Turkey - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Turkey

Turkey

August 26, 2026

Ankara 4:21 am

18°C

Omer Messinger/Getty Images

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

ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey rules suicide in death of Kurdish prisoner who alleged torture, rape

A female Kurdish inmate who spoke up about rape, sexual harassment and torture in prison has died in solitary confinement in what the state has ruled suicide.

Ji Bo Azadiye

Turkey accused of blocking Kurdish film at Iraqi film festival

Turkey is accused of pressuring film festival organizers in Iraqi Kurdistan to cancel an award-winning movie depicting PKK forces.

Erogan kenya

Egypt, Turkey compete for military foothold in Kenya

Egypt and Turkey are vying for presence in Kenya, with both countries seeking to consolidate their relations at all economic, technological and industrial levels with the African country.

AFP via Getty Images

Elon Musk talks space travel with Turkey’s Erdogan

The tech mogul reportedly said it was an "honor" to talk to the Turkish president about cooperation on space technology.

Armenian singer Andre Hovnanyan performs outside of the Turkish Consulate on the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, April 24, 2021, in Beverly Hills, California.

Many hurdles remain for Turkey-Armenia reconciliation

As normalization with Armenia remains crucial for Turkey’s broader regional aspirations, there are still major political and psychological stumbling blocks before the process.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu speaks at the Turkish Grand National Assembly in Ankara, Dec. 13, 2021.

Can Turkey's outreach to Armenia save US-Turkish ties?

Although Turkey-Armenia normalization is not guaranteed, mutual moves by Ankara and Yerevan are hopeful steps in the right direction.

VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images

Tumbling lira favors foreigners seeking real estate in Turkey

The freefall of Turkey's currency has provided new opportunities for foreigners looking to get into the country's real estate market.

OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images

Turkish lira sinks further with Erdogan’s latest rate cut

Ankara’s controversial economic policy coupled with external forces portend a continuing deprecation of the Turkish lira that will only worsen inflation and other economic parameters.

Nagorno Karabakh

As Turkey names new envoy for Armenia, skepticism prevails

Moves for reconciliation between the two longtime opponents have been met with surprise by observers, who see ulterior motives on Turkey's part.

Andrew Swiger, senior vice-president of Exxon (L) shakes hand with Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, president and CEO of Qatar Petroleum after signing an agreement, Doha, Qatar, June 3, 2018.

Qatar’s presence in eastern Mediterranean benefits Egypt, Turkey

Qatar is enhancing its presence in the eastern Mediterranean that is rich in oil and gas reserves at a time when tensions are ripping through the region over the maritime borders and excavation rights.

A picture taken on Dec. 7, 2021, in Istanbul shows US dollars banknotes and Turkish lira banknotes.

Turkish lira tumbles ahead of key decision on rate cuts, wages

As Turkey’s battered lira pushes to new lows against the dollar, all eyes turn to Thursday’s central bank meeting and critical talks on the minimum wage.

Turkey Armenia

Turkish foreign minister announces plan for closer ties with Armenia

Turkey and Armenia have announced they will both appoint special envoys to discuss normalizing their historically hostile ties.