Latest news with #TurkishCypriot
Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders legend looks unrecognisable after making dramatic TV return
Early fans of BBC soap EastEnders may not have recognised an actor who returned decades later to star in a BBC2 series, with his social media also showing him in a different light EastEnders star Clair Norris has been told her contract will not be renewed, prompting the exit of her character Bernie Taylor after eight years. While viewers will say goodbye to Bernie, Oscar Branning is returning to Albert Square after an eight year absence, with actor Pierre Moullier taking over the role. Viewers who watched the soap from the start will remember a character brought to the fledgling soap by writers Tony Holland and Julia Smith to represent London's growing Turkish Cypriot community. Mehmet Osman was played by Haluk Bilginer, who spent three unforgettable years in Albert Square. Mehmet once duetted with his brother Ali Osman, played by Nejdet Salih, at The Queen Vic pub, where they performed the lively Turkish song Oy Oy Emine. In another scene at the Vic, he was struck by Mary the Punk after he attempted to kiss her. Sadly, both stars were abruptly written out of the goings-on in Albert Square when the writers exited the show. While Nejdet's acting career seemed to plateau after leaving EastEnders, Haluk's didn't. He continued acting and looked completely unrecognisable from his Walford days when he returned to TV in the starring role of The Turkish Detective. Stepping into the shoes of Detective Cetin Ikmen in the BBC2 series last July, he sported a bushy, grey beard and starred alongside Yasemin Allen, who played Cetin's female counterpart, Detective Ayse Farsakoglu. Haluk's Instagram account also shows him in a completely different light to the young Mehmet from EastEnders. In one image, taken back in 2021, he has long, wild hair and the same grey beard, with a photo that he captioned: "IS BALLET A SPORT???" Another picture, taken just before Christmas last year, reveals him to be in New York, as he smilingly poses for a selfie on the streets with a group of people on the street. The Turkish Detective was created for TV by American film company Miramax, and inspired by English author Barbara Nadel's The Cetin Ikmen Crime Novels. While Nadel's version stretches across 24 novels, the tale was condensed into eight episodes for viewers. Ethan Kai, recognised for his portrayal of Kasim in Emmerdale from 2016 to 2017 and his stint in BBC's spy thriller Killing Eve, also joined the cast. Haluk's acting credentials after EastEnders are impressive. In 1992, he and his then-wife Zuhal Olcay secured roles in the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. After moving back to his native Turkey and starring in a host of films there, they even set up their own theatre. Despite taking a break from English-language films for some time, Haluk made a comeback in 2009 with the American thriller The International, where he took on the role of high-tech missile guidance system dealer, Ahmet Sunay. He also featured as Dr Ranbir Sartain, the new psychiatrist of Michael Myers, in the 2018 horror sequel Halloween. In 2014, he clinched the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his role in Winter Sleep, and in 2018, he bagged an Emmy for Best Performance by an Actor for his portrayal of Agah Beyoglu in the Turkish crime drama Sahsiyet (Persona).
5 days ago
- Politics
EU help in healing Cyprus' ethnic split could bring benefits to all, officials say
NICOSIA, Cyprus -- The European Union can help resolve Cyprus' decades-old ethnic division by underscoring to all sides in the dispute that a peace accord would bring with benefits and a significant improvement in relations with the 27-member bloc, officials said Tuesday. Johannes Hahn, the EU envoy for Cyprus, held his first meeting Tuesday with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in his new capacity, which officials hope will build momentum toward reviving stalled negotiations led by the United Nations. Cyprus was cleaved along ethnic lines in 1974 when Turkey invaded in the wake of a coup that aimed to unify the island with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a 1983 Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence in the island's northern third where Turkey maintains more than 35,000 troops. Hahn said after the discussion with Christodoulides Tuesday that he would reach out to all stakeholders, including Turkey, to help build confidence and support for Maria Angela Holguin, who is heading up peace efforts as the envoy to Cyprus representing U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Asked how the EU could help bridge what appear to be diametrically opposed positions held by the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, Hahn said 'all parties have particular interests related to the European Union and this is exactly what I try to figure out in all my meetings.' Although Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, only the southern Greek Cypriot part where the internationally recognized government is seated enjoys full membership benefits. Turkey began EU membership talks in 2005, but those have stalled over its refusal to recognize the Cypriot government as the island's sole legal authority. Turkey remains keen to conclude visa liberalization talks with the EU that began in 2013. Cyprus backs closer EU-Turkey ties as long as there is clear progress on Cyprus peace talks, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said. The primary obstacle to restarting peace talks is Turkish and Turkish Cypriot insistence on a deal that would recognize two states on the island. This goes against a peace blueprint endorsed by the the U.N. Security Council that foresees a federated Cyprus with Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking zones. Greek Cypriots reject any agreement that would formalize partition, fearing Turkey would seek to control the entire island in light of its demand to maintain a permanent troop presence and military intervention rights in Cyprus. Turkey also insists the minority Turkish Cypriots should have veto rights over all federal government decisions.
