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Turkey

Turkey

August 26, 2026

Ankara 5:54 am

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Top EU court says Kavala case exposes erosion of judicial independence in Turkey

Europe's top human rights court has renewed its call for Turkey to immediately release jailed philanthropist Osman Kavala, saying his imprisonment reflects a broader “systemic problem” over independence and impartiality of the judiciary.

Equality and Democracy Party lawmakers

Explainer

Turkey’s Kurdish peace process moves to implementation: What to know and what’s next

Turkey’s peace process with Kurdish militants has entered the implementation phase this week, with authorities setting up working groups to verify the Kurdistan Workers Party’s disarmament.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani (C) watches as US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack prepares to sign an agreement in Damascus on September 16, 2025. Shaibani announced on September 16 a plan backed by Jordan and the United States to restore calm to Druze-majority Sweida province, which witnessed deadly violence in July. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP) (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA/AFP via Getty Images)

Exclusive

Israel recalibrates Syria policy, explores path to security deal

Israel is rethinking its hard-line Syria policy and seeking to repair ties with US envoy and Donald Trump's confidant Tom Barrack amid a push for a security agreement with Damascus.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Latest News

Analysis

Why Turkey sees Israeli strikes in Syria as warning over its military role, Mecca Pact

A Turkish soldier from the 1st Border Regiment Command looks out over the border wall to Syria during alert drills at a military outpost on the Turkey/Syria border on March 2, 2017 in Kilis, Turkey.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Turkey bets on US deconfliction as Israel widens Syria red lines

Turkey/Syria border

Ezgi Akin

Rina Bassist

By Ezgi Akin , Rina Bassist

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

Pakistan Navy's servicemen march after hoisting the national flags of participating countries during the opening ceremony of Pakistan Navyís Multinational Exercise AMAN-17, in Karachi, Pakistan February 10, 2017. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro - RC11ADB28990

Turkey clinches deal to sell 4 warships to Pakistan

After failing to find buyers in Middle East, Turkey's defense industry takes a major step forward by selling four corvettes to Pakistan.

ANKARA, TURKEY - JULY 9: Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receives his oath as he is sworns as Turkey's first Executive President at the Turkish parliament on July 9, 2018 in Ankara, Turkey. President Erdogan was sworn in during a parliamentary meeting and later an inauguration ceremony attended by a number of foreign leaders and dignitaries. President Erdogan secured another five year term and increased powers after winning 52.5 percent of the vote in the June 24 snap presidential and parliamentary

Erdogan assumes office, vast new powers

Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan has become the country's first executive president, and his first order of business seems to be building global legitimacy for himself and his "New Turkey."

UNESCO recognizes ancient Stone Age temple in Turkey

Southeastern Turkey's epic ruins of Gobeklitepe, possibly the world's first temple, has finally made it to UNESCO'S World Heritage List.

Leader of Turkey's Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli gestures as he addresses his supporters during an election rally in Ankara on June 23, 2018. - Turkey is preparing for tight presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24, while many analysts say the incumbent President wants a major foreign policy success to give him a final boost. (Photo by ADEM ALTAN / AFP) (Photo credit should read ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images)

What's behind nationalist gains in Turkey’s Kurdish regions?

As many struggle to explain the rise in the nationalist vote in Turkey’s Kurdish-majority southeast, some observers see the impact of police and military reinforcements in the region and the influence of the security establishment.

Culture Alert: July marked by festivals in the Middle East

In Istanbul, Baalbeck, Jerusalem and Ras El Bar, the Middle East becomes a vibrant scene of outdoor festivals in July.

Demonstrators wave flags during a protest against the recent killings of Palestinian protesters on the Gaza-Israel border and the U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem, in Istanbul, Turkey May 18, 2018. REUTERS/Osman Orsal - UP1EE5I1A5E18

Turkey’s passion for Jerusalem does little for Palestinians

Despite the frequent and lofty promises by Turkish officials, major steps that would seriously contribute to the Palestinian economy hinge on Turkey’s attention to sensitive points in its relations with Israel.

Will Erdogan acquiesce to ally’s amnesty pressure?

Turkey’s Nationalist Action Party is likely to use its kingmaker’s position in parliament to press for a comprehensive amnesty, a proposal the government has so far dismissed.

Turkish opposition bickers over defeat as Erdogan sends out inauguration invites

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will assume a vastly empowered presidency on Monday when he takes his oath of office while the opposition is still trading blame over its loss, setting off leadership challenges and fracturing alliances.

How a Turkish translator landed in court on terror charges

A Turkish translator risks a jail sentence on charges of spreading terrorist propaganda simply for translating news reports on Twitter.

Architects from Middle East, beyond tear down barriers in Venice

Turkey’s national pavilion and other entries from the region are among the highlights at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale, whose theme "Freespace" has prompted curators to investigate national boundaries, the human toll of migration and the concept of freedom.

Members of LGBT community take part in a Gay Pride parade in central Istanbul, Turkey, July 1, 2018. REUTERS/Osman Orsal - RC1A989D9800

'Hipstanbulites' struggle to preserve their city's heritage

Istanbul, a magnificent city, has become a victim of its own beauty by overpopulation. Now, college students, young professionals, artists and others find ways to preserve breathable spaces in Istanbul.

A member of Turkish police special forces stands guard in Azaz, Syria January 24, 2018. REUTERS/Osman Orsal - RC1CA41F7370

Young Turks with enough cash seek to skip military service

Thanks to a massive grassroots lobbying effort, the Turkish parliament will consider allowing prospective conscripts to pay their way out of military service.