Volkan Isbasaran

Freelance Writer

Turkey

I am a freelance writer on international affairs, Turkish politics, travel and (sometimes) football.

My articles have been published for EUobserver, The New European, New Eastern Europe, Glory Magazine and Futbolista.

I graduated with an MA in Political Science from Central European University (Vienna, Austria).

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Portfolio
EUobserver
01/05/2024
Collateral damage: Ukraine's destroyed football stadiums

Many of these stadiums were constructed decades ago, renowned for their architectural magnificence or for hosting international tournaments. They held a special place in the hearts of Ukrainians and football fans worldwide.

EUobserver
12/12/2023
Erdoğan's foreign policy Israel-Hamas balancing act

From initial calls for restraint, and offers of mediation, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has pivoted to labelling Netanyahu the 'butcher of Gaza' and Israel a 'terrorist state' - despite the majority of Turkish public opinion wanting neutrality.

Glory Magazine
06/09/2023
An 800-year connection and a congratulatory football tweet

On May 30th, Galatasaray triumphed as champions in the Turkish Süper Lig, marking a momentous occasion in their football history. Among the flood of congratulatory messages, one stood out. It came from Italy and Genoa CFC.

Glory Magazine
06/02/2023
Derby days: Fenerbahçe - Trabzonspor

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the highly anticipated Fenerbahçe v Trabzonspor match at the iconic Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.

New Eastern Europe
06/02/2023
Turkey: Erdoğan secures third term as president - New Eastern Europe

On May 14th, Turkey held elections to choose their next president and parliament for the next five years. This marked the second presidential election since the 2017 constitutional referendum, which changed the country's form of government from a parliamentary system to a presidential one.

The New European
05/16/2023
A divided Turkey holds its breath

"It is not clear whether we are going to have an election or a war!" Those were the words of Mansur Yavaş, the mayor of Ankara, at a rally held a week before Turkey went to the polls in the first round of our general election.

Gercek News
10/02/2022
What Does Russia's Annexation Mean?

Following the annexation referendums in four oblasts of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that these four regions will be part of Russia, but what does the annexation mean, what could happen next?

Gercek News
09/03/2022
Gorbachev and Putin: A Love-Hate Relationship

On Tuesday, the last leader of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev died at age 91. He took power in 1985 and introduced major reforms. Despite the reforms, six years later, the Soviet Union disintegrated. He was the youngest member of the Soviet Politburo and the only USSR leader born after the 1917 Revolution.