Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

EX-AMBASSADOR RETURNS TO AKP
Inside Turkey Oct 22, 2026

EX-AMBASSADOR RETURNS TO AKP

Bursa lawmaker Cemalettin Kani Torun, who left the Yeni Yol Party group of conservative opposition lawmakers in August soon after the Gelecek Party dissolved itself, joined the AKP and will be an adviser to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the Terror-Free Turkey process and on Africa policy.

Editorial Staff 2 min
BARS BUILT FOR THE GOVERNMENT, LOST BY THE GOVERNMENT
Inside Turkey Oct 15, 2026

BARS BUILT FOR THE GOVERNMENT, LOST BY THE GOVERNMENT

At Ankara Bar Association No. 2, President Gökhan Ağdemir withdrew his candidacy for reelection after boasting that his bar had helped 70 of its members become judges and prosecutors. At Istanbul Bar Association No. 2, the candidate backed by AKP and MHP groups lost the presidency by six votes.

Editorial Staff 2 min
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
ONCE-WINNING OPPOSITION IS FALLING APART
Deep Dive Sep 24, 2026

ONCE-WINNING OPPOSITION IS FALLING APART

After defeating the AKP in the 2024 local elections, the opposition set its sights on the presidency but the split and rivalry between the CHP and the Yeni Party are now weakening it by the day.

Editorial Staff 16 min