Turkish property & economy news

A museum in Turkey’s south, famous for its huge collection of Roman mosaics, has become famous for another reason: the terrible restoration of some of its ancient works. Stones of different colours and shapes have replaced the original stones in some of the works, rendering the facial expressions on the artwork unrecognisable. The craftsman who took before and after pictures of the works said they have become “a caricature”. Work at the museum has been suspended.

A simple day out became a terrifying ordeal for a British father and son when a quad bike rolled off a cliff face, resulting in a 20-metre plunge for 52-year-old Gareth Soden, followed by a two-hour rescue that involved a dash to find help and two rescue teams and the fire brigade, who carried out an incredible cliff-face recovery and medical intervention.

Famously cantankerous Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek has come under fire for tweeting comments calling a US State Department official a "stupid blonde", accusing her of silence over the ongoing protests in Baltimore. The Mayor, who is quick to lash out at opponents on Twitter, and in some cases even opening lawsuits against them, has been accused of hypocrisy.

The Turkish President visited Kuwait this week to discuss the relationship between Turkey and Kuwait and sign an agreement bolstering ties between the two countries. While in the Gulf nation, Erdogan spoke to potential investors and outlined the benefits of investing in Turkey, a country already popular with Kuwaiti tourists. Kuwaitis are increasingly buying property in Turkey, especially in Istanbul, and Erdogan mentioned the government initiatives that are making it easier for citizens of the Gulf nation to do so.

Istanbul continues to shine in its position as Turkey’s prime property hotspot. Property prices rose by 20 percent over the same period last year, with real estate in prestigious and central Besiktas taking pole position and Saliyer close behind. Real estate in Istanbul’s cheapest neighbourhoods also rose in value. Antalya, on the Mediterranean coastline, was the second choice of buyers.

Manxman Mark Cavendish is the current leader in this year’s Tour of Turkey cycling race – but the arduous course might shake up the order a little as cyclists head for the mountains. Cavendish, whose fall in last year’s Tour de France dashed his hopes for the world’s most famous cycling race, is on top form in Turkey. The event is being broadcast live, and is shaping up to be a thrilling race.

With support from Turkey and the United States, and a potential new government for Northern Cyprus, this might just be the year the island reunifies. US Secretary of State John Kerry has expressed his support for talks this year, saying that a reunified Cyprus would be a huge boost for the region. Elections are currently being held in Northern Cyprus, and political commentators believe that a new moderate government will further help facilitate change by working closely with Greek Cypriots to find a mutual solution.

Turkey's national airline has announced an increase of passengers for the first quarter of the year. Passenger numbers have risen by 6.5 percent over the same period in 2014. Turkish Airlines has also added a new route to San Francisco, as well as more daily flights to Budapest.

News this week came out that celebrity Claire Sweeney is trying to sell her property in Turkey at half the price she paid for it eight years ago due to bad investment with what is commonly called the biggest scam in Turkey with Parador Properties. We take a look at why Claire and many others chose Parador and what exactly happened, and how that has changed the property market in Bodrum today. 

An initiative to increase Belek’s golf share is focussing on French golfers. Belek, in Antalya, is the country’s premier golfing destination, with 14 world-class courses. A development agency is to bring French golf tourist agents to the region to sample Belek’s best golfing facilities, with an aim to divert French golfers from popular Tunisian and Moroccan courses. In other news, in May, Belek will host 126 female golfers as part of the Ladies European Tour, a prestigious tournament that will be a huge boost for Belek and the wider Antalya region.

Antalya City will host 1300 G20 delegates in November as part of its G20 presidency, which was assumed in December. The summit will not only be a chance for Turkey to shine on the world’s stage, but will bring global attention to the country, in particular, the Antalya region. The G20 summit will aim to address issues such as global inequality, renewable energy costs and increasing prosperity and improving financial systems to guard against future financial storms.

If walls could talk, the beautiful Palazzo Corpi, home to the US Embassy for a century, would certainly have a few stories to tell. The beautiful mansion was once a meeting place for the movers and shakers of the world - as well as spies. Now, the mansion is moving into its next incarnation: the Istanbul home of the luxury club Soho House. Millions of dollars have been spent on restoring and improving the mansion, which opens its doors to members and non members alike this month.