ANALYSIS
"Azerbaijan–Armenia Deal is Also a Win for Turkey" by Mustafa Enes Esen, The Institute for Diplomacy and Economy
If normalization between Yerevan and Baku proceeds smoothly, Turkey–Armenia relations could improve rapidly. That would open the way to expanded economic cooperation, new energy projects, and a more open diplomatic environment. For eastern Turkey in particular, the reopening of land borders and direct connection to Azerbaijan could bring tangible economic benefits.
The agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia means that both Russia and Iran would see their roles in the South Caucasus reduced. This would create space for Turkey and Western countries to pursue their interests with a free hand in the region, whether through trade, energy projects, or diplomatic initiatives. Much, however, will depend on how the agreement is implemented and on whether the parties can maintain the commitments they have made.
"Turkey's big energy gamble in post-Assad Syria" by Sardar Bakhsh and Zainab Bibi, Middle East Monitor
Turkey's reliance on fragile states like; Syria could also backfire in the same manner as it has happened for Russia and Iran. This can also create a sense of resentment among the Gulf giants and spark the tensions in the region if these new supply routes do not serve their national interests. It can further aggravate the geopolitical rivalry among region states. It is a test of Türkiye's diplomacy to navigate through these challenges if it wants to become a regional energy hub and a major energy player in the future.
"The growing Turkey-UAE partnership in the South Caucasus" by Sinem Cengiz, Amwaj.media
Beyond economic and transit aims, both Abu Dhabi and Ankara seek to enhance their roles in the Baku-Yerevan talks, aiming to position themselves as key global peacemakers and expand their regional influence.
With Russia focused on the Ukraine war and Iran suffering setbacks in places like the Levant, dynamics in the South Caucasus are changing. This shift in power is creating opportunities for Turkey and the UAE to assume leading roles in brokering peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, potentially paving the way for a significant redrawing of the geopolitical map. Whether that endeavor will succeed, and how smooth a shift may be, remains to be seen.
POLITICS
Turkey Launches Parliamentary Commission to Promote Peace and Reconciliation with Kurdish Population
Turkish parliament on August 5 held the first meeting of a newly established body aimed at ending the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) 's armed campaign and advancing legal and political reconciliation with the country's Kurdish population. The panel, officially named the Commission for National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy, was approved during the opening session.
The 48-member commission, comprising lawmakers from 11 parties, convened in Ankara for its inaugural session. The nationalist opposition Good Party declined to participate, leaving its three seats vacant. A proposal by the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) to fill those seats with one additional member each from the ruling AKP, the main opposition CHP, and the DEM Party was accepted. CHP's Umut Akdogan and DEM's Celal Firat were announced as new members. The commission now includes 22 AKP members, eleven from the CHP, five from the DEM Party, four from the MHP, and others from smaller parties.
The commission's second meeting, held behind closed doors on August 8, was declared fully confidential, with all discussions classified as "state secrets" for at least 10 years. Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus said a complete transcript will be kept but will remain inaccessible to both the public and commission members until at least 2035, unless released by a General Assembly decision.
The session featured briefings from Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief Ibrahim Kalin, who reportedly updated the 51-member panel on security, defense and intelligence developments related to the PKK's activities in Turkey and the broader region. The commission is expected to prepare and submit draft legislative proposals by this fall.
CHP Leader Alleges Bribery Scheme in Istanbul Municipality Case
At a rally in Tuzla on August 6, CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel accused certain lawyers and prosecutors of running a bribery and testimony "market" tied to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality case. Ozel claimed some lawyers, allegedly linked to prosecutors, approached detainees' families, saying they had been sent by the prosecutor, dictating statements in exchange for money.
Ozel named lawyer Mehmet Yildirim as one of the individuals involved, alleging he took money from detainees' families in cooperation with prosecutors. He said the CHP would file complaints against Yildirim with the Union of Turkish Bar Associations and against the prosecutor with the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors.
Following Ozel's remarks, the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation ex officio, and Yildirim was detained on August 7. He denied the allegations and was referred to court on August 8. The court placed him under house arrest after the prosecutor sought his release on probation.
Former Air Force Chief Akin Ozturk Defends Himself in Coup Attempt Retrial, Accuses Top Officials
The coup attempt trial of retired Gen. Akin Ozturk, former commander of the Turkish Air Force, is being reheard after a partial reversal by the Supreme Court of Appeals. Ozturk, 71, who is already serving multiple life sentences, testified over two days at the Sincan Prison courthouse on August 4–5.
