Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

WHEN RULES BECOME GUIDELINES
The Third Desk Sep 3, 2026

WHEN RULES BECOME GUIDELINES

In Pirates of the Caribbean, cornered by the Black Pearl, Elizabeth Swann invokes “parley” under the Pirata Codex. Barbossa, with the convenience of a man who commands the only ship in sight, decides the Code is not quite law. Closer, he explains, to guidance.

Can Öztaş 4 min
CRACKDOWN ON PRO-GOVERNMENT SCREEN FACES CONTINUES
Media, Internet and Culture Aug 6, 2026

CRACKDOWN ON PRO-GOVERNMENT SCREEN FACES CONTINUES

After the detention of Cem Küçük, a prominent commentator on TV screens known for leaking information from judicial files, Tahir Sarıkaya, an anchor from the Beyaz TV channel owned by former Ankara Mayor Melih Gökçek and his son Osman Gökçek, was arrested for blackmailing and spreading false information.

Editorial Staff 2 min
TURKEY CALLS FOR BLACK SEA SECURITY AFTER SHIP STRIKES
Foreign Affairs Aug 6, 2026

TURKEY CALLS FOR BLACK SEA SECURITY AFTER SHIP STRIKES

Turkey urged Russia and Ukraine to safeguard civilian navigation in the Black Sea after Turkish-owned cargo ships were hit by drones. Ankara refrained from blaming either side for the attack, instead calling on both warring parties to immediately ensure maritime security, on Aug. 4.

Editorial Staff 2 min
EXERCISE BLUE HOMELAND: AT THREE SEAS WITH 15,000 TROOPS
Security and Defense Apr 9, 2026

EXERCISE BLUE HOMELAND: AT THREE SEAS WITH 15,000 TROOPS

Blue Homeland-26, one of the Turkish Armed Forces’ most extensive exercises this year, was conducted from April 3 to 9 in the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the Eastern Mediterranean, with the participation of 120 ships, 50 aircraft, and 15,000 personnel from the Naval, Land, and Air Force Commands, as well as the Coast Guard Command.

Editorial Team
U.S.-MADE USV WASHES ASHORE ON BLACK SEA COAST
Security and Defense Mar 26, 2026

U.S.-MADE USV WASHES ASHORE ON BLACK SEA COAST

An unmanned surface vessel manufactured in the U.S. was found washed ashore in the Ünye district of Ordu, on the Black Sea coast, on March 21. An unmanned surface vessel (USV) of unknown origin struck the Altura, a Sierra Leone flagged tanker which is owned by a Turkish company, Pergamon Maritime, on March 26 in the Black Sea, 15 miles off the coast of the Bosphorus Strait.

Editorial Team
ANKARA TO LEAD BLACK SEA SECURITY AS FRANCE AND BRITAIN BOOST SECURITY GUARANTEES AMID GREENLAND THREAT
Foreign Affairs Jan 8, 2026

ANKARA TO LEAD BLACK SEA SECURITY AS FRANCE AND BRITAIN BOOST SECURITY GUARANTEES AMID GREENLAND THREAT

France, Britain and Ukraine signed a joint “statement of intent” after a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris, where nearly 30 Western leaders gathered. According to the statement, Britain and France will deploy troops to Ukraine in case of a peace agreement with Russia. Turkey is envisaged to take the lead in maritime security elements in the Black Sea.

Editorial Team