ANALYSIS
"Turkey and South Korea: A Realistic Pathway to Middle-Power Security Cooperation" by Ju Hyung Kim, The Institute for Diplomacy and Economy
The division of labor between middle powers—Turkey and South Korea—could evolve into a practical role model. Such cooperation does not necessitate formal alliances, a defense treaty or ideological alignment that could trigger geopolitical backlash. Instead, a realistic and useful structure could be built through elements that both countries share: industrial might, vulnerability in the maritime field, concerns about energy security, and increasing crisis management capability. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Turkey on 24 November 2025 offers a recent example of this engagement.
"Turkey Stakes its Claim in the Ukraine Peace Process" by Alper Coşkun, Carnegie Europe
As different options are discussed to end Russia’s war in Ukraine and predicting an outcome remains impossible, Turkey is tentatively staking its claim as a key player to support a ceasefire and provide security guarantees. But Ankara’s relationships with Kyiv and Moscow are both help and hindrance.
Turkey has conditioned its participation in any reassurance force both on there being a ceasefire and on the force having a clear mandate that excludes combat operations. Despite these caveats, Turkey can still add meaningful value to such a mission.
POLITICS
Ozgur Ozel Re-Elected CHP Chairman for Fourth Time
Ozgur Ozel, the sole candidate in the 39th Ordinary Congress of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), was elected chairman for the fourth time in two years, receiving all 1,333 valid votes. Twenty-four votes were declared invalid. Former CHP Chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu did not attend the congress, despite being invited, and did not send a message.
In his thank-you speech after his re-election, Ozel said, “This is our last congress in the opposition; we will hold our 40th congress in power.”
On the day of the election, Ozel also responded to an interview with Kilicdaroglu published in the pro-government Sabah newspaper under the headline, “Accountability is a duty of honor for every CHP member,” without mentioning Kilicdaroglu by name.
Referring to Kilicdaroglu’s call to “purify the CHP” amid corruption allegations, Ozel said, “There is no room for those who are afraid on this path of no return. There is no room for those who collaborate with the established order, those who are the voice of the black order, and those who seek duties not assigned by the organizations.”
Istanbul Court Accepts Indictment Targeting Mayor Imamoglu
The Istanbul 40th High Criminal Court accepted the indictment against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, naming 402 defendants, including Istanbul Mayor and CHP presidential candidate Ekrem Imamoglu. The indictment spans roughly 4,000 pages.
Prepared over about eight months, the case seeks a combined prison sentence of up to 2,352 years for Imamoglu. The trial schedule is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Around 2,000 people, including lawyers, family members, and members of the press, are expected to attend hearings in Silivri. According to the daily Cumhuriyet, the construction of a new courtroom at Silivri Prison is being considered due to insufficient capacity in existing courtrooms.
SDF Commander Says He Is Ready to Visit Turkey for Talks with Ocalan
Mazlum Abdi, commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said he is willing to travel to Turkey to meet jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. Speaking to BBC’s Turkish service, Abdi stated that talks are necessary between SDF figures and the PKK leadership, adding that he could go to Turkey if it would help advance a solution.
He noted that they already exchange views with Ocalan through letters and argued that only Ocalan can address questions about PKK members and fighters currently located in northern Syria.
Abdi also stated that Turkey’s recent peace-related steps are one reason there is a ceasefire between SDF forces and the Turkish army in northern Syria. He added that if the process in Turkey moves forward, the ceasefire there could become permanent.
Omer Celik, spokesperson for the Justice and Development Party, rejected Abdi’s proposal and said the group must first lay down its arms and stop posing a security threat to Turkey.
Turkish Lawmakers Visit PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan on Imrali Island
The Turkish parliament announced on November 24 that a group of lawmakers met with Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder and leader of the PKK, on Imrali Island. The visit was carried out under the mandate of a Parliamentary Commission established in August to oversee the peace process.
The lawmakers traveled to the island at midday and returned to Ankara later in the afternoon. The delegation included AKP lawmaker Huseyin Yayman, MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yildiz, and DEM Party group deputy chair Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit.
Parliament said the meeting produced positive progress for the commission’s work, although it did not disclose any details about Ocalan’s comments.
The entire meeting was reportedly recorded by the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), and written minutes will be submitted to Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus, who heads the commission, before being shared with commission members.
ECONOMY
Central Bank Governor Vows to Stay on Course Despite Slower Disinflation
Turkey’s central bank will adjust its policies as needed to meet its targets despite a recent slowdown in the disinflation process, Governor Fatih Karahan said on November 26 in an interview released by the bank with journalists and an economist. Karahan compared inflation to a virus but stressed that the right policy measures are in place.
