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

Turkey

Turkey

August 31, 2026

Ankara 6:14 pm

28°C

Mecca Alliance

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan set Mecca Alliance into motion

The three countries are moving to formalize military coordination under the newly named Mecca Alliance amid renewed hostilities between Iran and the US.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrive for a joint press conference following their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Feb. 4, 2025.

Analysis

Why Turkey welcomes Israel-Syria talks despite mounting red lines

Turkey supports US-backed Israel-Syria talks but sees little prospect of a lasting accommodation until the Israeli elections.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Barcelona

Culture

In divided Cyprus, FC Barcelona youth camp sparks new dispute: What to know

A planned Barca Academy camp in northern Cyprus has offered more fuel to the controversy over the island’s unresolved divide, rasing tensions over recognition, access and international isolation.

Latest News

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

Omer Messinger/Getty Images

Explainer

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

Equality and Democracy Party lawmakers

Exclusive

Israel recalibrates Syria policy, explores path to security deal

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)

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

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

Syrians ready to flee to Turkey as soon as border opens

Syrians recently protested in Idlib, calling on Turkey to open a humanitarian corridor so they can escape the government shelling.

Why Turkey's rappers can no longer stay silent

In a 15-minute-long song aptly titled "#ICannotBeSilent," Turkish rappers take turns expressing their woes on issues such as justice, freedom, environment, abuse and exile.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speak during their meeting on the sidelines of the MAKS-2019 International Aviation and Space Salon in Zhukovsky outside Moscow, Russia, August 27, 2019. Maxim Shipenkov/Pool via REUTERS - RC147D99BA60

Putin can’t save Erdogan from Idlib quagmire

The Russian president ultimately sees Bashar al-Assad as the solution to Turkey’s border crisis, but is playing a long game.

Crisis-hit Turkey suffers erosion in investments

Turkey’s economic downturn has been marked by a dramatic decline in investments, both private and public, bearing heavily on joblessness.

Failure to reign in Idlib jihadists makes trouble for Turkey

A year after the Sochi agreement, the situation in Syria’s northwest remains as tense as ever.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addresses his supporters during a ceremony marking the third anniversary of the attempted coup at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, July 15, 2019. REUTERS/Murad Sezer - RC191F892920

Erdogan hints at nuclear ambitions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed interest in acquiring nuclear weapons, and while international treaties would make the feat difficult to accomplish, his rhetoric implies shifting global ambitions.

UNESCO-listed Anatolian town gets contemporary museum

The Odunpazari Modern Museum aims to develop the cultural offer in the Anatolian town of Eskisehir.

A general view of Atmeh camp for the displaced, in Atmeh town, Idlib province, Syria May 19, 2019. Picture taken May 19, 2019. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi - RC1638EEED70

Erdogan warns of 'annihilation' in Syria’s Idlib

Turkey’s president is lamenting the bombardment of Syria’s last opposition bastion as the latest cease-fire is tested and trapped civilians may be forced to flee across the border.

A motorbike burns after an airstrike in this screen grab taken from a social media video said to be taken in Idlib, Syria on July 16, 2019. Picture taken July 16, 2019. White Helmets/social media via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. - RC1FFC6630A0

US calls on Russia to cease Idlib fight amid terror strikes

The Pentagon called for Russia to halt its offensive into Syria’s Idlib province as the United States launched strikes into the contested region aimed at al-Qaeda leaders.

People shop at a bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, May 29, 2019. REUTERS/Murad Sezer - RC1904437D30

Key economic data suggests Turkey turning corner

Slowing inflation and a smaller-than-expected contraction in the economy could mean Turkey is emerging from a year-long downturn.

Daring new TV show offers close glimpse into mysterious Ankara nightlife

Nightclubs, or pavyons as they are called in Turkish, form a well-known but evasive culture with its extravagance and debauchery in Turkey's capital.

Syrian pistachio farmers watch crops wither as Turks fire on border region

Turkish gunfire is preventing pistachio growers in the border areas of Kobani and Manbij from harvesting their crops.