Latest News from Turkey
Erdogan Shapes Gaza's Future Amid Israeli Opposition
President Erdogan is pushing to integrate Hamas into Gaza's post-war administration through meetings with Hamas leaders and Palestinian Authority officials. These efforts, revealed in Ankara's publications and consulate statements, aim for intra-Palestinian reconciliation despite Israel's firm opposition. Experts warn this as diplomatic subversion risking Israel's security.
Turkey Commits to Tight Monetary Policy and Fiscal Discipline
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz pledged to sustain tight monetary policy and fiscal discipline to reduce inflation further, which eased to 30.65% in January from over 70% mid-2024. Supply-side policies target food, housing, energy, logistics, and human resources.
The Central Bank expects inflation at 16% by end-2026.
Turkey Grants Citizenship to INTERPOL-Wanted Foreigners
A government letter reveals Turkey has granted citizenship to organized crime figures and jihadists facing international arrest warrants, bypassing normal vetting. Cases like Rawa Majid highlight shielding fugitives via investment schemes.
Critics say this turns citizenship into a commodity, undermining security cooperation.
US States Attract Turkish Investors with Low-Cost Energy
During the 2026 SelectUSA Roadshow in Istanbul, Kocaeli, and Ankara, US states promoted low-cost energy for Turkish investments in energy, chemicals, and manufacturing. Shale gas in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania boosts appeal.
Officials praised Turkey's rapid infrastructure development.
Central Bank Cuts Rates by 100bp in First 2026 Meeting
The Central Bank of Turkey unexpectedly cut rates by 100 basis points, below the 150bp market consensus, in its first 2026 decision. This reflects policymakers' cautious approach to monetary easing.
Erdogan Hosts Greece-Turkey Supreme Council Meeting
The Supreme Council of Greece-Turkey Cooperation meets in Ankara on February 9 amid Aegean tensions between NATO allies. Discussions involve Presidents Erdogan and Greek PM Mitsotakis.
Egypt Praises Surge in Turkish Tourism to Egypt
Egypt's Tourism Minister highlighted a 43% rise in Turkish arrivals in 2025, forecasting 20-25% more flights in 2026 post-Erdogan's visit. Egypt targets 10% tourism growth, with Turkish investments in hotels.
Erdogan's Regional Diplomacy Strengthens Middle East Role
Erdogan's visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt focus on Gaza, Libya, Syria, and trade growth to $15 billion, building alliances. Turkey influenced PKK handover in Syria, reducing threats.
Turkish Carrier Anadolu Deploys for NATO Exercises
The Turkish Ministry of Defense deployed the carrier Anadolu to transport forces to Germany for NATO exercises. This underscores Turkey's NATO commitments.
Opposition Pushes Gambling Law Reforms
The CHP seeks a full overhaul of Turkey's betting and gaming regulations, criticizing the current system's messiness. This aims to rewrite handling of gambling activities.
Turkey Hits Record Tourism Revenue in 2025
Turkey welcomed 63.9 million visitors in 2025, generating $65.2 billion in revenue, marking a new peak. Tourism continues steady upward trend.