A lively new year looks to be in store as far as Turkey’s internetional relations are concerned. Within the first ten days of 2006, Ankara played host first to the charismatic president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, and then to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan, Whose genial conduct undoubtedly made a positive impression on Turkish public opinion.

The lively nature of Turkey’s international ties has also been underlined by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül. In an exclusive statement to DİPLOMAT this month, Foreign Minister Gül draws up a balance sheet of last years’s work, concluding that 2005 was a “good year” for Turkish policy. He goes on to explain his priorities, expectations and projects for 2006.

DİPLOMAT’s “Interview” page, meanwhile, introduces Dr Muzaffer Eryılmaz, mayor of the Çankaya urban district, which is home to all Ankara’s institutions of government and embassies. Mayor Eryılmaz gives details of the district in which most of us live, and speaks of the services which the municipality is providing and plans to provide. He does not omit to mention to co-operation between the municipality and foreign embassies.

On our travel pages we cross the Arabina peninsula to Oman to draw your attention to the unique attractions of a country which is starting to take great strides in the field of tourism, and which promises to become as sought-after destination before too many years have passed.

How much do you know about Hattusha? A place of settlement for 8,000 years and capital city of to Hittites between 1600 and 1200 BCE, it is on of Turkey’s nine World Heritage sites. Visiting the area today, it is impossible not to marvel at what remains of the achievements of this remarkable civilisation.

Hattusha is just 200km from Ankara. If you should find yourself there one day, why not push on for another 100km and take a look at Amasya? If you need any further persuasion, then turn to our article on this intriguing historic city.

Another of Turkey’s most famous painters, Mustafa Ayaz, is features under our Arts rubric this month. A master of abstraction, he is best known for illustrations of women.

Finally, on the gastronomic front, we take a leisurely trip in time to the kitchens of the Ottoman Palace and briefly visit a few of Ankara’s fish restaurants. Both articles may help you discover new venues.

Wishing you all healthy, happy and successful year in 2006