ANALYSIS
"Turkish–Egyptian Cooperation With Boundaries" by Mustafa Enes Esen, The Institute for Diplomacy and Economy
Reports indicate that Egypt opposes any Turkish troop deployment in Gaza, fearing expanded Turkish influence. Egypt also did not attend the meeting in Istanbul hosted by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan with several Muslim-majority countries to discuss Gaza. This reflects Cairo’s determination to maintain its central role in the ceasefire process, which has catapulted Egypt to the center of Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Egypt views Turkish military presence in Libya with caution. By repeating its position during the Ankara meetings, Cairo made clear that it does not want to see any further expansion of Turkish military activity in Libya and would prefer a departure of the Turkish forces.
Turkey and Egypt have made steady progress in rebuilding ties in recent years. After a decade marked by mutual suspicion, both sides now see value in closer coordination. Yet the partnership has some limits, as the ceasefire process in Gaza demonstrates it.
"Trump’s Don’t-Call-it-a-‘Day-After’ Plan for Venezuela" by Nahal Toosi, Politico
Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his closest aides should consider reading up on Turkey. Some Trump administration officials are talking about exiling them there. Unless they agree to go to Russia. Or Azerbaijan. Or maybe Cuba.
Giving Maduro and his confidants safe passage to another country is one idea aides to President Donald Trump are mulling as they consider what to do with Venezuela if they succeed in toppling the strongman, according to a U.S. official and two other people familiar with the discussions.
Maduro could wake up one day to learn a close confidant is in exile and that the rest of his crew are pondering where they could fly. I hear Turkey has some nice beaches.
"Can Turkey Cut the Gordian Knot in the Caucasus?" by Anna Ohanyan, The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
For Turkey to cut the Gordian knot in the South Caucasus, it would need to shift from partisan patron to peacemaker. This would mean denying Aliyev veto power over Ankara’s regional policies by delinking Turkey’s relations with Armenia from the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process. Such a shift would diversify Ankara’s engagement in the South Caucasus by expanding trade and transit routes while strengthening the diplomatic frameworks necessary to sustain them. In short, a strategy of three Ds—deny, delink, and diversify—could elevate Turkey’s role and capabilities as a middle power in the region and beyond.
POLITICS
Indictment Filed in Istanbul Municipality Corruption Case, Imamoglu Faces Long Prison Term
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akin Gurlek announced the indictment in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality corruption and bribery investigation at a press conference. The 3,900-page indictment names 402 suspects and covers 143 alleged acts.
The document describes Istanbul Mayor and CHP presidential candidate Ekrem Imamoglu, who is currently imprisoned, as “the founder and leader of the organization” and requests punishment for 142 acts. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of 828 to 2,352 years for Imamoglu.
The indictment has been submitted to the 40th High Criminal Court.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has denied reports that it requested the closure of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) under Article 69 of the Turkish Constitution following the indictment.
In a written statement, the office clarified that “no notification was made to shut down the CHP.” Instead, as specified in the indictment, the notification was made under the Political Parties Law.
The Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that the notification sent to the Court of Cassation concerns the crimes listed in the case file, not a demand to ban the party.
Esenyurt Mayor Ozer Released Under Judicial Control in Bid-Rigging Case
Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Ozer was released on November 11 under judicial control as part of the “Aziz Ihsan Aktas investigation,” in which he was detained on allegations of bid rigging.
Ozer, who was first arrested on October 30, 2024, had previously been released pending trial on charges of “membership in a terrorist organization.” However, he remained in custody due to the separate bid-rigging case.
Speaking after his release, Ozer said he could not fully feel the joy of freedom, noting that “Imamoglu, Zeydan Karalar, our district mayors, bureaucrats, and many friends are still in prison.”
The hearing is scheduled for January 27, 2026. The trial, which will take place in Silivri, is expected to continue until February 20.
Top Court Rejects CHP Appeal on HSK Elections, Legal Experts Warn of Oversight Gap
The Constitutional Court (AYM) rejected the CHP’s request to annul the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) elections, and the decision was published in the Official Gazette on November 10. A total of 133 members of parliament — including CHP deputies Murat Emir, Gokhan Gunaydin, and Ali Mahir Basarir — previously appealed the HSK elections to the AYM.