He said he followed the orders of then–chief of general staff Hulusi Akar throughout the night of July 15, 2016. Ozturk accused Akar, now an AKP lawmaker, Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and former air force chief Abidin Unal of "putting everything on his shoulders." He demanded that they testify in court and that unedited camera recordings be added to the case file.
Ozturk's lawyers also requested that the high-ranking officials be called as witnesses, but the presiding judge rejected the request. The defense then filed a motion for the judges to recuse themselves, which was denied. The court adjourned the retrial until September 17.
ECONOMY
Inflation Falls to 33.52% in July, Lowest in Nearly Four Years
Turkey's annual consumer price inflation dropped to 33.52 percent in July, its lowest level in almost four years, official data showed on August 4. The annual rate was 35.05 percent in June. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), consumer prices rose 2.06 percent month-on-month in July.
Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek welcomed the figures on X, noting that the annual rate is the lowest in 44 months and stating that Turkey's disinflation process is progressing in line with government targets.
However, the Inflation Research Group (ENAG), an independent team of economists, reported a much higher annual inflation rate of 65.15 percent, estimating monthly inflation at 3.75 percent.
Turkey to Maintain Energy Subsidies, Projects 700 Billion Lira in Support by Year-End
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that government support programs for electricity and natural gas will continue, with total assistance expected to reach 700 billion lira by the end of 2025.
Bayraktar said support for electricity and natural gas in 2023 and 2024 exceeded 900 billion lira, while in the first six months of 2025 alone, the figure reached around 387 billion lira.
He also noted that oil exploration is underway in four fields in Diyarbakir, with estimated reserves of up to 6 billion barrels.
Turkish Firms Join $4 Billion Qatar-Led Deal to Redevelop Damascus International Airport
A Qatar-led consortium, including Turkish construction firms Kalyon Holding, Cengiz Holding, and TAV Tepe Akfen, has signed a $4 billion memorandum of understanding with the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority to redevelop and expand Damascus International Airport, Qatar's UCC Holding announced on August 7.
The signing ceremony took place in Damascus on August 6, with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa presiding. US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack also attended the event. Barrack hailed the agreement on X as a significant step toward Syria's post-conflict recovery and regional reintegration.
Banks Lower ATM Deposit Limits to Curb Informal Transactions
Following a draft communiqué from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) aimed at boosting transparency in EFT, money transfer, and cash transactions, and new measures by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA), banks have reduced daily ATM deposit limits.
The daily card deposit cap has been lowered from 250,000 TL to 180,000 TL, while the limit for cardless ATM deposits has been reduced from 180,000 TL to 100,000 TL - a move targeting large deposits on behalf of third parties. Deposits exceeding these limits will require a declaration at a bank branch.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Council of Europe Youth Delegate Arrested in Turkey After Criticising Government
Turkish youth delegate Enes Hocaogullari, who criticised the Turkish government for its handling of protests and the use of disproportionate force during a speech at the Council of Europe in March, was arrested upon his return to Turkey on August 5. Authorities accuse him of spreading false information and inciting the public.
In his speech on March 30, Hocaogullari referred to several detained figures, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, as "people affected by democratic backsliding." He was detained at the airport as part of an investigation against him. A Turkish court later arrested Hocaogullari following interrogation by the prosecutor's office.
Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, condemned the arrest, calling it "a blatant disregard for the right to freedom of expression" and urging Turkish authorities to release Hocaogullari immediately.
Court Blocks Access to Journalist Fatih Altayli's YouTube Channel
A Turkish court has ordered the blocking of journalist Fatih Altayli's YouTube channel, which had nearly 1.65 million subscribers. The İstanbul 6th Criminal Court of Peace issued the decision on August 7, following a request from the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The court cited national security, public order, and crime prevention under Internet Law No. 5651 as reasons for the ban.
Although Altayli is currently held in prison, his channel continued broadcasting after his arrest, often showing an empty chair where he would normally appear. The broadcasts featured prominent guests, including Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel, CHP deputy chair Ali Mahir Basarir, as well as other journalists and celebrities.
FOREIGN POLICY
Turkish Foreign Minister Meets Egypt's President and FM
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was received by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on August 9 in El Alamein for closed-door talks. The Egyptian Presidential Spokesperson stated that the recent meeting covered the Israeli occupation of Palestine, regional challenges, and ongoing developments in Libya, Syria, and Sudan.
As part of his visit, Fidan also met Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdulati. The two ministers first held a private meeting before leading inter-delegation talks.
At a joint press conference, Fidan said Turkish-Egyptian ties have recently strengthened and that Ankara aims to boost trade with Egypt from $9 billion to $15 billion.
