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Haluk Direskeneli

Haluk Direskeneli

Eurasia Review

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Presidential Symphony Orchestra Concert: An Elegant Evening From Strauss To Schubert In Ankara – OpEd

On a bitterly cold winter evening, music lovers gathered at the CSO Ada Ankara Ziraat Bankası Main Hall for a

28.02.2026 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Energy, Language, And Geopolitics: Spain And Turkey’s ‘Natural Market’ Strategy 2026 – OpEd

Energy policy is no longer only about installed capacity, fuel mix, or carbon intensity. In the 21st century, energy intersects

27.02.2026 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Tosca Receives A Standing Ovation In Berlin – OpEd

On a cold, rain-swept evening, 13 February 2026, Staatsoper Unter den Linden presented one of Giacomo Puccini’s most gripping masterpieces. Already...

14.02.2026 30

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Turandot At Deutsche Oper Berlin: A Night Where Music Triumphed Over Adversity – OpEd

On a chilly, drizzly Wednesday evening in Berlin, an intrepid audience gathered along Bismarckstraße for Puccini’s Turandot at the...

13.02.2026 6

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Revisiting An Unfinished Energy Project From The 1980s – OpEd

In the late 1980s, an ambitious energy project brought together industrial vision, international cooperation, and emerging technology. At a time

04.02.2026 6

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

A Warm Evening Of Music In Ankara’s Winter Cold – OpEd

On Friday evening, 30 January 2026, despite Ankara’s familiar winter cold, rain, and sharp wind, a full audience gathered at

31.01.2026 20

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Harsh Rhetoric And Fragile Balances: A Measured Reflection On Allegations Against Turkey – OpEd

An article published by the Greece-based newspaper Ekathimerini, which employs exceptionally strong language when addressing Türkiye’s...

22.01.2026 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

An Unforgettable Evening At CSO Ada Ankara: Liszt And Beethoven Interpreted By Masato Suzuki And Can Çakmur – OpEd

In the opening days of 2026, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra of Turkey (CSO) captivated Ankara’s classical music audience with a

11.01.2026 40

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Greece’s Electricity Market Outlook For 2026 – OpEd

Greece’s power system is undergoing a profound transition, characterized by accelerating renewable energy penetration, the strategic management of...

08.12.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

National Archaeological Museum Of Athens: Treasures And Visitor Experience – OpEd

Located in the heart of Athens, the National Archaeological Museum offers visitors a remarkable journey through the treasures of ancient

08.12.2025 9

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

The Political Transformation Of Immigrants: From Democratic Beginnings To Republican Maturity – OpEd

When newly arrived immigrants settle in the United States, most initially align themselves with the Democratic Party. This inclination stems

13.11.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Büyükada’s Silent Legacy: Hesed Le Avraam Synagogue – OpEd

Büyükada (Prinkipo island near Istanbul), the largest and most vibrant of Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands, boasts a cosmopolitan history...

10.11.2025 8

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Christmas Traditions Of the Princes’ Islands And The San Pacifico Church: A Legacy Of Faith, Music, And Coexistence – OpEd

For centuries, Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands have stood as rare examples of communities where different faiths, languages, and cultures have lived

07.11.2025 9

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

The Cultural Treasures Of Büyükada – OpEd

Cultural Centers, the Islands Museum, the Stone School, Classical Music in Historic Churches, Jazz at Aya Yorgi and Seaside Hotels,

06.11.2025 7

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

The Prince Islands Are Not For Everyone: Ownerless Islands Decay And Disappear – OpEd

Just off the coast of Istanbul lies a rare natural and cultural treasure — the Princes’ Islands: Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada,

01.11.2025 6

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Impressions From Sporfest Fethiye Ölüdeniz 2025 – OpEd

We arrived a few days early for the Sporfest Fethiye Ölüdeniz Open Water Swimming Races, held on October 11–12, 2025.

