Turkey

The illness spreads via close physical contact

Brits heading to Turkey are being urged to “take extra precautions” following reported cases of a highly contagious disease case. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has verified an mpox case in Turkey, amid an outbreak affecting various locations around the world.

Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a transmissible illness that spreads via close physical contact with blisters or scabs from someone who’s infected. Travel Health Pro said: “On 23 August 2025, the World Health Organization reported a case of clade Ib mpox in Turkey, detected on 7 August 2025.

“The case is reported to have had a travel history to the United Arab Emirates.” The Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa has been the worst hit, recording 27,449 confirmed cases of both clade Ia and Ib combined, reports the Express.

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Nine cases were spotted in the UK earlier this year – with many discovered in individuals returning from Uganda. Mpox signs usually emerge between five and 21 days following infection.

Early symptoms can be brutal, featuring high fever, agonising headaches, muscle and back aches, enlarged glands, chills, overwhelming tiredness, and joint discomfort. A rash might appear anywhere on the body one to five days following these early warning signs.

The WHO warns that young children, expectant mothers, and individuals with compromised immune systems, especially those with poorly controlled HIV, face heightened risk of serious mpox complications, which can prove deadly. However, the majority of people bounce back within a month.

The NHS has offered guidance on how to protect oneself from this “rare” disease, and this includes washing your hands regularly with soap and water or frequently using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser and avoiding contact with potential carriers.

You should also look out for any possible symptoms of mpox for three weeks after returning from central or east Africa, talk to sexual partners about their sexual health and any symptoms they may have, and being aware of the symptoms of mpox if you’re sexually active, especially if you have new sexual partners.

If you have any mpox symptoms, you should taking a break from sex and intimate contact until you’re seen by a doctor and are told you cannot pass it on. If you notice any symptoms of mpox, you should ring 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with others until you’ve been given further instructions.

In March, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced that clade Ia and Ib mpox will no longer be categorised as a “high consequence infectious disease” (HCID), following a review of the available evidence by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens.

Turkiye’s top diplomat said his country has ‘completely’ cut off trade with Israel over its ongoing genocide.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said his country has completely severed economic and trade ties with Israel and has closed its airspace to its aircraft, in protest over the war in Gaza.

Speaking at an extraordinary session of the Turkish parliament on Gaza on Friday, Fidan said Israel has been “committing genocide in Gaza for the past two years, ignoring basic humanitarian values right before the world’s eyes”.

Turkiye cut off direct trade ties with Israel in May last year, demanding a permanent ceasefire and the immediate entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. In 2023, the two countries carried out $7bn in trade.

Ankara has not minced its words about Israel’s war on Gaza, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calling it a genocide – like many other world leaders and leading human rights organistions – and likening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler.

“We have completely cut off our trade with Israel. We do not allow Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports. We do not allow their planes to enter our airspace,” Fidan said.

The Turkish foreign minister’s condemnation comes amid years of increasingly tense relations between the two countries, said Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar.

“It’s not only about the humanitarian crisis that’s unfolding in Gaza; Turkiye gradually is perceiving Israel as a national security threat,” Serdar explained, noting that Israel’s expansionism and attacks across the wider Middle East have been cause for concern.

In Syria particularly, Ankara has accused Israel of wilfully undermining the country’s recovery efforts after the devastation of a 14-year civil war and the removal of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad last December by a lightning rebel offensive.

“Diplomats in Ankara are seeing that if Israel is not stopped, eventually there might be a direct military confrontation between these two countries,” he said.

Serdar added that the Turkish foreign minister’s comments also show that Turkiye is looking to the Global South and other powers to take action, amid the United States’ and European Union’s largely unwavering support for Israel.

Turkish media reported last week that a ban on maritime traffic linked to Israel had been imposed, although there was no official statement. According to reports, Israeli vessels were banned from docking in Turkiye, and Turkish-flagged ships were not allowed to enter Israeli ports.

‘Like pariahs’

Meanwhile, Turkiye’s latest move is making “more and more Israelis feel the disadvantages of this kind of war that has no deadline”, said Akiva Eldar, an Israeli political analyst.

“Turkiye is not just another country that is deciding to cut its relationship with Israel. Turkiye has been an ally of Israel for many years, a very important market to Israeli goods,” Eldar told Al Jazeera, speaking from Kiryat Shmona, adding that it was also a favourite summer destination for many Israelis.

“We feel more and more … Israelis are feeling isolated and [like] pariahs. More and more countries and companies have decided to stop their business with Israel.”

Last November, Turkish authorities denied permission for Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s plane to enter Turkiye’s airspace for a trip to an international summit in Azerbaijan.

“As Turkiye, we have to take a stance on certain issues,” Erdogan later said when asked about the incident.

Israel and Turkiye’s relationship had soured as far back as 2010, following Israel’s deadly attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, which killed 10 Turkish citizens.

More recently, a Turkish-American activist, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, was killed by Israeli forces during a protest in the occupied West Bank in September 2024.

Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits, but many people make a mistake when it comes to exchanging their money that can make their trip more expensive

Turkey is fast becoming a favourite holiday spot for Brits, with its sun-soaked resort towns and bustling cities like Istanbul drawing in millions of us each year. In fact, a whopping 4.4 million UK tourists jetted off to Turkey in 2024 alone, making it the eighth most popular destination for British holidaymakers. While it’s still playing catch-up with hotspots like Spain, France, and Greece, the number of visitors is on the rise each year, and it could soon break into the top five.

But there’s one common blunder many Brits make when heading to Turkey that can make their holiday pricier than they bargained for. With just one simple change, you could save a pretty penny on your trip.

A Turkey travel guru named Katherine has shared some insider tips for those planning a trip to Istanbul in a TikTok video, but her top piece of advice applies no matter where in the country you’re headed.

She warns against exchanging your local currency for Turkish Lira before you set off, as you could end up getting a poor exchange rate and spending more dosh than you planned.

Instead, she suggests swapping your cash for Euros or Dollars first, then taking that to Turkey and changing it into Turkish Lira once you’re there.

She explained: “Never change Lira in your home country or the airport in Turkey. Instead, bring Euros or Dollars and exchange small amounts [while you’re here], because Turkish Lira is pretty unstable.

“The best exchange spots [in Istanbul] are the Grand Bazaar or Istiklal Street. I always go to the one right across from the Swarovski store at Istiklal.”

Whilst that money-saving tip works throughout the nation, Katherine’s additional guidance focuses specifically on getting around Istanbul.

She advised that you should never pay for public transport using your credit card or contactless payment, as you’ll face a staggering 40% surcharge. Instead, you should purchase a travel card known as an Istanbulkart, which is available at any metro station.

Lastly, Katherine cautioned against hopping into “random airport taxis,” as you could end up paying five to ten times more than the journey should actually cost.

Taxi applications such as Uber, Bitaski, and InDrive offer far superior alternatives for travelling around the city, as you can opt to pay through the app.

Turkey travel guidance

When travelling to Turkey with a full British citizen passport, the passport must expire at least 150 days after the date you arrive and have at least one blank page inside.

