One of the many challenges facing the Turkish economy is to increase the value added of its products by relying less on simple assembly or use of machines and technology developed abroad. The experience of AirTies, a high tech company specialising in internet connectivity, demonstrates how a company utilising local engineering talent and a boost from external financing can help drive Turkey into a higher level of economic activity.
Former NBA big man Mehmet Okur announced his retirement from basketball on Wednesday at the age of 33. Mehmet Okur, a 10-year NBA veteran, announced his retirement Thursday. The 6-foot-11 Okur, who is from Turkey, averaged 13.5 points and 7 rebounds in 10 NBA seasons. He won an NBA title with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. He played in 17 games for the New Jersey Nets last season and was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in the deal that brought Gerald Wallace to the now Brooklyn Nets. Portland waived him in March. Okur said he was retiring because injuries have kept him from contributing at a high level.
Comodo, a Turkish company owned by Melih Abdulhayoglu, is providing the security of the websites of nominees of the U.S. presidential elections. Results of the elections, which will choose either President Barack Obama or Republican Mitt Romney, will be revealed on November 6.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that he would like to congratulate US President Barack Obama on his election victory. Erdogan, who is visiting Bali to attend the 5th Bali Democracy Forum, replied to questions of Turkish reporters.