10.10.2025 4

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

From Butterfly Valley To Ölüdeniz: Sporfest 2025 Open Water Swimming Race – OpEd

Fethiye’s Ölüdeniz, one of Turkey’s most stunning natural landmarks, will once again host a major event that unites sport and

09.10.2025 8

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Electric Vehicle Debate In Princes’ Islands: Energy Balance And Infrastructure Reality – OpEd

Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands, long known for their unique culture of life without motor vehicles, have offered a quieter, slower rhythm

03.10.2025 7

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

A Social Experiment Proposal: What If Our Leaders Were Backpackers? – OpEd

Imagine this: every person in Turkey’s decision-making mechanisms—those who draft laws, allocate budgets, and shape the country’s...

30.09.2025 7

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Atatürk’s Memories Of Büyükada – OpEd

After the proclamation of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk visited Istanbul in 1927 following a long stay in Ankara, and

27.09.2025 9

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Toward A New Era In US–Turkey Relations: An Assessment Of Erdoğan–Trump Meeting – OpEd

On September 25, 2025, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. The meeting between

26.09.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Historic LNG Agreement And New Era In Turkish Energy Geopolitics: Future Of Existing Contracts With Russia – OpEd

Turkey has signed two landmark 20-year LNG supply agreements with Mercuria and Woodside Energy, covering the period 2026–2045 and amounting

24.09.2025 6

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Notes From 2025 Kaş Blue Voyage: Bodrum Gulet Journey Along Sheltered Eastern Bays Of Kaş – OpEd

In the mild and clear September days, a blue voyage departing from Kaş offered a unique opportunity to explore both

22.09.2025 9

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

The 37th Bosphorus Intercontinental Open-Sea Swimming Race: Where Human Strength Meets Nature’s Power – OpEd

This year’s 37th Bosphorus Intercontinental Swimming Race fell short of the record-breaking performances spectators had hoped for. The winning time

05.09.2025 8

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

A War Requiem In Stockholm: Aida That Breaks Tradition And Disturbs The Audience – OpEd

When Verdi’s Aida is mentioned, the mind usually conjures up majestic pyramids, golden palaces, elephants, and triumphant processions. None of...

04.09.2025 9

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Growing Old In The Princes’ Islands: A Glimpse Into The Silent Crisis – OpEd

The Princes’ Islands, often called the jewel of Istanbul, have long been celebrated for their serenity, natural beauty, and historic

01.08.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Büyükada Journal: Waiting For The Château – OpEd

Each summer, we retreat to a modest house on Büyükada—far from the sea, yet vivid in the imagination of  our

29.07.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Revitalizing The Çöllolar Coalfield: Technical, Economic, And Safety Challenges – OpEd

Once a key supplier of lignite to Turkey’s Afşin–Elbistan B Thermal Power Plant, the Çöllolar open-pit coalfield in Kahramanmaraş was

29.07.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

The Turkey–Iraq Oil Pipeline Crisis: Arbitration Penalties, Energy Diplomacy, And Regional Equilibrium – OpEd

The long-standing dispute between the central government of Iraq (Baghdad) and Turkey over the export of crude oil from the

28.07.2025 6

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

The Surge Of Turkish Tourists To The Greek Islands: Why Are They So Popular? – OpEd

As of July 2025, over one million Turkish citizens have visited the Greek islands using the “visa on arrival” system[^1].

25.07.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

The End Of The Olive Groves: Green Destruction In The Name Of Coal – OpEd

In July 2025, the Turkish Grand National Assembly passed a controversial law allowing the clearing of olive groves and the

24.07.2025 7

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

A Reflection On The Sounds Of Büyükada – OpEd

The island of Büyükada (Prinkipo), one of the Princes’ Islands near Istanbul, has long been a place of spiritual resonance

23.07.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

An Assessment Of Decommissioning Of Obsolete Coal-Fired Power Plants In Turkey And Consequences – OpEd

In recent years, several aging, inefficient, and technologically outdated coal-fired power plants (CFPPs), formerly owned by Turkish state...

