A single-story house was destroyed by fire in Çamyazı village.
A fire broke out for unknown reasons in a single-story house belonging to Zeki Erdem in the Çamyazı village of Posof district. Upon notification, fire brigades were dispatched to the scene and managed to bring the fire under control. While the house was rendered unusable, an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
In Ardahan, as temperatures rose and the ice on Lake Çıldır began to melt, a tractor used for snow removal sank into the freezing waters. The accident occurred near the municipal facilities while preparations were underway for the upcoming weekend festival. Fortunately, the driver managed to jump out at the last second and survived. This incident recalls a similar accident that took place four years ago on the Arpaçay side of the lake.
Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has led the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a historic election victory. On February 8, the LDP secured 316 out of 465 seats, marking the first time since 1947 that a single party has held such a supermajority in the lower house. Including their coalition partner, the total seat count reached 352.
Takaichi, a former cabinet minister and TV host, once played drums in a heavy metal band and is a well-known car enthusiast whose Toyota Supra is now displayed in a museum. Her political outlook was forged in the 1980s while working in the U.S. Congress, where she concluded that Japan must be capable of defending itself to avoid being at the mercy of international public opinion.
The Governor of Ardahan, Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, visited the Çıldır Municipality as part of his district tour. During his meeting with Mayor K. Yakup Azizoğlu, the Governor received updates on the district's general status and ongoing municipal projects.
Following an agreement to form a minority government in the Netherlands, the ministerial distribution among the D66, CDA, and VVD parties has been finalized.
Dilan Yeşilgöz, a Kurdish politician originally from Dersim, announced via social media that she will serve as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. Born in Ankara in 1977, Yeşilgöz immigrated to the Netherlands at a young age and rose through the political ranks to lead the VVD party. The new government is expected to officially take office on February 23rd.
(1) Ardahan ve çevresi ile ilgili haber, makale ve videolar bu adreste: www.ardahangazetesi.tr
(2) Yerel, ulusal ve uluslararası haber, makale ve videolar yeni adresimizde: www.rojname.tr
(1) Derheqê Erdexan û dorhêla wê de nûçe, meqale û vîdyo li vê navnîşanê ne: www.ardahangazetesi.tr
(2) Nûçe, meqale û vîdyoyên herêmî, neteweyî û navneteweyî di navnîşana me ya nû de ne: www.rojname.tr
(1) News, articles, and videos regarding Ardahan and its surroundings can be found at: www.ardahangazetesi.tr
(2) Local, national, and international news, articles, and videos are available at our new address: www.rojname.tr
While the world remains in shock over the death of children freezing in Rojava during the conflict between Kurds and the Syrian regime, local associations in Ardahan are facing a wave of condemnation. Despite the humanitarian disaster, organizations such as HOÇFED and various village associations chose to remain silent and proceeded with their celebratory "Goose Night" events. Locals have slammed this decision, calling it a betrayal of human values and community solidarity.
(1) Ardahan ve çevresi ile ilgili haber, makale ve videolar bu adreste: www.ardahangazetesi.tr
(2) Yerel, ulusal ve uluslararası haber, makale ve videolar yeni adresimizde: www.rojname.tr
(1) Derheqê Erdexan û dorhêla wê de nûçe, meqale û vîdyo li vê navnîşanê ne: www.ardahangazetesi.tr
(2) Nûçe, meqale û vîdyoyên herêmî, neteweyî û navneteweyî di navnîşana me ya nû de ne: www.rojname.tr
(1) News, articles, and videos regarding Ardahan and its surroundings can be found at: www.ardahangazetesi.tr
(2) Local, national, and international news, articles, and videos are available at our new address: www.rojname.tr
[TR] Türkçe: Ardahan Gazetesi farklı dillerde yayında. Gazetemiz ağırlıklı olarak Türkçe, İngilizce ve Kürtçe yayın yapıyor. Yayınları ve haberleri ana sitemizde okumak ve izlemek için ziyaret edebilirsiniz: www.ardahangazetesi.tr Yazar: Mehmet Ali Arslan
[KURDİ] Kurmancî (Şêweya Serhedê):
Rojnameya Erdexanê bi zimanên curbecur dest bi weşana xwe kir. Rojnameya me bi giranî bi zimanên Tirkî, Îngilîzî û Kurmancî nûçeyan belav dike. Hun dikarin ji bo nûçeyan bixwînin û vîdyoyan temaşe bikin, serdana malpera me ya sereke bikin: www.ardahangazetesi.tr Nivîskar: Mehmet Ali Arslan
[EN] English: Ardahan Newspaper is now broadcasting in multiple languages. Our publication primarily operates in Turkish, English, and Kurdish. You can visit our main website to read and watch the latest news and broadcasts: www.ardahangazetesi.tr Author: Mehmet Ali Arslan
The village of Beşiktaş (Mucuc), located in the Hoçvan region of Ardahan, hosted the famous "Çarşı" fan group. Following a previous gesture where the Beşiktaş Football Club sent jerseys to the village children, the community this time welcomed the fans themselves in person.
