Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

ÜMİT KOCASAKAL: SINGING THE OLD SONG
Portrait of the Week Oct 30, 2026

ÜMİT KOCASAKAL: SINGING THE OLD SONG

Who is back? Ümit Kocasakal. He won the election for president of the Istanbul Bar Association on Oct. 25, returning to the post he held from 2010 to 2016. And which slogan did he bring back with him? “We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal.” He and his supporters chanted it together after his victory.

Anonymous 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