Top Tweets for #TurkeyLastWeek
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Turkey cracks down on poultry producers over alleged price manipulation
Turkish police detained 32 people as part of an investigation into alleged unfair price increases in the poultry sector. Authorities also appointed supervisory trustees to 13 companies, including some of the country’s largest poultry producers.
2️⃣ Central bank expected to hold rates despite inflationary pressures
Turkey’s central bank is widely expected to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 37 percent for a third consecutive meeting, despite rising prices fueled in part by the Iran war. Economists remain divided over the inflation outlook, with some projecting year-end inflation of around 30 percent.
3️⃣ BYD pauses flagship $1 billion investment in Turkey
Chinese EV giant BYD has suspended work on its planned manufacturing plant in Turkey while prioritizing production elsewhere in Europe. The project had been hailed by Ankara as a major step toward turning Turkey into a regional hub for electric vehicle production.
4️⃣ U.S. moves to dismiss Halkbank case
The U.S. Department of Justice formally requested the dismissal of its long-running criminal case against state-owned Halkbank, following a settlement reached earlier this year. The move removes a major source of tension in U.S.-Turkey relations and sent Halkbank shares sharply higher.
5️⃣ Turkey and Saudi Arabia plan railway linking Gulf to Mediterranean
Turkey and Saudi Arabia are aiming to build a railway connecting the two countries through Jordan and Syria within the next three to four years. Turkish officials say the project could later expand to include other Gulf states and help reduce reliance on vulnerable maritime routes.
6️⃣ Erdoğan warns Israel is destabilizing the Mediterranean
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Israel’s actions threaten not only Turkey but the wider Mediterranean region. He accused Israel of pursuing policies that fuel instability and warned regional actors against aligning themselves with what he described as Israel’s provocations.
7️⃣ Erdoğan lashes out at France-Cyprus defense agreement
Erdoğan sharply criticized a new defense agreement between France and Cyprus that expands French military access to the island. He warned that Turkey would respond forcefully to any move that threatens the rights of Turkey or Turkish Cypriots in the Eastern Mediterranean.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Turkish courts move to unseat opposition leader in major escalation
A Turkish appeals court effectively removed CHP leader Özgür Özel by annulling the 2023 party congress that brought him to power. The ruling paves the way for former chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, a deeply divisive figure who lost every major election during his 13 years at the helm of the party, to return as leader. The move marks Erdogan’s latest effort to weaken the opposition and further erode the meaning of the ballot box ahead of the 2028 elections.
2️⃣ Riot police storm CHP headquarters
Turkish riot police forced their way into CHP headquarters in Ankara after party members barricaded the entrances in protest of the court ruling. Tear gas filled the area as clashes erupted between police and protesters inside the building. The intervention came after Erdogan-backed Kılıçdaroğlu called on police to step in.
3️⃣ AKP praises Bahçeli’s role in new PKK peace initiative
Turkey’s ruling AKP publicly praised ultranationalist leader Devlet Bahçeli for helping shape the government’s new initiative with the PKK. Bahçeli has proposed giving jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan an official role overseeing the process as a “Peace Process and Political Affairs Coordinator.” AKP spokesperson Ömer Çelik said Bahçeli’s ideas offer “new perspectives”
4️⃣ Turkey expands anti-ISIS operations in Syria
Turkey’s intelligence agency MIT announced that 10 ISIS suspects were captured in Syria in a joint operation with Syrian intelligence. One suspect was linked to the 2015 Ankara train station bombing.
5️⃣ Syrian army joins Turkish military exercise for the first time
Syrian forces participated in Turkey’s EFES-2026 military exercise for the first time since Syria’s post-Assad restructuring. The drills also included 502 Libyan troops from rival eastern and western factions training together under a single Libyan flag.
6️⃣ Pakistan and Turkey deepen defense ties
Pakistani Air Force Commander visited Ankara this week for talks with Turkish military officials. Discussions focused on expanding defense-industrial cooperation, joint projects, military aviation, and training. The visit came days after Pakistan’s defense minister suggested talks were advancing on a broader regional defense arrangement involving Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
7️⃣ Erdogan backs extension of US-Iran ceasefire
In a phone call with President Trump, Erdogan welcomed the extension of the ceasefire between the US and Iran and said tensions with Tehran should be resolved through diplomacy.
8️⃣ Turkey to repatriate Gaza flotilla activists
Turkey announced it would send charter flights to Israel to repatriate Gaza flotilla activists after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sparked outrage by releasing footage showing activists kneeling with their hands tied.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Turkey-Syria Opening
Turkey reopened one of its border crossings with Syria to civilian travel after a 12-year closure — another sign of rapidly improving ties between Ankara and Damascus. Passport holders can now cross through the Akçakale gate in Şanlıurfa province.
