TROwnership & classification
Founded: 2000
Ownership
Bianet (the Independent Communication Network, BİA) is owned and operated by the IPS Communication Foundation (IPS İletişim Vakfı), a non-profit civil-society foundation established in Istanbul in 1993; bianet.org has published online since 2000. It is not owned by any company, party, oligarch or the Turkish state — control rests with the foundation and its editorial team.
Funding
Bianet is funded mainly by project grants from international donors and institutions — notably the European Union/European Commission (including the EIDHR human-rights instrument) and other rights and press-freedom funders — rather than by advertising or a paywall.
Affiliation & stance
Bianet is an avowedly independent, rights-focused outlet publishing in Turkish, Kurdish and English, with a progressive/left editorial orientation centred on human rights, minority and press-freedom issues, often critical of the Turkish government. Because it is owned by a non-profit foundation with no party, corporate-conglomerate or state control, it is INDEPENDENT (donor/grant-funded civil-society media).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 144
85/100
Factual
77/100
Objective
152
Articles
152
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Journalist Derya Okatan jailed over classified files found on drive seized separate probe
Journalist Derya Okatan, a member of the DİSK Basın-İş union, was arrested and jailed after being accused of possessing classified documents found on an external hard drive seized in 2019 during a separate investigation. The İstanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command reported finding PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and PDF files containing 'classified documents concerning Çorum and Tokat' on the drive. The İstanbul 1st Penal Judgeship of Peace ordered her arrest, citing that the documents should only be in the possession of security forces. Okatan claimed the drive had been previously seized in 2019 as part of another investigation and that she used it to store her movie archive, asserting that the documents were likely placed on it by others and that she had no connection to the classified materials. She expressed confusion and rejection of the accusations, noting that she had never visited Çorum and had no knowledge of the individuals involved.
Turkey’s annual inflation at 29.73% in September as fuel prices spike
Turkey's annual consumer inflation decreased slightly to 29.73% in September 2026, down from 31.51% in August, according to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). Monthly inflation was 1.84%, with the highest increases seen in education, where prices rose 14.19% in a single month. Higher education saw the most dramatic rise, with prices increasing 25.79% in September alone. Fuel prices also spiked significantly, with diesel up 12.93% and gasoline up 11.55% compared to the previous month. Annual inflation rates for specific categories included education at 48.62%, health at 43.26%, and housing and utilities at 39.99%. Food and non-alcoholic beverages had an annual inflation rate of 27.62%, though some food items experienced price declines, such as fresh citrus fruits, which fell 24.41% in price.
Gender-Focused Journalism Workshop: Transforming language, representation and journalistic practice
A Gender-Focused Journalism Workshop was held at Atölye BİA’s office in Istanbul on September 29. The event aimed to explore gender perspectives, feminist media, and ethical journalistic practices. Topics included using visuals without reproducing violence, court monitoring, and applying a gender lens to everyday life. Participants discussed issues such as systemic inequalities, the impact of patriarchal norms on media, and the importance of challenging dominant narratives. The workshop emphasized the need for journalists to critically examine language, sources, and institutional structures to promote equity and inclusivity in news production.
Turkey blocks Sky News journalist’s X account over 'obscenity'
Turkey has blocked the X account of Sky News correspondent Alex Crawford as part of an 'obscenity' investigation, which is part of a larger wave of online censorship targeting various groups including LGBTI+ individuals, journalists, and economists. The blocking followed a decision by the Bakırköy 4th Criminal Judgeship of Peace on September 13. This censorship campaign began on September 12 with the blocking of numerous accounts linked to LGBTI+ rights organizations and activists, many of whom are now facing arrests on similar charges. The restrictions have since expanded to include journalists and economists, with several accounts related to discussions about an investment fund crisis being blocked. The Freedom of Expression Association (İFÖD) has also been impacted, with their website and X account for the EngelliWeb censorship monitoring project previously blocked, and now their account is also restricted.
Group attacks teenagers' anime festival in İstanbul
A group chanting 'Allahu akbar' attacked an anime and Japanese culture festival in Istanbul's Ümraniye district, causing damage to stands and equipment before police intervened. The KonohaFest, held on October 3-4, attracted participants including children and families. Organizers ended the festival early due to the incident. The attackers, identified as part of a group associated with the 'Ümraniye NGO Platform,' had previously targeted the event on social media, citing concerns over the festival's influence on youth and cultural values. They linked their opposition to government initiatives promoting traditional family structures and national identity, and criticized the festival for encouraging 'identity confusion.' The group's banners featured slogans supporting historical figures and condemning modern Western influences. Police removed the group after they damaged property during their protest.
Europe questioning its official history
The article discusses Europe's evolving approach to historical narrative, emphasizing a shift away from traditional nationalist historiography towards a more critical, transnational, and multidimensional perspective. It highlights how post-World War II developments have prompted a reevaluation of national histories, which were previously centered on themes like heroism, victimhood, and superiority. The piece notes that these traditional narratives, often used to construct national identities, are now being scrutinized for their ideological biases and lack of realism. Scholars such as Benedict Anderson and Eric Hobsbawm are cited as influencing this critique, arguing that nations are 'imagined communities.' The article suggests that this academic and political transformation challenges the notion of the nation-state as a monolithic entity and encourages a broader understanding of state and nation in contemporary European society.