A group of fans displayed the iconic Çarşı banner at the village entrance, celebrating the strong bond between the club and the local youth. While fans of Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Beşiktaş are widespread across Ardahan, there is also a significant and growing support for Amedspor in the region.
Israeli airstrikes targeted various parts of the Gaza Strip on Saturday, killing at least 32 Palestinians, most of whom were women and children, according to local officials. The Gaza Civil Defense reported that attack helicopters struck a camp for displaced persons near the southern city of Khan Younis.
The Israeli military claimed the strikes were in retaliation for Hamas violating the ceasefire on Friday. Conversely, Hamas stated that the attacks targeted civilian settlements, tents, and a police station, noting that seven members of a single family were killed in the Khan Younis camp. Both sides continue to trade accusations over ceasefire violations.
DAMASCUS – A landmark agreement has been reached between Kurdish and Arab forces in Syria, marking a potential end to years of internal strife. Driven by intense pressure from the United States and Europe, coupled with a unified global Kurdish front, the Damascus government has officially conceded to granting extensive rights and autonomy to the Kurdish population.
International observers note that this shift represents a significant pivot in the Syrian conflict's endgame. Simultaneously, reports are surfacing that Turkish military forces have begun their withdrawal from Syrian territories, a move expected to drastically alter the security landscape of the region.
LONDON – The UEFA Champions League clash between Manchester City and Galatasaray was briefly interrupted last night as three individuals stormed the pitch in a show of solidarity with Rojava. During the second half of the match, the protesters displayed Kurdistan flags before being intercepted by security.
The match, which ended in a 2-0 victory for the home side, was halted for approximately two minutes. In accordance with UEFA broadcasting regulations, the live feed avoided showing the protest, instead focusing on the stands. Following the removal of the demonstrators, play resumed and the match concluded without further incident.
Aircraft Carrier Tension Between the US and Iran: "Our Finger is on the Trigger"
The US has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran. Iran announced that they are closely monitoring the ship, issuing the message: "Our finger is on the trigger."
How did the tension begin?
In fact, relations between the US and Iran have steadily deteriorated since US President Donald Trump took office last year. Washington intervened in the mutual bombardment between Iran and Israel in June and struck nuclear facilities in Iran.
President Trump also supported the anti-regime protests that started in Iran this year. In his post on January 13, he stated: "Iranian patriots, keep protesting, seize government institutions! Help is on the way."
The ceasefire between Kurdish forces and the Syrian army has been extended as regional actors intervene to establish peace.
Meanwhile, the southern part of Syria has become unstable; a soldier lost his life during clashes between the public and the interim army.
ISIS, which has regained strength in the region, issued a statement regarding Ahmed Shara, calling him a "former ISIS member and America's new sentinel."
The Governor of Ardahan, Mr. Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, participated in a meeting chaired by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Ali Yerlikaya, held via the Video Conference System (VKS).
The Provincial Police Chief, Oğuz Tüzün, and the Provincial Gendarmerie Commander, Colonel Sadık Gülecen, were also present at the meeting. During the session, consultations were held regarding public order and security issues across Ardahan.
The full transcripts of the meeting between Abdullah Öcalan and the parliamentary delegation, consisting of Hüseyin Yayman, Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit, and Feti Yıldız, have been published on the official website of the Turkish Grand National Assembly two months after the visit. In the transcripts, Öcalan noted that his first introduction to politics was through the Grey Wolves (Ülkü Ocakları) and described the Kurdish issue as a thousand-year-old problem consisting of three stages. Emphasizing that MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli’s proposal regarding the "right to hope" provides a necessary foundation for his work, Öcalan stated that if this condition is met, he would take responsibility for success in Syria and would accept being judged if he fails. He defined the current process as a "Century of Non-Violence" and expressed optimism despite provocative rhetoric from certain figures within both the state and the PKK.
MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız emphasized the transition from armed methods to political solutions and highlighted how Öcalan’s February 2025 call for laying down arms significantly relieved public tension. Yıldız argued that the call to abandon arms must encompass structures not only in Turkey but also in Syria, Iraq, and Iran. Mentioning past experiences, Yıldız stated that it is essential for the SDF to comply with integration agreements and suggested that a new statement from Öcalan is necessary to ensure the cessation of armed activities. According to the records, Öcalan also addressed the situation in Iran, stating that PJAK would not lay down its arms unless executions end and democratic rights are recognized, calling for a regional ceasefire and dialogue. In the Imrali transcripts, Abdullah Öcalan highlighted the ongoing executions in Iran and called for democratic rights for Azeris and Kurds. Stating that PJAK will not lay down its arms as long as executions continue, Öcalan emphasized the need for a dialogue and ceasefire process with Iran instead of War
According to the Imrali transcripts, Abdullah Öcalan emphasized that his vision for a solution is not a separate state or federation, but integration with the Republic of Turkey. He stated, "The model I propose is a Democratic Republic and local democracy. There can be no Kurds without Turks, and no Turks without Kurds."
Regarding Syria, Öcalan warned that without local democracy and civil society, Ahmed al-Shara could turn into a dictator. Concerning the PKK, he noted that Kandil had followed his calls, the organization was effectively in a process of self-dissolution, and that ending hostility required a mental transformation beyond just laying down arms. Highlighting past "coup mechanisms" and the suspicious death of Turgut Özal, Öcalan described Devlet Bahçeli’s outreach as historic, warning that if peace is not achieved, those same dark mechanisms could target current leaders
The Ardahan Culture House Association, based in Esenyurt, announced that "Ardahan Promotion Days" will be held at Istanbul Atatürk Airport between January 22–25, 2026. While the event aims to showcase local products, artists, and authors, the promotional posters have sparked outrage.
The use of images featuring foreign castles and arches that have no connection to Ardahan became a subject of ridicule on social media. Many locals criticized the organizers, stating, "People who have never even visited Ardahan are organizing events for profit." Critics are demanding that associations learn about the city themselves before attempting to promote it to the public.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense and the General Command of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have announced a 4-day ceasefire effective as of this evening. The agreement came into force today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 20:00, covering all operational zones between the Syrian army and the SDF.
While Damascus stated that this decision was made to "achieve national efforts," the SDF announced its full commitment to the consensus to de-escalate regional tensions. The SDF General Command emphasized: "We declare our full commitment to the ceasefire agreement. As long as there is no attack against our forces, no military action will be initiated by our side."
Memur-Sen Ardahan Provincial Representative Serkan Karataş participated in a press statement held simultaneously across 81 provinces in Turkey, under the slogan “End Wage Imbalance, Income Injustice, and Restlessness in Public Service.” Karataş highlighted the wage inequality faced by public employees, noting that the salary increase rates set in the 7th and 8th Term Collective Agreements have left civil servants struggling against inflation and severely disrupted the wage balance among public personnel. Recalling a similar situation in the past, Karataş stated that while President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s intervention had previously raised the lowest civil servant salary above the lowest worker's wage, the system has once again deteriorated over time.
Kinship" Dispute Between Two Kurdish Figures Sparks Political Debate
A heated exchange has broken out between Ardahan-born journalist Levent Gültekin and Kars-born politician Tuncer Bakırhan over the nature of cross-border Kurdish ties.
Gültekin recently criticized Turkey’s Syria policy and questioned those showing solidarity with Kurds in Syria, asking: "What is it to you? Is he your father's son? Is he your relative?" His comments immediately drew fire from the political arena.
Tuncer Bakırhan, Co-Chair of the DEM Party, responded sharply without naming Gültekin directly. "You fool; those people there are your relatives, your brothers, and your very soul," Bakırhan stated, emphasizing the deep historical and familial bonds between Kurds across the border. This clash between two influential Kurdish figures from eastern Turkey highlights the growing domestic tension over the shifting dynamics in Syria.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned the ambassadors of Germany, the UK, France, and Italy over their official support for the ongoing nationwide protests. Tehran issued a stern warning to the European envoys, demanding an immediate end to their "interference in Iran’s internal affairs" and the withdrawal of supportive statements.