2️⃣ Armenia Thaw
Turkey lifted a restriction on direct trade with Armenia, marking another step toward normalization after more than three decades of strained relations. Ankara had shut the border and suspended direct trade in 1993 in support of Azerbaijan during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
3️⃣ A New Regional Security Bloc?
Pakistan signaled that Turkey and Qatar could join its defense cooperation pact with Saudi Arabia as the Iran war reshapes regional security alignments. Pakistani Defense Minister described the initiative as part of an effort to build an “economic and defense alliance” that reduces dependence on outside powers.
4️⃣ Franco-Turkish Defense Thaw
French defense electronics giant Safran and Turkish drone maker Baykar signed a strategic partnership to integrate Safran’s sensors, navigation systems, and guided munitions into Baykar’s unmanned platforms. The deal marks a significant warming in Franco-Turkish defense ties after years of tension.
5️⃣ Erdoğan Targets the Global Order
In an article published by Kazakhstan’s Kazinform news agency following his Astana visit, Erdoğan accused Israel of “trampling on humanity’s shared values” through crimes against humanity in Gaza. He argued that the war exposes the failures of the current international system and called for reform of global governance institutions.
6️⃣ Turkey Taps US Emergency Oil Reserves
Turkey is set to receive its first shipment from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve as Washington releases emergency reserves to contain soaring energy prices triggered by the Iran war and the continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
7️⃣ NATO Energy Corridor
Turkey proposed a $1.2 billion military fuel pipeline running through Bulgaria to Romania aimed at securing NATO’s eastern flank energy needs. Ankara is presenting the project as a cheaper and safer alternative to sea-dependent supply routes.
8️⃣ Kataib Hezbollah Figure Captured in Turkey
The U.S. Justice Department announced that senior Kataib Hezbollah figure Mohammed Bakir Saad Dawud al-Saadi was captured in Turkey and secretly transferred to the United States. Al-Saadi is accused of plotting attacks against U.S., Canadian, and European targets, including a synagogue in New York.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Opposition Under Pressure
Erdoğan is finding new ways to squeeze the opposition. After jailing several opposition mayors on corruption charges, the government is now peeling away opposition figures by bringing them into the ruling camp. The latest case is CHP Afyonkarahisar Mayor Burcu Köksal, who announced she would join the AKP. She is not the first opposition figure to switch sides. Another CHP mayor had done the same after facing pressure and corruption-related investigations.
2️⃣ Bahçeli Pushes PKK Process Further
MHP leader and Erdoğan ally Devlet Bahçeli said jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan should be given an official role in advancing the peace process aimed at ending the decades-long conflict. Bahçeli was one of the main architects of last year’s “Terror-Free Turkey” initiative designed to push the PKK toward disbanding.
3️⃣ Turkey Unveils ICBM Ambition
Turkey unveiled a prototype of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), underscoring Ankara’s ambition to become more self-reliant in defense and a bigger military player in both NATO and the Middle East. But experts caution that what was presented was merely a mock-up. There are no confirmed flight tests, technical details remain scarce, and even the likely future testing site in Somalia has yet to be built. For now, this is more political signaling than an operational capability.
4️⃣ Ankara Eyes New Maritime Claims
Turkey is reportedly preparing legislation to assert maritime jurisdiction in disputed parts of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. The move is widely seen as Ankara’s latest attempt to formalize its claims over potential offshore gas reserves and expand its legal position in ongoing maritime disputes.
5️⃣ Hakan Fidan Hosts Hamas Delegation
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Hamas Shura Council chief Mohammed Darwish and his delegation in Ankara. Talks focused on efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid access, and broader regional developments.
6️⃣ Turkey’s Most Overt Show of Support for Somalia’s President Yet
Turkey deployed two F-16 fighter jets over Mogadishu as opposition demonstrations and controversial “one person, one vote” elections got underway in Somalia’s South West State. Turkish-supplied armored vehicles were also positioned across key intersections in the capital. The move marked one of Ankara’s clearest demonstrations of support for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud just days before his term expires on May 15.
7️⃣ Erdoğan and Barzani Discuss PKK Process
Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met Erdoğan in Istanbul, where the Turkish president condemned attacks targeting Erbil during the US-Israeli war on Iran and reiterated Turkey’s “solidarity” with the KRG. The two sides also discussed regional initiatives and the ongoing PKK.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Crackdown on May Day protests
Turkish police detained 576 demonstrators in Istanbul as they attempted to march toward banned Taksim Square. Tear gas was used to disperse crowds; all detainees were released by Saturday morning.
