Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

ERDOĞAN FUELS HOPE ON PEACE PROCESS BUT STALEMATE CONTINUES WITHOUT ANY PROGRESS
Inside Turkey May 29, 2026

ERDOĞAN FUELS HOPE ON PEACE PROCESS BUT STALEMATE CONTINUES WITHOUT ANY PROGRESS

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has fueled hope for progress in the Kurdish process but his stance doesn’t amount to real movement, according to the DEM Party. Soon after dismissing claims of a deadlock in the "Terror-Free Turkey" process as "noise" at the April 23 reception, Erdoğan reiterated that the process is advancing as intended and urged all actors to act responsibly during a turbulent regional period.

Editorial Team
PARLIAMENT EXPECTED TO PASS SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR UNDER-15
Media, Internet and Culture May 29, 2026

PARLIAMENT EXPECTED TO PASS SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR UNDER-15

Parliament approved the first six articles of a landmark bill that includes a ban on children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms. Under the new rules expected to pass as a whole on April 14, social network providers will be prohibited from offering services to children who have not reached the age of 15.

Editorial Team
İMAMOĞLU TO THE COURT: "THE ONLY CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION HERE IS THE PROSECUTION"
Inside Turkey May 29, 2026

İMAMOĞLU TO THE COURT: "THE ONLY CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION HERE IS THE PROSECUTION"

The Istanbul Municipality corruption trial reached its 19th hearing session this week, bringing some of the most dramatic courtroom scenes since proceedings began. Ekrem İmamoğlu, the CHP's presidential candidate and Istanbul's jailed mayor, set the tone for the week. Describing the indictment as "not just garbage but rotten garbage rotting inside garbage," he told the court the case had already collapsed at its foundations: "If the alleged leader of the organization does not even know the alleged members, the whole thing collapses from the start."

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IMAMOĞLU VOWS FOR COLLAPSE OF THE CORRUPTION PROBE
Deep Dive May 29, 2026

IMAMOĞLU VOWS FOR COLLAPSE OF THE CORRUPTION PROBE

"This political case will collapse," Istanbul Mayor and the CHP's presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu declared repeatedly while delivering the last remarks on the 15th session of the corruption hearing. The courtroom was again full like the first days of the hearing as many were expecting a court ruling on release of several defendants. Only 18 of those under pre-trial detention were released, according to the midnight interim ruling. As expected, İmamoğlu’s executive assistant Kadriye Kasapoğlu and low profile figures like the drivers or workers were released but former CHP MP Aykut Erdoğdu was not on the list.

Editorial Team