You can visit Turkey for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, whether you’re visiting for business or tourism. Longer stays require a short-term residence permit. If you’re considering taking money to Turkey for exchange, it’s crucial to understand the currency rules.

While there’s no cap on the amount of foreign currency or Turkish Lira you can bring into Turkey, you’re restricted from taking Turkish Lira equivalent to more than $5,000 USD out of the country.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United manager only joined the Turkish football giants in June 2024.

Fenerbahce have sacked Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, two days after elimination from the Champions League playoffs by Benfica, the Turkish club said in a statement.

“We have parted ways with Jose Mourinho, who served as head coach of our professional A team since the 2024-2025 season. We thank him for his efforts for our team and wish him success in his future career,” Friday’s statement said.

The former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Roma coach, who arrived at the Istanbul club in June 2024, led Istanbul’s Yellow Canaries to second place in the league last season behind Galatasaray, failing to end their title drought.

The 62-year-old has had several setbacks during his time in Istanbul. In April, he grabbed the face of Okan Buruk, the coach at fierce local rivals Galatasaray, after a 2-1 defeat in the Turkish Cup quarterfinals, tweaking his nose.

He was fined for comments made after another explosive derby match against Galatasaray in which he also repeated criticism of Turkish referees, accusing the fourth referee of bias. His remarks were judged as “contrary to sporting ethics”.

Aug. 27 (UPI) — NATO member Turkey has deployed its newly developed “Steel Dome” air defense system on Wednesday amid heightened regional conflicts involving aerial warfare.

Turkish defense contractor Aselsan began developing the system a year ago in August to support the nation’s effort to deploy a multi-layered air defense system that is similar to Israel’s Iron Dome, i24 News reported.

“Today, we are providing our army with the Steel Dome system, consisting of 47 vehicles worth $460 million,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

The Steel Dome “will inspire confidence in friends and fear in enemies,” Erdogan added.

The mobile air defense system is designed to detect and destroy incoming aerial threats and highlight Turkey’s ability to design and produce advanced defensive systems.

The Steel Dome combines sea- and land-based defense platforms and radar systems within a single network to detect and intercept aerial weapons systems.

“Unless a country can develop its own radar and air defense system, it cannot look to its future with confidence,” Erdogan said.

The Turkish president also announced the nation is investing $1.5 billion to build a defensive technology base that is Turkey’s single largest investment in its national defense capabilities.

He said its first phase should be active by mid-2026, and the project will make Turkey a “global player in defense systems.”

The U.S. Senate last month confirmed Space Force Gen. Mike Guetlein at the United States’ overseer of its planned $175 billion Golden Dome air defense system.

The system would be designed to detect and intercept long-range missiles and might be deployed before President Donald Trump completes his second term in the White House.

In the last decade, Southeast Asia has experienced an acceleration in the modernization of defense equipment, especially Indonesia, which is now the first operator of modern ballistic missile systems in Southeast Asia thanks to the acquisition of KHAN missiles produced by Roketsan from Turkiye in 2022. The move taken by Indonesia has the potential to change the balance of power and encourage the defense posture of neighboring countries, especially Malaysia and Singapore, which are within firing range of KHAN missiles.

A brief profile about the KHAN missile, the KHAN missile owned by Indonesia is an export variation that has the farthest range of 280 KM. The system package typically includes mobile launchers (MLRS/8×8), command vehicles, and ammunition carrier vehicles, making them suitable for shoot-and-scoot operations as well as high survivability against counter-battery and ISR counter-attacks.

Looking at these specifications, of course, the KHAN missile is suitable for the geography of Indonesia which has a stretching archipelago. Such missiles are capable of striking high-value targets (C2s, ammunition depots, radars, tactical runways) at theater operational distances without relying on interdiction-prone air platforms. In addition, this missile comes from the Türkiye defense industry which is indeed aggressive in exporting and conducting technological cooperation. With these dynamics, it finally provides an opportunity amid global supply uncertainty for Indonesia to modernize its armed forces and this is not the first cooperation between Indonesia and Turkiye.

In the end, KHAN put Indonesia on a precision ground attack capability, even though it was only 280 KM away, but this was enough to reach key facilities in the border area, tactical bases, or aggressor supply lines. So that the surrounding countries will begin to see the need to strengthen layered air/anti-missile defenses. 

KHAN, who was stationed in Kalimantan, was close to the Ibu Kota Nusantara and his firing range reached the East Malaysian region. Although not the main target, the existence of ballistic missiles adds pressure for Malaysia to increase its air defense. But Malaysia is also aware that Khan is aimed at external deterrence (such as China and other regional extremist threats) so that intra-ASEAN will not be a target for Indonesia. 

For Singapore, which already has advanced air defenses (Aster 30, SPYDER, Green Pine radar). With KHAN presence, it will strengthen the argument that investment in the air defense layer should continue to be expanded. With KHAN in Indonesia’s hands, Singapore can further emphasize air dominance in order to remain able to conduct a first strike in the event of a conflict (although it is unlikely to be an intra-ASEAN scenario).

Therefore, the conclusion for the response of the two countries is:

1. Malaysia will tend to be vigilant but its response is limited and more focused on improving air defense and regional coordination.

2. Singapore will be more proactive, where Singapore will strengthen missile defense and defense diplomacy so that Khan’s presence does not create regional instability.

KHAN presence does not necessarily make ASEAN enter a full-fledged ballistic missile race. But Indonesia opens up the possibility that tactical ballistic missiles will be accepted as a natural part of the defense toolkit in the region. Especially for limited deterrence, and destruction of high-value targets.

And for Türkiye, this is a promising prospect where Türkiye is a new market in the Global South to balance its dependence on NATO. Indonesia as a key partner of ASEAN is a natural target. And KHAN cooperation can be an “entry point” towards a more concrete Strategic Partnership, covering trade, energy, and multilateral diplomacy. Indonesia can also position Turkey as an alternative counterweight to the dominance of traditional suppliers (the US, Russia, and France). So that Turkiye benefits from its image as a global defense exporter, especially since KHAN in Indonesia is the debut of Turkiye ballistic missiles in Southeast Asia.

Families are being warned of several dangers

The Foreign Office has issued new advice for people travelling to Turkey. New guidance was published regarding swimming and beaches on August 22. The advice is crucial to note if you are heading to the coast as there have been fatal incidents.

The advice says: “Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Turkey. Always supervise children, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present.”

Families are warned of several dangers when going for a swim in the ocean in Turkey. The guidance says: “Take care when swimming in the sea. Some beaches may have strong undercurrents.

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“Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water. Follow local advice if jellyfish or urchins are present.”

Holidaymakers are also advised that many beaches have a flag system that you may want to look out for. The Foreign Office advises: “Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water). Follow instructions from lifeguards.

“Take extra care and seek local advice if there are no lifeguards, flags, or signs.” Another rule you may want to note if you are in Turkey is that it’s illegal not to carry some form of photo ID.

The Government guidance says: “Always carry your passport or residence permit. In some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the authorities may stop people for ID checks.

“There are also several police checkpoints on main roads across Turkey. Cooperate with officials conducting checks.”

What travel restrictions apply in Turkey?

The Foreign Office advises against any travel to within 10km of the border with Syria. This is due conflict in the area and “a heightened risk of terrorism”.

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The guidance explains that most terrorist attacks to date have happened in southeast Turkey, and in Ankara and Istanbul. Visitors are advised: “You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.”

The advice page includes further information about the risks and restrictions that apply in certain regions of Turkey.

TWO Brits have died after a family flipped their car in a horror highway crash in Turkey.

The family were visiting their hometown of Aksaray in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey when the tragedy unfolded.

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Two members of the family died in the horror smash and three others were rushed to hospital.

The car was travelling on the Aksaray-Ankara highway when the driver lost control of the vehicle.

The motor smashed into the central median before rolling over.

Four members of the same family, the driver, his wife and their two children were rushed to hospital.

An elderly man, also in the car at the time of the horror smash, lost his life.

The drivers wife tragically passed away in hospital some time later despite the best efforts of doctors.

Police, gendarmerie and medical crews raced to the scene after receiving reports of the smash.

The four injured individuals were raced to Aksaray Training and Research Hospital in ambulances.

Doctors battled to save the lives of the young children and their parents.

Turkish authorities said an investigation into the accident is ongoing.

The family were reportedly from England and were in Turkey to visit family.

Turkish authorities said the driver lost control of the vehicle before the tragedy.

Local media claimed the family were on their way to visit the drivers father in law.

The Sun has contacted the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office for comment.

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Spain has deployed a further 500 soldiers from the military emergency unit to support firefighting operations as it battles 20 major wildfires across the country during a heatwave that began last week.

“There are still some challenging days ahead, and unfortunately, the weather is not on our side,” Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said at a news conference on Sunday in Ourense, one of the most affected areas, in northwestern Spain.

He announced an increase in military reinforcements, bringing the total number of soldiers deployed across Spain to 1,900.

Firefighters are tackling 12 major wildfires in the northwestern region of Galicia alone, all of them near the city of Ourense, the head of the Galician regional government Alfonso Rueda also said during the news conference.

“Homes are still under threat, so we have lockdowns in place and are carrying out evacuations,” Rueda said.

The announcements came as authorities awaited the arrival of promised aircraft reinforcements from other European countries.

National rail operator Renfe said it suspended Madrid-Galicia high-speed train services scheduled for Sunday due to the fires.

Galician authorities advised people to wear face masks and limit their time spent outdoors to avoid inhaling smoke and ash.

Southern Europe is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons in two decades with Spain among the hardest-hit countries.

In the past week alone, fires there have killed three people and burned more than 1,150sq km (445sq miles) while neighbouring Portugal also battles widespread blazes.

Temperatures are expected to reach up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas on Sunday, Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, said.

Virginia Barcones, director general of emergency services, told Spanish public TV that temperatures were expected to drop from Tuesday, but for now, the weather conditions were “very adverse”.

EU help on its way

“The fireplanes come in from all sides, but they don’t come here,” Basilio Rodriguez, a resident, told the Reuters news agency on Saturday.

Spain was expecting the arrival of two Dutch water-dumping planes that were to join aircraft from France and Italy already helping Spanish authorities under a European cooperation agreement.

Firefighters from other countries are also expected to arrive in the region in the coming days, Barcones told public broadcaster RTVE.

Ministry of Interior data show 27 people have been arrested and 92 were under investigation for suspected arson since June.

In neighbouring Portugal, wildfires have burned about 1,550sq km (600sq miles) of vegetation so far this year, according to provisional data from the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests – three times the average for this period from 2006 to 2024. About half of that area burned just in the past three days.

Thousands of firefighters were battling eight large blazes in central and northern Portugal, the largest of them near Piodao, a scenic, mountainous area popular with tourists.

Another blaze in Trancoso, farther north, has now been raging for eight days. A smaller fire just east of there killed a local resident on Friday – the first death this season.

Portugal is set for cooler weather in the coming days. A national state of alert due to wildfires was imposed on August 2 and was due to end on Sunday, a day before two Swedish firefighting planes were to arrive.

As in Spain, Portugal’s resources have been stretched. On Sunday, more than 4,000 firefighters and 1,300 vehicles were deployed as well as 17 aircraft, the Civil Protection Agency said.

Wildfires also burning in Turkiye

Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Albania have also requested help from the European Union’s firefighting force in recent days to deal with forest fires. The force has already been activated as many times this year as during all of last year’s summer fire season.

In Turkiye, where recent wildfires have killed 19 people, parts of the historic region that includes memorials to World War I’s Gallipoli campaign were evacuated on Sunday as blazes threatened homes in the country’s northwest.

Six villages were evacuated as a precautionary measure, the governor of Canakkale province, Omer Toraman, said.

About 1,300 firefighting personnel backed by 30 aircraft were battling the blazes, according to the General Directorate of Forestry.

Turkiye has been struck by hundreds of fires since late June, fuelled by record-breaking temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds.

Europe has been warming twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Scientists said climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness in parts of Europe, making the region more vulnerable to wildfires.

The humanitarian tragedy unfolding in the Gaza Strip must not be perceived merely as a conflict confined to a narrow strip of land; rather, it should be regarded as a deepening humanitarian catastrophe that wounds the collective conscience of humanity with each passing day. Israel’s months-long bombardments have targeted women, children, and the elderly, rendering cities uninhabitable. Homes, hospitals, schools, and places of worship have been reduced to rubble; essential services such as food, water, healthcare, and electricity have collapsed. Hunger, thirst, and the threat of epidemic disease are propelling Gaza towards a total humanitarian collapse. To date, more than 61,000 Palestinians — the majority of them women and children — have been killed in Israeli attacks. This picture is not only the mark of war, but also a stark testament to a systematic policy of annihilation.

In the face of such a dire picture, the world’s silence or its feeble responses only deepen the suffering and pave the way for the continuation of oppression. The West’s double standards — rushing to act in other crises while adopting an ambivalent approach to Gaza — undermine the credibility of an international order purportedly founded upon principles and rules. It is a fact that had the swift and comprehensive sensitivity shown towards the crisis in Ukraine also been displayed in the face of the atrocities in Gaza, the landscape we confront today would be entirely different. Israel’s ability to act without the slightest sanction has accelerated the erosion of international law and human rights norms. The crisis in Gaza stands before us as a litmus test of whether the international community is willing and able to uphold the most fundamental human values.

From the outset, Turkiye has demonstrated a resolute, consistent, and principled stance to end the atrocities and the worsening humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Our Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent, and our civil society organisations are working actively on the ground, and despite all obstacles, food, medicines, and medical supplies are being delivered to the region with the support of brotherly nations in the vicinity. Wounded Gazans are being evacuated and treated in Turkiye. These relief efforts not only address urgent needs, but also proclaim to the world that the people of Gaza are not alone. On the diplomatic front, our calls for a ceasefire continue within the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and our mediation efforts between Palestinian groups are ongoing.

At the NATO Summit held in The Hague on June 25, I underlined that the fragile ceasefire must be transformed into a lasting peace, warning that “Gaza has no time to lose.” I have openly defined Israel’s attacks and policy of collective punishment — in flagrant disregard for international law — as genocide. We are working closely, particularly with Qatar, on humanitarian access, ceasefire negotiations, and reconstruction. We value Qatar’s leading role in facilitating humanitarian aid and in advancing diplomatic initiatives aimed at bringing the massacre to an end.

The violence in Gaza threatens not only the Palestinian people but also the stability of the entire region. Tensions between Israel and Iran heighten the risk of a broader conflict, with the potential to disrupt the security balance from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Gulf. The deepening of the crisis poses serious threats in the form of new waves of displacement, increased radicalisation, and risks to energy security. The Gaza question is, therefore, not solely a humanitarian crisis, but also a matter of strategic importance for global security and peace.

The path to a solution is, in essence, clear. An immediate ceasefire must be declared, and all attacks must be halted unconditionally. Humanitarian corridors must be opened to ensure the unimpeded delivery of food, water, and medical aid, and international mechanisms must be established to protect civilians. Turkiye stands ready to serve as an actor in shaping this process. War crimes and human rights violations must be investigated before the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice; perpetrators must be held to account before the law. Sustainable resources must be secured for aid organisations — particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) — which are being strangled by Israeli pressure.

The reconstruction of Gaza must not be confined to rebuilding destroyed structures; it must evolve into a comprehensive process that safeguards the rights to education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic development, and political representation. This process should be conducted with the direct participation of the local population and under the oversight of the United Nations and regional organisations. The foundation of lasting peace lies in the recognition of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine with its territorial integrity safeguarded. A two-state solution is the sole key to peace and stability in the region.

The events in Gaza once again demonstrate that war also targets those who pursue truth. In recent months, numerous journalists have been murdered simply for doing their duty, striving to bring the reality of conflict zones to the world. The losses suffered by Al Jazeera, in particular, rank among the most brutal assaults on press freedom and the right to information. The death of courageous individuals who strive to bring the truth to the world and to lift the veil of lies and propaganda that shrouds war is a profound loss for us all. Their memory will remain a symbol of the pursuit of justice. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased, to their colleagues, and to the entire media community.

The cause of Palestine and Gaza transcends borders; it is a common test for humanity. We must never forget the heavy price borne by human dignity when the world turned a blind eye to the tragedies of Bosnia and Rwanda. For this reason, Turkiye’s unwavering stance on Gaza is both a moral obligation and a strategic necessity. Together with all actors who believe in humanitarian diplomacy, foremost among them Qatar, we will continue our efforts towards a lasting, just, and honourable peace. We hold the view that achieving peace is not beyond reach, but rather an essential goal that has been awaited for far too long. We are committed to making every effort to achieve peace and will persist in our endeavours.

History is bearing witness to those who took action and to those who turned away from the cruelty in Gaza. Gaza has no time to lose; the international community must heed the voice of the global conscience and act. The future of humanity will be shaped by the courage of the steps we take today.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, his late father and predecessor Heydar Aliyev and some of their closest political allies hail from Nakhchivan.

The name of this tiny, mountainous and underdeveloped Azeri area sandwiched between Armenia, Iran and Turkiye sounds unfamiliar to those outside the strategic South Caucasus region.

But Nakhchivan’s name and geopolitical significance resurfaced after United States President Donald Trump hosted a White House summit between Azeri and Armenian leaders on Friday.

Azerbaijan’s Aliyev and the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a preliminary peace deal to end the decades-long conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

In the early 1990s, ethnic Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region broke away from oil-rich Azerbaijan after a war that killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Moscow brokered a truce in 1994, maintaining two military bases in resource-poor Armenia, supplying it with cheap energy while selling arms to Azerbaijan.

Even though the conflict did not involve Nakhchivan, it cut off the Zangezur Corridor, a 40km (25-mile) logistical umbilical cord to Azeri mainland that consists of a derelict road and parallel rusty rail tracks.

Air travel and hours-long, bumpy transit through Iran remained the only way to reach the exclave, whose authorities ruled it like a personal fiefdom, with laws and ways of life often contradicting those of the mainland.

After winning the 2020 war over Nagorno-Karabakh and restoring control over it three years later, Baku has been eager to revive the corridor, demanding its exterritoriality and even pondering the use of military force.

‘A new reality in the region’

The reasons go far beyond restoring access to Aliyev’s ancestral land. The corridor could become a mammoth transport hub between Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Central Asia.

It may increase the flow of Central Asian hydrocarbons to Turkiye and further to Europe, boost the regional economy – and upend Russia’s two centuries of domination in the region that also includes Georgia.

Armenia was reluctant to allow Azeri access to the corridor, fearing that the emboldened Turkish-Azeri tandem may jeopardise its security.

But Trump cut through the Gordian knot on Friday, and his role “essentially, cements a new reality in the region”, according to Emil Mustafayev, the Baku-based chief editor of the Minval Politika online magazine.

“This is a serious shift in the security architecture and transport logistics of the South Caucasus,” he told Al Jazeera.

While in the White House, Aliyev and Pashinyan lavished Trump with praise and nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize.

“What cracked me up is that [they] didn’t lose their way about how one has to communicate in Washington,” Andrey Kazantsev, an expert on the region, told Al Jazeera.

They also flattered Trump by naming the corridor the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) and leasing it to Washington for up to 99 years with exclusive development rights.

What looks like one of Trump’s favourite real estate deals actually heralds a tectonic shift.

“Trump’s administration has indeed been quick to find its way towards the long-due geopolitical pivot,” Kazantsev said.

China, which has been promoting its Belt and Road Initiative in Asia and Eastern Europe, may remain “neutral” to it, and Russia, which has two military bases in Armenia, may “ignore it, at least, publicly”, he said. “But for Iran, it’s a real blow.”

‘A boost of Washington’s clout’

To guard the TRIPP, Washington may use a private military company – and eventually build a military base that nominally safeguards Armenia but actually keeps an eye on Iran, said Ukrainian political analyst Aleksey Kushch.

“It means more potential pressure on Iran and a boost of Washington’s clout in the resource-rich Caspian region where US oil companies made sizeable investments” in the 1990s, he said.

And Moscow is also about to lose a lot.

“No matter how paradoxical it sounds, it’s Moscow that has been and still is a decisive factor in the peace settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and in solving the latter’s problem of accessing Nakhchivan,” said Alisher Ilkhamov, head of Central Asia Due Diligence, a think tank in London.

“One of the main motives for rapprochement of both sides is their push to get rid of Moscow’s influence, of the peacekeeper’s role it has imposed on them,” he told Al Jazeera.

The new deal “only highlights how fictitious Moscow’s role as peacekeeper and middleman in peace settlement in the South Caucasus is”, Ilkhamov said.

However, the deal is not yet set in stone, and the Trump-hosted summit “sparked premature optimism”, said Kevork Oskanian of the University of Exeter, in the United Kingdom.

This optimism “should be tempered by realism and historical precedent [as] many peace processes have failed despite promising starts”, he told Al Jazeera.

A deal not yet done

Baku, whose annual $5bn defence spending exceeds Yerevan’s entire debt-hobbled state budget, affirmed Armenia’s territorial integrity but did not withdraw from some 200sq km (77sq miles) of its land.

The TRIPP’s concept avoids Baku’s demand for the corridor’s extraterritoriality, balancing sovereignty with strategic access, Oskanian said.

But there are also questions as to whether Washington’s initiatives are “a principled intervention or opportunistic geopolitics”, he added.

Even without direct confrontation, Moscow and Tehran could try to undermine the deal.

“Their grudging acquiescence is essential – but far from guaranteed,” Oskanian said.

Iran threatened on Saturday that the TRIPP “will not become a gateway for Trump’s mercenaries – it will become their graveyard”.

Armenia is a democracy “polarised” over the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh and Pashinyan’s conflict with the Armenian Apostolic Church, Oskanian said.

To finalise the peace deal, Pashinyan would need to hold a referendum amending Armenia’s constitution that mentions the “reunification” with Nagorno-Karabakh – and win the 2026 parliamentary vote.

Therefore, the success of Trump’s deal depends on many intricacies of South Caucasus politics – and the West “must engage with nuance – not just geopolitics”, Oskanian concluded.

Aug. 10 (UPI) — A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Turkey on Sunday, causing dozens of reports of damage and at least one collapsed building.

Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, known as AFAD, said in a statement that the earthquake hit around 7:53 p.m. local time near the Sındırgı district of the Balıkesir province.

Sındırgı is a small town of about 11,000 people, according to population data from the U.S. Geological Survey. In total, tens of thousands of people are expected to have been potentially impacted by the earthquakes.

So far, the earthquake has caused at least 20 aftershocks, with five of them reaching between 4.0 and 5.0 in magnitude.

Data from the USGS shows that the earthquake had a depth of 10 kilometers. Probability data shows there is a 41% chance there could be between 10-100 estimated fatalities, with the potential for millions of dollars of economic losses. These are model-based estimates and real figures may differ.

“In Sındırgı district, 1 building has collapsed,” AFAD said. “As a result of search and rescue operations, 4 people have been rescued alive from the debris, and efforts to rescue one person are ongoing.”

The earthquake comes less than two years after devastating earthquakes killed more than 53,000 people in Turkey and another 6,000 people in Syria.

A man who was in Turkey on holiday has shared a word of warning – but other people have said that they disagree with his assessment of the country and its prices

Turkey remains amongst the most favoured holiday destinations for Brits, with an impressive 4.4 million UK tourists flocking to the nation in 2024. Time Out reported this positioned Turkey as the eighth most sought-after tourist hotspot for UK holidaymakers, trailing behind destinations such as Spain, France, and Greece, though visitor numbers continue climbing annually.

Nevertheless, if you’re considering Turkey as your next getaway, one Welsh bloke has a stark warning: “Don’t bother”. The individual, who shares content on TikTok as @northwalesboii, revealed he’d travelled to Turkey for his summer break only to be left thoroughly disheartened by one particular aspect.

In his clip, the tourist grumbled that everything had become “too expensive”, urging potential visitors that if they’re determined to experience Turkey, they’d better be ready to pack “a lot of money”.

He didn’t specify his Turkish location, though some of the nation’s premier attractions include the capital Istanbul, alongside Cappadocia, Antalya, and seaside destinations like Marmaris.

The holidaymaker declared: “Just to let you know, if you’re coming on holiday to Turkey, bring a lot of money. You will spend it. Everything has gone up.”

Warning: The below video contains strong language.

“It never used to be so expensive; it used to be so dirt cheap to come here. To eat out, to drink out.

Not no more. It is f***ing expensive.”

Opinions were divided among those commenting on the video. Some concurred that prices had indeed risen, with numerous individuals recounting their recent holiday experiences of being charged 400 Turkish Lira for a beer, equating to roughly £7.30.

One commenter remarked: “I go three times a year, and you are correct, it’s gotten expensive. It will go up again. Next year, we’re looking at different places.”

Yet, there were those who maintained that their latest trips were “cheaper than the UK”.

A user countered: “Don’t know what part you went to. We have just got back from Antalya, had a great time, and it was cheaper than the UK. “

Another chimed in: “I don’t know where you guys are going, but it’s really cheap in Turkey. I do a lot of shopping and the food is cheap as well. “

By 2024, travellers were warning that unchecked inflation might render Turkey a “ghost town” within a few years, with one person lamenting that tourist spots were “becoming like London prices.”

He expressed at the time: “I’m sat in this place now – for a burger it’s £12. For a water it’s £2 – it’s becoming like London prices.

“My sister, and her little family, said they’re not going to come back again. “”I’ve seen some posts on here where people are saying, give it a few more years, and Turkey’s going to be dead.”

As medical tourism in Turkey has become more popular among Brits for its accessibility and cheaper prices, an expert has warned against the risks of seeking medical and cosmetic procedures abroad

While cosmetic trips to Turkey have become the newest craze among British holidaymakers since the pandemic, a travel expert has warned that this can come with serious risks.

Simon Hood, travel expert and Executive Director of John Mason International, warns that foreign medical procedures come with their own dangers. This comes after an estimated nearly 250,000 Brits opted for foreign medical care in 2019, citing that the UK was too expensive and had wait times beyond their expectations, according to ITIJ.

Turkey has become a prime destination for medical tourism. Particularly in Antalya and Istanbul, clinics and hotspots have become renowned for providing ‘medical tourism packages’. This includes offering all-in-one inclusive quotes to patients, with luxury perks like chauffeurs from the airport, hotel stays and even travel between appointments.

READ MORE: Baggage handler explains type of suitcase that’s least likely to be ‘tossed around’READ MORE: Tourists in Paris, Rome and more are told to ‘beware’ of 3 common holiday scams

Plus, there is a sizable disparity in prices. Costs for ‘Turkey teeth’ typically cost 40% to 60% cheaper than surgery in the UK. For example, a set of veneers in the UK can cost around a staggering £9,000, while practices in Turkey offer sets from anywhere between £1,500 to £2,400 according to Adalya.

However, Simon Hood warns that these cheaper rates often come with their own risks. He also cautions against taking social media videos at face value.

He says: “Turkey teeth procedures and other cosmetic work can be quite the risk. We’ve all seen the glossy videos on social media with TikTokers promoting practices during the summer, but you need to double-check the practice you’re planning on attending is board-certified.”

He continues: “In Turkey, regulations vary slightly from the UK, but any practice or clinic can be recognised by international organisations like the Joint Commission International, or JCI. Having this recognition can help assure you that your deal is both safe and indeed a bargain.”

Simon also recommends researching whether the surgeons of your local practice have membership of the Turkish Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (TSPRAS).

This follows thousands of medical tourists each year, who receive care below what would be considered safe practice in the UK, often resulting in medical issues down the road.

A recent audit by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has called for government action, with more than 300 Brits now requiring corrective surgery following their ‘cosmetic vacations’ abroad.

On the back of this, Simon urges his clients as well as others travelling to Turkey to do their research. He explains: “Turkey is notorious for its underground medical tourism, with people flocking in hope of getting a quick and cheap deal. But it doesn’t work like that; cheap cosmetic work could result in serious issues.”

“That’s why we’re recommending to all clients at John Mason International, or otherwise, that they need to do the appropriate research and make sure practices and surgeons have the best accreditations available.”

Italy has approved a $15.5bn suspension bridge which will connect the mainland to the island of Sicily.

Italy has given final approval to a long-delayed plan to construct the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting the mainland to Sicily in a project worth €13.5bn ($15.5bn).

Transport Minister Matteo Salvini hailed the Strait of Messina Bridge as “the biggest infrastructure project in the West” after a key government committee cleared the path on Wednesday. He said the project would generate 120,000 jobs annually and revitalise southern Italy through wider investment in infrastructure.

Preliminary work could begin as early as October, pending a green light from Italy’s court of audit, with construction expected to start in 2026. Salvini estimated the bridge could be completed by 2033.

With a span of 3.3km, the bridge would surpass Turkey’s Canakkale Bridge and carry six lanes of traffic and two railway lines, cutting the current 100-minute ferry crossing to just 10 minutes by car.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the bridge would become “an engineering symbol of global significance”.

The project, first proposed in 1969, has stalled repeatedly due to environmental objections, mafia fears and seismic risks. The design is inspired by Turkiye’s Canakkale structure, featuring a wing-shaped deck meant to improve stability in high winds.

Defence or development?

Rome says the bridge could help it meet NATO’s defence spending goals by classifying it as “dual-use” infrastructure, a designation that has caused controversy.

More than 600 academics warned that such a move would require further military safety assessments and could make the bridge a potential target.

Salvini said it was up to the defence and economy ministries to decide, but insisted “keeping organised crime out of the project is the top priority”.

Environmental groups, meanwhile, have raised complaints with the European Union, warning of potential disruption to migratory birds and a lack of proof that the project meets public interest thresholds.

The bridge contract was awarded to Webuild, the same firm that won the initial bid in 2006 before the plan was cancelled. The company says its design will withstand earthquakes, pointing to similar bridges in Japan and California.

“The bridge will be transformative for the whole country,” said Webuild CEO Pietro Salini.

A WOMAN who was left with a “turkey neck” after losing three stone on weight loss jabs is finally comfortable in her own skin after getting a £10,000 ‘mummy makeover’ abroad.

Victoria Vigors decided to have a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift, face lift and neck lift after using Mounjaro – a prescription injection used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity – to slim down.

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The 40-year-old initially felt “misshapen” after losing so much weight.

But now she’s never been happier – and says she looks better today than she did aged 20.

“I was very self-conscious about my fupa,” the mum, who is a content creator with 270,000 followers, revealed.

“My tummy overhung because I had a caesarean with my daughter, so it left a scar that my stomach would fall over.

“It was really obvious – I would wear tight-fitting clothing, and you could just see I had a really unnatural-looking belly. I hated it.

“My boobs felt misshapen, and one was much bigger than the other.

“And where I had lost weight on Mounjaro – the skin around my neck was like a turkey.

“It was all saggy, and I hated my jowls.

“I just felt old and unattractive.”

Victoria, from Kent, said people used to stare at her stomach and even make comments.

She said: “I’ve been called ‘flabby belly’ online.

“People would say I looked more like 50.

“My side profile would show my sagging neck, and people would point it out.

“As much as my daughter would joke, she would also call me ‘jelly belly’ and poke my stomach.

“I’d been on Mounjaro for ages and eating really healthily, so I felt fantastic on the inside.

“But on the outside, my confidence was at an all-time low.”

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After speaking to friends and getting recommendations, Victoria found Revitalize in Turkey.

She spoke to the clinic and was told about a £10,000 ‘mummy makeover’.

The mum booked in for surgery and flew out just 10 days later.

She said: “Weirdly enough, I didn’t feel anxious at all about going in.

“I was just so excited.

“I was already staying at the villa with loads of people who’d already had surgery and were recovering.

“They were all looking great already, so I wasn’t nervous.

“I was a bit more stressed going into having my face done because obviously that’s my face, and if that goes wrong, then I’m stuck with it.

“But I’d seen other people’s results, which looked great.”

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DAY OF THE SURGERY

Victoria’s first surgery was for her tummy tuck, liposuction and breast lift.

She said: “I woke up feeling very groggy, and the pain in my stomach was unreal.

“It’d hurt even more when I moved or coughed.

“I was in and out of sleep for a while, so I was a bit confused at times, but the next day they encouraged me to get up and see if I could start walking.

“I didn’t feel any pain in my boobs whatsoever – it was all in my belly.

“I had drains in to collect any blood that was still coming out, and then they showed me a bit of my stomach that they cut away.

“It looked like a slab of fatty pork – I asked them to bin it!”

Five days later, she was taken in for the second surgery for her face and neck lift.

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She said: “Waking up, my face felt really painful and tight.

“I had massive quilting stitches all over my face and neck, which looked like bicycle tyre tracks.

“I was told they were to help direct the blood flow and drain any excess, but they were really uncomfortable and itchy.

“The first 24 hours were really painful, but then after that it eased off and just felt tight and numb.”

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SURGERY RECOVERY

Victoria had a check-up two days later and was allowed to go home five days later.

She said: “I was really nervous to see the results of my facelift as I had to keep the support on for four weeks, as well as the compression garments on my abdomen.

“I also had to keep my boobs strapped for six weeks.

“But once I could take them off, I was over the moon.

“My tummy had gone down and was so flat.

“My boobs looked great, and my face even better.

“I was like, wow, this is my body now!”

The mummy makeover would have cost £10,000 – but Tracy paid a discounted rate.

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BOOSTED CONFIDENCE

She is overjoyed with her new look, and her friends and family have been “super supportive”.

Victoria said: “They just can’t believe how great I look.

“I went to a baby shower a couple of weeks ago, where I hadn’t seen some of the girls there for a long time.

“And one of them walked straight past me, didn’t even realise it was me, and then she was like, ‘Oh my god, look at you now – the glow-up is real.’

“Now I can wear little belly tops, cocktail dresses, tight clothing, and not feel self-conscious anymore.

“I’m super happy.

“There is a lot of pressure for you to be perfect.

“Of course, nobody can be, but this is my idea of perfect to me.”

In May, Victoria re-visited the clinic to have laser eye surgery and turkey teeth fitted.

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She said: “I had 20 porcelain crowns and my eyes done.

“My vision is incredible, and my teeth are perfect.

“My face looks lovely.”

MORE SURGERY

Victoria plans on visiting for the final time in September to have breast implants and a labiaplasty.

She said: “I was supposed to have breast implants when I was there in March, but they said doing that, as well as a lift, was a no-go.

“My blood count was too low when I went for blood tests, so the surgeon said he couldn’t do my implants at the same time.

Now I can wear little belly tops, cocktail dresses, tight clothing, and not feel self-conscious anymore

Victoria Vigors

“Now I’ve given my boobs some time to rest – then I’ll be going back.

