This podcast covers Ankara’s growing military and commercial interests in the Horn of Africa, including the TURKSOM military base in Somalia and offshore energy drilling activities there, which began earlier this month.

Also discussed are the implications of Turkey’s presence in the Horn of Africa amid regional competition between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Additionally, we touch on how the Iran war is impacting dynamics and how regional actors view Turkey’s rapid rise as a leading weapons provider in Africa.

Referenced in this talk:

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Turkey launches first overseas deep-sea drilling mission in Somalia (Reuters)

TURKSOM military base trains Somali forces since 2017 (DS)

Unpacking Turkey’s Security Footprint in Africa (SWP)

Turkey’s quest for direction in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea (FT)

Turkey’s Drone Industry at a Strategic Crossroads (WOTR)

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Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

This podcast covers Turkey’s growing efforts to mediate conflicts and host diplomatic meetings like this weekend’s Antalya Diplomacy Forum and the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.

Also discussed are recent comments by US Ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack on democracy in the Middle East and on a possible resolution to the S-400 sanctions on Turkey as well as European security and opportunities for Turkey’s defense industry.

Referenced in this talk:

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In Turkey, Middle Powers Ponder Diplomacy With a Rogue U.S. (NY Times)

US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack Speaks at Antalya Diplomacy Forum (YouTube)

Envoy expects U.S.-Turkey to ‘soon’ solve issue of sanctions over S-400 defences (Reuters)

‘Turkey: Managing an unfriendly ally’ by Alan Makovsky (Brookings)

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Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

This podcast begins with a deep dive into Hungarian politics, detailing the fall of Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán and the rise of opposition leader Péter Magyar, before exploring possible lessons for Turkey’s opposition.

Also covered are expectations for the new government’s foreign policy and continued dependency on Russian gas, which arrives to Hungary from Turkey through the TurkStream pipeline—a key pillar of the Ankara-Budapest bilateral relationship.

Note: This talk was recorded at 1100 Turkey time on Tuesday, April 14.

Referenced in this talk:

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Péter Magyar maps out grand bargain to reset Hungary’s ties with Brussels (Politico)

Unpacking Turkey-Hungary relations with László Szerencsés (Turkey recap)

The Turkish Energy Hub and the Hungary Connection: Challenging EU Gas Diversification Efforts (SUITS)

President Erdogan gifts Togg to Hungarian Prime Minister Orban (YouTube)

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Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

The podcast outlines growing concerns about a looming regional competition between the two states, past and present bilateral dynamics and how the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran is shifting power balances and perceptions in the region.

Also covered are Israeli threat perceptions, Turkish contingency planning and the role of NATO allies in mitigating escalation risks on the road ahead.

Note: This talk was recorded at 1600 Turkey time on Monday, April 6, before reports of an armed attack on the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, April 7.

Referenced in this talk:

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The Next Big Middle East Conflict? The Turkish-Israeli Rivalry (SUITS)

‘The New Iran’: Bennett Warns of Emerging Axis at Conference of Presidents (Media Line)

PM Netanyahu’s remarks at the start of today’s Government meeting (Gov.Il)

What Ankara sees in Riyadh — and why it still needs Abu Dhabi (MEI)

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Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

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Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

The talk outlines Turkish interests and concerns regarding the Iran war, including current and future impacts on Turkey’s economy — and what those could mean for Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s prospects in the next election cycle.

Additionally, Ülgen discusses Ankara’s efforts to deescalate the conflict through regional coordination with Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as highlighted by a meeting between those countries in Islamabad Sunday, March 29.

Note: This talk was recorded at 1700 Turkey time on Monday, March 30.

Referenced in this talk:

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What Turkey Wants in Iran (Project Syndicate)

NATO Intercepts Fourth Iranian Missile Targeting Turkey (Bloomberg)

Pakistan hosts regional powers for Iran talks, with focus on Hormuz proposals (Reuters)

Rubio tells allies Iran war will continue 2-4 more weeks (Axios)

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Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

Covered in this episode are election forecasts, candidacy prospects for Hakan Fidan, Bilal Erdoğan and Mansur Yavaş as well as the implications of the Iran war and ongoing PKK peace process for Turkey.

