Court order rewinds the CHP's 2023 succession as Ankara re-rolls economic policy
The Ankara Regional Court of Justice's 36th Civil Chamber ruled unanimously on Thursday that the Republican People's Party's November 2023 congress was legally null and void, temporarily removing current chair Özgür Özel and reinstating former chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu until any appeal to the Court of Cassation is decided. Parliament passed a tax bill cutting the corporate rate for manufacturing companies to 12.5% from 25% and offering 5% asset-repatriation, and Israel signalled it may close its Istanbul consulate after the 7 April shooting near the building.
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Ankara appeals court voids CHP's 2023 congress, removes Özgür Özel and reinstates Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu
The 36th Civil Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice ruled unanimously on Thursday that the Republican People's Party's (CHP) 38th Ordinary Elective Congress of 4-5 November 2023 was "absolutely null and void," temporarily removing current chair Özgür Özel and his entire central party leadership and reinstating former chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the pre-congress organs until the decision becomes final. The chamber overturned a 24 October 2025 lower-court ruling that had declared the case moot, and also annulled the CHP's 8 October 2023 Istanbul Provincial Congress along with every subsequent ordinary and extraordinary congress held by Turkey's oldest party. The party has two weeks to appeal to the Court of Cassation.
Turkey parliament cuts corporate tax for manufacturers to 12.5%, launches asset repatriation scheme
Turkey's parliament on Wednesday passed a law reducing the corporate tax rate for manufacturing companies to 12.5% from 25% and introducing incentives to repatriate assets held abroad. The legislation also extends a 100% corporate tax exemption on financial services export income at the Istanbul Financial Center until 2047. Assets brought into Turkey under the repatriation scheme will be taxed at 5%, with no tax due if held for five years in certain financial instruments.
Israel considers closing Istanbul consulate after April shooting
Israel is considering shutting down its consulate in Istanbul, one of its oldest diplomatic missions, following a shooting near the building on April 7, an Israeli source told AFP on Wednesday. The embassy in Ankara will remain open but both missions are currently staffed only by Turkish personnel after diplomats were evacuated following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack and the subsequent Gaza war. No decision has been made, the source said, as discussions also involve plans to demolish the consulate building as part of earthquake preparation measures.
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Every other event tracked in Turkey, with a one-line preview.
tr47Turkish court removes opposition leader from office
A Turkish court has removed the leader of the main opposition party from office, escalating political tensions in the country. This action is a significant development in Turkey's domestic political landscape.
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Turkish court removes opposition leader from office
A Turkish court has removed the leader of the main opposition party from office, escalating political tensions in the country. This action is a significant development in Turkey's domestic political landscape.
A Turkish court has removed the leader of the main opposition party from office, escalating political tensions in the country. This action is a significant development in Turkey's domestic political landscape.
tr33TurkStat forecasts significant rise in Turkish grain and fruit production for 2026
On May 21, 2026, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) released preliminary estimates projecting a substantial increase in grain and fruit production for 2026, driven by improved rainfall in early 2026 after recent droughts and a major frost event in 2025 that had negatively impacted crops. Grain production is expected to rise 21.7% to 41.6 million metric tons, with wheat up 26.7% to 22.8 million tons and barley up 50% to 9 million tons. Fruit production is forecast to surge 57.8% to 31 million tons, while vegetable output remains stable at 33.3 million tons. The positive outlook comes amid ongoing food price inflation, with the annual CPI at 32.37% in April and the food and non-alcoholic beverages index rising 34.55% year-on-year.
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TurkStat forecasts significant rise in Turkish grain and fruit production for 2026
On May 21, 2026, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) released preliminary estimates projecting a substantial increase in grain and fruit production for 2026, driven by improved rainfall in early 2026 after recent droughts and a major frost event in 2025 that had negatively impacted crops. Grain production is expected to rise 21.7% to 41.6 million metric tons, with wheat up 26.7% to 22.8 million tons and barley up 50% to 9 million tons. Fruit production is forecast to surge 57.8% to 31 million tons, while vegetable output remains stable at 33.3 million tons. The positive outlook comes amid ongoing food price inflation, with the annual CPI at 32.37% in April and the food and non-alcoholic beverages index rising 34.55% year-on-year.
On May 21, 2026, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) released preliminary estimates projecting a substantial increase in grain and fruit production for 2026, driven by improved rainfall in early 2026 after recent droughts and a major frost event in 2025 that had negatively impacted crops. Grain production is expected to rise 21.7% to 41.6 million metric tons, with wheat up 26.7% to 22.8 million tons and barley up 50% to 9 million tons. Fruit production is forecast to surge 57.8% to 31 million tons, while vegetable output remains stable at 33.3 million tons. The positive outlook comes amid ongoing food price inflation, with the annual CPI at 32.37% in April and the food and non-alcoholic beverages index rising 34.55% year-on-year.
tr30Turkey orders 100 expendable USVs for naval swarm operations
Turkey's Defense Industry Executive Committee approved the procurement of 100 expendable unmanned surface vessels in February 2026, with production allocated to three teams: Aselsan/Ares Shipyard (40 Tufan USVs), STM/Yonca Shipyard (32 Yaktu USVs), and Havelsan/Sefine Shipyard (32 units). The Tufan USV is 8 m long and carries an Mk 82 equivalent payload. Both the Tufan and Yaktu USVs, unveiled at SAHA Expo 2026, feature low-profile hulls, LOS and satellite communications, and swarm architecture for autonomous cooperative missions, designed for precision strikes against maritime and coastal targets.
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Turkey orders 100 expendable USVs for naval swarm operations
Turkey's Defense Industry Executive Committee approved the procurement of 100 expendable unmanned surface vessels in February 2026, with production allocated to three teams: Aselsan/Ares Shipyard (40 Tufan USVs), STM/Yonca Shipyard (32 Yaktu USVs), and Havelsan/Sefine Shipyard (32 units). The Tufan USV is 8 m long and carries an Mk 82 equivalent payload. Both the Tufan and Yaktu USVs, unveiled at SAHA Expo 2026, feature low-profile hulls, LOS and satellite communications, and swarm architecture for autonomous cooperative missions, designed for precision strikes against maritime and coastal targets.
Turkey's Defense Industry Executive Committee approved the procurement of 100 expendable unmanned surface vessels in February 2026, with production allocated to three teams: Aselsan/Ares Shipyard (40 Tufan USVs), STM/Yonca Shipyard (32 Yaktu USVs), and Havelsan/Sefine Shipyard (32 units). The Tufan USV is 8 m long and carries an Mk 82 equivalent payload. Both the Tufan and Yaktu USVs, unveiled at SAHA Expo 2026, feature low-profile hulls, LOS and satellite communications, and swarm architecture for autonomous cooperative missions, designed for precision strikes against maritime and coastal targets.
tr28Turkish firm Armelsan completes sea trials for new mine-hunting sonar Nusrat-1915
Turkish defense company Armelsan has completed sea trials for its domestically developed Nusrat-1915 mine-hunting sonar. The system reportedly doubles detection range and performance compared to current foreign sonars. It will be integrated into Turkish Navy vessels, starting with Engin-class ships, with full fleet operational capability expected by end of 2027. The development is driven by strategic needs in the Black Sea and Gulf regions. Armelsan is also developing a compact sonar suite for unmanned surface and underwater vehicles.
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Turkish firm Armelsan completes sea trials for new mine-hunting sonar Nusrat-1915
Turkish defense company Armelsan has completed sea trials for its domestically developed Nusrat-1915 mine-hunting sonar. The system reportedly doubles detection range and performance compared to current foreign sonars. It will be integrated into Turkish Navy vessels, starting with Engin-class ships, with full fleet operational capability expected by end of 2027. The development is driven by strategic needs in the Black Sea and Gulf regions. Armelsan is also developing a compact sonar suite for unmanned surface and underwater vehicles.
Turkish defense company Armelsan has completed sea trials for its domestically developed Nusrat-1915 mine-hunting sonar. The system reportedly doubles detection range and performance compared to current foreign sonars. It will be integrated into Turkish Navy vessels, starting with Engin-class ships, with full fleet operational capability expected by end of 2027. The development is driven by strategic needs in the Black Sea and Gulf regions. Armelsan is also developing a compact sonar suite for unmanned surface and underwater vehicles.
tr25Turkey Transforms from Energy Transit Country to Physical Hub via Alternative Corridors
An analysis argues that Turkey is evolving from a mere energy transit country into a physical energy hub, driven by geopolitical risks at chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Russia-Ukraine war. The article highlights alternative corridors including Turkmenistan-Turkey, Qatar-Turkey, and Iraq-Turkey pipelines, and notes Europe's low gas storage levels increase the strategic importance of these routes for supply diversification and cost stability.
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Turkey Transforms from Energy Transit Country to Physical Hub via Alternative Corridors
An analysis argues that Turkey is evolving from a mere energy transit country into a physical energy hub, driven by geopolitical risks at chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Russia-Ukraine war. The article highlights alternative corridors including Turkmenistan-Turkey, Qatar-Turkey, and Iraq-Turkey pipelines, and notes Europe's low gas storage levels increase the strategic importance of these routes for supply diversification and cost stability.
An analysis argues that Turkey is evolving from a mere energy transit country into a physical energy hub, driven by geopolitical risks at chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Russia-Ukraine war. The article highlights alternative corridors including Turkmenistan-Turkey, Qatar-Turkey, and Iraq-Turkey pipelines, and notes Europe's low gas storage levels increase the strategic importance of these routes for supply diversification and cost stability.
tr23Turkish authorities detain celebrities in anti-narcotics operation
Turkish authorities detained 25 suspects, including actress Serenay Sarıkaya, singer Mabel Matiz, and journalist Mirgün Cabas, in a coordinated anti-narcotics operation across Istanbul and Muğla. The raids, led by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, seized marijuana, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and other drug paraphernalia. The operation underscores Türkiye's intensified crackdown on drug use in the entertainment industry, with Justice Minister Akın Gürlek vowing tougher measures.
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Turkish authorities detain celebrities in anti-narcotics operation
Turkish authorities detained 25 suspects, including actress Serenay Sarıkaya, singer Mabel Matiz, and journalist Mirgün Cabas, in a coordinated anti-narcotics operation across Istanbul and Muğla. The raids, led by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, seized marijuana, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and other drug paraphernalia. The operation underscores Türkiye's intensified crackdown on drug use in the entertainment industry, with Justice Minister Akın Gürlek vowing tougher measures.
Turkish authorities detained 25 suspects, including actress Serenay Sarıkaya, singer Mabel Matiz, and journalist Mirgün Cabas, in a coordinated anti-narcotics operation across Istanbul and Muğla. The raids, led by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, seized marijuana, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and other drug paraphernalia. The operation underscores Türkiye's intensified crackdown on drug use in the entertainment industry, with Justice Minister Akın Gürlek vowing tougher measures.
tr20Erdoğan hails Turkish army as 'army of peace' at Efes 2026 exercise
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the Distinguished Observer Day of the Efes 2026 international military exercise in Izmir, praising the Turkish Armed Forces as an 'army of peace' and emphasizing Türkiye's role as a key actor in a changing global order. The exercise involved 50 nations, including first-time participant Syria, and showcased Turkish defense industry products such as the Steel Dome air defense system and autonomous drone swarms. Erdoğan stressed the importance of deterrence and peace in a volatile region.
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Erdoğan hails Turkish army as 'army of peace' at Efes 2026 exercise
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the Distinguished Observer Day of the Efes 2026 international military exercise in Izmir, praising the Turkish Armed Forces as an 'army of peace' and emphasizing Türkiye's role as a key actor in a changing global order. The exercise involved 50 nations, including first-time participant Syria, and showcased Turkish defense industry products such as the Steel Dome air defense system and autonomous drone swarms. Erdoğan stressed the importance of deterrence and peace in a volatile region.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the Distinguished Observer Day of the Efes 2026 international military exercise in Izmir, praising the Turkish Armed Forces as an 'army of peace' and emphasizing Türkiye's role as a key actor in a changing global order. The exercise involved 50 nations, including first-time participant Syria, and showcased Turkish defense industry products such as the Steel Dome air defense system and autonomous drone swarms. Erdoğan stressed the importance of deterrence and peace in a volatile region.
tr18Turkey calls for 'Implementation COP' at Copenhagen climate meeting
Turkish Environment Minister Murat Kurum urged global leaders at the Copenhagen Climate Ministers Meeting to focus on implementing existing climate commitments rather than creating new frameworks, coining the term 'Implementation COP' ahead of the COP31 summit in Antalya. He outlined three priorities: effective adaptation, increased financing, and stronger coordination. The UN General Assembly also adopted a resolution supporting an International Court of Justice opinion on state climate obligations.
