Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

AKP GAINS UPPER HAND AS IZMIR MAYOR SWITCHES SIDES
Deep Dive Oct 8, 2026

AKP GAINS UPPER HAND AS IZMIR MAYOR SWITCHES SIDES

“Flowers bloom on the mountains of Izmir / The golden sun scatters gold thread there / The routed enemies all flee like the wind / Long live Mustafa Kemal Pasha, long live! Your name will be inscribed on a jeweled stone.”

Editorial Staff 16 min
CEMİL TUGAY’S SWITCH TO THE AKP AND THE SPOUSAL FACTOR
Portrait of the Week Oct 8, 2026

CEMİL TUGAY’S SWITCH TO THE AKP AND THE SPOUSAL FACTOR

Izmir Metropolitan Mayor Cemil Tugay’s decision to join the AKP caused a major stir, bitter disappointment, and protests. After all, Izmir has long been regarded as a stronghold of left-wing politics. In fact, the city can be analyzed as “a city with center-right leanings that consistently votes for left-wing social democrats because of its opposition to the AKP.”

Anonymous 2 min
FUND SCANDAL EXPOSES TWO-TIER JUSTICE, AS GOVERNMENT FAST TRACKS MEASURES
Deep Dive Oct 1, 2026

FUND SCANDAL EXPOSES TWO-TIER JUSTICE, AS GOVERNMENT FAST TRACKS MEASURES

The government is seeking to create the impression that it is cutting ties with those involved in the stock market scandal and has launched an investigation, announcing that up to a million liras of losses will be repaid to investors soon. But the opposition calls it the 'corruption of the century' and is seeking a parliamentary inquiry.

Editorial Staff 21 min
OPERATIONS AGAINST OPPOSITION MAYORS REACH MERSIN
Inside Turkey Oct 1, 2026

OPERATIONS AGAINST OPPOSITION MAYORS REACH MERSIN

Fresh judicial action hit opposition-run municipalities on Oct. 1, the day parliament reopened. Mersin Metropolitan Mayor Vahap Seçer, Yenişehir Mayor Abdullah Özyiğit and Mezitli Mayor Ahmet Serkan Tuncer were among 59 people detained.

Editorial Staff 4 min
NEW PROBE TARGETS FOOTBALL REFEREES
Inside Turkey Oct 1, 2026

NEW PROBE TARGETS FOOTBALL REFEREES

A judicial investigation has spread to top-tier football referees, leading to the detention of Central Referee Committee (MHK) Chair Ferhat Gündoğdu and six other officials.

Editorial Staff 2 min