Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul The women shaping Istanbul’s cultural map From Bosporus galleries to Anatolian kitchens By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture
Iran’s communications blackout limits assessment of war’s humanitarian toll Aid groups struggle to assess humanitarian toll in Iran as blackout hampers efforts to identify needs. Iran
Azerbaijan accuses Iran of drone strike on airport The attacks damaged an airport in the Nakhchivan exclave and slightly wounded two civilians. Iran
Iran’s targeting of Turkey unlikely to upend Ankara’s strategic balancing act Ankara said NATO defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Iran that was heading toward Turkish airspace, as Turkish officials called for restraint amid rising regional tensions. Turkey
Analysis In Turkey, is Bilal Erdogan preparing to replace his father? By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul Ayla Turan’s three decades in sculpture By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture
Analysis Why Turkey’s exclusion from Gaza force may be a strategic blessing Despite being excluded from Gaza’s international stabilization force, Ankara will likely leverage its ties with Hamas to maintain influence within the Trump administration’s Board of Peace. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Culture Ramadan opens in Turkey as secular-conservative divide resurfaces Ramadan began in Turkey amid a fresh flare-up of secular-conservative tensions, fueled by a controversial TV series and renewed concerns over secularism. Turkey
Newsletter: Turkey Turkish lawmakers back advancing PKK peace plan Turkey’s parliament moved closer to ending the PKK conflict, even as doubts linger over Kurdish rights and the country’s worsening democratic climate. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul Seven decades of Istanbul captured by Feruz Erturer Also this week: nostalgic Istanbul flavors, offbeat art spaces and tech-driven creativity By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture
Turkey backs Libya in legal challenge to Greece-Chevron offshore deal Ankara is engaging Libyan authorities in challenging the Greece-Chevron deal, a Turkish official said. Turkey
Fidan heads to US as Turkey eyes Gaza troop role: What to know Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is also expected to attend the Board of Peace meeting, raising the prospect of the first face-to-face talks between top Turkish and Israeli diplomats since the war amid high-running tensions. Turkey
On first Horn of Africa trip in 10 years, Erdogan cautions Ethiopia over Somaliland Turkey opposes Somaliland's recognition to protect its strategic military foothold in Mogadishu and the Red Sea. Turkey
Turkey’s Erdogan heads to Ethiopia amid tensions over Horn of Africa The Turkish leader is expected to raise Ankara’s concerns over Somalia’s territorial integrity while discussing ways to deepen bilateral ties with Addis Ababa. Turkey
Saudi-UAE rift complicates Israel's counter-Iran efforts, normalization Israel fears that the rivalry between the UAE and Saudi Arabia will further push Riyadh toward countries that espouse political Islam policies. Israel
Analysis Turkey courts Saudi Arabia on Kaan, but stealth fighter deal faces hurdles Turkey is pitching Saudi Arabia on a potential role in its Kaan stealth fighter program, but analysts say Riyadh is more likely to deepen cooperation with Ankara on drones, helicopters and air defense. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Newsletter: Turkey Mazlum Kobane’s Munich triumph Turkey’s week was marked by a surprise cabinet reshuffle that sparked fistfights in parliament alongside signs of shifting regional dynamics as Kurdish SDF commander Mazlum Kobane emerged on the international stage in Munich. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul Painting the Republic: Ibrahim Calli in Istanbul Also this week: Bagdat Avenue dining, Istanbul art exhibitions and avant-garde music By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture