Latest News from Turkey
Türkiye Appoints New Justice and Interior Ministers in Cabinet Reshuffle
Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Akın Gürlek was appointed as the new justice minister, replacing Yılmaz Tunç, while Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi took over the Interior Ministry from Ali Yerlikaya. The changes were announced via presidential decrees published in the Official Gazette on Tuesday. Outgoing ministers expressed gratitude to President Erdoğan and vowed continued support for the nation.
Exiled Uyghurs in Turkey Face Rising Fears of Deportation
Uyghurs in Turkey are experiencing arbitrary arrests, threats of deportation, and coercion by Chinese proxies, undermining Turkey's status as a safe haven. Recent detentions included 31 Uyghurs, a mother and her infant, later released after public outcry, per Human Rights Watch and Bitter Winter reports. Many long-term residents fear forcible return to China despite building new lives.
Türkiye Sets Tourism Record with $65.2 Billion Revenue in 2025
Türkiye welcomed 64 million visitors in 2025, achieving its highest-ever tourism revenue despite regional instability, ranking fourth globally. Sector leaders aim for year-round growth through events. However, rising outbound spending by Turks narrowed the net contribution.
Saudi Cabinet Praises Erdoğan's Visit, Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Saudi Arabia's Cabinet highlighted President Erdoğan's recent visit as demonstrating strong relations, with signed agreements in energy and other fields. The visit included talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and authorization for nuclear energy cooperation with Türkiye and Jordan. Erdoğan also visited Egypt during the trip.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Invited to Erdoğan-Mitsotakis Dinner
Patriarch Bartholomew will attend a dinner in Ankara hosted by President Erdoğan for Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis on February 11, 2026, accompanied by Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon. The invitation responds to prior requests regarding issues like the Halki School.
Turkey's Industrial Production Falls 2.1% YoY in February 2026
Industrial output declined 2.1% year-over-year, reversing prior growth, amid high inflation and FX volatility, raising growth concerns. The Central Bank monitors for policy adjustments while noting recent stock market inflows. Persistent contraction may impact inflation control efforts.
Turkish Tourism Leaders Warn of Rising Outbound Spending
Tourism revenues rose by $3.5 billion last year, but outbound spending by Turks increased by $2.4 billion, narrowing the net gain. Istanbul Chamber of Commerce President Şekib Avdagiç highlighted risks at the Tourism Investment Forum. New expansions target congress tourism.
Finance Minister Highlights Türkiye's Economic Resilience
Minister Mehmet Şimşek cited free trade agreements, strong service exports, and investments in AI and energy as buffers against global uncertainty. Türkiye plays a key role in new trade corridors. Optimism grows for 2026 targets with improving indicators.
Türkiye Attracts $12.4 Billion FDI in First 11 Months of 2025
Foreign direct investment rose 28% annually, with $990 million in November alone, signaling sustained investor interest. This supports economic momentum amid efforts to build reserves and target lower inflation.
Slaughter to Prevail and Behemoth Istanbul Shows Canceled
Planned concerts by Slaughter to Prevail and Behemoth in Istanbul were canceled by local authorities over societal values concerns. The decision came amid pushback from the Turkish governor this week.
Central Bank Aims to Build Reserves, Maintain Tight Policy
The Turkish Central Bank plans to increase international reserves while targeting 24% inflation in 2025 and 16% in 2026 through tight monetary stance. This supports broader economic program amid global challenges.
Uyghur Academic Exposes Mass Detention of Uyghurs in Istanbul
Exiled academic Abduweli Ayup reported the detention of 31 Uyghurs by Istanbul counter-terrorism police amid an ISIS sweep before New Year 2025-2026. Most were released without charges after outcry; a mother and baby were briefly held in Izmir. No reasons were provided for arrests.