Arzu Geybullayeva is Azerbaijani columnist and writer, with special focus in digital authoritarianism and its implications on human rights and press freedom in Azerbaijan. Arzu has written for Al Jazeera, Eurasianet, Foreign Policy Democracy Lab, CODA, Open Democracy, Radio Free Europe, and CNN International. She is a regular contributor at IWPR, Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso and Global Voices. In 2019, Arzu launched Azerbaijan Internet Watch, a platform that documents, and monitors information controls in Azerbaijan. Arzu has contributed to GV since May 2010.
Latest posts by Arzu Geybullayeva
In Turkey, first large anti-vaccine rally gets green light from the local government
The rally that took place at one of Istanbul neighborhoods, was approved by Istanbul Governor Office and was attended by well known vaccine opponents.
In Georgia, a taxi service for women by women
A new taxi service in Georgia, called TaxiWoman is promising safe journeys as it will serve only women, with women drivers behind the wheel.
Team Azerbaijan returns from Paralympics with 19 gold medals
Team Azerbaijan, secured a total of 19 medals, including 14 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze.
In Turkey, religious cleric joins calls to censor social media
Ali Erbas, the head of the Religious Affairs Directorate in Turkey suggests using Islamic jurisprudence to control social media platforms.
In Azerbaijan silence looms as yet another member of LGBTQ+ community is fatally targeted
The story of a young trans woman killed in August stirs new discussions about homophobia, the lack of protective measures for the LGBTQ+ community, and governmnet's failure to take action.
Azerbaijan extends special quarantine regime
As of September 1, all citizens over the age of 18 will have to provide proof of vaccination when entering indoor spaces, including restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls.
Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party turns 20
Two decades into AK Party rule, its popularity is dwindling and its ties with western governments have deteriorated significantly as the country is facing an economic and democratic precipice.
Turkey's struggle against natural disasters: wildfires, drought, floods, and a possible earthquake
In light of recent natural disasters and weak governmental response, many wonder whether the government is prepared to handle its worst disaster yet — a possible earthquake in Istanbul.
Anti-immigrant sentiment leads to violence in Turkey
A mob ransacked and vandalized stores, homes, and cars belonging to Syrian immigrants in Ankara's Altindag neighborhood.
Russia blames Azerbaijan for violating ceasefire
The Russian Ministry of Defence accused Azerbaijan of violating the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh as tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to rise.
In Turkey, a social media battle amid ongoing blazes
To counter the trending #HelpTurkey the government responded with its own hashtags #StrongTurkiye and #WeDontNeedHelp.
Are Turkish environmental groups alone in criticizing the Beijing-Ankara economic integration?
The Hunutlu coal-fired power plant is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative in Turkey, an economic and political cooperation program that Ankara joined in November 2015.
Style and comfort in one: Adaptive clothing for people with disabilities
"Kekalove Adaptive Fashion," is a social business founded in 2019 by a group of young people designing clothes specifically for people with disabilities.
Nikol Pashinyan re-appointed as Prime Minister in Armenia
The appointment follows Pashinyan's Civil Contract Party victory in the June snap election. Pashinyan had been serving as acting Prime Minister until the official appointment on August 1.
In Azerbaijan women's rights activists protest outside the Ministry of the Interior
A coffin covered with the names of domestic abuse victims was placed at the entrance of the Ministry of the Interior in Baku on July 30.
In Turkey, continuing forest fires are destroying livelihoods
As the extent of the damage comes to light, the ruling Justice and Development Party has faced criticism and public outcry for the country's lack of safety measures and emergency plans.
In Georgia, a book with stories to empower women written by men garners criticism
"Love yourself," a book featuring 13 women who share their stories of stigma over body image, may have had all the good intentions at heart.
Armenia and Azerbaijan exchange accusations in renewed clashes
It was the deadliest clash since Russia brokered ceasefire ended the 44-day war between Armenia and Azerbaijan in November 2020.
“Istanbul is the new cool” claims Turkey's Ministry of Tourism and Culture, though not everyone agrees
Turkey's Ministry of Tourism and Culture launches new video promoting tourism in Istanbul, is not real Istanbul critics of the promo film say.
Afghan refugees flood into Turkey as USA announces final troop withdrawal
After the US announced it would withdraw American troops from Afghanistan, Afghans fleeing the Taliban are flooding into Turkey for safety.