The ruling stated that parliamentary decisions qualifying as internal regulations may be subject to constitutional review, while the court cannot review acts that do not fall under this category.
Prominent jurist Prof. Dr. Adem Sozuer criticized the decision, arguing that the AYM had restricted its own oversight authority by placing “Parliamentary Decisions” outside judicial review. Constitutional lawyer Tolga Sirin also warned that the ruling creates an unprecedented oversight gap in the history of Turkish constitutional law.
DEM Party Calls on Ruling Party to Stop Pressure on Opposition
At a rally held in Tunceli on November 16, DEM Party Co-Chair Tulay Hatimogullari criticized the government, saying they continue to target those who demand peace. She added that the pressures on the main opposition are undermining the peace process.
Addressing the ruling party directly, Hatimogullari urged, "Stop pressuring the opposition and clear the path for a democratic struggle."
Bulent Arinc Visits Selahattin Demirtas and Osman Kavala in Prison
Former Speaker of the Parliament and politician Bulent Arinc announced that he visited former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtas and businessman Osman Kavala in prison on November 11.
Speaking on a TV broadcast, Arinc stated that he spoke with them for over an hour, "advised patience," and expressed hope that they would be released soon. Noting that the ECHR had issued a merits release order against both, Arinc said, "We must implement these decisions, regardless of who they concern."
ECONOMY
FATF Team to Assess Turkey’s Compliance After Grey List Exit
A team from the international crime watchdog FATF will evaluate Turkey this month, a year after removing the country from its “grey list” due to progress in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, Reuters reported, citing five sources.
According to the sources, the Financial Action Task Force’s visit — which may last up to three weeks — includes meetings from November 24 to 28 with the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), as well as banks, payment service providers, and other institutions.
Turkey must demonstrate that it is fully meeting its commitments, or it risks being placed back on the grey list, which subjects countries to increased oversight.
Spain Buys 45 Turkish Training Aircraft Without Competitive Bidding, ABC Reports
Spain’s Ministry of Defense has agreed to purchase 45 training aircraft from Turkey without launching a competitive bidding process, following a meeting between Prime Minister Sanchez and Turkish President Erdogan, ABC Espana reported.
According to ABC, Ankara has not yet begun manufacturing the Hurjet aircraft and currently has only two prototypes, instead of the four required.
The report said the decision to select the Turkish aircraft was made without issuing a formal request for proposals, conducting a competitive tender, or performing any technical or economic comparison with rival options. Instead, the Ministry of Defense decided on the contract unilaterally.
The project was originally budgeted at €1.375 billion, but complications during procurement have pushed the cost up to €3.120 billion. As a result, 45 aircraft—rather than the initially planned 18—must be delivered to the Air Force by 2028, according to the report.
ABC also noted that choosing the Turkish aircraft violated European competition rules for defense procurement and forced Spain to break a previously signed agreement with the Italian company Leonardo.
Controversial 30 Billion TL Rail Line Tender Awarded to Companies Linked to Political Figures
On October 27, 2025, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure held a tender for the construction of the Kazim Karabekir-Topagaci-Umraniye Sports Village rail line.
The tender was awarded to the Celikler Contracting Construction–Fernas Construction–Guryapi Restoration joint venture for 30.51 billion Turkish Lira. The tender was conducted using the negotiated method under Article 21/B of the Public Procurement Law, a process intended for emergencies such as natural disasters, epidemics, or risks to life and property.
According to Birgun newspaper, Fernas Construction is owned by AK Party Batman MP Ferhat Nasiroglu, and Guryapi Restoration is owned by Hasan Gursoy, a friend of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The newspaper claimed that both individuals have previously received large public contracts.
Birgun also reported that the thermal power plants of the holding company linked to Tahir Celik’s firm were sealed in early 2020 for failing to install required filters.
HUMAN RIGHTS
HRW: Turkey Tightens Restrictions on Uyghurs and Increases Deportations
Turkey is tightening restrictions on the legal stay of Uyghurs and has begun deporting some to third countries, despite the risk that they may eventually be returned to China, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report released on November 13.
The report, “Protected No More: Uyghurs in Turkey,” describes how Uyghurs no longer feel safe in the country due to the arbitrary cancellation of residence permits, the use of opaque “restriction codes,” pressure to sign so-called voluntary return forms while in detention centers, and the issuance of deportation orders.
HRW stated that Ankara’s stance has hardened as Turkey’s relations with China have improved and as Chinese trade and investment have expanded. It also noted that pro-government newspapers in Turkey have begun publishing articles praising the achievements of the Chinese Communist Party that resemble advertorials rather than independent journalism.
Freedom House: Turkey Among Countries With Sharpest Declines in Internet Freedom
Turkey ranks among the five countries with the most severe long-term declines in internet freedom, according to a new report published on November 13 by US-based democracy watchdog Freedom House.
In its annual Freedom on the Net 2025 assessment, Freedom House gave Turkey a score of 31 out of 100. The report reviews developments from June 2024 to May 2025 and places Turkey alongside Egypt, Pakistan, Russia, and Venezuela—countries experiencing some of the steepest drops in online freedoms. China and Myanmar received the lowest overall scores, while Iceland ranked as the freest.
The report highlighted Turkey’s ongoing use of censorship tools, including website blocking and social media throttling, noting that authorities have steadily expanded digital controls over the past 15 years.
Press Freedom Groups Urge Turkey to End Restrictions on Media
Eight international press freedom organizations urged Turkey on November 13 to revise laws that restrict media freedom, release jailed journalists, and take concrete steps to protect independent reporting.
In a joint statement coordinated by Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), the groups said that online freedom remains limited, as authorities frequently block access to critical websites, news articles, and social media accounts. They added that officials often impose temporary shutdowns or slow down platforms during protests or times of crisis.
The statement also criticized the 2022 Disinformation Law and the newly adopted Cybersecurity Law, arguing that their vague language allows authorities to carry out censorship and surveillance.
FOREIGN POLICY
Turkish FM Fidan Meets Senior US Officials, Joins Briefly Trump–al-Sharaa Meeting
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with senior U.S. officials in Washington and briefly joined the Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa — marking the first visit by a Syrian president to the White House since Syria’s independence in 1946.
On November 11, speaking to reporters at the Turkish Embassy, Fidan stated that he had held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Syria envoy Tom Barrack, and several other high-ranking officials.
He explained that his trip coincided with al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington and that he was invited to participate in part of the meeting between Trump and the Syrian leader.
He said the discussions centered on cooperation between Ankara and Washington regarding Syria’s reconstruction, unity, and security, along with broader regional matters. Fidan added that ongoing talks increasingly focus on steps needed to permanently lift sanctions and support the recovery of Syria’s devastated economy.
Syria Says Close to Opening Embassy in Turkey
Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hassan Shaybani said his country is close to opening an embassy in Turkiye and confirmed that talks with the Turkish government are ongoing.
Shaybani, who was on an official visit to the UK, spoke at a session titled “Foreign Policy for a New Syria” at the Chatham House think tank in London. Responding to a question, he said, “Our talks with the Turkish government are ongoing. We are close to opening a Syrian embassy in Turkey. Of course, our mission and embassy in Turkey are important because we have privileged relations with Turkey.”
Turkey and Egypt Discuss Gaza Aid and Reconstruction Efforts
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Ankara on November 12 and held a joint press conference following their talks.
Fidan said they thoroughly reviewed the latest situation in Gaza and other regional developments. He urged Israel to remove all barriers to humanitarian aid and to open all border crossings to Gaza.
He also stated that Turkey will use all its resources to support the establishment of temporary shelters and the reconstruction process in Gaza. Fidan added that Turkey will contribute to the upcoming international conference on Gaza’s early recovery and rebuilding, which Egypt plans to host in the coming days.
MEE: Turkey Prepares Hundreds of Soldiers for Gaza Peacekeeping Mission
The Turkish government is finalizing plans to deploy hundreds of soldiers to Gaza as part of an international peacekeeping force, as negotiations with the US and Israel continue, Middle East Eye (MEE) reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
According to these sources, a peacekeeping brigade, expected to include at least 2,000 troops, has been assembling personnel from across Turkey in recent weeks.
