Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

A ‘NEW PARTY’ IS ABOUT TO BE BORN
Deep Dive Jul 17, 2026

A ‘NEW PARTY’ IS ABOUT TO BE BORN

Özgür Özel, ousted as CHP chair by a court ruling, is preparing to set up a new party even as legal threats mount against him and his allies. The party is likely to be called Yeni Party (New Party), Özel said. 'We are working on the name and the logo. The name has started to become clear. There is a generally accepted name, while the logo is still being worked on. For now, let's call it 'Yeni Party.' Until there is a new name, let's say Yeni Party,' Özel told SZC TV. 'The statute and the program are being written. The official step will be taken at the end of July or the beginning of August,' Özel told the channel at parliament ahead of a special session marking the 10th anniversary of the failed coup attempt.

Editorial Staff 17 min
WHERE’S THE PARTY?
Poetic Licence Jul 16, 2026

WHERE’S THE PARTY?

CHP tears itself in two, Özel ponders a new party; Stay till the end, he says, and take it back, hearty; But should the courts not bend, he's got a backup plan: 110 MPs, and himself as the new man.

Nazlan Ertan 1 min
COURT ENDS FIRST İMAMOĞLU TRIAL SESSION WITHOUT HIS DEFENSE
Inside Turkey Jul 9, 2026

COURT ENDS FIRST İMAMOĞLU TRIAL SESSION WITHOUT HIS DEFENSE

The four-month-long first session of the Istanbul Municipality trial ended on July 8 without the testimony of its main defendant: Ekrem İmamoğlu, the jailed Istanbul mayor and ousted CHP administration's presidential candidate, who is accused of being the leader of an alleged criminal organization.

Editorial Staff 8 min
TURKEY COURTS IRAQ AND SYRIA AT CRITICAL MOMENT FOR PEACE PROCESS
Foreign Affairs Jul 3, 2026

TURKEY COURTS IRAQ AND SYRIA AT CRITICAL MOMENT FOR PEACE PROCESS

Turkey made simultaneous overtures to Iraq and Syria at a critical moment for the peace process, as the government prepares to submit the bill to parliament before the summer recess. National Intelligence Organization (MİT) chief İbrahim Kalın completed a three-day tour of Iraq while Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi held security talks in Damascus.

Editorial Staff 3 min
STANDOFF WITH SWORDS DRAWN ON CHP FRONT
Inside Turkey Jun 25, 2026

STANDOFF WITH SWORDS DRAWN ON CHP FRONT

The rift between court-appointed CHP Chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and ousted Chair Özgür Özel deepened this week, even as the two crossed paths at a funeral — while notably failing to appear together at an Ashura gathering the same day.

Editorial Staff 6 min
MASSIVE ARREST WAVE HITS ANKARA AHEAD OF NATO SUMMIT
Inside Turkey Jun 25, 2026

MASSIVE ARREST WAVE HITS ANKARA AHEAD OF NATO SUMMIT

More than 200 people were detained in police raids ahead of the upcoming NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara. Following the sweeping operations launched by the Ankara police on June 23, courts have already ordered the formal arrest of 103 individuals out of 129 referred to the judiciary.

Editorial Staff 2 min