2️⃣ Major Saudi solar deal
Ankara submitted legislation to approve a major solar deal with Saudi Arabia. ACWA Power will build two 1,000 MW plants, backed by 30-year state purchase guarantees.
3️⃣ Opposition blasts Erdoğan on Palestine
Main opposition CHP leader Özgür Özel accused Erdoğan of hypocrisy over Gaza, saying: “You don’t stand with Palestine, you fear Trump.”
4️⃣ Gas pipeline from Northern Cyprus
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said plans are underway for a pipeline linking northern Cyprus to Turkey, as Ankara presses ahead with Eastern Mediterranean exploration.
5️⃣ High-level visit to Armenia
Turkish VP Cevdet Yılmaz will attend the European Political Community summit in Yerevan—the highest-level Turkish visit since 2008.
6️⃣ Expanding security role in Mali
Turkey condemned attacks by Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda-linked groups targeting Mali’s military government, underscoring Ankara’s growing security footprint.
7️⃣ Outreach to Iraq’s new leadership
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan invited Iraq’s PM-designate Ali al-Zaidi to Ankara, signaling efforts to deepen ties and support political stability.
8️⃣ Tensions with Greece over flotilla incident
Turkey criticized Greece for failing to respond after Israel intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla near Crete, arguing it weakens Athens’ maritime claims.
9️⃣ $30M grant to Somalia
Turkey approved a $30 million grant agreement with Somalia, providing fresh budget support as Ankara deepens its financial, defense, and energy ties with one of its closest African partners.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Big Business Reshuffle
Sabancı Holding, a Turkish conglomorate, announced it will sell its remaining stake in Akçansa Çimento and exit retailer CarrefourSA, signaling a broader push to streamline operations.
2️⃣ Erdoğan Unveils Investor Incentives
Erdoğan said his government will introduce a legislative package offering 20-year tax breaks on foreign-sourced income and overseas earnings managed from Turkey. The goal is to attract foreign-held assets, exporters, and regional corporate headquarters to Turkey.
3️⃣ Turkey Eyes Role in Hormuz Demining
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey could participate in demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz if a future Iran-U.S. peace deal is reached. Ankara says it would have “no problem” joining a multinational technical mission.
4️⃣ Under-15 Social Media Ban Advances
Turkey’s parliament passed legislation barring children under 15 from social media platforms. The government says the move protects minors, while critics warn it could deepen censorship and privacy concerns.
5️⃣ Europe Moves to Limit Turkey’s Defense Role
The European Parliament’s Security and Defence Committee voted overwhelmingly to exclude Turkey from defense components of the new Horizon Europe program for 2028–2034, marking one of the strongest recent efforts to curb Ankara’s participation in European defense projects.
6️⃣ Baykar Tests New Kamikaze Drones
Turkey’s drone giant Baykar tested its K2 kamikaze drones alongside new loitering munitions, another step in Ankara’s drive toward autonomous warfare systems.
7️⃣ Iran-Turkey Trade Corridor Expands
Iran announced the launch of a new customs administration opposite the Bazargan border crossing with Turkey, highlighting efforts to boost bilateral trade. Around 200,000 trucks reportedly pass through the crossing each year.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Probe into Ankara mayor
President Erdoğan’s legal pressure on political rivals continues. Interior Ministry authorized investigations into Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, a leading CHP figure, over alleged misuse of municipal vehicles during a 2023 campaign rally and possible “abuse of office” linked to concert expenditures. Yavaş dismissed the probe as flimsy and politically motivated.
2️⃣ IMF cuts Turkey growth forecast
The International Monetary Fund lowered Turkey’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.4% from 4.2%, citing weaker-than-expected activity and the drag from higher oil and gas prices. It also cut its 2027 forecast to 3.5% from 4.1%.
3️⃣ World Bank backs mega rail project
Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek and World Bank Managing Director Anna Bjerde signed a €1.67 billion financing deal for the Istanbul North Rail Crossing (INRAIL) project.
4️⃣ Iran gas deal nears expiry
Turkey’s long-term natural gas import contract with Iran is set to expire in July. Turkish Energy Minister said talks on a possible extension could take place, though formal negotiations have not yet begun.
5️⃣ Fidan warns on Europe without U.S.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said discussions are underway on how to manage a possible U.S. withdrawal from Europe’s security architecture. He warned that an uncoordinated American pullback could be deeply damaging for Europe.
6️⃣ Turkey raises alarm over Israel-Cyprus-Greece axis
Fidan criticized the growing Israel-Cyprus-Greece alignment, saying it is not only Turkey that is concerned. He said Muslim countries across the region are increasingly uneasy given what he described as Israel’s expansionist and aggressive policies.
7️⃣ Turkey joins regional push for Iran war diplomacy
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia met on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to discuss efforts to end the U.S.-Iran war. It was the third such meeting since the conflict began, with Turkey playing a behind-the-scenes diplomatic role.
8️⃣ Erdoğan hosts Somali president
Erdoğan hosted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Istanbul for talks focused on energy, security, and economic cooperation. A key theme was Turkey’s expanding offshore oil exploration role along Somalia’s coast.
9️⃣ Middle Corridor pitched as Hormuz alternative
Turkey stepped up promotion of the Middle Corridor as an alternative trade route amid risks in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials are also reportedly considering reopening the Armenia border to strengthen a Europe-Asia corridor backed by Washington.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Turkey-Israel war of words
Tensions between Turkey and Israel escalated sharply. Netanyahu accused Erdoğan of “massacring” Kurds and accommodating Iran, while Turkish officials responded by calling Netanyahu the “Hitler of the era,” citing Israel’s actions in Gaza and across the region.
2️⃣ CHP Ankara chief arrested
The main opposition CHP’s Ankara provincial chair was arrested over alleged corruption ties. The main opposition party called for protests, drawing several thousand supporters to its Ankara headquarters.
3️⃣ Dutch outreach to Ankara
Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen visited Turkey, saying The Netherlands wants deeper ties with Ankara for a “more secure common future.” He also highlighted Turkey’s role in NATO’s southern flank, counterterrorism efforts, and wider regional security.
4️⃣ Missile defense talks with Italy
Turkey is in talks with Italy to buy and co-produce European missile defense systems after missile threats from Iran. Ankara has long sought SAMP/T batteries from Eurosam and now believes France may be more open to a deal.
5️⃣ Halkbank reshuffle after U.S. case
Turkey reshuffled leadership at two state-owned banks, including Halkbank. The move came weeks after Halkbank resolved its long-running U.S. sanctions case over Iran through a deferred prosecution agreement, removing a major source of uncertainty for both the lender and Turkey’s financial system.
6️⃣ One in five under investigation
According to Justice Ministry data, nearly one in five people in Turkey was listed as a “suspect” in investigation files last year.
7️⃣ Turkish power ship in Cuba
A Turkish floating power plant helped restore electricity to parts of Cuba as the country faces worsening outages linked to fuel shortages and sanctions. Turkey’s floating plant model is increasingly marketed as a rapid solution for countries facing energy crises.
8️⃣ Foreign policy approval rises
Public support for the government’s Middle East policy has surpassed criticism for the first time in more than a decade, according to a MetroPOLL survey. The shift appears linked to Ankara’s positioning during the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Concerns over Google algorithms and media freedom
The International Press Institute warned that recent changes to Google’s Search and Discover algorithms are harming Turkey’s independent media. It argues the system favors pro-government outlets and undermines access to independent information.
2️⃣ Crackdown widens with Bursa mayor arrest
Police detained the opposition mayor of Bursa and 54 others on corruption charges. The opposition says the move is part of a broader campaign targeting CHP municipalities, with mayors in Istanbul, Antalya, and Adana already detained or removed.
3️⃣ Tariffs lifted to shield agriculture from war shock
Ankara scrapped customs duties on urea and key fertilizers to cushion the agricultural sector from price spikes linked to the Iran war and to secure supply.
4️⃣ Identity verification for social media
Turkey and major platforms agreed to introduce identity verification for users—ending anonymity online in a move that could further constrain dissent.
5️⃣ Turkey–Ukraine security ties deepen
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced new steps in security cooperation after talks with Erdoğan in Istanbul, with a focus on Black Sea maritime security and energy routes.
6️⃣ Turkish vessels begin transiting Hormuz
Two Turkish-owned ships have been cleared to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while others remain in limbo as Ankara negotiates safe passage amid rising tensions.
7️⃣ Oil shock risks mount for Turkey
S&P Global warns Turkey is among the most vulnerable to a sustained oil price spike, citing heavy energy dependence, inflation pressures, and fragile reserves.
8️⃣ Financial support for Northern Cyprus
Ankara will provide $560 million in funding to Northern Cyprus under a new annual financial protocol.
9️⃣ Turkey pushes diplomacy to end Iran war
Turkey is working with Egypt and Pakistan to bring Iran and the US to the table, exploring potential venues like Istanbul for talks aimed at a ceasefire.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Development Road project moves forward
Transport Minister announced that Turkey, Iraq, Qatar, and the UAE have agreed on the financing model for the Development Road project. The next step is securing funding and launching construction.
