*The already skittish real estate market was dealt another blow with the announcement that the Turkish Constitutional Court, the highest legal authority of the country, has reportedly ruled that certain sections of a law allowing purchase of Turkish real estate by foreigners have been voided, in effect barring such sales. The wording of the ruling, however, has apparently created some confusion with some claiming that sales can proceed but deeds cannot be issued since it was the Deeds Offices that were instructed to cease issuing property deeds to foreigners. But who would buy any real estate without being able to obtain a legal deed? Some explanations point to local reaction to purchases of large tracts of land by foreigners as the reason for this ruling, but whatever the case and however this fracas ends, the market is in a tizzy and doubtless quite a few realtors will be closing their doors, not to mention the loss of confidence of potential buyers.

**Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka is reported to have visited a wealthy Turkish owner’s villa near GolTurkbuku last week and inspected a large tract of land in the area, possibly with buying in mind. If so, it will be interesting to see how the mean Trump machine will maneuver to overcome the legal obstacles mentioned just above, but the creator of “The Apprentice” seems unlikely to be disconcerted legalities. Perhaps aware of the scuffles with local paparazzi that erupted when the Kuwaiti PM paid a visit (reported previously), Ivanka came by helicopter, thus evading our stalwart photohounds. From now on however they will undoubtedly be mounting a 24/7 Trump watch!

***It’s a good thing that the weatherman promises a very warm day on 23 April, the date of the Turkish Children’s Day Holiday because it has been distressing to see kids shiver from cold as they stood in formation listening to overlong and often incomprehensible (to them) speeches made by ‘authorities’. After the official fare, however, their parents may be able to take them to the Oasis Mall for a special musical concert for kids (15:00-17:00hrs) by a group called Muzikavizyon. If there’s anyone “in authority” listening out there please note that kids want to be kids, they want to play, to enjoy some carefree hours, not to stomp or listen to ‘uplifting’ speeches. Thank you.