Turkish officials told MEE that nearly a thousand Turkish land forces soldiers have already volunteered for the proposed Gaza mission, with additional personnel from engineering, logistics, and explosive ordnance disposal units expected to join.
U.S. Sanctions Global Network Supporting Iran’s Missile and Drone Programs
The U.S. on November 12 imposed sanctions on individuals and entities in several countries for supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and drone production.
According to the Treasury Department, 32 individuals and entities operating procurement networks in Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, India, Germany, and Ukraine were targeted in the new designations. The statement listed three Turkey-based companies — Loris Turizm, Ozkam Nakliyat, and Artas.
The Treasury said these networks threaten U.S. and allied personnel in the Middle East, as well as commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Cyprus President Calls for “New Realism” in EU-Turkey Relations
In an interview with the Financial Times, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said geography demands a new, pragmatic approach to the EU’s relationship with Turkey. “We changed our approach regarding the European Union–Turkey relationship. We cannot change our geography. Turkey will always be a neighbor of Cyprus, so I prefer a neighbor that is close to the European Union,” he told the FT.
To reflect this shift, Christodoulides proposed inviting Turkish President Erdogan or Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to informal EU meetings during Cyprus’s upcoming presidency.
He added that both sides need to take gradual steps to rebuild trust. “We can start with visa liberalisation for Turkish business people. And at the same time, Turkey opens one port for ships bearing the Cypriot flag.” Christodoulides said. However, he admitted that his initiative may face resistance within the EU.
Northern Cyprus President Erhurman Visits Ankara, Emphasizes Equal Status in Cyprus Talks
Tufan Erhurman, elected in October as President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC), made his first official visit to Ankara on November 13, following his victory over outgoing leader Ersin Tatar, and met with Turkish President Erdogan.
At a joint press conference, Erhurman said Turkish Cypriots are one of the two “equal founding partners” of Cyprus in reference to a federal settlement, emphasizing that this status “is not open to discussion, negotiation or compromise.” He added that Turkish Cypriots are willing to join any renewed negotiations, but until such talks begin, they will focus on dialogue that builds trust, improves daily life, and fosters “win-win” cooperation with Greek Cypriots.
President Erdogan, however, reiterated Turkey’s stance, saying, “We believe that the most realistic solution to the Cyprus issue lies in the coexistence of two states on the island. We will continue our sincere efforts toward a solution where the two peoples can live side by side in peace, prosperity and security.”
Turkey Proposes Joint Leadership with Australia for Next UN Climate Summit
Turkey has proposed jointly leading next year’s UN climate summit with Australia, though the two sides have yet to reach an agreement, and discussions over hosting remain unresolved, Reuters reported, citing Turkish diplomatic sources.
Turkish officials said that during talks on the margins of the UN General Assembly in September, Turkey and Australia explored a joint presidency model, including sharing hosting duties for high-level meetings and jointly steering negotiations. Later exchanges revealed differing views on how a co-presidency could operate within UN procedures.
Turkish sources added that President Erdogan expressed this position in recent correspondence with the Australian prime minister and emphasized that Turkey still believes “flexible formulas” could be developed through continued consultations.
Turkish Military Plane Crashes in Georgia, Killing 20
A Turkish military C-130 aircraft crashed in Georgia on November 11, killing all 20 people on board. The plane departed from Azerbaijan on November 11 and went down after crossing into eastern Georgia, according to the defense ministry.
Among the victims were maintenance specialists for F-16 fighter jets that reportedly took part in a military parade in Baku on November 8, held to celebrate Azerbaijan’s Victory Day marking its win in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Turkish President Erdogan, along with his foreign and defense ministers and the country’s intelligence chief, attended the event.
Investigators found the black box, which was later sent to Ankara for analysis. The ministry said the aircraft, purchased from Saudi Arabia in 2012 and upgraded before entering service in 2022, had received regular maintenance and was not carrying ammunition at the time of the crash.
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