Crude oil extracted from a mountainous region in southeastern Türkiye now meets approximately 8% of the country’s daily oil demand, a top official said on Monday, following a rapid rise in production since the field’s discovery about four years ago.

The output in the Gabar region of southeastern province of Şırnak has surpassed 80,000 barrels per day (bpd), according to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.

“With this discovery, which began in 2021, we have reached a daily output of 81,000 barrels, covering nearly 8% of Türkiye daily consumption from this site alone,” Bayraktar noted.

“We still have a lot of work ahead, with promising new exploration areas to develop,” he told a ceremony held at the Şehit Esma Çevik-1 Well in Gabar to mark May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.

Bayraktar described the project as one of the most important undertakings in Türkiye’s path toward energy independence.

Bayraktar noted that efforts are underway not only to increase production but also to explore new reserves across the region. The current output is just shy of 100,000 barrels per day that the government aims to reach in Gabar soon.

“With new fields and discoveries, this project will hopefully expand further, reducing Türkiye’s dependence on foreign energy and making an even stronger contribution to the economy in the coming period,” said the minister.

Türkiye is almost entirely dependent on energy resources from abroad, which left it vulnerable to rising costs that surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

It imports over 90% of its energy needs but is pushing to cut its import bill and boost supply security by developing domestic resources in oil and gas exploration.

The Şırnak province had long been a victim of PKK terrorist attacks and has suffered from underdevelopment for decades. Years of counterterrorism operations eventually enabled a major transformation of the region that is now home to one of the country’s most important oil reserves.

A week ago, the PKK announced it would lay down arms and dissolve itself, which will eventually mark an end to decades of violence that killed thousands in Türkiye and cost what is estimated to be about $1.8 trillion in counterterrorism efforts.

The decision promises to boost NATO member Türkiye’s stability and revitalize long-stalled economic potential in the country’s eastern and southeastern regions, which have been heavily affected by the PKK attacks.

Beyond its economic value, the Gabar project holds even greater significance due to its impact on the region, according to Bayraktar.

More than 3,000 young workers, most of them locals, are currently employed in the field, he said.

“This region was once associated with terrorism and was considered inaccessible. However, thanks to our efforts, we have built a 680-kilometer (422.53-mile) road network across these mountains,” Bayraktar said.

“The youth of this area are choosing to stay, and Şırnak is transforming from a city that loses residents to one that attracts them.”

Türkiye’s total crude oil production has risen gradually over recent years from about 57,000 barrels daily in 2019 to an average of 80,000 barrels in 2023.

The figures are expected to increase to 200,000 barrels per day soon.

Bayraktar also referred to Türkiye’s recent discovery of 75 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas in the Black Sea, which he said alone could meet residential natural gas needs for 3.5 years.

The discovery, with an economic value of around $30 billion, was found in the Göktepe-3 well at a depth of 3,500 meters, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on Saturday.

“Our production and new exploration efforts are continuing” in the Black Sea, said Bayraktar.

Türkiye’s daily gas production at its flagship Sakarya field in the Black Sea has reached around 9.5 million cubic meters.

The field off the northwestern Zonguldak province is estimated to contain 710 bcm of gas. The reserve was gradually discovered between 2020 and 2022.

It accounted for about 6.6% of Türkiye’s 53 bcm gas consumption last year, calculations show. It will meet approximately 30% of the nation’s annual gas needs once the production reaches total capacity.

The output is aimed to be lifted to 40 million cubic meters per day in the final phase, enough to supply up to 15 million households.

The Daily Sabah Newsletter

Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.

SIGN ME UP

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Born on the Fourth of July, 1943, Bill was always a firecracker. The phrase “the man, the myth, the legend” doesn’t even begin to do him justice.

After graduating from Liberty High School in 1961, Bill served in the U.S. Army where he became fascinated with skydiving, becoming a Jumpmaster and completing over 500 jumps. He enjoyed all things related to motorcycles, competing in motocross in his younger years and still riding street bikes into his 70s.

Though nothing made him happier than spending time with his wife and kids, his hobbies included bicycling, camping, canoeing, history, reading, rock n’ roll music, playing cards, trivia and participating in a variety of sports.

The ultimate girl dad, he coached his daughters in basketball and softball in the Mathews and Liberty communities, earning recognition as “Coach of the Year” and “Man of the Year” from the Liberty Township Baseball and Softball Association. Years later, the proud papa could be found cheering on his grandson as he carried on the athletic legacy at Medina Highland. And, if you are ever visiting Athens, Ohio, if you listen closely, you may hear the bricks on Court Street whispering about the tales of Bill during many OU Dad’s Weekends, Shuffles and Graduation celebrations (and please have a shot of tequila in his honor while you are there!).

