"Sectarian Violence in Syria May Draw in Foreign Powers—Again" by Mustafa Enes Esen, The Institute for Diplomacy and Economy
Ankara is committed to ensuring the survival and influence of HTS. In the event of sectarian unrest that could threaten HTS's position, Turkey could deepen its military presence. Initial involvement could come in an advisory or reconnaissance capacity, and could escalate to combat operations. If formally requested by Damascus, Turkey could invoke such an invitation to justify a robust military deployment.
This scenario would not be unprecedented. Turkey deployed troops in Libya to support the UN-recognized Tripoli government and provided both weapons and crucial operational expertise in the fight against General Khalifa Haftar. Turkish-supplied drones proved useful in altering the course of conflicts in Ethiopia and Sudan. By contrast, Syria holds far greater strategic and security significance for Ankara.
"Turkey's protest movement must get organised or democracy as we know it is finished" by Orhan Kaya, The New Arab
The CHP clearly faces two options. They can either continue down the current path, regularly mobilising large but mostly symbolic crowds in non-prominent locations alongside a half-hearted boycott, and risk losing momentum lest the economy takes a turn for the worse. Or, they can call for civil disobedience on a mass scale, with 24/7 protests and occupations in prominent locations such as Saraçhane in İstanbul (the epicentre of the initial protests), Güvenpark in Ankara, and Cumhuriyet Square in İzmir, combined with public calls for a general strike and boycott.
Undoubtedly the latter strategy will lead to even more arrests and violence by state forces as Erdogan has demonstrated that he is determined to destroy any electoral threat to his rule by any means necessary, whether it's from Turkish or Kurdish opposition parties. However, if the CHP doesn't act now to save itself, and the remnants of Turkish democracy, there will be no second chance.
"Turkey's Pivotal Moment with Azerbaijan" by Anna Ohanyan, Foreign Policy
The Azerbaijani president views potential Turkish-Armenian normalization both as a threat to his domestic legitimacy and as a constraint on his ability to maneuver among regional powers. By blocking a peace agreement and also constraining Ankara's role in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan looks to be attempting to play multiple geopolitical patrons—Russia, Turkey, China, and the EU—against one another to safeguard regime continuity.
Yet, as Aliyev resists regional openness, it is Turkey that stands to lose. Surrounded by armed conflict and geopolitical rivalries, the South Caucasus represents one of the few areas where Ankara could find a reprieve—and a sustainable opportunity to realize its ambition of becoming a true bridge between Europe and Asia. The open border with Armenia also diversifies access and connectivity between the South Caucasus and Central Asia, enhancing Turkey's position in the rapidly shifting Eurasian geopolitics.
Turkish Opposition Leader Attacked at Memorial in Istanbul
The leader of Turkey's main opposition party, Ozgur Ozel, was attacked on May 4 while leaving a memorial ceremony at the Ataturk Cultural Center in Istanbul.
Ozel had been attending the memorial for Sirri Sureyya Onder, a prominent pro-Kurdish politician who passed away on May 3. As Ozel exited the venue, a white-haired man approached and struck him in the face with an open hand. Ozel was reportedly unharmed in the incident.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office reported that the suspect was taken into custody. According to the Interior Ministry, the attacker is a 66-year-old man who previously killed his two children in 2004 and was released on parole in 2020.
Veteran Kurdish Politician Sirri Sureyya Onder Dies at 62
Sirri Sureyya Onder, a prominent figure in Turkish politics and lawmaker from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), died on May 3 at age 62 in an Istanbul hospital.
Onder, who served as the deputy speaker of parliament, passed away two and a half weeks after undergoing heart surgery following a cardiac arrest on April 15.
Known for his peacemaking efforts, he had recently travelled three times to Imrali Island to meet with Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), as part of a DEM Party delegation.
Senior PKK Figure Says Disarmament Depends on Ocalan's Involvement in Peace Congress
A senior leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) said the group would not consider disbanding or laying down arms without the active participation of its jailed founder, Abdullah Ocalan, in a congress to formalize the decision.
Mustafa Karasu, a deputy chairman of the PKK and executive council member of the KCK umbrella group, made the remarks in a televised interview on pro-Kurdish Medya Haber TV.
"The PKK cannot declare disarmament unless Ocalan is involved," Karasu said, adding that Ocalan's participation did not have to be physical but could be facilitated through modern communication technologies.
Karasu also stressed that Turkey's parliament must be directly involved in the peace process: "It cannot be managed by a minister or through informal talks. It must be addressed by parliament," he said.
Erdogan Targets CHP Leader and Imamoglu at Party's Group Meeting
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan harshly criticized the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and its leader, Ozgur Ozel, during his party's group meeting, focusing much of his speech on the recent corruption probe into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. He accused Ozel of portraying "bribers, shameless, fraudsters" surrounding the CHP like an octopus as "heroes of democracy."