'What compelled Ayşenur to go to Palestine was her sense of justice'
Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American dual citizen, was fatally shot by an Israeli sniper during a protest against an Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank on September 6, 2024. Her death is part of a broader pattern where 14 U.S. citizens, including two Turkish-Americans, have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since 2003, with none facing criminal prosecution. Two years later, no accountability has been achieved. Her husband, Hamid Ali, described her motivation as rooted in a strong sense of justice and a desire to address perceived injustices. He noted her prior activism in the U.S. and her decision to volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) in Palestine as a continuation of her commitment to social justice. The family continues to advocate for an independent investigation into her killing through the 'For Ayşenur' campaign.
Humans in the machine: Inside the high-tier AI training economy
The article explores the hidden ecosystem of digital talent brokers facilitating the growth of generative AI, highlighting platforms such as Mercor, Surge, and Outlier that connect human experts with tech companies like OpenAI and Meta. These platforms employ professionals with specialized skills to train AI models, offering flexible remote work opportunities. However, the work environment is described as demanding, with chaotic management, strict time constraints, and algorithmic oversight leading to worker stress. The hiring process involves an AI-driven video assessment that evaluates candidates' verbal patterns and technical knowledge, creating a highly selective and opaque entry point. Despite the potential financial rewards, many workers face challenges in securing contracts and maintaining consistent work conditions.
Someone – Someme
This article presents a poetic and fragmented narrative reflecting on daily life in Turkey, touching on themes of despair, societal norms, and personal relationships. It includes references to political tensions through metaphors, such as the brief appearance of someone shooting themselves outside the Constitutional Court, symbolizing acts of defiance. The piece contrasts everyday struggles, like dealing with waste bin sizes and urban infrastructure, with moments of cultural nostalgia, such as referencing 1970s-style home decor and past television programs. Personal interactions, including marital dynamics and leisure activities, are woven into the broader social landscape, highlighting both individual coping mechanisms and collective stress. The tone is introspective and often humorous, using vivid imagery and irony to convey a sense of disillusionment with current conditions.
Philosopher İoanna Kuçuradi dies at 89
Philosopher and academic İoanna Kuçuradi, renowned for her contributions to human rights, ethics, and the philosophy of values, has passed away at the age of 89. She died at Maltepe University Medical Faculty Training and Research Hospital after undergoing medical treatment. Kuçuradi was a prominent figure in Turkish academia, serving as president of the Philosophical Society of Turkey and honorary president of the International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP). Born in Istanbul to a Greek (Rum) family, she experienced significant historical events in Turkey during her early years, including the 1942 Wealth Tax and the Istanbul Pogrom. She completed her education at Zapyon Greek High School and earned her philosophy degree from Istanbul University. Throughout her career, she held various academic and leadership roles, including founding the Philosophy Department at Hacettepe University and establishing the Human Rights Research and Application Center at Maltepe University. Her scholarly work emphasized human dignity, ethics, and the foundational concepts of human rights. Kuçuradi also contributed to translating major works by Immanuel Kant into Turkish and received many
'I’m the complainant, but I was put in the defendant’s seat'
D.K., a 26-year-old Kurdish university student from Hakkari, was detained by Turkish authorities during the 'Rojava' protests in Nusaybin, Mardin, on January 20. He alleged he was tortured and placed in a defendant's seat during the incident, which involved allegations of removing a Turkish flag at the border. Despite these claims, the charge related to the flag removal was omitted from his indictment. D.K. was arrested on January 23 on charges including membership in a terrorist organization and entering a military restricted zone. After nearly five months in pretrial detention, he was released under judicial supervision on June 9. During a September 29 court hearing, two soldiers testified, stating the flag was removed from the Syrian side. D.K. described his actions as unintentional, claiming he did not realize the area was a military restricted zone and climbed a tower for safety after hearing gunfire. His case highlights ongoing tensions and legal challenges faced by individuals during protests in Turkey.
Five miners confirmed killed after collapse at Manisa coal mine
Five miners were confirmed dead after a collapse at a coal mine in Manisa, Turkey, operated by İmbat Madencilik. The incident occurred around 2 pm local time on April 4, 2023, trapping seven workers, two of whom were rescued shortly after. Search and rescue teams recovered the bodies of two workers overnight, and three more were recovered the next day. A total of 756 personnel and 76 vehicles from the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) and other agencies participated in the operation. A judicial investigation has been launched, and the company has a history of fatal incidents, including three deaths in 2020 and one in 2015.
Jailed trans rights activist Janset Kalan: Remember trans prisoners
Janset Kalan, a trans rights activist and board member of the Kaos GL Association, was arrested during Turkey's 'My Family Is Safe' operation on September 12, 2026, and detained in Sincan Closed Prison. She has been actively advocating for trans rights and against discrimination for over a decade, contributing to LGBTI+ organizations such as Queer Adana and Pembe Hayat. Kalan answered questions from inside the prison, describing the difficult conditions faced by trans prisoners, including limited access to legal representation, lack of visitor access, and financial hardships. She highlighted the challenges faced by fellow detainees, many of whom cannot afford legal aid or basic necessities, and noted the emotional toll of incarceration on both individuals and communities.