Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

DAMASCUS–SDF INTEGRATION TALKS ENTER CRITICAL PHASE
Foreign Affairs Dec 19, 2025

DAMASCUS–SDF INTEGRATION TALKS ENTER CRITICAL PHASE

The integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian armed forces has entered a critical phase, emerging as one of the central pillars of Syria’s fragile transition following the overthrow of Bashar Assad on Dec. 8, 2024. Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra said Syria has formally delivered a 13-point roadmap outlining the integration of the SDF into the new administration, with further details expected in the coming days.

Editorial Team
SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS IN PARLIAMENT
Inside Turkey Dec 12, 2025

SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS IN PARLIAMENT

Allegations that vocational high school students interning at the Parliament cafeteria were sexually abused by staff have sparked public outrage. The scandal surfaced after a 16-year-old intern reported the abuse and presented incriminating messages to law enforcement.

Editorial Team
TRAINING FOR SYRIAN MILITARY STARTS
Security and Defense Oct 31, 2025

TRAINING FOR SYRIAN MILITARY STARTS

Training for Syrian military forces by the Turkish Army has begun in accordance with the Joint Training and Advisory MoU signed between the two countries on Aug. 13, the Defense Ministry announced.

Editorial Team
CERTAIN WEIGHT OF BAHÇELİ AND FUTURE OF PEOPLE’S ALLIANCE
Capital Currents Oct 10, 2025

CERTAIN WEIGHT OF BAHÇELİ AND FUTURE OF PEOPLE’S ALLIANCE

During a party debate, veteran AKP politician Bülent Arınç once distinguished himself from his comrades by declaring, “I have a certain weight of my own.” Though Arınç’s own weight has faded over the past decade, if one were to search for true “political weight” in today’s Turkey, one name stands out above all: Devlet Bahçeli. Having led the MHP for 28 years, Bahçeli has always been a force shaping Turkish politics—but in recent years, as part of the ruling People’s Alliance, he has become almost the determining factor in many critical decisions.

Nergis Demirkaya
NOT A DRAMA, BUT REALITY: 248 DAYS IN PRISON
Portrait of the Week Oct 3, 2025

NOT A DRAMA, BUT REALITY: 248 DAYS IN PRISON

Who is Ayşe Barım? Those who should know her, don’t. The people of this country—who have lived all their lives below the poverty line, and not even all of them, only a few—first heard her name in the news bulletins. When? Exactly 248 days ago, when she was arrested. They didn’t know Ayşe Barım, but in the evenings they gathered with their families or friends, cracking sunflower seeds and watching TV dramas with excitement. Yet those viewers had no idea what was happening behind the screen. Behind the mesmerizing shows they watched so devotedly stood an unknown figure. Under the headlines “Çağlayan Courthouse / Silivri Prison,” Ayşe Barım was forced—by the hand of the judiciary, not by her own will—to step onto the stage from behind the curtains.

Anonymous
SENIORITY CRISIS IN THE MILITARY
Security and Defense Aug 21, 2025

SENIORITY CRISIS IN THE MILITARY

Resignations have begun in the Turkish Armed Forces after promotion decisions by the Supreme Military Council and presidential appointments signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan broke with the long-standing principle of seniority.

Editorial Team
PERVİN BULDAN AND THE TWO Ks
Portrait of the Week Aug 8, 2025

PERVİN BULDAN AND THE TWO Ks

The Kurdish political movement is a powerful women's movement as well. Within the movement, the female force is often described as “women’s revolution.” That’s why the “two Ks” in the title stand for Kurdish and Kadın (Woman). Pervin Buldan is one of the most prominent figures representing this female presence within the Kurdish political movement.

Anonymous