San Francisco Chronicle
5 days ago
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
EU help in healing Cyprus' ethnic split could bring benefits to all, officials say
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — The European Union can help resolve Cyprus' decades-old ethnic division by underscoring to all sides in the dispute that a peace accord would bring with benefits and a significant improvement in relations with the 27-member bloc, officials said Tuesday. Johannes Hahn, the EU envoy for Cyprus, held his first meeting Tuesday with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in his new capacity, which officials hope will build momentum toward reviving stalled negotiations led by the United Nations. Cyprus was cleaved along ethnic lines in 1974 when Turkey invaded in the wake of a coup that aimed to unify the island with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a 1983 Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence in the island's northern third where Turkey maintains more than 35,000 troops. Hahn said after the discussion with Christodoulides Tuesday that he would reach out to all stakeholders, including Turkey, to help build confidence and support for Maria Angela Holguin, who is heading up peace efforts as the envoy to Cyprus representing U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Asked how the EU could help bridge what appear to be diametrically opposed positions held by the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, Hahn said 'all parties have particular interests related to the European Union and this is exactly what I try to figure out in all my meetings.' Although Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, only the southern Greek Cypriot part where the internationally recognized government is seated enjoys full membership benefits. Turkey began EU membership talks in 2005, but those have stalled over its refusal to recognize the Cypriot government as the island's sole legal authority. Turkey remains keen to conclude visa liberalization talks with the EU that began in 2013. Cyprus backs closer EU-Turkey ties as long as there is clear progress on Cyprus peace talks, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said. The primary obstacle to restarting peace talks is Turkish and Turkish Cypriot insistence on a deal that would recognize two states on the island. This goes against a peace blueprint endorsed by the the U.N. Security Council that foresees a federated Cyprus with Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking zones. Greek Cypriots reject any agreement that would formalize partition, fearing Turkey would seek to control the entire island in light of its demand to maintain a permanent troop presence and military intervention rights in Cyprus. Turkey also insists the minority Turkish Cypriots should have veto rights over all federal government decisions.
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
EU help in healing Cyprus' ethnic split could bring benefits to all, officials say
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — The European Union can help resolve Cyprus' decades-old ethnic division by underscoring to all sides in the dispute that a peace accord would bring with benefits and a significant improvement in relations with the 27-member bloc, officials said Tuesday. Johannes Hahn, the EU envoy for Cyprus, held his first meeting Tuesday with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in his new capacity, which officials hope will build momentum toward reviving stalled negotiations led by the United Nations. Cyprus was cleaved along ethnic lines in 1974 when Turkey invaded in the wake of a coup that aimed to unify the island with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a 1983 Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence in the island's northern third where Turkey maintains more than 35,000 troops. Hahn said after the discussion with Christodoulides Tuesday that he would reach out to all stakeholders, including Turkey, to help build confidence and support for Maria Angela Holguin, who is heading up peace efforts as the envoy to Cyprus representing U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Asked how the EU could help bridge what appear to be diametrically opposed positions held by the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, Hahn said 'all parties have particular interests related to the European Union and this is exactly what I try to figure out in all my meetings.' Although Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, only the southern Greek Cypriot part where the internationally recognized government is seated enjoys full membership benefits. Turkey began EU membership talks in 2005, but those have stalled over its refusal to recognize the Cypriot government as the island's sole legal authority. Turkey remains keen to conclude visa liberalization talks with the EU that began in 2013. Cyprus backs closer EU-Turkey ties as long as there is clear progress on Cyprus peace talks, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said. The primary obstacle to restarting peace talks is Turkish and Turkish Cypriot insistence on a deal that would recognize two states on the island. This goes against a peace blueprint endorsed by the the U.N. Security Council that foresees a federated Cyprus with Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking zones. Greek Cypriots reject any agreement that would formalize partition, fearing Turkey would seek to control the entire island in light of its demand to maintain a permanent troop presence and military intervention rights in Cyprus. Turkey also insists the minority Turkish Cypriots should have veto rights over all federal government decisions.