We also discuss Turkey recap-specific questions about freedom of speech, journalism under pressure how to write puns on the run — which is a pun about a nun movie that we do not recommend.

Your questions are always welcome. Email us at info@turkeyrecap.com or fill out the anonymous Google form below.

Referenced in this talk:

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In Turkey, is Bilal Erdogan preparing to replace his father? (Al-Monitor)

What Turkey’s Election Observers Saw (The Atlantic)

Ankara Mayor Yavaş says will consider presidential candidacy ‘if there is demand’ (Duvar)

Other ways to watch & listen:

Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

Higel recently co-authored a report on Turkey-Iraq rapprochement titled “Strengthening Iraq-Türkiye Ties amid Regional Tensions.” In this podcast, she juxtaposes the main trend lines from the report against the ongoing regional conflict, highlighting areas to watch in the coming weeks and months.

Also covered are discussions about the possible reopening of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to export Iraqi oil through Turkey—a move that would circumvent the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, the pair take deep dives into Iran-Turkey power competition in Iraq, the prospects of a Kurdish ground incursion into Iran and how the war might impact the Turkey-PKK peace process.

Referenced in this talk:

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A Sprawling Middle East War Explodes (Crisis Group)

Rivals within: How Iran and Turkey compete inside Iraq’s fractured politics (Chatham House)

Iraq plans pipeline revamp for direct Kirkuk oil exports to Turkey, minister says (Reuters)

How would a Kurdish offensive change the war in Iran? (Atlantic Council)

Other ways to watch & listen:

Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

Together with Diego Cupolo, editor-in-chief at Turkey recap, Ezgi discussed US proposals to arm Kurdish militias against the Iranian regime and the potential implications for both Turkey and the PKK peace talks.

Also covered are updates on the Syria transition government and its integration process with the Kurdish-led SDF.

Referenced in this talk:

Submit a question for our Q&A with this form

Vague and contradictory Trump says Iran war ‘won’, but not ‘won enough’ (Guardian)

Israel backing Iranian Kurdish plans to seize Iran border areas, sources say (Reuters)

Integration or conflict in northeastern Syria? Ten key points to consider (MEI)

Syria’s Kurds caution Iran’s Kurds against aligning with US against Tehran (Reuters)

Other ways to watch & listen:

Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

Aksoy is the author of a recent report on Israel-Turkey regional competition and, after laying out the implications of war in Iran for both nations, she detailed its potential impacts on Israel-Turkey power dynamics across the region.

Covered in this podcast are the competing interests and escalation risks between Turkey and Israel in Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Horn of Africa and beyond.

Referenced in this talk:

US-Israeli strikes kill Khamenei and Iranian retaliation shakes Gulf (Reuters)

Türkei–Israel: Riskante Eskalation in einer fragmentierten Regionalordnung (SWP)

Israel’s actions affecting SDF–Damascus integration talks: FM Fidan (DS)

New alignments and old rivalries are heating up the Eastern Mediterranean (WPR)

Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland (AJ)

Other ways to watch & listen:

Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

Together with Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo, she outlined developments before and after Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reached a ceasefire deal on Jan. 30 to integrate their forces.

Also covered are the security concerns regarding Islamic State-affiliated detainees that escaped prison camps during and after the January offensive as well as the changing US military role in Syria and also women’s changing role in the Syria transition.

Referenced in this talk:

Syria, Kurdish-led SDF reach integration deal after weeks of clashes (AFP)

Syria’s New Order: Centralization by External Consent (Arab Center)

US Intelligence Says at Least 15,000 at Large After ISIS Detention Camp Collapses in Syria (WSJ)

Disarmament Without Safeguards Is a Death Sentence for Syria’s Minorities (Defense Post)

Introduction to Leahy Vetting Policy (US State Dept)

Syria’s Minorities Need American Help — by Sam Brownback (WSJ)

Other ways to watch & listen:

Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

On Feb. 11, Turkish Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Ankara, where the pair signed various cooperation and trade agreements while voicing interest in resolving territorial disputes that have plagued ties for decades.