Left to cherish Bill’s memory are his loving wife, Shirley; daughters, Tia (Bill) Buzzard and Terrie (Dustin) Turney-Spain; grandchildren, Jack and Ronnie; siblings, Ron (Jeannie) Turney, Daren VanSteenberg and Ginny Webb; a large extended family, and life-long friends, Tom Figinsky and Chuck (Maureen) Cook who supported Bill and his family until the very end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Virginia Turney; and siblings, Bob, Craig and Howard Leeson.

Following Bill’s wishes there will be no services.

If you wish to honor him, please consider a memorial donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at the link below or to a youth sports organization of your choice. Michael J. Fox Foundation Tribute Page for Bill Turney: http://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3206&np=tru

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444; 330-872-5440.

Family and friends may view his obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com

(special notice)

The Camp at Findley has shuttered its youth residential camping operations for 2025.
Submitted photo

CLYMER–The Camp at Findley, located at 2334 Sunnyside Rd, Findley Lake, has faced its share of challenges over the past few years.

This year’s hit? Camp officials have announced that summer youth camp programming will cease for the 2025 season while the board of directors determines the camp’s future plan.

Camp Findley’s rich history began in 1936, when it was acquired to host Bible Conferences and leadership training. However, in 1971, the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church assumed camp management, and in 1974, the Western New York Conference purchased the camp outright.

The Upper New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, a congregation dedicated to community and faith, once proudly owned and managed the summer camp nestled in the heart of nature. In 2016, the organization arrived at the difficult decision to close the camp’s summer programs and put the property up for sale, signaling the end of an era for generations of campers.

As a result, a grassroots initiative led by a dedicated group of alumni and supporters to acquire the camp and establish a new 501(c) non-profit organization named The Camp At Findley gained momentum.. In March 2018, a newly created not-for-profit organization, The Camp At Findley Life Ministries Inc., officially purchased the camp.

Starting in April 2022, the camp’s tax-exempt status faced a significant challenge and was subsequently altered..

In a March 28, 2024, Post-Journal story, Don Blakeslee, the camp board chairman, said the camp has been engaged in a legal claim to attempt to regain its former status.

“They didn’t really give us a reason,” Blakeslee said. “We sent two people to meet with them, and they said, ‘Where are your lawyers?’”

The town’s attorney, Tad Wright, provided information regarding the revocation of Camp Findley’s tax exemption in 2022 and said, “In 2022, it came to the town’s assessor that Camp Findley had entered into a 15-year residential lease with private tenants. Upon investigation, the assessor also determined that various buildings at the camp were being advertised as short-term rentals available to people visiting the area,” he said.

Wright went on to say that, accordingly, the assessor revoked the tax exemption for the property.

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Could Rillito Park stop holding horse races altogether and use all the land there for playing fields? The park’s about to miss a third racing season.

Now, a youth sports advocate sees opportunity in the racetrack’s failure to re-open.

Horseracing is on hold at Rillito Park. Pima County which owns the place says it does not expect to have horse racing for the 2026 season but the question is is horseracing even in the long term future of the place?

Racehorses have run at Rillito Park for more than 80 years but the park’s had a rough run with seasons canceled because of problems like track operators who didn’t provide audits Pima County required.

The State of Arizona did an assessment of the historical value of structures on the site.

The latest effort to reopen the track with new operators failed when no one was willing to bid for the job.

The track is on a prime piece of land at River Road and North First. When it’s open, races run of weekends in the winter.

Part of the park already has some soccer fields but local attorney and youth soccer advocate Ted Schmidt says it’s a much better use of the land to convert the entire park to playing fields.

“There’s over 10,000 kids, 5000 adults that play organized soccer here in Pima County, all of which would benefit from having more soccer fields at at Rillito Park. But the same is true for flag football and and Frisbee. Frisbee and lacrosse.”

He thinks it would make more sense for the horses to run at a new track at the County Fairgrounds or in Marana.

Pima County Parks and Rec Director Victor Pereira says the county is committed to continue horse racing and may consider other sites for the long term, but for now if the county makes some repairs and hires a new operator, Rillito Park is the only place the county has where horses can race.

“As far as exploring other options, there are multiple users that use Rillito Regional Park. We’ve got our youth sports. We’ve got the horse racing entities. You’ve got our special events users as well, as well as the heirloom farmers markets. We have multiple stakeholders that are currently using property.”

But if the county finds a new group to run the track their contract may have a cap of five years. That would keep the county’s options open to find a new place to race.

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — In today’s Las Vegas sports news:

• Battle For Vegas tickets on sale this week
• Stanley Pup competition returns
• Aces announce first-ever fantasy camp experience
• Raiders preseason schedule

Battle for Vegas charity softball game

Set your alarms, Vegas sports fans!

Tickets for the “Battle for Vegas” charity softball game go on sale Wednesday at 9 a.m.

This year’s event will feature teams captained by Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. A full roster of players is expected to be announced soon.

The game will be held at Las Vegas Ballpark on Saturday, July 12 at 8 p.m.

