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  Üsküdar back to AKP, row between Kılıçdaroğlu and Imamoğlu – Tr Reader 09.09.2026 5นาที

  Welcome to the Tr Reader, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe.In the second episode, we explore how different outlets covered the CHP losing the Üsküdar municipality in Istanbul back to the AKP after the arrest of Mayor Sinem Dedetaş, paired with warnings that the same tactics might soon threaten the greater Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.We also look to a bitter public feud between former CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu.Meanwhile, the Islamist-conservative daily Yeni Şafak broke rank to launch a sharp attack on high interest rates and the toll they are taking on businesses.For more, visit turkeyrecap.com.Article linksThis post has bonus content for paid subscribers. Upgrade to get full access.Other ways to watch & listen:Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Get in touch at [email protected] 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, Co-founder, editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Managing editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentWouter Massink, Investigative reporterDaniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-largeGözde Ocak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Erdoğan joins SCO summit, former AKP mayor faces corruption probe – Tr Reader 02.09.2026 4นาที

  Welcome to the Turkey recap reader podcast, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe.Coming to you from Istanbul, Thorpe provides a cross-partisan round-up of the leading narratives presented by a variety Turkish newspapers.In this inaugural episode, we examine how pro-government media framed Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s participation this week in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.Special focus was given to his meetings with Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin and Belarusian Pres. Alexander Lukashenko. In contrast, opposition media gave prominence to a new corruption investigation into former AKP Ankara Mayor Melih Gökçek.Discount: Click here and save 25 percent on annual subscriptions. The offer is valid until Sept. 8, 2026, so act now to lock in those savings and get full access to Turkey recap.Other ways to watch & listen:Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Get in touch at [email protected] 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, Co-founder, editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Managing editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentWouter Massink, Investigative reporterDaniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-largeGözde Ocak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Jailing the Cemaats: Salim Çevik on the Süleymancı Arrests 01.09.2026 31นาที

  This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.turkeyrecap.comAfter years of judicial pressure on political opponents and civil society leaders, the Turkish government is now targeting religious conservatives.The Süleymancılar community, or cemaat in Turkish, has seen multiple waves of arrests and new investigations since mid-August on a variety of charges centered on allegedly criminal finances.To dig deeper into recent developments and what they mean for Turkish Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s policies towards religious communities, Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo spoke to Salim Çevik, a visiting fellow at the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.This podcast covers the origin of Turkish state policies towards religious communities, how this changed under Erdoğan and the widening crackdown by Justice and Development Party (AKP). We conclude with what all this means for the next election cycle.Discount: Click here and save 25 percent on annual subscriptions. The offer is valid until Sept. 8, 2026, so act now to lock in those savings and get full access to Turkey recap: https://www.turkeyrecap.com/publish/offers/back_to_work
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  Turkey’s S-400 dilemma and NATO summit takeaways with Soli Özel 10.07.2026 31นาที

  Ankara’s NATO summit is over and Turkey is expected to sell its Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems today, according to a pro-government columnist at the Hürriyet newspaper.The move could pave the way for the US congress to lift sanctions on Turkey and eventually facilitate the nation’s return to the F-35 fighter jet program, from which it was removed due to its 2019 acquisition of the S-400s.Political scientist Soli Özel joined Recap radio to outline the significance of a potential S-400 sale, what that means for Turkey’s F-35 prospects and how this could impact the regional power balance with Greece and Israel.Also discussed are the main takeaways from this week’s NATO summit, what the Turkish government sought to achieve by hosting the event and how all this serves Turkey’s long-standing drive for “strategic autonomy.” Note: This podcast was recorded at 10:30 am Turkey time on Friday, July 10.Referenced in this talk:S400’ler üçüncü ülkeye gidiyor, satış bugün netleşecek (Hürriyet)Netanyahu warns US could ‘destroy’ Mideast power balance as Trump floats F-35 jet sale to Turkey (France24)The Ankara Corral (Turkey recap)Quest for Autonomy: History, Geopolitics and Ideology in Turkish Foreign Policy (Institut Montaigne)Other ways to watch & listen:Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Get in touch at [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentGözde Ocak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Turkey, NATO and European defense with Dimitar Bechev 29.06.2026 27นาที

  Next week’s NATO summit in Ankara will spotlight Turkey’s role in the alliance and the Turkish defense sector’s potential contributions to European security. Yet, Turkey-EU ties remain strained by a frozen accession process and deep distrust between the Erdoğan government and some member states. To dig into the contradictions and opportunities of deeper Turkey-EU defense cooperation, Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo spoke to Dimitar Bechev, director of the Dahrendorf Programme at St. Antony’s College’s European Studies Centre and author of the upcoming book, The Scramble for Europe, and a Substack by the same name.This podcast covers how Turkey’s growing weapons manufacturing base and geographic leverage on the Black Sea naval balance has boosted Ankara’s role in regional security while improving Turkey-EU relations following years of tensions and democratic backsliding that continues today.Referenced in this talk:Scramble for Europe: Russia, China, and Turkey Challenging Regional Order (Oxford University Press)Türkiye: Crackdown Ahead of NATO Summit (Human Rights Watch)NATO’s Turkey Paradox (Modern War Institute)Turkey does its own thing (International Crisis Group)The Black Sea Has Become the Fulcrum of Europe’s Security (Carnegie)Other ways to watch & listen:Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Get in touch at [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentGözde Ocak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Former CHP Deputy Chair Ilhan Uzgel on what's next for Turkey's main opposition party 22.06.2026 40นาที