He noted that disinflation is a “long-term process,” adding that early data indicate it continues in a healthy manner in November.
Turkey Signs $6.5 Billion Contracts to Upgrade 'Steel Dome' Air Defence System
Turkish defence companies signed contracts worth $6.5 billion to strengthen and develop Turkey’s integrated, multi-layered 'Steel Dome' air defence system, the Defence Industries Presidency (SSB) announced on November 26.
SSB Chairman Haluk Gorgun said the agreements cover combat systems and their advanced versions, which will be developed by Roketsan, and emphasized that the 'Steel Dome' will consist entirely of domestic systems.
The chairmen of defence firms Aselsan and Roketsan described the contracts as “strategically important,” noting they also include space and air defence systems, anti-tank systems, and other key strategic technologies.
Turkey and South Korea Sign MoU on Nuclear Energy Cooperation
Turkey’s nuclear energy company TUNAS and South Korea’s power utility KEPCO signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on nuclear energy cooperation on November 24. Turkey’s Energy Minister had previously indicated that Ankara may collaborate with South Korea on its second planned nuclear power plant in the northern province of Sinop.
Speaking at the signing ceremony alongside South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Ankara, Turkish President Erdogan said discussions on building a nuclear power plant in Turkey are ongoing and described the MoU as an important step forward.
Turkey Reaches Preliminary Deal with World Bank on $6 Billion Power Grid Funding
Turkey has secured a preliminary agreement with the World Bank to begin work on a financing package of up to $6 billion to support major upgrades to the country’s electricity transmission network, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced on November 24.
Bayraktar wrote on X that he met with Antonella Bassani, the World Bank’s vice president for Europe and Central Asia, and that both sides agreed to start talks on the package. The funding will be directed toward high-voltage transmission investments needed to expand Turkey’s renewable energy capacity.
He added that the meeting also included broader discussions on cooperation in renewable energy, nuclear development and natural gas.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Journalist Fatih Altayli Sentenced to 4 Years and 2 Months for “Threatening the President”
Journalist Fatih Altayli, who has been imprisoned since June 22 for allegedly “threatening the President” on his YouTube program, appeared before the judge for the second time on November 26.
The court sentenced Altayli to 4 years and 2 months in prison on the same charge, and he was not released. After hearing the verdict, Altayli threw his file and notes into the air, walked out of the courtroom, and was taken back to the prison where he is being held.
Altayli had been arrested for remarks he made on his YouTube program, where he said: “Look at the distant past: This is a nation that has strangled its sultans when it did not like them or want them. … There are many Ottoman sultans who were strangled, assassinated, or allegedly died by suicide.”
U.S. Ambassador Aims to Reopen Halki Seminary by September 2026
United States Ambassador to Turkey and U.S. Special Representative Tom Barrack said the goal is to reopen the Halki Seminary (Heybeliada Theological School) in September 2026.
Barrack made the announcement following a meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Fener Greek Patriarchate on November 27 during his Thanksgiving visit.
“Our goal is to reopen the Halki Theological School in September 2026. This issue is extremely important for both President Trump and President Erdoğan,” Barrack told reporters.
Turkey Detains 92 People in Nationwide Raids Targeting Gulen Movement
Turkish authorities detained 92 people during a week of nationwide raids targeting alleged members of the Gulen movement, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on November 29. In a post on X, Yerlikaya said gendarmerie units carried out the operations across several provinces in coordination with public prosecutors and the gendarmerie’s counterterrorism department. According to Yerlikaya, 59 of the detainees were formally arrested, and eight were released under judicial supervision. The remaining individuals are still in custody pending investigation.
FOREIGN POLICY
Pope Leo XIV Begins First Overseas Visit with Four-Day Trip to Turkey
Pope Leo XIV, Head of State of the Vatican and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, began his first overseas trip of his papacy with a four-day visit to Turkey on November 27, arriving in Ankara.
The Pope and his delegation started their Ankara program with a visit to Anitkabir. Accompanied by Culture Minister Mehmet Ersoy, Pope Leo XIV laid a wreath at Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s mausoleum, observed a moment of silence, and wrote in the Anitkabir Special Book.
He also met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, encouraging Turkey to continue its role as a mediator in a world troubled by conflicts. “Mr. President, may Turkey be a source of stability and rapprochement between peoples, in the service of a just and lasting peace,” the Pope said.
President Erdogan, in turn, addressed the situation in the Middle East, saying, “I believe we will continue to act together against any aggressive action that would harm the historical identity of East Jerusalem.”
On November 28, after attending events in Istanbul and holding a private meeting with the Chief Rabbi of Turkey, the Pope traveled by helicopter to Iznik in Bursa. There, he joined Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for an ecumenical prayer ceremony marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD, together with other Christian spiritual leaders.