Fans can purchase tickets starting at just $35 at Ticketmaster.com.

The Warren Group

Stanley Pup returns!

The Stanley Pup competition returns for the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.

This year, all 32 NHL teams will be represented by adorable rescue dogs that are available for adoption from their respective local shelters.

VGK in-arena host Mark Shunock and Michelle Gingras will provide play-by-play commentary and rinkside reporting.

Various dog loving celebrities are expected to make special guest appearances such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Michael Buble.

Fans can tune into the 90-minute showdown of puppies on June 6 on TruTV.

NHL

Aces fantasy Camp

The Las Vegas Aces are launching the first-ever fantasy camp for adults 21 years of age and older.

The event will offer fans the opportunity to step into the shoes of a two-time WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces player with a weekend packed with elite-level basketball experiences.

Las Vegas Aces

Participants will be able to experience VIP interactions, on-court activities, tickets to games, and more along with a two-night stay at the Mandalay Bay.

“The first-ever Aces fantasy camp is a perfect example of how we are pushing the fan experience to new heights by bringing our community closer to the game, the players, coaches and the championship culture we continue to build here every day,” Las Vegas Chief Business Development Officer Jennifer Azzi said.

Camp packages begin at $4,950 and fans can reserve their spot at aces.wnba.com/fantasycamp.

And a reminder, the Aces return to the court Tuesday against the Connecticut Sun. You can catch the game on The Spot Vegas 34 at 3:30 p.m.

Raiders preseason schedule

Last week, the NFL released the season schedules for all 32 teams.

Today, the Las Vegas Raiders announced their finalized preseason schedule.

The Silver and Black will begin the preseason in Seattle to face the Seahawks on Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. Head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith served together in Seattle from 2019 to 2024.

The Raiders will then host the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Aug. 16 at 1 p.m.

And will close out the preseason in Arizona against the Cardinals on Aug. 23 at 7 p.m.

You can read more about the Raiders’ 2025-26 season schedule here.

by ALEXANDRA RETTER

In a soccer program for children of all abilities, students at a practice this month took turns  dribbling through cones before trying to shoot a goal. The Winona Family YMCA offers this inclusive soccer program, as well as a variety of other inclusive sports programs. This programming gives students a chance to practice social skills and make friends, as well as practice their sports skills. 

The Winona Family YMCA  also offers programs such as adaptive volleyball and basketball and adaptive swim lessons. 

Sports Lead Collin Perschnick has been involved with all the inclusive sports programs. “I think it’s something that can be missed a lot in our day in society,” he said. “Making programs that are for everyone and anyone, just bringing people of all skills and abilities together is what I really like about it.” He aims to become an adaptive PE teacher, and he has fun watching students grow. “It’s inclusive sports, but it builds more than just the sports skills; it’s also connection and working on social skills and [it] gets them in a new environment.” He’s glad to see students get more and more comfortable and keep building relationships with others. “I think there’s been a lot of students who have maybe had friendships or known each other from school but are still kind of nervous, and then a lot of time you can find kids who develop buddies or partners who they really like to hang out with a lot,” he said. “And it’s always fun to see those relationships build.” Similarly, he wants students to feel comfortable in themselves. “What I really hope they take away from this is … it’s OK to be them and themselves, and there are people who care about you, adults and peers,” he said. 

In soccer, students work on dribbling, passing and shooting, Perschnick said, and they play games as well. “What you will also see with all our inclusive programs is we have our sport, but we will also take breaks to play different games they like … They love freeze tag, they love four cones, which is four corners. We include those games for them to break up their soccer skills and get to interact with their peers in different ways besides just soccer,” he said. They also play color tag, in which students stand on one side and taggers stand in the middle, then call out a color, and if a student is wearing that color, they have to run across without getting tagged.“It also helps them work on the skill of what happens when something maybe doesn’t go our way … and you can see that each and every single time, it gets better,” he said. 

Marge Literski’s grandson is in the soccer program, and she said it has been great to watch him interact with his peers. “… The socialization is really good for him,” she said, adding that he has not stood back as much as usual. She wants to sign up him for future programs. Jade Beck’s two children are also in the soccer program, as they are trying out different sports to see what they enjoy. “It’s good for them to learn skills through the program, like waiting one’s turn, waiting in line and listening to instructions,” she said. “I hope they make some new friends and learn some listening skills … We’re members of the Y, so physical activity is a big, big thing that I like to implement into their lives or integrate into their lives, so hopefully they will learn that at this impressionable age and it will last throughout their lifetime,” she said. It’s great to include everyone in the program, she added. “I think everybody has different levels of skill, whether it be athletic skills or listening skills or sportsmanship, so it’s nice to see and appreciate other people’s strengths and weaknesses and just learn that it’s OK for everyone to have varied levels of both those things,” she said.  

Education@winonapost.com