Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.

NO MORE TAX BREAKS
Economy and Finance Sep 17, 2026

NO MORE TAX BREAKS

The government will discontinue its 'sliding scale' fuel tax offset mechanism at the end of 2026, shifting focus toward boosting budget revenues ahead of potential elections in 2027 or early 2028.

Editorial Staff 1 min
PEACE COMES WITH A CATALOGUE
The Third Desk Sep 10, 2026

PEACE COMES WITH A CATALOGUE

In Stanley Kubrick’s Dr Strangelove, the American president interrupts a scuffle between General Buck Turgidson and the Soviet ambassador with an appeal to institutional dignity. “Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the War Room.”

Can Öztaş 3 min
ANKARA’S OUTRAGE OVER GLORIFICATION OF MLADIC
Foreign Affairs Sep 10, 2026

ANKARA’S OUTRAGE OVER GLORIFICATION OF MLADIC

International outrage erupted following the state-supported funeral ceremony for convicted Serb war criminal Ratko Mladic in Serbia. Critics worldwide denounced the honors as an attempt to glorify a perpetrator of genocide. Turkey joined the global backlash on Sept. 8, a day after the ceremony.

Editorial Staff 1 min
BIG MAC INDEX SUGGESTS LIRA IS SEVERELY OVERVALUED
Economy and Finance Aug 13, 2026

BIG MAC INDEX SUGGESTS LIRA IS SEVERELY OVERVALUED

Former Treasury Undersecretary and prominent economist Mahfi Eğilmez calculated that the fair value of the US dollar should be 65 liras based on the Big Mac Index, far above the market exchange rate of 47.50 liras and warned that the holding the exchange rate below its fair value inflates the country's GDP and per capita income figures on paper without making Turks any richer.

Editorial Staff 2 min
TURKEY CALLS FOR BLACK SEA SECURITY AFTER SHIP STRIKES
Foreign Affairs Aug 6, 2026

TURKEY CALLS FOR BLACK SEA SECURITY AFTER SHIP STRIKES

Turkey urged Russia and Ukraine to safeguard civilian navigation in the Black Sea after Turkish-owned cargo ships were hit by drones. Ankara refrained from blaming either side for the attack, instead calling on both warring parties to immediately ensure maritime security, on Aug. 4.

Editorial Staff 2 min