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

Turkey

Turkey

July 24, 2026

Ankara 8:14 am

17°C

Turkey’s main opposition Republican People's Party's (CHP) Ousted party leader Ozgur Ozel waves to supporters from atop a police water cannon vehicle after being forcibly evicted by police from his party’s headquarters on May 24, 2026 in Ankara, Turkey.

Top ally of Turkey’s Erdogan backs state funding for Ozel’s breakaway party

Devlet Bahceli’s suggestion exposes a more nuanced position within the country’s governing alliance over the ongoing legal crackdown against Turkey’s main opposition.

David's Sling.

Explainer

As Turkey rivalry heats up, Greece to acquire $4B Israeli air defense system

The Greek defense minister said that the air defense system will be operational within 35 months.

Turkey's servicemen stand at attention on a Turkish submarine as they participate in the live-fire phase of the Blue Homeland 2026 tactical military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, in Antalya on April 9, 2026.

Turkey to begin surveys for planned northern Cyprus gas pipeline

The planned 63-mile link is intended to supply gas for electricity generation but has drawn condemnation from the Republic of Cyprus amid rising rivalries in the eastern Mediterranean.

Latest News

Iran's Araghchi reveals Turkey's role in thwarting Kurdish offensive

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart following a meeting in Baghdad on June 28, 2026.

Analysis

As Turkey eyes US naval revival, here is why big warship deals are unlikely

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president of Turkey, greets Donald Trump, president of United States, during a welcome ceremony of allied heads of state and government, on July 8, 2026, in Ankara, Turkey.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

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

Is Kim Kardashian leading the evil eye jewelry craze?

Evil eye beads, which have become a celebrity craze in the United States, are the one red line that Islamists in Turkey have not crossed so far.

Jordan, Turkey compete to woo Jerusalem

As Turkey and Jordan vie for influence in Jerusalem, the ever-growing presence in the city of the Turkish flag, Turkish restaurants and photos of Turkey’s president reflect Turkey might be winning.

A woman looks at a building, which was damaged during the security operations and clashes between Turkish security forces and Kurdish militants, in the southeastern town of Cizre in Sirnak province, Turkey March 2, 2016. REUTERS/Sertac Kayar - RTS9000

Will Turkey let UN officials snoop in the southeast?

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is demanding that Turkey allow UN officials to investigate alleged human rights abuses in the war-ravaged southeast of the country.

How schizophrenia patients in Turkey are finding relief on stage

In a small Turkish city, a pioneering psychiatrist has achieved remarkable success in treating schizophrenia patients with theatrical improvisation.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and EU Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom pose during the Turkey-EU Readmission Agreement Signing Ceremony in Ankara December 16, 2013. Turkey and the European Union signed an agreement on Monday allowing EU governments to send back illegal immigrants crossing into Europe from Turkey in a move highlighting a thaw in relations between Ankara and the 28-member bloc.REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY IMMIGRATION) - RTX16KRY

EU-Turkey refugee deal gives Erdogan case of 'political amnesia'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would like to forget that part of the refugee deal with the European Union involves amending the country's Anti-Terror Law.

Have Turkey-PKK clashes crossed fatal threshold?

The PKK’s alleged shooting down of a Turkish assault helicopter marks a major development in the ongoing fighting between the two sides.

Has Europe had enough of Erdogan?

A crisis in relations with Germany could have significant strategic and geopolitical implications for Turkey and its future.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu leaves a news conference at his ruling AK Party headquarters in Ankara, Turkey May 5, 2016. REUTERS/Umit Bektas - RTX2CY0J

How Turkey’s recent political shakeup will have wide-ranging impact

The resignation of Turkish Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoglu could affect both the country’s economy and anti-IS efforts; new report scrutinizes US military aid to Egypt as human rights abuses persist; Al-Monitor’s reporter in the news.

Syrian refugees shop at a market at Harran refugee camp in the Sanliurfa province, Turkey April 26, 2016. REUTERS/Umit Bektas - RTX2BPLG

How long can Turkey afford growing refugee bill?

The monthly bill of hosting the Syrian refugees in Turkey has shot up to $500 million, in a further strain on the country’s already struggling economy.

After political shake-up, is Turkey heading for economic crisis?

By sidelining Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken full control of the political reins but ambiguity about his economic policies is creating concerns.

As Davutoglu exits, Erdoganists demand 'obedience to the leader'

The departure of Ahmet Davutoglu as prime minister marks the opening of a new narrative that makes obedience to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a religious duty.

How will Turkey gain power abroad when it can't protect its borders?

Turkey's ineffectiveness in protecting the city of Kilis on the Syrian border points to how unlikely it is that the government will fulfill its ambition to become a regional power.