Early on November 29, Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. He spent about 15 minutes inside while Asgin Musa Tunca, the mosque’s muezzin, briefed him on its history.
Later, the Pope and Patriarch Bartholomew went to the Greek Patriarchate of Constantinople, where they signed a joint statement.
His program concluded with a spiritual ceremony held at Volkswagen Arena.
On November 30, the Pope visited the Fener Greek Patriarchate on the final day of his program in Turkey. Before meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew, the Pope met Andrea Minguzzi, father of Ahmet Minguzzi, who was killed in a knife attack in Kadikoy. Later, the Pope flew to Lebanon for the next stop of his regional tour.
German and Turkish Foreign Ministers Signal New Era in Bilateral Relations
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Berlin on November 28. During their joint press conference, Wadephul said Turkey has “always been a very reliable and stable NATO ally” for Germany and described Turkey as a “geostrategic partner.” He added that Berlin is working to support Turkiye’s participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program.
Wadephul emphasized that the EU’s core principles—rule of law, democracy, separation of powers, and human rights—are non-negotiable. He said these issues will need to be addressed as part of Turkey’s EU accession process.
Fidan, for his part, stated that a new era has begun in German-Turkish relations. Fidan reaffirmed that EU membership “remains Turkiye’s strategic goal,” adding that updating the Customs Union and resolving Schengen visa problems for Turkish citizens are key priorities.
The two ministers announced that the Germany-Turkey Strategic Dialogue Meeting, postponed for more than a decade due to tensions, will take place in the first half of 2026.
Turkey, Egypt and Qatar Discuss Next Phase of Gaza Ceasefire in Cairo
Turkey's intelligence chief met with his Egyptian counterpart and Qatar's foreign minister in Cairo on November 25 to discuss moving into the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal and boosting joint efforts in coordination with the U.S., Reuters reported, citing a Turkish source.
According to the source, the officials also agreed to continue strengthening cooperation with the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) to remove obstacles, maintain the ceasefire, and prevent further violations. The three representatives additionally discussed ways to respond to Israeli breaches of the agreement.
Turkish Security Forces Detain Three Defense Contractor Executives in Espionage Probe
Turkish security forces detained three executives from defense contractors on November 25 in Istanbul, accusing them of spying for foreign powers. Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said four individuals were identified in the investigation. Three were taken into custody, while the fourth was not detained because the person is currently abroad. Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for that individual.
An earlier version of the prosecutor's statement directly claimed the spying was carried out on behalf of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It also mentioned attempts to obtain information from a phone used by the foreign ministry and noted that one suspect allegedly transported the GSM line to the UAE to hand it over to intelligence operatives.
However, these details were removed in the revised statement published on social media, which omitted any mention of the UAE, the GSM line transfer, fake profiles, or the foreign ministry phone.
Turkish Justice Minister Tunc Yilmaz also stated on social media that the suspects detained earlier in the week have no connection to the UAE.
Tankers Sailing in Turkish Waters Hit by Ukrainian Unmanned Maritime Vehicles
The tanker Virat and another vessel, the Kairos, reported explosions late on November 28 while sailing in Turkish waters. Both ships were empty at the time.
Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said both tankers experienced “explosions,” and early assessments pointed to a possible mine, rocket, or drone strike.
Turkey announced on November 29 that one of the two oil tankers damaged in the Black Sea had been struck again overnight. The Transport and Infrastructure Ministry reported that unmanned maritime vehicles hit the Virat early on November 29, about 35 nautical miles off Turkey's Black Sea coast. The ship sustained minor damage on its starboard side, and all 20 crew members remained safe.
The same day, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) released videos showing the moment the ships were hit by unmanned marine vehicles.
Both the Kairos and the Virat are listed among the vessels sanctioned for their ties to Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, according to LSEG data.
Turkey expressed concern over the recent attacks, noting that the incidents occurred within its Exclusive Economic Zone and created serious safety risks. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli said in a post on X that Ankara is in contact with all relevant parties to prevent the war from spreading in the Black Sea and to safeguard Turkey’s economic interests and regional operations.
Venezuela Sanctions Six Airlines, Including Turkish Airlines, for Flight Suspensions
The Venezuelan government announced on November 26 that it imposed sanctions on six international airlines, including Turkish Airlines, after they suspended flights to Caracas. The suspensions followed a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about risks in Venezuelan airspace.
The Ministry of Transport gave the six companies a 48-hour deadline on November 24 to resume flights. Although the deadline expired on November 26, all six carriers continued their suspension.
The Venezuelan civil aviation authority said the affected airlines will have their operating permits revoked for “joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government and unilaterally suspending commercial air operations.”
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