The protests, which erupted on December 28 fueled by soaring inflation and economic grievances, have rapidly evolved into a widespread movement against the country’s clerical leadership. While human rights groups report hundreds of fatalities and over 10,000 arrests, Tehran blames the United States and Israel for instigating the unrest. Global attention is now shifting toward a potential intervention from Washington as the situation continues to escalate.
Protests in Iran are escalating across the country, while the government attempts to suppress the unrest through harsh security interventions and widespread internet blackouts. Demonstrators have been taking to the streets, chanting slogans directly targeting Khamenei and demanding fundamental political changes.
Human rights organizations report a grim toll from the ongoing unrest, confirming dozens of deaths and thousands of detentions. Security forces are reportedly using heavy-handed tactics to disperse crowds, while the intentional cutting of internet services aims to prevent the flow of information and coordination among protesters.
The international community remains deeply concerned as the scale of violence and the number of arrests continue to rise amid the information vacuum created by the authorities.
(Ardahan Gazetesi)
گزارشویژهازتحولاتاخیرایران:تشدیداعتراضاتوسرکوبگسترده
براساسگزارشهایمیدانی،اعتراضاتمردمیدرسراسرایرانبهشدتافزایشیافتهوحکومتبابهکارگیرینیروهایامنیتیواعمالمحدودیتهایشدیداینترنتی،درتلاشبرایسرکوباینقیامشبانه است.گزارشهاحاکیازآناستکهدربسیاریازشهرها،اینترنتبهطورکاملقطعیادچاراختلالگستردهشدهتامانعازارسالاخبارسرکوببهدنیایخارجشوند.
معترضاندرخیابانهاباسردادنشعارهاییکهمستقیماًعلیخامنهایراهدفقرارداده،خواستارتغییراتسیاسیبنیادینهستند.درهمینحال،سازمانهایحقوقبشریباابرازنگرانیعمیقازخشونتنیروهایامنیتی،اعلامکردندکهتاکنوندههانفرکشتهوهزاراننفردیگربازداشتوبهمکانهاینامعلوممنتقلگشتهاند.
وضعیتدربسیاریازمناطقبحرانیگزارششدهوجامعهجهانینسبتبهابعاداینسرکوبهاهشداردادهاست.
As attacks on Aleppo and resistance in Kurdish neighborhoods continue, a notable call for a solution came from the DEM Party to Ankara. Saluting the resistance of Kurds in Aleppo, the party leadership emphasized that the issue should be resolved through dialogue rather than military methods.
The statement included the following remarks: "A solution is possible and clear. What needs to be done? Invite SDF leaders to Ankara, sit at a table, talk, and seek a solution together. However, we see that some want to maintain tension instead. They want Kurds to be suppressed. No one can drive Kurds out of Aleppo."
Israel has started implementing the "house with a garden" project originally planned by President Erdogan for Arabs in Syria. Israel has accelerated reconstruction work in the occupied Golan Heights and its surroundings. It is claimed that Israel, which has established full control in southern Syria, aims to annex the capital Damascus as well.
In the north, the situation is more complex. While violent clashes between Kurdish and Arab groups continue, Arab elements backed by radical Islamist groups have reportedly declared a unilateral ceasefire.
Title: Venezuela's Interim President Rodriguez Calls for Dialogue Amid Trump’s Threats
Following threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez would face a "worse fate than Maduro" and pay a "heavier price" if she acts against U.S. interests, Rodriguez issued a surprise call for cooperation. Having assumed the presidency by a Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) ruling following Maduro's detention, Rodriguez shared a "message to the world and the U.S." via her Instagram account.
Stating, "President Donald Trump, our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war," Rodriguez emphasized that this message is now the collective stance of Venezuela. Calling for an environment free from external threats and based on international law, she invited the U.S. government to strengthen coexistence through mutual respect and diplomatic cooperation.
Title: SDF and Damascus Decide on Military Integration: Dialogue to Continue
Following a meeting in Damascus between the top leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian government officials, it was announced that both parties have decided to continue the dialogue process uninterrupted to ensure military integration. According to an official statement by the SDF Press Office, the meeting was attended by SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi and General Command members Sozdar Derik and Sipan Hemo.
The main agenda of the meeting was the unification of military structures in the region under a single official umbrella and the establishment of the legal and military framework for this process. The statement noted that the talks took place in a constructive atmosphere, adding: "The SDF command discussed the issue of unifying military forces with Damascus government officials within an official dialogue framework. Both sides have reached a consensus to continue discussing this matter and following the process, including holding future meetings until concrete results are achieved."
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.