This podcast covers the meeting and its implications for EU security as the bloc mulls closer defense cooperation with Turkish defense companies to bolster security amid the Russia-Ukraine war. We also touch on the Cyprus issue towards the end.

Referenced in this talk:

Turkish, Greek leaders voice desire to resolve issues after talks (Reuters)

Türkiye, Greece sign wide-ranging cooperation agreements (AA)

Israel will aid Greece in countering military drone swarms (AP)

Disputes with EU states complicate Turkey’s role in defense loan program (Tr)

Landslide win for pro-EU Turkish Cypriot candidate raises hopes for peace (Guardian)

Other ways to watch & listen:

Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

Amor shares his views on humanitarian needs in northern Syria following clashes between the Syrian army and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He also covers migration coordination between European states and Turkey along with defense partnerships and security concerns regarding the Russia-Ukraine war.

Towards the end, Amor addresses roadblocks posed by Turkey, Greece and Republic of Cyprus relations as well as opportunities for greater cooperation in light of the current Cypriot Council of the EU presidency and recent North Cyprus election victory of Tufan Erhürman, who campaigned on reviving stalled UN-brokered talks.

Referenced in this talk:

Amor Nuanced Approach (Turkey recap)

Nacho Sánchez Amor visits Osman Kavala in prison (Bianet)

EU’s Türkiye Rapporteur Amor: Türkiye has fallen to ‘an unprecedented low’ in democratic standards (AnkaHaber)

Türkiye Report 2025 (European Commission)

Other ways to watch & listen:

Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

Yeşil lays out how Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration presents itself as a benevolent global actor and “voice of the voiceless” that pushes back on Western hypocrisy through a network of state-funded media institutions and pro-government news channels.

The talk deconstructs the way Ankara seeks to frame narratives with the use of “strategic obfuscation”, which presents Erdoğan’s administration in a positive light for domestic and global audiences. Also included are leadership changes at the Directorate of Communications, new digital media trends and how both impact government communication strategies.

Referenced in this talk:

Talking Back to the West: How Turkey Uses Counter-Hegemony to Reshape the Global Communication Order (University of Illinois)

Turkey enters the global media stage with TRT World (TRT World)

Türkiye leads Muslim nations in addressing Islamophobia (TRT World)

Fahrettin Altun sacked as Türkiye’s comms director in major overhaul (Türkiye Today)

Other ways to watch & listen:

Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

The podcast covers security concerns for the US and Israel, the potential fate of Islamic State prisoners in Syria plus future prospects for the Kurdish rights movement, both armed and unarmed.

Barkey is also the author of the book, Turkey’s Kurdish Question, and the Bernard L. and Bertha F. Cohen chair in international relations at Lehigh University.

Referenced in this talk:

Syrian Government and Kurdish-Led Force Agree to Merge After Clashes (NYT - gift)

Terms of the Ceasefire and Integration Agreement between Syria and SDF (SANA)

Syria tightens grip after Kurdish pullback, says IS prisoners escape (Reuters)

Other ways to watch & listen:

Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

The discussion covers censorship and the ethical quandaries reporters must navigate to perform their jobs. Genç also reflects on the responsibility of intellectuals in periods of democratic backsliding and what drives him to continue documenting the people and spaces that exist despite it all.

Genç has been a professional journalist for about 20 years. His recent books include Şehir and The Lion and the Nightingale: A Journey Through Modern Turkey.

Referenced in this talk:

The Turkish government’s grip on journalism is tightening (Index on Censorship)

Under the Shadow: Rage and Revolution in Modern Turkey (Bloomsbury)

Peace be the promise (Eurozine)

The people who clean up your TikTok feed are starting to fight back (Rest of World)

Istanbul Biennial ends early following curator departure (The Art Newspaper)

Other ways to watch & listen:

Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

The talk starts with Turkey-Venezuela relations in the aftermath of the US capture of Venezuelan Pres. Nicolás Maduro, and then moves counterclockwise around the globe, covering Ankara’s interests in North Africa, the Middle East, Eurasia, Europe and the US.