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Turkey calls for 'Implementation COP' at Copenhagen climate meeting
Turkish Environment Minister Murat Kurum urged global leaders at the Copenhagen Climate Ministers Meeting to focus on implementing existing climate commitments rather than creating new frameworks, coining the term 'Implementation COP' ahead of the COP31 summit in Antalya. He outlined three priorities: effective adaptation, increased financing, and stronger coordination. The UN General Assembly also adopted a resolution supporting an International Court of Justice opinion on state climate obligations.
Turkish Environment Minister Murat Kurum urged global leaders at the Copenhagen Climate Ministers Meeting to focus on implementing existing climate commitments rather than creating new frameworks, coining the term 'Implementation COP' ahead of the COP31 summit in Antalya. He outlined three priorities: effective adaptation, increased financing, and stronger coordination. The UN General Assembly also adopted a resolution supporting an International Court of Justice opinion on state climate obligations.
tr15Greek election campaign begins early amid Turkish maritime law dispute
Greece's political landscape is heating up ahead of general elections due by July 2027. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis launched his campaign early at his party's congress in Thessaloniki, but his New Democracy party's polling has dropped to 25-30%, down from over 40% in 2023. The party faces potential fragmentation from three new parties: one led by former PM Alexis Tsipras (announced for May 26), another by Maria Karystianou (whose movement is allegedly backed by Russia), and a third by Antonis Samaras (expelled from ND in November 2024 over criticism of Mitsotakis' Turkey policy and liberal reforms). A controversial Turkish maritime jurisdiction bill ('Blue Homeland') has become a major campaign issue, with opposition figures like Samaras and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias calling for a hardline response, including extending territorial waters to 12 nautical miles or suspending EU programs for Turkey. The article suggests Turkey may prefer a Mitsotakis-led government to a more nationalist alternative.
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Greek election campaign begins early amid Turkish maritime law dispute
Greece's political landscape is heating up ahead of general elections due by July 2027. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis launched his campaign early at his party's congress in Thessaloniki, but his New Democracy party's polling has dropped to 25-30%, down from over 40% in 2023. The party faces potential fragmentation from three new parties: one led by former PM Alexis Tsipras (announced for May 26), another by Maria Karystianou (whose movement is allegedly backed by Russia), and a third by Antonis Samaras (expelled from ND in November 2024 over criticism of Mitsotakis' Turkey policy and liberal reforms). A controversial Turkish maritime jurisdiction bill ('Blue Homeland') has become a major campaign issue, with opposition figures like Samaras and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias calling for a hardline response, including extending territorial waters to 12 nautical miles or suspending EU programs for Turkey. The article suggests Turkey may prefer a Mitsotakis-led government to a more nationalist alternative.
Greece's political landscape is heating up ahead of general elections due by July 2027. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis launched his campaign early at his party's congress in Thessaloniki, but his New Democracy party's polling has dropped to 25-30%, down from over 40% in 2023. The party faces potential fragmentation from three new parties: one led by former PM Alexis Tsipras (announced for May 26), another by Maria Karystianou (whose movement is allegedly backed by Russia), and a third by Antonis Samaras (expelled from ND in November 2024 over criticism of Mitsotakis' Turkey policy and liberal reforms). A controversial Turkish maritime jurisdiction bill ('Blue Homeland') has become a major campaign issue, with opposition figures like Samaras and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias calling for a hardline response, including extending territorial waters to 12 nautical miles or suspending EU programs for Turkey. The article suggests Turkey may prefer a Mitsotakis-led government to a more nationalist alternative.