‘THE RIGHT TO HOPE’ AND SINGER TARKAN
MHP Chair Devlet Bahçeli raised the bar this week in the Kurdish peace process he launched in October 2024. He proposed the “right to hope” for Abdullah Öcalan. What do we mean by the right to hope?
Analysis
In-Depth Analysis
Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.
OFFICIAL STATEMENTS DIVERGE ON FLIGHT DATA IN LIBYAN AIRCRAFT CRASH
The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) from the aircraft that crashed near Haymana, Ankara, in late 2025 had been decoded, but it provides information that clashes with the prosecutor’s file and the Interior Ministry’s statement on the lethal crash.
GÖRGÜN SKIPS EXPORT TARGET, SETS PROJECT MILESTONES FOR 2026
Head of the Defense Industries Presidency (SSB) Haluk Görgün refrained from announcing a total export target for the defense industry, instead outlining project-based goals for 2026.
CRACKDOWN ON HAIR-BRAIDING CAMPAIGN
A symbolic protest emerged after images circulated on social media showing the cut hair of a woman allegedly killed in Syria, in areas formerly under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The images sparked a wave of solidarity in Turkey, where activists, health workers, and even a football club adopted hair-braiding as a form of protest—prompting legal and political repercussions.
SYRIA, SDF EXTEND CEASE-FIRE AS U.S., TURKEY STEP UP DIPLOMACY
The interim Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have again agreed to extend a cease-fire in northern Syria by an additional 15 days, postponing the implementation of recent arrangements, as diplomatic engagement involving Turkey has intensified.
TURKEY SEEKS TO EASE U.S.–IRAN TENSIONS AS REGIONAL RIVALRIES EVOLVE
Turkey is seeking to position itself as a mediator between the United States and Iran as threats of attacks rise and diplomatic engagement intensifies, with the Turkish foreign minister set to host his Iranian counterpart in Istanbul on Jan. 30.
EFFORTS TO BAN SOCIAL MEDIA FOR CHILDREN UNDER 15
The Family and Social Services Ministry has finalized a draft bill that would impose a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15.
BAHÇELI MOVES TO STEADY TURKEY’S PEACE PROCESS AMID SYRIA SHOCKS
As the Turkish peace process with Kurds enters a period of turbulence following shifting dynamics and territorial changes in Syria, MHP Chair Devlet Bahçeli, who initiated the process, has stepped up efforts to prevent it from unraveling even as rhetoric hardens between the ruling bloc and the DEM Party.
AS TIME GOES BY … IN DAVOS
The Casablanca line everyone remembers wrong is: “Play it again, Sam.” The film doesn’t actually include that. What Ilsa Lund says in the movie is quieter and more revealing: “Play it, Sam… Play ‘As Time Goes By.’”
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES AND RISING COSTS: HOW EU TRADE DEALS ARE SIDELINING TURKEY
The free trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and India has reopened an old wound in Turkey–EU relations, once again exposing the long-standing impasse over trade integration with Ankara.
TURKEY SEEKS TO DOUBLE TYPHOON PURCHASE FROM QATAR
Turkey is seeking to increase its planned purchase of Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Qatar to 24 aircraft, up from an initial 12, as Ankara explores options to secure additional airframes amid tightening global supply and rising demand, a senior defense source told Turkey in Depth.
NEW OPPOSITION TV CHANNEL TAKES SHAPE AS KOZA TV OPENS ISTANBUL HUB
Adana-based local Koza TV is preparing to establish a new Istanbul broadcasting hub, with recruitment underway, an effort to launch a new opposition channel with the support of the CHP.