Spring in London & Istanbul: Politics, protest, pastry and the power of renewal

Dear Readers,

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the May–June issue of our magazine. As the only regularly published Turkish-English periodical in the UK, we continue to take pride in offering critical, balanced coverage of developments in both the United Kingdom and Türkiye. Each story is carefully curated, analysed, and presented in English to make our publication accessible to a diverse and growing readership.

Over the past few months, our reach has grown substantially. Numerous institutions now cite our reporting, and our investigative features are regularly referenced in public discourse—something that reflects both your trust and the importance of the stories we pursue.

This issue’s cover feature presented a particular editorial challenge. March and April were politically charged months, especially in Türkiye, where the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor sparked an unprecedented wave of protests. Rather than offer a linear retelling, we approached the story through the lens of youth, economic precarity, and media control—elements that are shaping the next phase of political resistance.

Meanwhile in the UK, the local elections held in early May shifted the political landscape dramatically. Reform UK’s electoral surge and the heavy losses suffered by the Labour government prompted deep questions about the country’s political direction. We provide concise analysis of these shifts in our political pages.

This edition also examines the evolving trade relationship between Türkiye and the UK, alongside transatlantic developments with the United States. While progress has been made between London and Washington, EU–China–US trade relations are entering a tense and uncertain period—one we explore in depth.

Just as we were finalising this issue, a major announcement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer reignited debate across the Turkish community in Britain. Plans to double the minimum residency requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years have caused understandable concern—especially among those who arrived under the Ankara Agreement and are approaching permanent settlement. Our report offers context, legal perspective, and a cautionary guide for what may come next.

As always, our culture, health, and technology sections offer fresh insights—from the creative industries and AI innovation to public health and wellness. Don’t miss our special photo feature on Istanbul in springtime—four pages of visual inspiration for short getaways—and a delightful profile of one of Edinburgh’s finest Turkish cafés.

With warm weather already arriving early this year, parks are in bloom, festivals are on the horizon, and summer promises to be a beautiful one. We hope this issue brings a moment of reflection, joy, and connection. Until our July edition—stay well, stay curious, and keep reading.

Warm regards,

Ayla Torun, PhD

Editor-in-Chief