For many, Ramadan is a chance to enjoy evening concerts of Sufi Tasavvuf music. There are public concerts after group iftars (the breaking of the fast), and traditional musicians often book several gigs each week. But non-religious concerts are few and far between during the holy month, and many secular musicians end up being out of work for a few weeks. The World's Durrie
Residents whose homes survived last year's deadly earthquakes in the southern province of Hatay have been shocked to learn that the government might seize them to make way for major rebuilding projects. As some file suit, officials are calling for expanded powers to seize private property. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports from Istanbul.
Shortly after declaring independence in 2008, the small Balkan nation of Kosovo established a law protecting indigenous bears. Since then, dozens have been rescued from informal zoos and restaurants. This nationwide conservation effort has become a success story for the young country. The World’s Durrie Bouscaren visited a bear sanctuary outside Kosovo’s capital to learn more.
The former seaside resort of Varosha became the frontline during the Turkish invasion of Northern Cyprus in 1974. Today, it's in a disputed "neutral zone" between occupied Northern Cyprus and the rest of the island. Unable to develop the land, Turkish Cypriot authorities opened it to the public as a decaying museum. The World's Durrie Bouscaren takes us inside.
Last year, 24 young volleyball players from the town of Famagusta traveled to the Turkish city of Adiyaman for a tournament, and never came back. The owner of the Isias Hotel, which collapsed in the earthquakes on Feb. 6, 2023, is facing criminal charges in a landmark case. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports from Istanbul.