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Firat Kozok
For Firat Kozok's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Supporters of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, mayoral candidate of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), celebrate following early results in front of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in Istanbul on April 1.
WORLD / Politics
Apr 1, 2024
Inflation delivers shock defeat for Erdogan in Turkey’s municipal vote
Higher lending costs have dented consumer sentiment but have yet to reverse the trajectory of price increases running at an annual rate of just under 70%.
Turkish lawmakers attend a session before voting on a bill regarding Sweden's accession to NATO on Tuesday.
WORLD / Politics
Jan 24, 2024
Turkey approves Sweden NATO bid, leaving Hungary as holdout
Sweden’s entry would bolster defense alliance, reinforcing its northern reach and improving its ability to defend the eastern flank.
Selcuk Bayraktar, chairman of Turkish defense firm Baykar and son-in-law of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, attends the presidential swearing-in ceremony after Erdogan's election win in Ankara on June 3.
WORLD / Politics
Sep 28, 2023
Erdogan’s son-in-law makes Turkey a world leader in lethal drones
Baykar's new generation of unmanned combat aircraft will fly faster and farther, while carrying more weapons than its existing models.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jul 11, 2023
Turkey agrees to back Sweden’s NATO bid in boost to alliance
NATO’s northern enlargement heralds one of the most prominent changes in the European security landscape after Russia’s war against Ukraine led to dramatic shifts.
Japan Times
WORLD
May 30, 2023
World markets watch Erdogan for signs of financial policy shift in Turkey
Investors have bemoaned the Turkish leader’s maverick approach, underpinned by his belief that the only way to tackle inflation is to cut borrowing costs and grow the economy.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
May 28, 2023
Erdogan seeks to seal victory in runoff for Turkish presidency
The president’s power looks undiminished by the worst cost-of-living squeeze in decades.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Jun 7, 2022
Ukraine cautious as Turkey and Russia push Black Sea grain deal
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government has offered military help to clear mines off the coast of Odesa and escort grain ships.

Longform

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.
For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on