Turkish contemporary art in Washington DC - Photography, video, paintings, textiles and installations by 11 Turkish artists who create work in response to outlined gender roles will be on display at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC. The museum is the only one in the world dedicated exclusively to female artists. The world’s only museum dedicated exclusively to recognizing the contributions of female artists will host a Turkish exhibition from Feb. 12 to May 16. The exhibition “Dream... But Not Yours: Contemporary Art From Turkey” at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, or NMWA, in Washington, D.C., will display works by 11 leading Turkish artists who pose the elemental question: “Why do so many women seek to conform and adhere to standards set by others, and continue to be judged by their roles as spouses, mothers and keepers of the house?” Sponsored by Akbank, the Foreign Economic Relations Board, or DEİK, and the Turkish American Business Council, or TAİK.>>

Turkey is one of the fastest growing economies in OECD, a manufacturing center and the energy hub of the region, in 2004 Turkey attracted approximately $3 billion FDI. In 2005, $10 billion, in 2006 $20 billion and in 2007, just under $22 billion. Last year, Turkey was 13th in the world in terms of FDI and fifth among emerging markets. The international image of Turkey in terms of a destination for investment is generally shaped by the diverse market opportunities, both domestic and export-oriented, that Turkey offers. At the end of 2006 Turkey had the world’s 17th-largest economy and the 6th-largest in the E.U., with continual GDP growth of 7.4% - one of the highest levels of growth on the continent. The potential of the markets covers over one billion consumers, including: a huge and growing domestic market (approx. 72 million); high-income European markets (approx. 600 million); emerging Russian, Caucasian and Central Asian markets (approx. 250 million); diverse and expanding Middle East and North Africa markets (approx. 160 million). >>

Monthly AT-A Glance : “Global markets point the way…” 

Year of the Tiger for EMEA? European leaders have reached a deal to provide
aid to Greece, and yet the lack of a concrete deal with funding is not likely to keep the markets satisfied. There are no major signs of stress on the Turkish economy due to the current crisis in Greece. On the international trade channel, the link between the two countries is just not that strong. Hence Greece’s adverse effect on the Turkish economy should be limited.

Premature tightening, how likely? The Turkish rate decision might attract some attention, but the CBT is likely to keep its policy rate stable at 6.50%. Given that inflation in January surprised on the upside, rising by 1.9% (or over 8% annually), climbing above the CBT’s year-end inflation target of 6.5% y/y, the CBT is likely to restart monetary tightening in 2H10 to keep inflation in check. >>