ECONOMY GROWS 2.3% IN Q2, SLOWEST EXPANSION SINCE PANDEMIC
The economy grew by 2.3% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, extending its continuous growth streak to 24 quarters but missing market expectations of 2.8%.
Analysis
In-Depth Analysis
Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.
NO SIGNS OF JUSTICE FROM SİLİVRİ PRISON
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who has been behind bars since March 2025, and his co-defendants are increasingly pessimistic about the outcome of the hearings in the Istanbul Municipality trial.
UKRAINE-RUSSIA WAR COULD COST TURKEY $20 BILLION IN THREE MONTHS
Maritime trade in the Black Sea has come to a near halt due to Russian and Ukrainian strikes, creating a major economic threat for Turkey, according to a shipping executive.
OVERSEAS CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS DROP SHARPLY
The contracts of construction firms abroad fell by more than half in the first six months of 2026.
CENTRAL BANK RAISES YEAR-END INFLATION FORECAST TO 28 PERCENT
The central bank has raised its year-end inflation forecast for 2026 to 28 percent from 26 percent.
467 VOTES: A DRESS REHEARSAL FOR A NEW CONSTITUTION?
Debate is underway over how the political balance will shift after the “Framework Law,” which establishes the legal basis for the PKK’s disarmament process, passed the 600-seat parliament with a record 467 votes. The overwhelming support for the law is expected to whet the government’s long-standing appetite for a “new constitution.” But is that possible before the general election, now 20 months away if held on schedule?
AKSA SIGNS 20-YEAR GAS POWER DEAL IN GHANA
Aksa Energy has signed a 20-year agreement with the Electricity Company of Ghana to build and operate a natural gas plant in Takoradi.
AUTO MARKET SHRINKS, YEAR-END CONTRACTION MAY HIT 20%
The passenger car and light commercial vehicle market shrank by 10.72% in the first seven months of 2026.
'PAID EXTRAS' SCANDAL THAT TURNED TURKISH MEDIA INTO BIT PLAYERS
A report by journalist Ebru Çelik of BirGün, who followed the story in person based on a tip and witnessed the events firsthand, proved that extras were gathered to act as supporters for a CHP party meeting for 950 lira (roughly $20) each. The story laid bare a case of manipulation between media and politics.
İŞBANK CEO WARNS OF DEEPENING CREDIT CRUNCH
Hakan Aran, the CEO of Turkey's largest private bank, İşBank, has warned that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face severe difficulties accessing credit, predicting a highly strained second half for 2026.
TURKEY SET TO LAUNCH ITS FIRST NUCLEAR PLANT REACTOR IN AUTUMN
Turkey’s Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant plans to launch its first reactor in autumn 2026, a major milestone for the nation's energy infrastructure.
NİMET ÖZDEMİR: THE MP WHO NEVER WEARS OUT A PARTY BADGE
As the countdown to early or on-schedule elections picks up pace, transfers of lawmakers and mayors are happening at an astonishing pace. Among them, Istanbul MP Nimet Özdemir stands out. Özdemir won her parliamentary seat for the first time in 2023 — under the İYİ Party banner.