Throughout, Turkish concerns and objectives are outlined in multiple conflicts, regions and nations, including Libya, the Israel-Gaza war, Somalia, Syria, Iraq, Iran, the Caucasus, the Ukraine-Russia war and more.

Referenced in this talk:

Turkey’s policy towards Libya: a year of major shifts (OSW)

Pro-Palestine march draws over half a million people to Istanbul’s Galata Bridge on New Year’s Day (AA)

One step forward, one step back – a year of the Turkish–Kurdish peace process (OSW)

The Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process and the Role of Turkey (SUITS)

US envoy hopes F-35 talks with Türkiye yield ‘breakthrough’ in coming months (AA)

Other ways to watch & listen:

Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

The talk covers initial outreach efforts in the 1990s, in which Turkey was seen as a “door opener” for Europe to regional actors, such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Also discussed is Eurasian energy politics amid the Russia-Urkaine war, the purpose of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and the Middle Corridor, which relies on a planned transit connection through Armenia and Azerbaijan, known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, or the Zangezur corridor.

Also referenced in this talk:

Turkey’s Turns to Central Asia: Learning by Doing (CATS Network)

First EU-Central Asia summit, 4 April 2025 (Consilium)

EU signs deal with Azerbaijan to double gas imports by 2027 (Reuters)

Understanding Central Asia’s Position on Northern Cyprus: Between Principles, Pressures, and Pragmatism (Hague Research)

The Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process and the Role of Turkey (SUITS)

UN marks first World Turkic Language Family Day (UN News)

Other ways to watch & listen:

Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

The talk comes as EU leaders meet to discuss the future of the Ukraine-Russia war and focuses on coordinated efforts to spread pro-Russian talking points in Turkey and beyond.

We discussed traditional and online media strategies intended to heighten anti-Western sentiments in Turkey, especially in Sputnik Türkiye. We also cover efforts to disseminate anti-Poland narratives in attempt to discredit Warsaw’s stance on the Ukraine war in Turkey and, again, beyond.

Also referenced in this talk:

EU starts crucial week with Zelenskyy talks and bid to save €210B loan (Politico)

Russian Disinformation in Turkey (Disinfoinmenat)

‘Unprecedented’ Violation and ‘Alleged’ Evidence: An Analysis of Narrative Lines in Türkiye Following the Drone Attack on Poland (Disinfoinmenat)

U.K. Spy Chief Warns of Acute Russia Threat: The ‘Frontline is Everywhere’ (NYT)

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Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

The conversation comes after Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán met with Turkish Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul Monday, Dec. 8. We cover the basis of bilateral ties, from pragmatic energy connectivity to civilizational rhetoric on shared Turkic heritage.

Additionally, we discussed Turkey and Hungary’s role in both NATO and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), as well as future prospects for the bilateral cooperation as Hungary heads into 2026 elections.

Also referenced in this talk:

Turkey to guarantee flow of Russian gas to Hungary, Orban says (Reuters)

Viktor Orbán begins ‘anti-war roadshow’ as Hungary gears up for 2026 elections (Guardian)

The Turkish Energy Hub and the Hungary Connection: Challenging EU Gas Diversification Efforts (SUITS)

Hungary’s Opening Toward Turkey: from Economic Diversification to Political Partnership (IPC)

Other ways to watch & listen:

Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.

Support us

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com.

Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.

We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

Selçuki also outlined Turkey’s trade relations with European and Asian nations, its competitive advantages against other middle-income nations and the challenges posed by its education system.

Other topics covered include inflation projections and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) review this month of Turkey’s oversight efforts to prevent money laundering and the funding of terrorist activities.

Also referenced in this talk:

Türkiye Raporu’s website

The World Bank’s Turkey overview

The latest Lahmacun Index (Susam Bülten)

Crime watchdog FATF to visit Turkey after ‘grey list’ exit, sources say (Reuters)

Strategic Connectivity in A Contested Era: A Next Generation UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement (EDAM)

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Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Günsu Durak, Turkish language editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager