.
What should international media journalists know before working in Turkey? What applications do they need to fill out? How should they handle the first steps upon arrival? How can they locate reliable sources and local journalists? Sebnem Arsu and Zeynep Sentek offer practical advice on reporting in Turkey.
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