  More than a month has passed since a court ruling removed the leadership of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the party’s future is in limbo.Ousted CHP chair Özgür Özel remains popular with the party base and is attempting to take back his position from the reinstalled but unpopular CHP head Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.To do so, Özel is pushing for a party congress in July that would allow party members to vote on their leadership, though Kılıçdaroğlu has maintained such a vote cannot take place until the conclusion of the appeals process behind his reappointment.Ilhan Uzgel, former CHP deputy chair and foreign policy coordinator, joined the podcast today to outline recent events and the current leadership struggle within the party.Covered in this talk are the prospects for a CHP congress this summer, the calculations behind forming a splinter party led by Özel, as well as the state of democracy in Turkey and the role of international allies, who will meet in Ankara next month for the 2026 NATO summit.Referenced in this talk:Ploy Division (Turkey recap)Ilhan Uzgel: En kirli pazarlık (BirGün)Turkey opposition crisis deepens as rival CHP leaders hold duelling meetings (Reuters)Turkey lashes out at European Parliament report urging EU sanctions on justice minister (AP)Other ways to watch & listen:Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Get in touch at [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentGözde Ocak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Election recap: What’s next for Armenia, Turkey and Azerbaijan with Olesya Vartanyan 15.06.2026 35นาที

  Olesya Vartanyan, a conflict analyst specializing in South Caucasus security and a researcher at George Mason University, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss the Armenian elections and what comes next for the region.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.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Get in touch at [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentGözde Ocak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Pride month and prejudice: Yıldız Tar on pending LGBT legislation in Turkey 10.06.2026 32นาที

  This Pride month, a set of new law proposals criminalizing LGBT expressions and restricting gender transition surgeries are expected to be introduced in the Turkish parliament.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 formYıldız 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.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Get in touch at [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentGözde Ocak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Listener mail: CHP chaos, election projections and Turkey-Bangladesh defense ties 02.06.2026 28นาที

  Turkey recap deputy editor of Economy recap fame Emily Rice Johnson joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to respond to listener mail.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 formRSVP to our Ankara get-together on June 11 using this formTargeting 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.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentGözde Ocak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Status update on Syria and SDF integration with Noah Bonsey 26.05.2026 30นาที

  Noah Bonsey, a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group focusing on Syria, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss developments in Syria with a focus on integration efforts regarding the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, SDF.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 formPKK 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)Other ways to watch & listen:Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Court ousts Turkish opposition leader: What comes next with Berk Esen 22.05.2026 37นาที

  Berk Esen, associate professor of political science at Sabancı University in Istanbul, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo for an emergency podcast on the latest blow against Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).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 formKılıç 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.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Unpacking the shifts in Turkey’s Libya policy with Jalel Harchaoui 19.05.2026 37นาที

  Jalel Harchaoui, a political scientist focused on Libya and a contributor at the Royal United Services Institute, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss shifts in Turkey’s Libya policy and how they fit into broader US and NATO objectives for stability in the divided nation.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 formRSVP 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)Other ways to watch & listen:Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  The Armenian elections and what they mean for Ankara, Baku and Brussels with Nareg Seferian 11.05.2026 40นาที

  Researcher Nareg Seferian joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to outline the upcoming Armenia elections on June 7, 2026.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 formArmenia, 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.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Suzy Hansen on Turkey under Erdoğan 04.05.2026 30นาที

  Journalist and author Suzy Hansen joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss her newly-released book, From Life Itself: Turkey, Istanbul, and a Neighborhood in the Age of Erdoğan.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 formFrom 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.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Turkey’s growing presence in Somalia with Nebahat Tanrıverdi Yaşar 28.04.2026 38นาที

  Nebahat Tanrıverdi Yaşar, visiting fellow at the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Turkey-Somalia relations.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 formTurkey 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.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Alan Makovsky on Ankara's diplomacy pivot and US-Turkey ties 22.04.2026 32นาที

  Alan Makovsky, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Ankara’s pivot to diplomacy and US-Turkey relations.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 formIn 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.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Takeaways from the Hungary elections with László Szerencsés 14.04.2026 45นาที

  László Szerencsés, a postdoctoral researcher at Stockholm University’s Institute for Turkish Studies (SUITS), joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss the Hungary election results, what they mean and their implications for Turkey-Hungary ties.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 formPéter 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.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  The Turkey-Israel rivalry in a changing Middle East with Howard Eissenstat 07.04.2026 27นาที

  Howard Eissenstat, Laurentian associate professor at St. Lawrence University and non-resident scholar at Stockholm University's Institute of Turkish Studies, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Turkey-Israel relations.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 formThe 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.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Sinan Ülgen on how Turkey views the Iran war 31.03.2026 27นาที

  Sinan Ülgen, a former Turkish diplomat and director of EDAM, an Istanbul-based think tank, and a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe, joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss the Iran war as viewed from Turkey.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 formWhat 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.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe
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  Listener mail: Iran, Fidan and Bilal Erdoğan 24.03.2026 37นาที

  Happy birthday to Recap radio! To mark our first year of podcasting, Turkey recap editors Emily Rice Johnson and Diego Cupolo opened our mail bag and responded to a wide range of listener questions.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 [email protected] or fill out the anonymous Google form below. Referenced in this talk:Submit a question with this formIn 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.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe