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, satirical TikTok video leads to arrest and travel ban
The video, titled "Areas where the Turkish passport is used," was intended to be comedic, Instead, it got its young creators in trouble with the authorities.
The rise and fall of Clubhouse in Turkey
After a brief few months of popularity among student protesters and opposition activists, pro-Erdoğan figures have now flooded the app.
Experts warn Turkey's ambitious Istanbul Kanal will result in environmental destruction—and open a geopolitical can of worms
A new link between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara will open a geopolitical pandora box—and poses serious environmental threats to its immediate surroundings.
How Azerbaijan's government abused Facebook's loopholes—for years
An investigation by The Guardian showed that Facebook has tolerated abuses of its platform in small nations such as Azerbaijan as it prioritized issues that affected the United States and its...
Turkey withdraws from Istanbul Convention, citing ‘normalization of homosexuality’
The convention pledges to eliminate domestic violence and promote gender equality.
In Azerbaijan, death of young woman renews conversation on domestic violence
Sevil's story hit close to home for many Azerbaijani women, for whom physical and psychological abuse at the hands of not only partners, but also siblings, parents, and in-laws, are common.
Turkey reins in social media—one platform at a time
The new social media law sets up a series of restrictions that will have a lasting impact on digital rights and freedom of expression in Turkey.
Protests rock Istanbul's most prestigious university over appointment of new rector
In 2016, President Erdoğan secured the right to appoint universities' rectors who previously were elected by the academic body.
Azerbaijani authorities disrupt internet nationwide amid Nagorno-Karabakh clashes
Access has been on and off since clashes broke out on September 27.
In Turkey, women rise up to stop withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention
The public outcry seems to have made an impression on the AKP—a decision on the Convention that was meant to be announced in August has now been postponed.
As Armenians and Azerbaijanis clash worldwide, activists petition for peaceful dialogue
When fighting on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border killed 17 people, violent clashes broke out between the diasporas of both countries worldwide. That enmity could close the one avenue for grassroots dialogue,...
Azerbaijan signals a lockdown and a crackdown in fight against coronavirus
Attempting to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Azerbaijan's president has closed the country's borders, emptied its streets, cancelled large public gatherings, and given a fiery speech against the opposition.
Azerbaijan's snap parliamentary election produces the normal results
Azerbaijan's latest parliamentary elections were called well ahead of schedule. Otherwise, they were quite normal: with allegations of ballot stuffing and a huge majority for pro-government candidates.
Protesting domestic violence, Azerbaijani women take to the streets and social networks
One girl's story of domestic violence has sparked a nationwide conversation.
Arts festival caught in the crosshairs of Azerbaijan's ‘national mentality’
One mural depicting the body of a transgender person drew so much attention that it was painted over once the festival ended — in a not so artistically-friendly way.
Azerbaijanis wary of new ‘morality police’
Progressive Baku residents see "morality police" as immoral, and experts say the move will ultimately be ineffective.
Overnight music hit turns rappers into social justice heroes in Turkey
With over 10 million views and still trending, the song 'cannot stay silent' is making a deafening noise in Turkey and liberating the minds.
How Turkey's broadcast regulator is taking over the supervision of online content
Under a new regulation, local streaming services like Netflix are required to adjust their content to the regulator's rules and guidelines.
Once celebrated by Homer, Turkey's Mount Ida is losing trees and going bald
Activists and artists join forces in Turkey to fight deforestation caused by mining companies.
Withheld in Turkey: How the government exploits removal requests to silence critical and independent voices
For years, Turkey has been exploiting tools offered by social media platforms to restrict illegal content in a particular jurisdiction, to silence critical voices.