He also accused Israel of "sabotaging ceasefire efforts" and reiterated Turkey's rejection of Israel's Gaza invasion plan.
Turkey Condemns Israel's Plan to Take Control of Gaza City, Calls for UN Intervention
Turkey condemned Israel's recently approved plan to take military control of Gaza City, warning that the move would escalate what it described as Israel's "genocidal" campaign.
The statement followed Israel's security cabinet approval of a plan on August 8 that involves military control over Gaza City and relocating residents to camps in central Gaza. The plan also includes setting up an administration that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Turkey urged the international community, including the UN Security Council, to take binding measures to halt Israel's actions. Ankara also reiterated its demand for an immediate ceasefire and renewed efforts toward a two-state solution.
Turkey and Syria Pledge Expanded Cooperation Amid Regional Tensions
Turkey and Syria have pledged to deepen cooperation across key sectors, including security, trade, and reconstruction, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on August 7 following talks in Damascus. During his visit, Fidan also accused Israel of pursuing a policy aimed at destabilizing the region.
Fidan's trip marked his third visit to Damascus since the December 2024 overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. He met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Hasan Esad Sheybani.
In a post on X, Fidan said both sides discussed trade, investment, transportation, energy, and steps to advance Syria's reconstruction at bilateral and regional levels. He emphasized Ankara's determination to expand cooperation "in all areas," including combating terrorist organizations and managing and securing camps in the northeast.
Turkey Accuses SDF of Violating Agreement and Pressures Syria to Cancel Meeting in Paris
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is not complying with an agreement it signed earlier this year to join Syria's state institutions, a Turkish Defence Ministry source said on August 7. The source warned that recent clashes between the SDF and government forces are harming the country's unity.
"It has not escaped our attention that the SDF terrorist organisation's voice has grown louder, fuelled by the clashes in Syria's south," the source told reporters during a briefing in Ankara. "The SDF's attacks near Manbij and Aleppo in recent days against the Syrian government undermine Syria's political unity and territorial integrity," the source added.
Turkey reportedly pressured the Syrian government to cancel a planned meeting in Paris with Kurdish leaders, according to an Al-Monitor report citing three unnamed regional officials.
The report says Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's recent visit to Damascus aimed partly to convince Syrian authorities to abandon the Paris talks, which were supported by the US and France.
Turkey opposes holding the talks in Paris, fearing France's pro-Kurdish stance could influence the outcome. Instead, Ankara proposed Amman as a neutral location. Although the talks were tentatively rescheduled for August 10 and 11, no new date has been confirmed.
A source close to the Syrian government told state news agency SANA that Damascus will not attend the meeting with the SDF. The decision follows an SDF conference held in Hasakah on August 8, which the government says included "separatist figures" and failed to represent a comprehensive national framework. The source said the conference undermined ongoing negotiations.
Sources Say Kurdish Oil Exports via Turkey's Ceyhan Pipeline Unlikely to Resume Soon
A restart of Iraq's Kurdish oil exports through Turkey's Ceyhan pipeline is not imminent, four industry sources told Reuters on August 6, despite comments from Iraq's oil minister suggesting otherwise.
Oil Minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani told Iraq's state news agency INA that exports would resume later the same day or tomorrow, after a two-year pause. He said 80,000 barrels per day would be exported via the pipeline through Iraq's state-owned oil marketer, SOMO.
However, the sources said no agreement has yet been reached between Baghdad and the international oil companies operating in the Kurdistan region. Talks are ongoing but remain unresolved, two of the sources added.
Turkish Diplomat in Seoul Accused of Drunk Driving and Fleeing Accident Scene
A Turkish diplomat in South Korea is accused of hitting a taxi while driving under the influence, fleeing the scene, and later invoking diplomatic immunity to avoid a breathalyser test, South Korean media reported.
According to reports, Sezai Tolga Simsir, the first undersecretary at the Turkish Embassy in Seoul, was involved in the incident on August 3. Simsir allegedly had his right turn signal on but continued driving straight, colliding with a taxi. He then fled, pursued by the taxi driver, and later stopped in Seoul's Yongsan District, where he allegedly assaulted the driver and tried to seize the driver's phone.
Police said Simsir refused to cooperate when questioned, citing diplomatic immunity, and declined a breathalyser test. He later admitted to drinking two glasses of wine and half a glass of whisky before driving.
"We have strongly conveyed our government's serious concerns through diplomatic channels and urged the Turkish side to actively cooperate with the investigation," a South Korean Foreign Ministry official said on August 6.
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