News18
16-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
India Supports Cyprus's Sovereignty: Why That's A Subtle Yet Strong Message To Turkey
Last Updated: In 1983, Turkish Cypriot leaders declared the formation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) — a state recognised only by Turkey. India on Monday reiterated its 'unwavering and consistent support" for the 'independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity" of the Republic of Cyprus, in what can be seen as a clear message to Turkey, that shares not just a border with Cyprus, but also a decades old territorial conflict. India's statement comes in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus, where met President Nikos Christodoulides. 'India reiterated its unwavering and consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. In this regard, both sides emphasised the need to avoid unilateral actions as essential for creating a conducive environment for the resumption of meaningful negotiations," a statement from PMO India said. PM Modi's Cyprus visit comes at a time when India is relooking at its ties with Turkey amid the Recep Tayyip Erdogan-led nation's diplomatic and seemingly overt military support for Pakistan since the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Hence, India's statement on support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus holds significance. India has always backed the territorial integrity of Cyprus and called for a resolution of the Cyprus problem under UNSC resolutions and international law. On Monday, PM Modi visited the Historic Centre of Nicosia with Cyprus President Christodoulides. The two were seen speaking to each other with the Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus in the background. The flag of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) could also be seen in the background. Turkey has been increasingly vocal in international forums against India, particularly on Kashmir. What Is The Turkey-Cyprus Conflict? At the core of the conflict between Turkey and Republic of Cyprus lies the division of the island of Cyprus, a geopolitical flashpoint shaped by ethnic divisions, historical grievances, and strategic interests. Cyprus, located south of Turkey, has long been home to two main communities — Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Tensions began escalating in the 1950s when Greek Cypriots pushed for enosis (union with Greece), which worried the Turkish Cypriot minority and Turkey. Following independence from Britain in 1960, the island adopted a power-sharing constitution. However, intercommunal violence in the 1960s and political instability undermined this arrangement. The conflict reached a tipping point in 1974, when a coup by Greek Cypriot nationalists aimed at annexing the island to Greece, prompted Turkey to launch a military intervention. Turkish forces took control of the northern third of the island, displacing thousands of Greek Cypriots. In 1983, Turkish Cypriot leaders declared the formation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) — a state recognised only by Turkey. To this day, the island remains divided. The Republic of Cyprus, internationally recognised and a member of the European Union, governs the southern part of the island. The north is administered by the TRNC with heavy Turkish military and economic backing. The buffer zone, known as the Green Line, is patrolled by United Nations peacekeepers. Greek Cypriots demand the return of occupied land and the withdrawal of Turkish troops. Turkish Cypriots and Ankara, on the other hand, insist on political equality and recognition of their self-declared state. Numerous UN-mediated negotiations, including the Annan Plan in 2004, have failed to produce a lasting solution. The conflict is further complicated by natural gas exploration in the region. The Republic of Cyprus has issued drilling licences in areas that Turkey claims infringe on its continental shelf and on Turkish Cypriot rights. Turkey has sent its own exploration vessels into disputed waters, clashing with Cyprus, Greece, and even EU regulations. Despite occasional diplomatic engagement, the conflict remains. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Cyprus northern Cyprus pm narendra modi turkey Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 16, 2025, 16:20 IST News explainers India Supports Cyprus's Sovereignty: Why That's A Subtle Yet Strong Message To Turkey
