Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

REVISING THE PRESIDENCY: AKP’S NEW CONSTITUTION GAMBLE
Capital Currents Dec 18, 2025

REVISING THE PRESIDENCY: AKP’S NEW CONSTITUTION GAMBLE

The new civil constitution that the AKP has been calling for since the 2023 elections is set to become one of the key issues in the new year. Revising the presidential system, addressing the needs of a new peace process, and — inevitably — paving the way for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s renewed candidacy are the main pillars of this process. But any such changes would first require consensus within the party, and then support from the opposition.

Nergis Demirkaya
NO MOMENTUM IN SIGHT FOR CYPRUS TALKS AS LEADERS MEET
Foreign Affairs Dec 12, 2025

NO MOMENTUM IN SIGHT FOR CYPRUS TALKS AS LEADERS MEET

Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders met under the facilitation of United Nations Secretary-General’s personal envoy, María Angela Holguín Cuéllar, on Dec. 11. Tufan Erhürman and Nikos Christodoulides reportedly agreed to expedite a series of confidence-building measures. Talks to resolve the decadeslong Cyprus issue are unlikely to gain traction before mid-2026, as both the north and south prepare for critical elections.

Editorial Team
TURKEY, QATAR, KUWAIT DEEPEN COOPERATION DESPITE SILENCE ON GAZA
Foreign Affairs Oct 24, 2025

TURKEY, QATAR, KUWAIT DEEPEN COOPERATION DESPITE SILENCE ON GAZA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan concluded a three-day tour of the Gulf region on Oct. 23, with official visits to Kuwait, Qatar and Oman, amid ongoing international efforts to continue the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. While Gaza and Syria reportedly dominated the private discussions, official statements from the Turkish Presidency did not reference these issues.

Editorial Team
AYŞE BARIM FACES HOSPITALIZATION AND RE-ARREST
Media, Internet and Culture Oct 2, 2025

AYŞE BARIM FACES HOSPITALIZATION AND RE-ARREST

Talent manager Ayşe Barım, on trial for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government in connection with the 2013 Gezi Park protests, was briefly granted conditional release under judicial supervision—until an upper court overturned the ruling and issued a new arrest warrant just as she was about to undergo a medical procedure.

Editorial Team
PROMISES MADE, GAZA AVOIDED
Deep Dive Sep 25, 2025

PROMISES MADE, GAZA AVOIDED

The first meeting in six years between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House started with positive messages, as both refrained from directly addressing the issue of Gaza, on which they are at odds.Trump suggested the U.S. could lift sanctions on Turkey and allow it to buy U.S. F-35 jets, blocked due to Turkey’s procurement of S-400s from Russia, but added that he would like to see Turkey - a NATO member - stop buying Russian oil while the war in Ukraine continues. 'I'd like to have him stop buying any oil from Russia while Russia continues this rampage against Ukraine.'

Editorial Team
ELECTION BOARD STANDS FIRM, SAYS CONGRESS CANNOT BE HALTED
Inside Turkey Sep 24, 2025

ELECTION BOARD STANDS FIRM, SAYS CONGRESS CANNOT BE HALTED

The High Election Council (YSK) reaffirmed its authority on Sept. 24, rejecting a civil court ruling that sought to halt the CHP’s Istanbul Provincial Congress just minutes before it began.In response to the 45th Civil Court of First Instance's last-minute suspension order, the YSK convened urgently and issued a clear statement: “A congress already in progress cannot be stopped.”

Editorial Team
MABEL MATIZ'S SONG BLOCKED BY COURT DECISION
Media, Internet and Culture Sep 19, 2025

MABEL MATIZ'S SONG BLOCKED BY COURT DECISION

Access to Turkish pop singer Mabel Matiz’s song Perperişan has been blocked following a court order issued by the Ankara Criminal Court of Peace. The move came at the request of the Family and Social Services Ministry, which claimed the song violated public order and general health regulations.

Editorial Team
HABERTÜRK AND SHOW TV SEIZED IN FRAUD PROBE
Media, Internet and Culture Sep 11, 2025

HABERTÜRK AND SHOW TV SEIZED IN FRAUD PROBE

Authorities seized Habertürk, Show TV and Bloomberg HT, along with 121 other companies tied to Can Holding, after the Küçükçekmece Chief Prosecutor’s Office issued arrest warrants for eight people, including owners Mehmet Şakir Can, Kemal Can, and Chairman of the Board Kenan Tekdağ. The suspects face charges of forming a criminal organization, smuggling, fraud, and money laundering.

Editorial Team
CYPRUS: LEGENDARY DIVIDED ISLAND, COVETED BY MANY
Guest Voices Sep 5, 2025

CYPRUS: LEGENDARY DIVIDED ISLAND, COVETED BY MANY

Cyprus, the mythical land of Aphrodite, has long been in the headlines for one defining issue: its division. Since the 1960s, when Greek Cypriots pursued Enosis—union with Greece—the island has been riven by conflict. The Turkish military intervention of July 1974 cemented this division, leaving Northern Cyprus under Turkish protection and Southern Cyprus under Greek Cypriot control. For decades, this seemed to be the central challenge of the island: reunification, or lack thereof. But today, Cyprus is far more than just a frozen conflict—it is becoming one of the most militarized and geopolitically contested territories in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Editorial Team