ARDAHAN, TURKEY – A special program titled "Mevlana’s Universal Message Resonated at Our University, Cultures Met with Poetry and Melody" was held in Ardahan to mark the 752nd anniversary of the passing (vuslat) of the great Sufi mystic, Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi.
The event brought together various cultures through the performance of traditional poems and melodies, honoring the enduring legacy and universal teachings of Rumi.
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| Ardahan newspaper |
WASHINGTON – In a campaign-style national address, President Donald Trump lauded the achievements of his first year back in office while delivering a sharp rebuke of his predecessor, Joe Biden, and the Democratic Party. Speaking from the Diplomatic Reception Room, framed by festive Christmas trees and garlands, the Commander-in-Chief declared that his administration has rescued the United States from poverty and led it toward "unprecedented success."
During the address, Trump positioned his administration’s first year as a historic turning point for the nation, claiming to have laid the groundwork for a global economic shift. He took direct aim at the previous administration's legacy, stating:
"Our country has come back stronger than ever before. We have prepared for an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen."
The President also linked his current policy trajectory to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He framed his first year in office as the necessary foundation for the country's milestone celebration.
"We will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence," Trump said. "There could be no more fitting tribute to this epic milestone than completing the comeback of America that began just one year ago."
The speech, while delivered from the White House, maintained the fiery tone of a campaign rally. Trump characterized the Democratic platform as a period of national decline, asserting that his return to power has restored American strength and global standing in record time.
Ankara – The Minimum Wage Determination Commission (Asgari Ücret Tespit Komisyonu) convened without worker representatives as the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Türk-İş) maintained its decision not to participate. Türk-İş submitted its demands to the Ministry in a sealed envelope; based on these requirements, the minimum wage was calculated to potentially rise to 39,525 Turkish Liras.
Türk-İş followed through on a decision it made a year ago and did not attend the Minimum Wage Determination Commission. Consequently, the commission held its first meeting without the labor side, with the attendance of employer representatives and government bureaucrats. The commission's second meeting is scheduled to take place on December 18.
Minutes before the meeting, Türk-İş delivered its demands to Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan in a sealed envelope. The letter, submitted by Türk-İş Vice President Ramazan Ağar, did not contain any numerical figure regarding the requested minimum wage or the rate of increase.
However, based on Türk-İş's general demands—such as fully reflecting inflation in wages and preserving the living standards—it was calculated that the minimum wage would need to increase to 39,525 TL.
Known for freezing over completely during the winter, Lake Çıldır typically sees its surface solidify, allowing for activities like horse-drawn sleigh rides and ice fishing. However, mild weather conditions have postponed the lake's highly anticipated deep freeze, disappointing locals and tourists who rely on the winter spectacle.
A new wave of clashes has erupted between Thailand and Cambodia, reportedly forcing half a million people in the two nations to abandon their homes.
The escalation began after a Thai soldier was killed on December 8th along the disputed border. Following the incident, the Thai military reportedly shelled Cambodian military positions deeper inside Cambodian territory.
In Thailand, reports indicate that up to 400,000 people have been evacuated to safer areas.
In Cambodia, over 100,000 people have also been moved to secure regions.
Both countries are accusing the other side of being responsible for the renewed outbreak of hostilities.
ARDAHAN / ARTVİN – According to official statements released by the provincial authorities of Ardahan and Artvin, the Ardahan-Ardanuç Highway, which connects Ardahan to the Black Sea region, has been closed to traffic for the entire winter season due to heavy snowfall and blizzards. The route is expected to remain closed until the spring months, following the seasonal routine.
Snowfall and blizzard conditions, which began overnight in the higher sections of the city and have continued intermittently, are causing disruptions in transportation across the region. Teams on the ground confirmed that the snowfall is particularly intense at high altitudes, urging drivers to exercise extreme caution and be well-prepared for winter driving conditions.
With the closure of the Ardahan-Ardanuç Highway, drivers are advised to use the following alternative routes during this period:
Ardahan-Şavşat Highway
Ardahan-Göle Highway
Authorities are working continuously to keep the alternative roads open. Drivers are reminded of the mandatory use of winter tires and snow chains, and are asked to maintain safe following distances.
CAIRO, EGYPT – Eray Şamdan, a Turkish national athlete whose family hails from Ardahan and who resides in Gebze, Kocaeli, has achieved a monumental success by winning First Place and the Gold Medal at the World Karate Championship in Egypt. Şamdan's victory has filled the nation with immense pride, especially in his hometown of Gebze and his family's ancestral city of Ardahan.
Competing fiercely against the world’s best in Cairo, Eray Şamdan secured the top spot on the podium, hoisting the Turkish flag high. This Gold Medal triumph marks one of the most significant achievements in the young national athlete's career.
It has been learned that the family of the Kocaeli-born national athlete, who pursues his career in Gebze, originally migrated from Ardahan to Gebze many years ago. This accomplishment not only highlights Şamdan’s dedication but also brings international recognition to both Gebze, where he trained and lives, and Ardahan, his family's origin.
Eray Şamdan's success serves as a major inspiration for young athletes and continues to be a moment of great celebration across Turkey.
