Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

ALIYEV DOUBLES DOWN AS ANKARA REMAINS OVERLY CONCILIATORY
Deciphering Turkish Diplomacy Oct 30, 2026

ALIYEV DOUBLES DOWN AS ANKARA REMAINS OVERLY CONCILIATORY

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, declined President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s invitation to attend the summit of the Organization of Turkic States, scheduled for the day after Turkey’s Republic Day, marking one of the biggest crises in the two countries' close relationship. Despite Ankara’s visible steps to defuse the recent tension, his refusal to come on a date carrying symbolic importance for Turkey attests to the changing dynamics in the relationship since the military victory over Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020.

Barçın Yinanç 5 min
KURTULMUŞ: DISARMAMENT LAW TO PASS BEFORE END OF SUMMER
Inside Turkey Jul 9, 2026

KURTULMUŞ: DISARMAMENT LAW TO PASS BEFORE END OF SUMMER

Legislation designed to ensure the surrender of thousands of armed Kurdish militants will be passed before the end of the summer as the government tries to push the high-tension disarmament process over the line, according to remarks from Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş.

Editorial Staff 4 min
ALEPPO CLASHES DEEPEN FAULT LINES IN ANKARA
Inside Turkey May 29, 2026

ALEPPO CLASHES DEEPEN FAULT LINES IN ANKARA

An operation by the Syrian army targeting Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo has fueled tensions in Ankara between the two main actors of Turkey’s peace process, even as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan says he remains optimistic for a resolution in the southern neighbor.

Editorial Team
ÖCALAN VISIT IGNITES COUP DEBATE
Inside Turkey May 29, 2026

ÖCALAN VISIT IGNITES COUP DEBATE

The parliamentary delegation’s visit to PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan on Nov. 24 — involving MPs from the AKP, MHP, and DEM — reignited tensions and revived coup speculation. The ruling parties' silence further fueled the controversy.

Editorial Team
PEACE PROCESS PUSHED BACK AFTER İMRALI TALKS
Deep Dive May 29, 2026

PEACE PROCESS PUSHED BACK AFTER İMRALI TALKS

As domestic political tensions remain high following a parliamentary visit to PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan on İmralı Island on Nov. 24, the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission has again delayed its meeting. The commission will now convene for its 19th session on Dec. 4, ten days after the visit.

Editorial Team
POPE PAYS HISTORIC VISIT TO TURKEY AMID REGIONAL TENSIONS
Foreign Affairs May 29, 2026

POPE PAYS HISTORIC VISIT TO TURKEY AMID REGIONAL TENSIONS

Pope Leo XIV, spiritual leader of 1.5 billion Catholics, is making his first overseas trip to Turkey since his May inauguration. The visit, which began Nov. 27 in Ankara, will continue through Nov. 30. The Pope’s trip aims to commemorate a key Christian anniversary and send a message of peace amid efforts to end the war in Ukraine and ease tensions in the Middle East.

Editorial Team
INDIA AND PAKISTAN: TWO RELATIVES AND A DISTANT COUSIN, TURKEY
Guest Voices May 29, 2026

INDIA AND PAKISTAN: TWO RELATIVES AND A DISTANT COUSIN, TURKEY

The recent terror attack in Kashmir and the subsequent tension between India and Pakistan have returned this decades-old rivalry to the spotlight. Events quickly spiralled into a dangerously charged standoff, with India’s initial reaction—withdrawing from the Indus Water Treaty—drawing a fierce response from Pakistan, which even hinted at the possibility of nuclear retaliation.

Editorial Team
AKP-DEM TENSION ESCALATES AMID STALLING PEACE PROCESS
Inside Turkey Apr 17, 2026

AKP-DEM TENSION ESCALATES AMID STALLING PEACE PROCESS

The question of whether Turkey's Kurdish peace process — officially dubbed 'Terror-free Turkey' — has hit a deadlock is being asked more frequently, as tensions between the ruling AKP and DEM Party escalate over who bears responsibility for the lack of progress.

Editorial Team