ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Yeniçağ: A Turkish Ultra-Nationalist Newspaper with a Complex History

Yeniçağ is a Turkish ultra-nationalist daily newspaper founded in 2002 by Devlet Bahçeli, who later became the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). The newspaper's official title in Turkish translates to "The New Era in Turkey." With a circulation of approximately 54,668 copies as of 2016, Yeniçağ is one of many editorialists associated with Rauf Denktaş, the former president of Northern Cyprus.

Yeniçağ often references theories related to the "Jewish plot" and the Sages of Zion Protocol in its articles. The newspaper has also been accused of promoting anti-Semitic content. In 2008, it received funding from a German branch of the Ergenekon organization, an underground group involved in various extremist activities.

The paper's editorial stance is characterized by strong nationalism and references to Kemalism, which differs from the current MHP leadership's views. Despite this shift, Yeniçağ remains nationalistic but has moved away from Bahçeli's ideology over time. In 2016, the newspaper supported internal party challengers of Bahçeli, including former Interior Minister Meral Akşener and author Ümit Özdağ, who are politicians with ties to the İyi Parti.

Yeniçağ is considered close to the İyi Parti (Good Party) and has been known for its coverage of the party's development. The newspaper's authors include well-known journalists such as Ahmet Takan and Arslan Bulut. However, in December 2016, the editorial office was targeted by a group of masked individuals who were believed to be supporters of the ruling AKP (Justice and Development Party).

Throughout its history, Yeniçağ has been involved in several controversies, including an attack on journalist İsrafil Kumbasar in 2004. The perpetrators were linked to the Idealist Association Istanbul, which was reportedly motivated by Kumbazar's critical comments about Bahçeli. These incidents highlight the complex and often contentious nature of Yeniçağ's editorial stance and its relationships with other Turkish political parties.