A chorus of three are singing as I enter. Candles, lights and fumes illuminate the interior. Frescoes look brighter than ever. Everybody stays silent as the chorus goes on. This small community further introverts in their solitude.

322 prominent writer, academic, artist, activist and politicians issue a petition today calling all parties to work towards peace on the Kurdish conflict. Petitioners urge for policies centered around human life instead of violence, militarism and hatred.

Minister of Education proposes to move children inclined to violence out of schools and to distant education as a last resort. Experts criticize the proposal, saying the problem is pedagogic and social rather than a question of security.

International PEN welcomed writer Calislars acquittal on insulting Ataturk but it said concerns continue for others. The organization calls for sending appeals to the Turkish PM, urging the removal of legislation which allow such cases.

Can we imagine a radically democratic world? This challenge is more than the identification of a set of ethics for adversaries; it is also a call to intellectuals to radically and creatively re-envision social institutions in an age of post-reason.

Parliament prolongs the dateline for the finalization of applications made with reference to the compensation of damages caused by terror and fight against terror. 223 000 people applied, only 35 000 concluded until now. Activists demand more time.

Journalist Calislar got acquitted from insulting Ataturk in her last book, biography of his partner Latife Hanim. Calislar welcomed the verdict but criticized the prosecutors claim as discriminating against women. Tatlican also acquitted in the case.

PM Erdogan said Kurds dont have rights related issues in Turkey. Rights activists criticize him: Many face rights violations but Kurds have distinct problems; notably on domains of cultural rights and political representation. EU Report quotes some...

Publisher Zarakolus trial for insulting the Republic by publishing books of two Armenian writers took a twist when the judge postponed the case to include the translators. In two other incidents translators were tried in freedom of expression cases.

The Regulation Concerning the Implementation of the Law on the Protection of the Children is finalized and will be ratified at the parliament in coming days. The regulations foresee for the first time new legal measures for children involved in crime.

Comtemporary Journalists Associations rejection of Kurdish newspaper Azadiya Welats participation in the associations contest sparkles debate. Welat chief editor Temel: They treat us as others. CGD Chair Akbay: Accusations are on false ground

250 000 public workers take to the streets in reaction to the 2007 budget proposal. Union chair Tombul says they will continue manifestations for humane working and living conditions, demanding more resources to public services and end of privatization.

Almost all social and economic problems of the world will be addressed through social businesses. The challenge is to innovate business models and apply them to produce desired social results cost-effectively and efficiently.

As lawyer Behic Asci reaches 243rd day in hunger strike for the for the abolition of isolation practices in F-type facilities, writers, activists and NGOs come together to make a call to the government to end denial. 122 people died since 2000 in strike.

Perhaps one of the reasons there is such enthusiasm for microcredit in establishment circles these days is that it is a market-based mechanism that has enjoyed some success where other market-based programs have crashed.

Public Prosecutors office filed a case against gay-lesbian solidarity association KAOS GLs publication on disseminating obscenity via press. The issue in question was already banned says owner Güner who will be tried with three years imprisonment.

Turkish PM Erdogan says the EU treated Turkey unfairly by putting the accession talks on hold in eight areas. He added that the reform process will continue but Turkey wouldnt compromise the Cyprus issue unilaterally. Opposition blames the government.

Hacettepe Universitys lon awaited report say that the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Turkey number between 950 thousand and 1 million 200 thousand. Official numbers rest at only 350 thousand. Dilek Kurban of TESEV comments on the report...

I believe literature to be the most valuable hoard that humanity has gathered in its quest to understand itself. Societies, tribes, and peoples grow more intelligent, richer, and more advanced as they pay attention to the troubled words of their authors

Turkeys offer to open one port to Southern Cyprus doesnt impress the EU. Mati Vanhanen welcomes the move as a positive step but not enough. The chief of armed forces criticizes governments attempt and Southern Cyprus isnt happy either.