18.07.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

The Epstein Affair And Media Agenda-Setting Strategies – OpEd

It is somewhat puzzling to see the American media devote such sustained and extensive coverage to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

17.07.2025 9

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

On A Quiet Sunday Morning In Büyükada: The Noise Of A Lawn Mower – OpEd

Imagine planning a calm and peaceful Sunday at your house on Büyükada, one of Istanbul’s charming Princes’ Islands. You enjoy

15.07.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

New Coal-Fired Power Plant Projects In Turkey: Difficult To Finance, High Environmental Risks – OpEd

Turkey continues to discuss new coal-fired power plants in its energy policy, even as global financing for fossil fuels tightens

09.07.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

The Silent Robinsons Of Büyükada – OpEd

Büyükada—Prinkipo Island just off Istanbul’s coast—is a place where even solitude carries a quiet dignity, where time seems to slow

07.07.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Where The Coal Comes From, The Risk Comes From: A Critical Look At Turkey’s Dependence On Imported Coal – OpEd

One of Turkey’s main structural dilemmas in energy production is that external dependency remains stubbornly high. Imported coal power plants—which

04.07.2025 7

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Enerjisa Şirinçavuş (Bandırma II) Natural Gas Combined Cycle Power Plant: Efficiency, Environmental Sensitivity, And Role In Turkey’s Energy Strategy – OpEd

Turkey’s growing electricity demand and carbon reduction targets have made efficient and environmentally friendly power plants increasingly...

01.07.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Renewable Energy Expansion In Turkey: An Overview

Introduction Turkey, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has been transforming its energy sector to reduce dependence on

30.06.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Black Sea Gas: A Strategic Step Toward Turkey’s Energy Independence – OpEd

Turkey’s natural gas exploration and production efforts in the Black Sea have become a cornerstone of its energy policy in

29.06.2025 9

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Discovered Oil In Mount Gabar: A New Era In Turkey’s Energy Strategy? – OpEd

1. Geological & Technical Aspects The oil discovered in Mount Gabar (Şırnak province) is characterized as light crude, with an API

28.06.2025 20

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Electric Future: New Balances In Global Automotive Industry – OpEd

In mid-2025, the automotive industry is undergoing a visible transformation. Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer just a “future technology”;

27.06.2025 9

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Crisis From The Skies: The US B-2 Bombing Of Iran’s Nuclear Sites And Its Global Fallout – OpEd

I. Introduction In the early hours of June 22, 2025, the United States launched a direct airstrike on Iran’s underground

23.06.2025 20

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

On The Brink Of Attrition Warfare: The Military And Economic Costs Of The Israel-Iran Conflict – OpEd

I. Introduction The Israel-Iran conflict has evolved beyond a proxy war into a direct, multifaceted “war of attrition.” Reciprocal missile

23.06.2025 9

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

G7 Kananaskis 2025 Summit: A Tapestry Of Diverse Perspectives – OpEd

The 51st G7 Summit, held from June 15-17, 2025, in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, brought together a vibrant array of global

21.06.2025 8

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

The Israel-Iran Conflict And Turkey’s Long-Term Energy Security: A Gathering Storm – OpEd

As the Israel–Iran conflict intensifies across the Middle East, Turkey faces a new test of its long-term energy security. The

19.06.2025 9

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Atlas Enerji İskenderun Thermal Power Plant: Technical, Economic, And Environmental Assessment – OpEd

This article examines the Atlas Enerji Thermal Power Plant, located in İskenderun, Hatay, in southern Türkiye. It reviews the plant’s

19.06.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Sugözü Imported Coal Thermal Power Plant: Technical And Economic Assessment – OpEd

1. Introduction The Sugözü Thermal Power Plant, launched in the early 2000s as part of Turkey’s energy security policies, is

17.06.2025 7

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli

Tufanbeyli Thermal Power Plant: Utilizing Domestic Lignite With Modern Technology – OpEd

1. Overview Operated by Enerjisa Üretim, the Tufanbeyli Thermal Power Plant is a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) facility designed to

15.06.2025 10

Eurasia Review

Haluk Direskeneli