“I’m super excited for my labiaplasty.

“After having two children, one of my labia appears bigger than the other one.

“I want it to be more levelled out and neat.

“Now, my face is done, my body looks great, it is just those final things.”

STACEY Solomon has been cruelly mum-shamed by trolls after posting pictures from her £30k a week Turkey holiday.

The busy mum, 35, is currently take some time off with her husband Joe Swash, 43 and their huge brood of kids.

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It’s understood Stacey and Joe have taken their family away to Turkey, where they stayed last year and the year before.

The Turkish hotel they usually stay at is the Regnum Carya in Antalya, where rooms start from around £1,000 per person per night.

They have been there so many times, Stacey now refers to it as her “second home”.

The couple have a blended family of six children.

They share three kids together – Rex, six, Rose, three, and Belle, two – while Stacey is also mum to Zachary, 17, and Leighton, 12, and Joe has 18-year-old son Harry with his ex Emma Sophocleous. 

However, in the family photo from their holiday fans were quick to point out that Harry wasn’t on the trip.

Stacey posted slew of sweet snaps of her and Joe with their other five kids and wrote: “Time to make some memories my whole world 🥹 can’t wait for some special time with my babies.

“Got one picture of us all the second one is every photo ever happy summer everyone from pickle cottage to our second home at this point.”

But while most followers pointed out what a lovely photos they were, some took to the comments to cruelly mum-shame Stacey over this.

One fan wrote: “Lovely family pic. Wish Joe eldest son was included more.”

While another added: “Why is Joe’s eldest son never with them.”

This person said: “I agree would be nice for them to acknowledge they’re missing one!”

Their holiday comes just days after it was reported how Stacey and Joe have made a “vow” amid “silly bickering”, according to a source.

It comes after “tension” between the popular couple has recently been captured on TV.

Stacey Solomon’s career so far

Stacey Solomon has been a familiar face on viewers’ screens for over a decade. Let’s take a look back at her career.

The X Factor (2009): Stacey competed in series six of long-running ITV singing competition The X Factor. During her time in the show, she was mentored by Danni Minogue in the ‘Girls’ category. The star finished in third place, behind Joe McElderry and Olly Murs.

I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (2010); In late 2010, Stacey headed to the infamous I’m A Celeb Aussie jungle. After 21 days, she triumphed to win the tenth series. It was through I’m A Celeb that she met future husband Joe Swash – who’d won two years earlier and was hosting the ITV2 spinoff.

Celebrity Juice (2011―2013, 2016―2019): The star appeared as a panellist on 21 episodes of the comedy panel game show hosted by Keith Lemon. Stacey was a regular in the 21st series, broadcast in 2019.

Loose Women (2016 – present): Stacey has been a permanent panel member of the daytime show since 2016. She previously made guest appearances in 2011 and 2012.

Sort Your Life Out (2022 -present): This BBC show sees Stacey, with the help of an expert team, transform participants’ living spaces after removing clutter.

However, according to a source, the couple have vowed to take time out to remember why they’re so good for each other. 

During their BBC reality show, the pair shared a close-up look into the ups and downs of life at Pickle Cottage and their relationship.

The source told New Magazine: “There’s tension in the air and there is a bit of bickering. But it puts a strain on any relationship.

“You look at those on reality shows, such as the wives in The Real Housewives, with cameras in their houses 24/7, and a lot of their relationships crack under the pressure.“ 

Despite this, the source maintained that a break away from the cameras, however small, is just what Stacey and Joe need. 

The source added: “They’re worried that if they don’t have a break from the cameras and the limelight, it could affect what makes their relationship special.

“They’re still very much in love and are really trying to focus on each other amid the silly bickering and moments of tension, and remember why they got together in the first place – and why they’re actually so perfect together.

“They have vowed to carve out some quality time this summer to do that.”

THIS is the shocking moment a Virgin Atlantic passenger hurled abuse at a hostess he threatened to “gang rape and set alight”

Disturbing footage shows Salman Iftikhar, 37, tell stewardess Angie Walsh she would be attacked in her hotel after landing.

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He spouted his vile rant after downing champagne on an eight-hour flight from London Heathrow to Lahore on February 7 2023.

Iftikhar said Ms Walsh would be taken from her hotel room, gang raped and set on fire.

Another passenger, who filmed the shocking scenes, can be heard saying “holy s–t”.

Iftikhar repeatedly accuses Ms Walsh of being a racist and says: “You called me a p-ki in front of everybody.”

The 37-year-old had been flying with his wife and three children, Isleworth Crown Court heard.

Prosecuting, Abdul Kapadia, said: “During the defendant’s first meal service, the defendant was seen helping himself to ice, leaning over the bar he was drinking at, and taking ice with his hands.

“When told to stop, the defendant became irate, and started to film cabin crew with his phone, telling them: ‘Do not tell me what to do you b***h.

“When asked by the cabin crew to return to his seat, he then said: ‘Don’t tell me what to do you racist f***ing b***h. I know where you are from in Cardiff.”

Staff alerted the pilot and the seat belt signs were turned on, which only aggravated Iftikhar more.

He continued to call Ms Walsh a “f***ing b***h” before his escalating behaviour sparked a possible flight diversion to Turkey.

“The defendant was informed of this possible diversion, to which he replied: ‘I don’t care. F–it, go to Turkey. I have contacts,” the prosecutor told the court.

“The defendant then sat down, but his aggressive behaviour continued.

“His wife was ashamed. His three children were also on-board,
and other crew members were called to assist, but the defendant continued shouting and swearing.

“He was slurring his words, with his voice raised.

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“He shouted at the cabin crew: ‘Do you know who I am?’

“The defendant’s wife went to the food bar and tried to talk to cabin crew, but the defendant pushed his wife away, and shouted at her not to talk to crew.”

He grabbed one flight attendant, called Tommy Merchant, and threatened him with a fight.

‘YOU WILL BE DEAD’

The out-of-control passenger then told cabin crew he would blow up the floor of their hotel.

“The defendant knew the specific hotel, but also the hotel room numbers, and threatened the cabin crew with this,” Mr Kapadia told the court.

“He told Ms Walsh: ‘You will be dead on the floor of your hotel’.

“Iftikhar shouted at Ms Walsh and said: ‘The white sheep sh**ging b***h will be dead. The floor of your hotel will be blown up and it will disappear.

“He told Ms Walsh: ‘You will be dragged by your hair from your room and gang raped and set on fire’.”

His violent rant unfolded in front of his wife and three young children – who were brought to tears.

Iftikhar was arrested at his £900,000 detached home in Iver, Bucks, on March 16, 2024.

‘IT HAS BROKEN ME’

In an impact statement, Ms Walsh said she was forced to take off 14 months and the altercation “changed my life enormously”.

“I can’t quite believe that one passenger has had this much of an impact on my, my job, my career and my life,” she said.

“I am a strong brave, happy stewardess, and loved my job. I am well known within the company.

“But I had to take 14 months off work. 

“I have been flying with Virgin Atlantic for 37 years. I was working when all flights were grounded on 9/11, and I’ve even flown into a warzone. But this incident has broken me.

“But I don’t feel strong enough anymore. I was abused for eight hours and 15 mins. It has broken me. It was a very personal attack.

“I was doing everything in my power to protect passengers and the crew from him. I felt exposed and vulnerable, especially as we were 39,000 feet in the air. There was nowhere for me to go.

“There was one moment where I felt I could not cope. I went into the cockpit and had a meltdown. I said to the captain I don’t know what to do. 

“Even the threat of diverting the plane to Turkey or Baku, Azerbaijan, had no effect.

“I was traumatised by the threat of being gang raped.

“Never in my entire career flying for 37 years have I not been sure what to do.

“I have had the best career in the world for 37 years. But he has taken that away from me.”

He told Ms Walsh: ‘You will be dead on the floor of your hotel’

Prosecutor Abdul Kapadia

Iftikhar, of Iver, Bucks, admitted making threats to kill and racially aggravated harassment, in relation to Ms Walsh.

He was cleared of assault by beating and threats to kill in relation to Mr Merchant.

Ben Walker-Nolan, defending, said Iftikhar was suffering from “amnesia blood loss” at the time.

Mr Walker-Nolan added: “Although there were over 100 incidents over the course of eight hours, the most serious, including threats to kill, were limited.

“The defendant has buried his head in the sand for a long period, and expressed regret.

“He has a long standing drug and alcohol problem which he has not addressed for many years.

“He is a successful businessman who employs a lot of people.”

THUG JAILED

Iftikhar has six previous convictions arising from 15 offences, including common assault in 2004 and drink driving in 2008 and failing to stop and possession of cannabis in 2021.

Judge Ms Recorder Annabel Darlow KC said: “Your threats to kill were made in the presence of children, specifically your three young children. 

“These were threats made with significant violence. 

“Your children had to be comforted by cabin crew staff while you made those threats.

“Ms Walsh has given up a job which she has loved for 14 months, but thankfully has now returned to work.

“This was a sustained incident which involved repeated racist abuse to Ms Walsh.

“You have a lengthy and appalling record of misconduct. You have not addressed the underlying cause of this for many years, that is your drug and alcohol problem.

“Given your lifestyle and your ability to earn money, your harm and risk has not moved.

“This was an appalling incident which has caused long lasting and devastating consequences.”

Iftikhar cried in the dock as he was jailed for 15 months.

His LinkedIn profile stated that he was the director and founder of recruitment firm Staffing Match.

Virgin Atlantic was contacted for comment.

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A BRIT tourist has tragically died after undergoing a £1,500 hair transplant operation in Turkey.

Martyn Latchman, 38, flew to Istanbul to have a five-hour operation on Monday at Dr. Cinik’s clinic in the city’s Besiktas district.

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But shortly after the surgery, he became seriously unwell and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment, according to Turkish outlet OdaTV.

He is said to have suffered complications while undergoing the hair transplant procedure.

His body was later taken to the Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy before being repatriated to the UK.

Police have launched a probe, treating the case as a possible “reckless homicide”.

Staff at the clinic — including the surgeon who performed the hair transplant, the anaesthesiologist and nurses — have already been quizzed by officers, it is understood.

An FCDO spokesperson told The Sun: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Tributes are now pouring in from friends and family for Mr Latchman, whose body has since been flown home.

Yashley Latchman posted a picture of keen athlete Mr Latchman on Facebook with the pair working out in a gym.

The caption read: “Rest in peace my brother. You will forever be my source of inspiration and motivation.

“Thanks for everything. We will miss you loads.”

Other family members turned their profiles black in a sign of mourning for Mr Latchman, who was originally from Bridgend but lived in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

According to Dr Cinik Clinic’s website, it has treated “more than 50,000 patients” since setting up almost 20 years ago.

The website says the clinic has “cutting-edge technology” and is a “centre of excellence in this specialised field”.

It adds: “Every patient gets personalised care in English, plus access to cutting-edge techniques.

“The combination of surgical experience and patient support has made him the go-to specialist for people worldwide.”

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The tragedy comes amid a boom in “medical tourism” to Turkey, which now accounts for nearly 60 per cent of the global hair transplant market thanks to its cheaper, high-quality procedures.

Turkish Healthcare Travel Council says more than one million people travel to the country each year for hair restoration treatments.

According to Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic, numbers are expected to climb to 1.1 million in 2025, the Daily Mail reports.

It follows the shocking death of 58-year-old British mum Anne Towlson, who passed away last year after a botched cosmetic surgery trip to Istanbul.

Mrs Towlson, from Leicestershire, had flown to Turkey in April 2024 for a pre-planned tummy tuck and liposuction at Green Park Hospital in Pendik.

When she arrived, doctors persuaded her to also undergo an arm tuck in a “last-minute decision”, her inquest heard.

But she quickly developed alarming complications.

BOTCHED OP

Meanwhile, a British man was left scarred and with bald patches after a botched hair transplant in Istanbul.

Luke Horsfield, then 26, paid £1,250 for the surgery at the Clinic Centre — around half the cost of a UK procedure — but said the results were disastrous.

“I did everything they told me to do as aftercare once I had the operation. But after four months, I saw literally no growth,” the IT technician from Bradford said.

“I was left with scars and bald patches.”

Luke claimed the surgeons barely spoke English and had removed too many follicles from the back of his head, leaving him worse off than before.

Despite the clinic’s promise of “transplant after care”, he said he struggled to get hold of anyone once the operation was over.

After months of disappointment, the clinic eventually offered him a £400 refund — barely a third of what he had paid — and a second procedure at half price.

Luke later had the damage repaired at a Yorkshire clinic.

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Huge fires around Bursa, Turkiye’s fourth-largest city, broke out over the weekend, leading to more than 3,500 people fleeing their homes. On Monday morning, fog-like smoke from fires and smouldering foliage hung over the city.

Unseasonably high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds have been fuelling the wildfires, with Turkiye and other parts of the eastern Mediterranean experiencing record-breaking heatwaves.

The death toll from wildfires outside the city of Bursa in northwest Turkiye rose to four late on Sunday after two volunteer firefighters died.

The pair died in hospital after they were pulled from a water tanker that rolled while heading to a forest fire, news agency IHA reported. Another worker died earlier at the scene of the accident, and a firefighter died on Sunday after suffering a heart attack.

Their deaths raised Turkiye’s wildfire death toll to 17 since late June, including 10 rescue volunteers and forestry workers killed on Wednesday in a fire in the northwestern city of Eskisehir.

The fires around Bursa were among hundreds to have hit the country over the past month. While firefighting teams have contained the damage to a limited number of homes, vast tracts of forest have been turned to ash.

Turkiye battled at least 44 separate fires on Sunday, said Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli. He identified two fires in Bursa province, as well as blazes in Karabuk in the northwest, and Kahramanmaras in the south, as the most serious.

The government declared disaster areas in two western provinces, Izmir and Bilecik. Prosecutions have been launched against 97 people in 33 of Turkiye’s 81 provinces in relation to the fires, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said.