Turning his attention to Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan said, "Let's see how many more CHP members will perish on the path of presidential ambition."
Responding from Silivri Prison, where he is currently jailed, Imamoglu called Erdogan's comments "one of the most terrifying confessions in Turkish political history." He added, "Erdogan has admitted to using every method to eliminate his opponents—and will try even more."
Turkish Court Jails 18 Istanbul Municipality Employees in Corruption Probe
A Turkish court jailed 18 employees of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality pending trial on corruption charges on April 30 as part of an ongoing crackdown targeting opposition figures and the city's jailed mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.
Out of 52 people detained over the weekend in connection with the investigation, 34 were released under judicial control. Among those arrested are high-ranking officials, including the municipality's secretary general, Imamoglu's chief of staff, the chairman and deputy chairman of the city's water and sewerage administration (ISKI), and a department head at ISKI.
Turkey Tightens FX Rules: Export Sale Requirement Raised to 35%
New regulations from Turkey's Ministry of Treasury and Finance and the Central Bank (CBRT) have come into effect to tighten foreign exchange (FX) control and boost lira conversion.
Under the updated export circular, exporters are now required to sell 35 percent of their FX earnings to the CBRT, up from 25 percent. This measure will remain in force until July 31, 2025.
To further encourage lira use, the FX-to-lira conversion support for companies has been raised to 3 percent, valid for the same period.
In another tightening step, the CBRT increased the required reserve ratios for all foreign currency deposits by 200 basis points, regardless of maturity.
Turkey's Central Bank Reserves Continue to Decline
The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT) saw a continued drop in its reserves last week, extending the downward trend that began after March 19.
TCMB data reveals that gross reserves fell to $141 billion during the week of April 25, down from $146.6 billion the previous week. Net reserves also declined, slipping from $38.6 billion to $35 billion.
Additionally, net reserves, excluding swaps, decreased from $20.4 billion to $16.4 billion, reaching their lowest level since June 2024.
S&P Raises Turkey's 2025 Inflation Forecast to 33%
International credit rating agency S&P has revised its economic projections for Turkey, raising its 2025 year-end inflation forecast from 24% to 33%, citing persistent price pressures. The agency projects inflation will gradually ease to 18.3% in 2026, 14.2% in 2027, and 12.7% in 2028.
S&P also forecasts a continued weakening of the Turkish lira, with an average exchange rate of 43 lira to the dollar in 2025, followed by 48 in 2026, 52 in 2027, and 55 in 2028.
The Central Bank's policy rate is expected to gradually decline from current levels, reaching 38% by the end of 2025, then falling further to 17.5% in 2026 and 12.5% by 2028.
Erdogan: Gold Production to Begin in Niger, Akkuyu Nuclear Plant to Start Test Production This Year
Speaking at the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit, President Erdogan announced that Turkey plans to begin gold production in Niger before the end of 2025. "We aim to start the first production in one of the gold fields for which we have obtained a license in Niger," Erdogan said.
He also provided an update on the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Mersin: "We will begin test production at the end of this year and deliver the first electricity from Akkuyu. The construction of the first reactor is nearing completion."
Amnesty Slams Turkey for Deepening Human Rights Violations in 2024 Report
Amnesty International sharply criticized Turkey in its 2024 human rights report, highlighting serious violations of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, fair trial rights, and the right to peaceful assembly and association.
The report pointed out that Turkish authorities failed to comply with binding rulings from international courts, notably the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Amnesty also warned that executive influence over the judiciary had grown and that both Constitutional Court and ECHR decisions were systematically ignored. Baseless investigations and convictions, especially targeting opposition politicians, journalists, and human rights defenders, remained widespread. It further noted that prominent political prisoners, including Osman Kavala and Selahattin Demirtas—whom the ECHR had ruled should be released—were still behind bars.
Severe restrictions on peaceful assembly were also documented throughout 2024 in the report.
Turkey Falls to 159th in Global Press Freedom Index
Turkey has dropped to 159th place out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index released on May 2 by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). This marks a one-spot decline from its 2024 ranking and keeps Turkey firmly in the "very serious" category—RSF's lowest classification—for the second year in a row.
RSF continues to rank Turkey among the most repressive countries for journalists. The group points to widespread state control of the media, politically driven prosecutions, financial penalties, and violence against reporters as key reasons for the country's poor standing.
RSF reports that 90 percent of national media in Turkey remains under direct or indirect government control. Since the 2023 elections, authorities have intensified their crackdown on independent journalism. Police have used force and carried out mass arrests targeting journalists covering political events and protests. The government has also increased online censorship and relied heavily on politically motivated lawsuits and court rulings to suppress critical reporting.
Over 200 Detained in Turkey Over Alleged Gulen Links
Turkish authorities have detained more than 200 people in a series of nationwide operations over the past four days, accusing them of ties to the Gulen movement.
The largest operation took place on April 29 across 42 provinces, resulting in the detention of 169 individuals, according to the Interior Ministry. In a separate investigation in Izmir, police detained 31 more people.
Officials claim the detainees either used the encrypted messaging app ByLock or shared content on social media considered propaganda by the government. Some are accused of being part of the movement's alleged network within the military and police or providing financial support.
Despite a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights stating that using ByLock does not alone justify reasonable suspicion without additional evidence, Turkish security forces continue to detain people based on ByLock usage.
In another operation, police detained 18 doctors in 10 provinces, accusing them of attending exam prep courses organized by people allegedly connected to the movement.
Police Detain Dozens in Istanbul Ahead of May 1 Labor Day
Ahead of the May 1 Labor Day celebrations in Istanbul, police raided multiple homes and detained dozens of people, including politicians and journalists. Reports indicate that some detainees were subjected to violence during the operations, which were carried out as part of three separate investigations. A total of 92 people were taken into custody.
DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakirhan responded to the detentions on social media, claiming that the raids were intended to silence social opposition.
On May 1, the Istanbul Governor's Office announced that 52,656 police officers were deployed across the city. The Interior Ministry said 407 people were taken into custody for participating in unauthorized demonstrations outside the designated celebration areas. Turkish authorities have released 372 of them later.
Swedish Journalist Appeals to Top Court as Sentence Suspended for Insulting President
Lawyers for Joakim Medin, a Swedish journalist imprisoned in Turkey, have applied to the Constitutional Court, alleging multiple violations of his fundamental rights related to his arrest and ongoing pretrial detention, according to the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA).
The MLSA, which represents the 40-year-old journalist, said the petition argues that Turkish authorities violated Medin's rights to liberty and security, a fair trial, freedom of expression and the press, and respect for his private and family life.
Authorities detained Medin on March 27 at Istanbul Airport due to an investigation launched by Turkish prosecutors in 2023. Since March 28, Medin has been held in Silivri Prison.
Medin was sentenced on April 30 to 11 months and twenty days in prison for "insulting the president." The court suspended the sentence and released him for that charge. However, he will remain in custody due to separate charges of "membership in a terrorist organization."
Turkish Jets Jam Israeli Aircraft Over Syria in Rare Intervention
Turkish fighter jets reportedly carried out electronic warning and jamming operations late on May 2 to deter Israeli warplanes operating in Syrian airspace, the New Arab reported. The interference came as Israeli jets launched a new wave of airstrikes across Syria, targeting locations in the Hama and Damascus regions.
In a rare confirmation, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported, "Turkish aircraft are sending warning signals and jamming Israeli fighter jets to make them leave Syrian airspace."
Foreign Ministry Dismisses Claims Netanyahu's Plane Was Granted Flyover Permission
Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli has dismissed claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plane was granted permission to fly over Turkish airspace.
"The claims that the Israeli Prime Minister's plane was given flyover permission are absolutely not true," Keceli said in a public statement. "No such request has been conveyed to us."
US Imposes New Sanctions on Iran, Targets Turkish Company Amid Nuclear Talks
As nuclear talks with Iran continue, the United States announced a fresh round of sanctions on April 30, focusing on companies involved in oil and petrochemical trade with Iran. The latest measures, part of the "maximum pressure" strategy, included sanctions on Kimpas Chemical Substances Marketing Trade and Industry Joint Stock Company, a firm based in Turkey.
The move came just one day after the US sanctioned several individuals and institutions connected to Iran's ballistic missile program.
Turkey Denies Pressuring Hamas at U.S. Request During Ceasefire Talks
Ankara has rejected claims that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged Hamas leaders to make concessions in ceasefire negotiations with Israel at the request of the United States, Middle East Eye reported.
"The claim published by an Israeli newspaper does not reflect the truth," Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli said, referring to a report by Haaretz citing unnamed Hamas-affiliated Palestinian officials.
Middle East Eye reported that Fidan met with Hamas Shura Council Chairman Muhammad Ismail Darwish and other senior Hamas figures in Doha on April 27. The Haaretz report, published on April 28, alleged that the U.S. had requested Turkish intervention to pressure Hamas.
Erdogan Rejects Kurdish Push for Decentralized Government in Syria
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan firmly rejected calls from Syrian Kurdish groups for a decentralized system in Syria, calling the idea "nothing more than a dream" with no place in the country's future.
Speaking to reporters on his return flight from Rome, Erdogan warned Kurdish groups against pursuing federal ambitions. "The idea of a federal structure is just a raw dream. It does not reflect the reality of Syria," he said. "I advise them to abandon such dreams and avoid decisions that could destabilize the region. Instead, they should take steps that support regional stability."
On April 26, rival Syrian Kurdish factions, including the influential Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeast, met to agree on a shared political vision for the Kurdish minority.
Erdogan Visits Northern Cyprus Amid Assassination Fallout
Turkish President Erdogan visited Northern Cyprus on May 3 for the first time since his 2023 reelection to inaugurate the country's new presidential and parliamentary complex in Nicosia and attend a TEKNOFEST awards ceremony, part of Turkey's state-backed aerospace and tech initiative.
The visit came just days after the assassination of Cemil Onal who had accused Ankara-linked figures of running a bribery and money laundering scheme through northern Cyprus. Onal was shot dead on the evening of May 1 on a hotel terrace in the Hague, the Netherlands, in what authorities believe was a targeted killing. He was a former financial advisor to murdered northern Cypriot casino boss Halil Falyali.
According to Dutch police, a gunman approached Onal without wearing a mask, fired several shots at close range, and fled the scene, leaving him wounded. Onal died shortly after.
Turkey Denies Report of Port Access Deal with Cyprus for EU Visa Perks
A senior Turkish foreign ministry official has dismissed claims that Ankara is considering opening its ports to Cypriot-flagged vessels in exchange for relaxed EU visa rules for Turkish businesspeople, calling the idea "purely imaginary."
The denial came in response to a statement by Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, who confirmed the proposal on April 28 and said that opening Turkish ports to Cypriot ships is "an obligation for Turkey" under EU commitments.
"Reports in the Greek Cypriot press that our ports would be opened to Greek Cypriot ships in exchange for EU visa facilitation for our businesspeople are purely imaginary," Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli posted on X.
U.S. Senate Confirms Trump Ally Thomas Barrack as Ambassador to Turkey
The U.S. Senate confirmed private equity executive Thomas Barrack as ambassador to Turkey on April 29, approving the longtime Trump ally by a vote of 60 to 36.
Barrack, a close friend and political backer of former President Donald Trump, secured the post with strong support from Republican senators, who hold 53 seats in the 100-member chamber.
Ukrainian Agent Allegedly Killed Russian General Captured in Istanbul
Russia's FSB has announced the arrest of 42-year-old Ignat Kuzin, who is accused of assassinating Russian Lt. General Yaroslav Moskalik, a top officer in the General Staff's Main Operations Directorate. Kuzin is allegedly a Ukrainian intelligence agent.
According to the pro-government Turkish newspaper Sabah, after the attack, Kuzin reportedly fled to Turkey, where he was arrested in Istanbul and later extradited to Russia.
Authorities claim he used a homemade bomb hidden in a Volkswagen Golf, with components prepared in Moscow Oblast.
Turkey Rejects Reports of Sending Weapons to Pakistan
Turkey has denied reports that it sent six military aircraft loaded with weapons to Pakistan, following claims circulating on Pakistani social media.
Several social media users in Pakistan shared photos of a Turkish C-130 military transport aircraft spotted in the country, alleging that Turkey had sent drones, missiles, and weapons to support Pakistan amid rising tensions with India.
However, Turkey's Defense Ministry dismissed the reports, stating: "The claim that 'Turkey sent six aircraft loaded with weapons to Pakistan,' which was reported in some media outlets, is not true. A transport plane departing from Turkey landed in Pakistan to refuel. It then continued its flight on the designated route."
Meloni Praises Turkey for Stopping Irregular Migration at Italy-Turkey Summit
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni thanked Turkish President Erdogan for curbing irregular migration during a joint press conference in Rome. "Irregular migration from Turkey has dropped to zero," Meloni said.
The two leaders spoke at a joint press conference following the Fourth Intergovernmental Summit between Turkey and Italy, held in Rome. Both emphasized the strengthening of economic and trade ties between their countries.
Meloni also called for a democratic transition in Syria that includes minority groups and creates conditions for refugees to return safely.
Erdogan stated that Turkey would continue working with Italy on irregular migration in the coming period.
He also pointed to growing cooperation, adding, "As a sign of our friendship, we will co-host the 2032 European Football Championship with Italy." He expressed hope that Italy would maintain its long-standing support for Turkey's European Union membership process.
Turkey Joins Three Seas Initiative as Strategic Partner
Turkey has officially become a strategic partner of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) following the joint declaration at the initiative's 10th summit held on April 29 in Warsaw. Polish President Andrzej Duda opened the summit by announcing Turkey and Spain as new strategic partners, while Montenegro and Albania were welcomed as full members.
Representing Turkey at the main plenary session, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu highlighted the initiative's potential to boost regional development through a strong north-south connection corridor in Eastern and Central Europe.
Launched in 2015, the 3SI brings together 13 EU countries between the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas, focusing on strengthening energy, transport, and digital infrastructure cooperation.
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