Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

THE WEIGHT OF SOVEREIGNTY
The Third Desk Oct 30, 2026

THE WEIGHT OF SOVEREIGNTY

On Jan. 20, 1921, as the War of Independence was still being fought, the Grand National Assembly adopted a Constitution whose first article began: Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation (Hâkimiyet bilâ kaydü şart milletindir). On Oct. 29, 1923, the assembly added another sentence to that same article: The form of government of the Turkish state is the Republic (Türkiye Devletinin şekl-i hükûmeti Cumhuriyettir).

Can Öztaş 4 min
FUND SCANDAL PAYOUTS BEGIN AS MSCI FREEZE DEEPENS MARKET TURMOIL
Economy and Finance Oct 15, 2026

FUND SCANDAL PAYOUTS BEGIN AS MSCI FREEZE DEEPENS MARKET TURMOIL

For nearly half a million retail investors caught in Turkey’s worst financial storm in years, compensation has finally begun to flow. But the first cash distributions came as the fallout spread beyond Turkey’s borders: global index provider MSCI froze index changes for Turkish equities on Oct. 15 and warned of a possible downgrade, while prosecutors broadened their probes and lawmakers scrambled to pass emergency legislation.

Tugrul Çam 6 min
THE MAN INSIDE THE COAT
The Third Desk Sep 24, 2026

THE MAN INSIDE THE COAT

Nasreddin Hoca, the wise and witty Turkish folk hero, once arrived at a dinner in his ordinary clothes and discovered that nobody thought him worth much attention. He went home, put on his finest fur coat and returned. This time he was welcomed warmly, seated at the table and offered the best food. So Hoca began dipping the sleeve of his coat into the dishes.

Can Öztaş 4 min