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Turkey

Turkey

September 17, 2026

Ankara 2:36 am

16°C

People swim next to the Russian-flagged cargo ship OMSKIY-107, which was attacked off the Black Sea coast and eventually ran aground off the shore of the Sile district, Istanbul, Sept. 3, 2026.

Why Turkey has few options to protect Black Sea shipping

The Russia-Ukraine drone war is hitting Turkish commercial interests, exposing the limits of Ankara’s ability to protect shipping while remaining outside the conflict.

Fighters loyal to the Houthi authorities gather during a rally to recruit more fighters in Sanaa on Sept. 10, 2026.

Analysis

Saudi Arabia's Houthi crisis tests alliances with Trump, Turkey and Pakistan

As the Houthis tighten their grip on the Bab al-Mandeb, Saudi Arabia is turning to new regional alliances while Washington resists calls to intervene.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Latest News

Turkey’s defense giants court Egypt at Alamein Airshow: What to know

El Alamein International Airshow

Russia to give Turkey preferential fertilizer access amid Hormuz supply crunch

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hold a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek on September 1, 2026. (Photo by Kristina Solovyova / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Culture

Turkish ceramicist Leyla Borovali shapes Aegean heritage into clay

Leyla Borovali at her studio overlooking the Aegean

Analysis

With Hurjet test, Turkey seeks defense dominance beyond drones

TAI Hurjet

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Samuel Wendel

Senior Analyst, Middle East Business & Tech

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Jack Dutton

Chief Business Correspondent

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Ezgi Akin

Associate Editor (Turkey)

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Erdogan rival Aksener announces Turkey's newest party

A nationalist politician who's already attracted plenty of attention as a potential challenger to Turkey's president has officially formed her new Iyi Parti.

Turkey’s paradox in Iraq: Weaker because of a weakened Kurdistan

Turkey enjoyed the influence it wielded in Iraq because of its ties with the Kurdistan Regional Government, but it would rather see the KRG fall than risk an independent Iraqi Kurdistan inspiring Turkey's Kurds to seek the same.

Syrian opposition 'interim government' takes control of Bab al-Salameh border crossing

The Free Syrian Army has handed over the administration of the Bab al-Salameh border crossing with Turkey to the co-called Syrian Interim Government, in what could positively impact the opposition on many levels.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and his Iraqi counterpart Haider al-Abadi attend a welcoming ceremony in Ankara, Turkey, October 25, 2017. REUTERS/Umit Bektas - RC1B077637A0

Abadi, Erdogan meet to form Kurdistan game plan

Iraq's prime minister met with Turkey's president in Ankara today to solidify joint support for Baghdad as it battles to keep the Kurdistan region under Iraqi control.

Kurdish crisis could benefit Iran-Turkey-Russia energy deal

As markets react to Iraq's reclamation of Kirkuk oil fields, other countries stand ready to take advantage of opportunities being created for energy producers.

Prominent writer unleashes controversy around sexuality in Turkey

In a recent Ted Talks presentation, Turkish writer Elif Shafak admitted being bisexual, spurring a backlash on social media.

A car passes by a picture of the Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhood, Syria July 15, 2017. Picture taken July 15, 2017. REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki - RC1F9BDFCDB0

Syrian Kurds in uproar over US jabs at PKK leader

Some Syrian Kurds are furious over US attempts to placate Turkey at the expense of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, and their angry statements and videos are being shared widely via social media.

People wave Kurdish flags in Diyarbakir, Turkey September 25, 2017. REUTERS/Sertac Kayar - RC1EC9B78810

Kurds in Turkey mourn losses of those in Iraq

Despite a rousing vote in favor of independence, Kurds in Iraq apparently were unable to stay united long enough to hold off Baghdad government forces, leading some critics to conclude Kurds are their own worst enemies.

Turkey quietly concerned with Russia’s Kurdish policy

President Vladimir Putin’s idea for an all-Syria congress incorporating all ethnic groups has raised eyebrows in Ankara.

Turkey does real business with virtual money

Bitcoin usage is on the rise in Turkey, where businesses in various sectors, from informatics and engineering companies to pharmacies and taxi stands, have come to accept the virtual currency.

EU to cut aid to Turkey as accession talks trail off

The European Council has decided to cut its pre-accession funds for Turkey in yet another bad sign for the country's EU membership process.

Jailed Turkish philanthropist ravaged in pro-AKP media

Not much is known about the detention of prominent Turkish businessman and philanthropist Osman Kavala, and the ruling party and its loyalists seem to be building a slander campaign against him in the media.