Analysis
Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.
Authorities have ordered an access ban on the X accounts of the left-wing TİP headquarters and its Istanbul branch, the party said on Oct. 14, following thousands of similar bans on the accounts of academics, journalists, websites and associations.
A Turkish-owned commercial cargo ship sank in the Black Sea following an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attack, killing all 10 crew members on board, BBC Turkish reported.
Electronics and home appliances exporter Vestel Elektronik faces growing financial pressure as Moody’s cut its long-term rating and warned of a very high risk of default.
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.”
Just as the ink was drying on the Mecca Pact, the deployment of troops is now on the table, following Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
The government is preparing comprehensive reforms across its financial regulatory bodies following the massive investment fund crisis that shook domestic markets.
Speculation is growing that the long-delayed crackdown on the fund crisis is tied to a power struggle in the AKP that includes Justice Minister Akın Gürlek and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
For over a week, a single issue was on Turkey’s agenda: What happened to the money in the funds? Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, who had stayed silent on the crisis since it began and faced growing speculation that he would be fired, broke his silence on Sept. 24 to deny that he was leaving.
Foreign and domestic infrastructure companies are showing interest in the upcoming highway and Bosphorus bridge privatizations. French operator Egis is reportedly emerging as a leading contender for the 30-year operating rights.
International outrage erupted following the state-supported funeral ceremony for convicted Serb war criminal Ratko Mladic in Serbia. Critics worldwide denounced the honors as an attempt to glorify a perpetrator of genocide. Turkey joined the global backlash on Sept. 8, a day after the ceremony.
Jailed Antalya Mayor Muhittin Böcek faces new criminal allegations involving prostitution and abuse of office, following his earlier arrest in a corruption probe, according to media reports.
Ankara prosecutors have launched legal proceedings against 129 municipal employees in the Keçiören district of the capital following a workplace drug screening initiative.