This podcast dives into the many factors behind Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan’s re-election, plus the interplay between Armenia’s peace deal with Azerbaijan and normalization process with Turkey.

Also covered is Russia’s energy leverage in Armenia, the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), as well as the human cost and deep distrust left by the Nagorno-Karabakh war.

Referenced in this talk:

Armenia election result revives hopes of reopening border with Turkey (RFI)

Türkiye-Armenia Border Reopening: A Turning Point For The South Caucasus (CACI)

Erdoğan congratulates Pashinyan on electoral victory (Armenpress)

US and Armenia sign partnership agreement ahead of Armenian election (Reuters)

Armenia votes West, but cannot quit Russia (EPC)

Other ways to watch & listen:

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

Ask us anything

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Get in touch at 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.

✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Hilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondent

Gözde Ocak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

In today’s episode, Yıldız Tar, editor-in-chief of KaosGL.org, a news site dedicated to LGBT issues in Turkey, outlines the pending reforms with Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo.

They discuss the Tar’s ongoing trial, the current state of LGBT rights in Turkey and why the government’s legal agenda has focused more on conservative family values in recent years. It’s not just for votes, Tar argues.

Referenced in this talk:

RSVP to Turkey recap’s get-together in Ankra on June 11 using this form

Yıldız Tar’s trial history (Expression Interrupted)

LGBTI+ associations: “We will not be packaged away! We are here with pride, we demand to live with dignity!” (KaosGL)

Pro-creation, anti-LGBTQ: What’s behind Erdoğan’s ‘Year of the Family’ program (Turkey recap)

Calls for action against the LGBT+ hostile 12th Judicial Package (KaosGL)

Other ways to watch & listen:

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

Ask us anything

Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Get in touch at 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.

✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics.

Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief

Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Hilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondent

Gözde Ocak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

This is our second Q&A episode following the second religious holiday of the year. We focus primarily on the current judicial pressure faced by Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), which recently had its leader Özgür Özel removed from power by court order.

Also discussed are the political prospects of re-installed CHP chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, timing forecasts for the next election cycle, peace process updates and more — including Turkey-Bangladesh defense relations.

Referenced in this talk:

Submit a question for our Q&A podcast with this form

RSVP to our Ankara get-together on June 11 using this form

Targeting the Opposition: Türkiye’s Democracy at a Crossroads (ISPI)

Tens of thousands march in support of Turkey’s deposed opposition leader (AP)

Bangladesh and Turkey: Defense Cooperation Enters a strategic phase (BMF)

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

Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent

Hilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondent

Gözde Ocak, Stüdyo recap editor

Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager

Following a Syrian Army offensive that reclaimed most of the formerly SDF-held territory in northeast Syria, Damascus and the SDF signed a peace agreement in late January to combine forces under the Syria state structure after 14 years of war.

This podcast is a status update on how integration efforts are going in the context of escalated regional instability from the US-Israel war on Iran and amid the continued economic hardships faced by Syrian citizens.

The talk covers how Damascus-SDF negotiations impact the PKK peace process in Turkey, as well as the current challenges, opportunities and risks faced by the transitional government of Syrian Pres. Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Note: This episode was recorded May 25, 2026.

Referenced in this talk:

Submit a question for our Q&A podcast with this form

PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan’s May 24 public statement (DEM Party)

‘The country is on fire’: Riot police storm CHP headquarters and Bilgi University (Turkey recap)

An Opportunity for Calm in North-eastern Syria (Crisis Group)

Comprehensive Overview of IDPs and IDP Returns 21-5-2026 (UNHCR)

First Turkey-Iraq transit convoy crosses through Syria (SANA)

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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

On Thursday, May 22, a Turkish court ousted CHP head Özgür Özel from the party leadership and replaced him with his predecessor Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

This podcast outlines Turkey’s ongoing slide towards autocracy, how Özel and his supporters might respond and the prospects for early elections as a result of this unprecedented moment in Turkish politics.

Referenced in this talk:

Submit a question for our Q&A podcast with this form

Kılıç In The Matrix (Turkey recap)

Turkey court rules to oust opposition leader in latest blow to Erdogan’s challengers (Reuters)

Istanbul’s mayor on trial for corruption charges (BBC)

How to Fight Turkey’s Authoritarian Turn (Journal of Democracy)

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 outlines how, in 2019, Ankara initially backed the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity in Western Libya and, since 2024, has been expanding its diplomatic outreach and drone sales to the Benghazi-based Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar in Eastern Libya.

Topics covered include Turkey’s hosting of joint military exercises between Libya’s rival forces as well as the spillover effects of Turkey’s Libya policy for regional conflicts and actors.

They also discuss Turkish parliament’s planned legislation to claim waters near the Greek Island of Crete by formalizing a maritime boundary agreement with Libya.

Referenced in this talk:

Submit a question for our Q&A podcast with this form

RSVP to our June 11 get-together in Ankara with this form (details inside)

Libya’s False Peace (Foreign Affairs)

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

Libya’s Haftar acquires combat drones despite UN embargo (Reuters)

Libya in the middle: Can Greece’s moves rival Türkiye’s years-long strategy? (Daily Sabah)

According to experts, the “de-escalation environment” that Türkiye created in Libya brought the parties back to the negotiating table. (Anadolu Agency - Turkish)

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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

Incumbent Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan is seeking re-election on a “Real Armenia” platform, which seeks to downplay historical territorial disputes beyond Armenia’s current borders in favor of EU integration and more cooperation with Azerbaijan and Turkey.

It’s a high stakes vote with implications for not just Armenia’s foreign policy alignments, but also regional trade and transit routes, as Turkey and Armenia are currently pursuing normalization efforts that, if successful, could reopen a land crossing on their shared border.

This podcast covers national election dynamics as well as the state of play for Baku-Yerevan peace negotiations and their impacts on Turkey-Armenia bilateral relations. We also review the prospects for EU-Armenia ties and the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) aka Zangezur corridor.

Referenced in this talk:

Submit a question with this form

Armenia, Turkey and the Zangezur corridor with Nareg Seferian (Turkey recap)

A Risk Assessment for Armenia’s 2026 Parliamentary Elections (GMF)

Armenia, Turkey sign memorandum on restoration of Ani Bridge (Armenpress)

Turkish vice president’s Armenia visit marks turning point: Envoy (AA)

Macron sings at Armenian state dinner with Pashinyan on drums (AP)

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

It’s a brutally honest look at Turkey under Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told through the people and street life of the Karagümrük, a rapidly changing neighborhood in Istanbul’s historic Fatih district.

This podcast covers migration to Istanbul over many decades, from the rural-to-urban migration of the past till the modern relocation of Syrian refugees over the last 15 years.

Also covered are Hansen’s takeaways after years as a foreign correspondent based in Turkey, tips for young journalists and a peek at her new projects, like Equator Magazine.

Referenced in this talk:

Submit a question with this form

From Life Itself: Turkey, Istanbul, and a Neighborhood in the Age of Erdoğan (Macmillan)

The Erdogan Loyalists and the Syrian Refugees (NYTimes - gift article)

Notes on a Foreign Country: An American Abroad in a Post-American World (Macmillan)

Equator Magazine (Equator)

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

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:

Submit a question with this form

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)

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

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:

Submit a question with this form

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)

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

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:

Submit a question with this form

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)

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 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:

Submit a question with this form

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)

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 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:

Submit a question with this form

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)

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

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:

Submit a question with this form

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:

Submit a question for our Q&A with this form

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)

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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.

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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