2️⃣ Probe into opposition leader Özgür Özel
Prosecutors opened an investigation into CHP leader Özgür Özel for “insulting the president” after he accused Erdoğan of acting like a “coup leader.” The opposition condemned the move as an attempt to silence dissent.
3️⃣ Turkey joins regional diplomacy on Iran war
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met counterparts from Pakistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia in Islamabad to push for de-escalation as US–Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation continue.
4️⃣ Trump praises Erdoğan’s role
US President Donald Trump called Erdoğan a “great leader,” crediting Turkey for staying within agreed limits while playing an active diplomatic role to prevent wider escalation. "They were fantastic,” Trump said, referring to the Turks. “They stayed out of things we told them to stay away from."
5️⃣ NATO multinational corps planned in Turkey
Ankara is moving ahead with plans to host a NATO multinational corps (MNC-TUR) in Adana under Turkish command, signaling a push to strengthen deterrence on NATO’s southern flank.
6️⃣ Drone strike hits tanker near Bosphorus
A marine drone struck a Turkish-operated oil tanker carrying Russian crude near the Bosphorus, causing an explosion. Turkey condemned the attack and dispatched coast guard units.
7️⃣ Central bank sells gold amid war shock
Turkey’s central bank sold and swapped about 60 tons of gold—worth over $8 billion—in two weeks after the Iran war began, adding pressure to global prices.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Crackdown intensifies with journalist arrest
Investigative journalist İsmail Arı was arrested on charges of “spreading disinformation,” a move widely criticized by rights groups who say he was targeted for exposing corruption. His reporting alleged authorities relocated protected cultural assets to build a dormitory for a high school attended by President Erdoğan.
2️⃣ Turkey joins Syria chemical weapons task force
Ankara has joined an international task force—at Damascus’ invitation—to help eliminate chemical weapons remnants from the Assad era.
3️⃣ Deadly helicopter crash in Qatar
One Turkish soldier and two Aselsan personnel were killed when a helicopter crashed during a training flight in Qatar, reportedly due to a technical failure.
4️⃣ Kalın meets Hamas amid fragile Gaza diplomacy
Intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın met Hamas representatives to discuss implementation of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
5️⃣ Gulf states issue stark warning to Iran
At a Riyadh summit, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan joined regional counterparts in condemning Iran’s attacks on Gulf states. Gulf countries signaled they could take countermeasures if strikes continue.
6️⃣ Iran war drives crossings into Turkey
Iranian civilians are increasingly fleeing into Turkey via the Kapıköy border crossing, now one of the few remaining exit routes as the conflict escalates.
7️⃣ Tourism sector reassures European visitors
Despite a slowdown in Eastern Mediterranean bookings, Turkish tourism officials moved to reassure UK travelers that flights and holidays remain unaffected ahead of the summer season.
8️⃣ EU floats closer financial integration with Turkey
The EU has signaled openness to bringing Turkey into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), a move that could deepen economic integration and lower cross-border transaction costs—though Ankara has yet to respond.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Erdogan rival İmamoğlu appears in court in mass corruption trial
Imprisoned Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu appeared in court as the main defendant in a sweeping corruption case that his party and rights groups say is politically motivated. Prosecutors accuse him of running a criminal organization and are seeking a potential sentence of up to 2,430 years. Another 407 people are also on trial, accused of participating in the alleged network.
2️⃣ Turkey advances nuclear energy plans
Ankara is pushing ahead with nuclear energy negotiations, seeking a binding proposal from South Korea’s KEPCO for the planned Sinop nuclear plant while also exploring cooperation with France on small modular reactors.
3️⃣ Turkish ship crosses Hormuz with Iran’s authorization
A Turkish-owned vessel crossed the Strait of Hormuz with authorization from Iranian authorities after departing from an Iranian port, highlighting continued maritime coordination despite regional tensions.
4️⃣ Ankara pushes to avoid spillover from Iran war
President Erdoğan said Turkey’s top priority is keeping the country out of the expanding Middle East conflict after NATO intercepted a third Iranian ballistic missile headed toward Turkish territory. Turkey, along with Oman and Egypt, is pushing diplomatic efforts to end the war.
5️⃣ U.S. Patriot system deployed near Kürecik radar base
Turkey confirmed the deployment of a U.S. Patriot air defense system to the southeast, near the Kürecik NATO radar base in Malatya, as part of efforts to strengthen air defenses amid missile threats linked to the Iran war.
6️⃣ Central Bank holds rates amid war-driven inflation risks
Turkey’s Central Bank kept interest rates unchanged but warned it could tighten policy if rising energy prices linked to the Iran war push inflation higher.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Opposition mayor arrested
Another opposition mayor, Tanju Özcan, was arrested on charges of “extortion by compulsion” and suspended from office
2️⃣ Business leaders handed jail sentence over criticism
Two former senior leaders of Turkey’s largest business association were handed prison sentences for criticizing the government’s economic policies
3️⃣ Ankara spends billions defending the lira
Reports say Turkey spent around $12 billion to stabilize the Turkish lira amid global market turbulence triggered by the Iran war — roughly 15% of the country’s foreign-exchange reserves.
4️⃣ Second Iranian missile intercepted
NATO forces intercepted another Iranian ballistic munition headed toward Turkish airspace, marking the second missile shot down before entering Turkey.
5️⃣ Erdoğan speaks with KRG’s Barzani
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke with KRG President Nechirvan Barzani, warning against developments that could push the region into long-term disaster and saying Ankara is closely monitoring the activities of terrorist groups and their affiliates.
6️⃣ U.S.–Turkey talks on Iranian Kurdish groups
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured him Washington is not planning to arm Iranian Kurdish groups, but Fidan suggested Israel may seek to use Kurdish actors in the region as proxy forces.
7️⃣ Erdoğan backs Azerbaijan after Iran drone strike
Erdoğan spoke with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, condemning Iran’s drone attack on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and expressing solidarity with Azerbaijan.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Secularism fight intensifies at home
President Erdoğan defended a new directive introducing Ramadan-related activities in public schools, dismissing criticism that it violates Turkey’s secular foundations. Education Minister ordered nationwide religious programming during the holy month and escalated the dispute by filing lawsuits against 168 public figures who signed a manifesto titled “We Defend Secularism Together.”
2️⃣ Öcalan pushes for legal steps in peace process
Imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan called for new legislation to advance a renewed peace initiative with Ankara — one year after his historic appeal for the PKK to lay down arms and dissolve.
3️⃣ Central Bank reserves decline
Turkey’s central bank reserves fell by roughly $5.8 billion to $206 billion, largely due to a Eurobond redemption.
4️⃣ $6.75 billion rail financing deal
Ankara reached a preliminary agreement with international lenders, including the World Bank, securing $6.75 billion for one of the country’s largest rail infrastructure projects.
5️⃣ ISIS detainees to be repatriated
Iraq said Ankara agreed to take back Turkish citizens among ISIS detainees transferred from Syria.
6️⃣ Armenia–Azerbaijan normalization and Turkey angle
Fuad Oktay, chair of parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said normalization between Armenia and Azerbaijan has begun, pointing to Armenia’s purchase of oil products from Azerbaijan — a development he argued could help unlock progress in Turkey–Armenia relations.
7️⃣ Erdoğan reacts to Khamenei’s death
President Erdoğan expressed sorrow over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following U.S. and Israeli strikes, extending Turkey’s condolences to the Iranian people.
8️⃣ Navy commissions armed autonomous drone boat
The Turkish Navy has officially commissioned HAVELSAN’s Sancar armed autonomous uncrewed surface vehicle into active service. The vessel is designed for both intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and surface warfare operations.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Government moves to end anonymous social media accounts.
Turkish government is preparing legislation that would require identity verification for social media users, effectively eliminating anonymous accounts. Critics warn the move could fundamentally reshape online political debate ahead of future elections.
2️⃣ PKK peace process moves to Parliament.
A Turkish parliamentary commission overwhelmingly approved a report outlining legal reforms alongside the PKK’s disarmament. This shifts the peace process into the legislative arena. A PKK source told Reuters the vote marks “the beginning of a fundamental change” in Turkish policy.
3️⃣ TPAO goes global.
Ankara is expanding cooperation with major international energy companies as it seeks to transform the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) into a more globally active player. The goal is to reduce dependence on imported hydrocarbons, diversify partnerships, access advanced technology, and boost domestic oil and gas production.
4️⃣ Ankara boycotts Munich over Syrian Kurds.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yaşar Güler skipped the Munich Security Conference after Turkey objected to the inclusion of Syrian Kurdish representatives — consistent with Ankara’s long-standing refusal to grant political legitimacy to Kurdish-led authorities in northeast Syria.
5️⃣ $2 billion Saudi solar deal.
Turkey and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement under which ACWA Power will build two large solar plants in central Turkey, in a project valued at roughly $2 billion.
6️⃣ Turkey joins Trump’s Board of Peace — offers troops for Gaza.
FM Fidan attended the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington, chaired by President Trump, and said Turkey was ready to contribute troops to a Gaza stabilization force. However, Ankara was ultimately left out of the proposed international force despite its bid to participate.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Turkey’s corruption ranking sinks further.
Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index shows Turkey’s standing continuing to deteriorate, placing it among the countries with the sharpest long-term declines in perceived public-sector integrity.
2️⃣ Erdogan promotes Istanbul’s top prosecutor to justice minister.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appointed Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek—who has overseen the ongoing investigation targeting the main opposition—as Turkey’s new justice minister.
3️⃣ Erdogan and Mitsotakis trade messages on Aegean disputes and “casus belli.”
During talks in Ankara, Erdoğan said Turkey and Greece could resolve disputes in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Greek PM Mitsotakis urged Turkey to lift its long-standing threat of war.
4️⃣ Iraq summons Turkey’s ambassador over Fidan remarks.
Baghdad summoned the Turkish ambassador after Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that after Syria, “the Iraq leg” would follow in Turkey’s fight against the PKK—comments Iraq condemned as interference in its internal affairs.
5️⃣ TPAO wins oil and gas exploration blocks in Libya.
Turkey’s state energy company TPAO was among the firms awarded new exploration licenses in Libya, underscoring Ankara’s expanding energy footprint.
6️⃣ Turkey moves to repatriate ISIS-linked citizens from Syria.
Turkey is reportedly seeking to bring back around 2,000 Turkish ISIS-linked detainees from northeastern Syria for trial. The move comes after the U.S. began transferring ISIS prisoners to Iraq under a deal involving Syrian Kurds and Damascus.
7️⃣ Fidan warns: expanding US-Iran talks to missiles could trigger war.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Fidan said broadening U.S.–Iran negotiations to include ballistic missiles would bring “nothing but another war.”
8️⃣ Turkey expands security and energy footprint in Somalia.
Turkey delivered M48 and M60 Patton tanks to Somalia, reinforcing its growing security role in the Horn of Africa. Ankara also dispatched a deep-sea drilling vessel for what officials described as Turkey’s first offshore exploration mission abroad.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Earthquake warning: Turkey still unprepared.
Three years after the Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes, Turkey’s Chamber of Civil Engineers (TMMOB) warned the country remains dangerously unprepared for future seismic disasters. İstanbul branch chair said authorities have failed to take adequate preventive measures despite years of warnings.
2️⃣ Inflation slows—slightly.
Turkey’s annual inflation rate fell marginally in January to 30.7%, down from 30.9% in December, marking its lowest level in more than four years.
3️⃣ Ankara opens Epstein-linked probe.
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched a new investigation into alleged Turkey links in the Jeffrey Epstein case after an opposition MP claimed U.S. records include allegations that girls from Turkey were taken to Epstein’s island.
4️⃣ Erdoğan meets MBS; KAAN investment talks.
Erdoğan met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh and said Turkey is determined to deepen relations, particularly in renewable energy and the defense industry. Erdoğan also said Saudi Arabia and Turkey are considering a joint investment in Turkey’s fifth-generation fighter jet program, KAAN, with a decision possibly imminent.
5️⃣ U.S.–Turkey shipbuilding talks continue.
Turkey and the United States have been holding talks since last year on cooperation in naval shipbuilding, as Washington seeks to expand its fleet amid growing competition with China. Discussions reportedly include Turkey supplying ship components and helping build additional frigates.
6️⃣ Egypt-Turkey ties deepen with defense agreement.
Erdoğan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi signed multiple agreements in Cairo, including a military cooperation agreement, during the second meeting of the Egyptian-Turkish High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
7️⃣ EU Customs Union push + EIB returns.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan pushed for a rapid resumption of talks with the EU on updating the Customs Union during a visit by the bloc’s enlargement commissioner. Meanwhile, Turkey and the European Investment Bank signed a declaration of intent to resume cooperation, including €200 million in new loans—marking the EIB’s return after halting most new lending in 2019 over Turkey’s offshore drilling near Northern Cyprus.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Turkey tops ECHR applications.
Turkey recorded the highest number of new cases filed at the European Court of Human Rights in 2025, according to data released by the Strasbourg-based court.
2️⃣ Bankruptcy rules set to tighten.
Ankara is preparing to restrict access to bankruptcy protections after a surge in filings, aiming to curb what authorities describe as abuse of a key debt-restructuring mechanism.
3️⃣ Major mining asset up for sale.
The owners of Turkey’s largest open-pit copper mine have hired Goldman Sachs to explore a sale after a rally in copper prices. Akfen, Ilbak, and Bacacı Yatırım are seeking up to $1bn for all or part of Acacia Mining Enterprises, which operates the mine.
4️⃣ Business lobby presses EU on accession and Customs Union.
Turkey’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK) sent a letter—signed by business council heads from 26 EU states—to EU leaders urging progress on Turkey’s EU membership, modernization of the Customs Union, and deeper cooperation. The letter, published by the Financial Times, followed EU free-trade deals with Mercosur and India that Turkish businesses fear could hurt Turkey’s economy.
5️⃣ Erdoğan–Trump call covers Syria and Gaza.
President Erdoğan spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump, discussing bilateral ties, Syria, the Gaza “Board of Peace,” and regional and global developments. Erdoğan stressed the importance of a ceasefire in Syria and full implementation of the integration agreement, saying Ankara is closely coordinating with U.S. and Syrian officials.
6️⃣ Turkey–Nigeria deepen trade and security ties.
Turkey and Nigeria signed multiple trade and security agreements aimed at lifting bilateral commerce to $5bn and strengthening defense cooperation, as President Bola Tinubu seeks foreign investment and economic stabilization.
7️⃣ Normalization with Israel possible.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey would resume trade with Israel once the war ends and humanitarian aid is allowed in, adding that normalization is possible.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Border protests over Syria.
Clashes erupted in the border town of Nusaybin after protests called by the pro-Kurdish DEM Party against the Syrian government’s offensive targeting Kurdish forces. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse more than 1,000 demonstrators marching toward the border.
2️⃣ Iran protests blocked in Istanbul.
Turkish authorities prevented Iranian nationals from staging protests outside Iran’s consulate in Istanbul, cordoning off the area as unrest in Iran intensified.
3️⃣ Gas consumption hits record high.
Turkey’s natural gas use jumped 16–18% year-on-year in 2025, reaching a record 60–61 bcm and crossing the 60 bcm threshold for the first time.
4️⃣ Industrial rebound on the horizon.
Major manufacturers including Vestel, Arçelik, and SASA are expected to emerge from years of weak performance by late 2026 as easing inflation and lower costs begin to offer relief.
5️⃣ Ankara warns against intervention in Iran.
Turkey cautioned that any foreign military intervention in Iran would deepen regional instability, urging U.S.–Iran negotiations amid Iran’s largest protests since 2022.
6️⃣ Fidan tapped for Trump’s “Board of Peace.”
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will represent President Erdoğan on U.S. President Donald Trump’s international “Board of Peace” initiative.
7️⃣ NATO seeks early Turkish F-16 deployment.
NATO asked Turkey to contribute F-16 fighter jets to the Baltic Air Policing mission in Estonia from August to December 2026, earlier than Ankara’s previously scheduled rotation.
8️⃣ Turkey deploys radar in Damascus.
Ankara installed an advanced HTRS-100 air traffic control radar system, produced by ASELSAN, at Damascus International Airport, calling it a major civilian infrastructure upgrade.
9️⃣ Fidan draws line on Syrian Kurds.
Turkey’s foreign minister said the YPG/SDF “do not represent Syrian Kurds,” as the group’s position in Syria erodes.
🇹🇷 #TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ İmamoğlu defiant from jail.
Detained Istanbul Mayor and CHP presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu said his candidacy remains valid despite ongoing legal proceedings, warning that any election held without him would strip President Erdoğan of legitimacy.
2️⃣ Erdoğan sues opposition leader.
President Erdoğan filed a defamation lawsuit against CHP leader Özgür Özel over remarks criticizing Erdoğan’s relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump and warning it poses risks for Turkey.
3️⃣ Pro-Kurdish party slams Ankara over Syria.
The DEM Party accused Turkey’s foreign ministry and defense establishment of playing a negative and escalatory role in recent clashes between Damascus and Syrian Kurdish forces in Aleppo.
4️⃣ Mixed signals on Syria’s Kurds.
Turkish officials said Syrian Kurdish leaders were ready to compromise with Damascus but were blocked by PKK leaders in northern Iraq. While Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned a Turkish military operation remains on the table, Turkish intelligence agency struck a more conciliatory tone, saying a peaceful solution is still possible.
5️⃣ Turkey eyes Saudi–Pakistan defense pact.
Ankara is reportedly in advanced talks to join the mutual defense arrangement agreed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September.
6️⃣ Energy deal with ExxonMobil.
Turkey’s state oil company signed an MoU with ExxonMobil’s ESSO unit covering new exploration areas in the Black Sea and the eastern Mediterranean.
7️⃣ Fidan urges stronger U.S. role in Libya and Sudan.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on Washington to play a more constructive role in Libya and Sudan, saying U.S. engagement could deliver “tangible results” in 2026. He warned of a common external pattern shaping conflicts from Yemen to Somalia.
8️⃣ Fidan accuses Israel of fueling unrest in Iran.
Turkey’s foreign minister accused Israel’s Mossad of encouraging protests inside Iran, claiming Israeli-linked online accounts are openly calling on Iranians to rise up against the regime. Fidan said Prime Minister Netanyahu aims to widen regional conflict.
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