ANALYSIS
"Why Putin’s Nuclear Empire Doesn’t Need Warheads" by David Averre, Newsweek
On Tuesday, NATO member Turkey announced it wants Russia to build several nuclear power plants. On Wednesday, while U.S. missiles struck targets in Iran, Russian officials handed Tehran's representatives a draft agreement to build a series of small nuclear reactors. And on Thursday morning, Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom inked a deal with Kazakhstan to restore nuclear power to Central Asia's largest state for the first time since 1999.
At a time when the United States and Europe are exploring the limits of non-military action to isolate Russia, Moscow's mastery of civilian nuclear energy offers the Kremlin a unique point of leverage. It lets Russia project power and embed itself inside infrastructure foreign governments may depend upon for decades.
"Natural gas, corridors, and security: Why Turkey wants Egypt in the Mecca Pact" by Dr Umud Shokri, Middle East Monitor
Ankara’s interest in Egyptian accession goes well beyond symbolism. Egypt would bring substantial military capacity, control of the Suez Canal and a presence in both the Mediterranean and Red Sea, greatly extending the pact’s reach across major energy and commercial routes. Its membership would also turn the informal four-country consultations into a more coherent framework and strengthen Turkey’s claim to be a broker between the Gulf, the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe.
The energy fit is equally clear. Egypt’s liquefaction plants complement Turkey’s pipelines, storage facilities and access to European markets. Closer coordination could improve LNG trade, make better use of Egyptian capacity and soften though not end the regional isolation created by Turkey’s exclusion from the EMGF. It would also open additional markets for Turkish defence systems and expand Ankara’s influence without requiring Cairo to endorse Turkey’s maritime claims.
"Turkey In Somalia: From Lifeline To Power Broker", Eurasia Review
Turkey entered Somalia as a partner of the Somali state, not as the security contractor of whichever administration controls Villa Somalia. If Turkish forces strike al-Shabab, that is counterterrorism cooperation. If they help interdict pirates and illegal fishing vessels, that is maritime security. But if Turkish aircraft, drones, weapons or Turkish-trained units become instruments for settling disputes between Mogadishu and a federal member state, an opposition faction or a political rival, Ankara will have crossed from security partner to participant in Somalia’s internal power struggle — and its greatest asset in Somalia, public trust, will start to disappear.
Turkey should train national forces, not political armies. It should target internationally recognized terrorist organizations, not Somali political adversaries. It should help protect Somali waters, not adjudicate Somali maritime politics. It should invest in Somali resources without becoming a beneficiary of constitutional ambiguity. And above all, it should engage the Federal Republic of Somalia as a federation, not treat Villa Somalia as though it were Somalia itself.
POLITICS
Prosecutors Open Probe into Former PM Davutoglu Over Remarks on Erdogan
Turkish prosecutors have launched an investigation into former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu over remarks he made in 2021 that recently resurfaced on social media and allegedly insulted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said on September 3 that it had opened the investigation after reviewing social media posts containing statements that it considered potentially insulting to the president.
According to the video, Davutoglu said he would not have lost the premiership if he had not objected to certain practices, adding that he could have remained in office and increased his wealth "like the prime minister who came after me" and the ministers who followed.
"I told them, 'Don't take illicit money.' They did. They enriched those around them," Davutoglu said. He also accused Erdogan of appointing his son-in-law Berat Albayrak as a minister, enriching relatives and "handing Turkey over to five contractors."
Davutoglu was referring to former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, Albayrak, who is married to Erdogan's daughter Esra, and five major Turkish construction groups: Cengiz Holding, Limak Holding, Kalyon Holding, Kolin Holding and Makyol. These companies have secured major public infrastructure contracts during Erdogan's rule.
Davutoglu will testify on Monday, September 7.
Gokcek Questioned in Probe Into Alleged Undeclared Overseas Transfers
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation last week into allegations that former Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek transferred unregistered funds to companies abroad.
Gokcek arrived at the Ankara Courthouse in Sihhiye on September 4 with his lawyer to give a statement. He declined to answer questions from journalists waiting outside and went directly inside.
After giving his statement, Gokcek told reporters that authorities had subjected him to 500 investigations and inquiries to date, all of which had been closed. He said he expected the latest investigation to reach the same outcome.
Gokcek’s son, Ahmet Gokcek, and his daughter-in-law, Hulya Gokcek, also received summonses to give statements as suspects.
Bahceli Reiterates Call for a New Constitution
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli said the "peace process" has encountered no serious difficulties so far, in response to questions from Haberturk Ankara correspondent Nasuhi Gungor.
Bahceli said he did not expect Parliament to approve the peace process law with 467 votes, adding that such broad support would help expand social consensus and strengthen solidarity.
Bahceli also reiterated his earlier call for changes to Turkey’s election and political parties law. He argued that changes to certain aspects of the presidential system were necessary and said a new constitution would provide the appropriate framework for implementing them.
DEM Party Re-Elects Bakirhan and Hatimogullari as Co-Chairs
The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) held its 5th Ordinary Grand Congress on September 6, its first ordinary congress since October 2023. The party held the congress to comply with legal requirements and did not invite other political parties to the congress.
Delegates re-elected Tuncer Bakirhan and Tulay Hatimogullari as co-chairs, with both candidates receiving all 535 valid votes.
In their speeches, Bakirhan and Hatimogullari called for peace and democratization and spoke of the start of a new political era.
Parliamentary Deputy Speaker and DEM Party lawmaker Pervin Buldan announced that the party would hold another congress within a few months. She said the party would use the process to build a new movement under the name “Democratic Republic Movement.”
ECONOMY
Turkey’s GDP Grows 2.3% in Second Quarter of 2026
Turkey’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 2.3% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, while seasonally and calendar-adjusted GDP increased 1.1% from the previous quarter, according to official data.
GDP rose 36.0% at current prices to 19.87 trillion Turkish liras ($438.35 billion) in the second quarter.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded the strongest growth among the sectors contributing to GDP, expanding 13.3% year-on-year in the second quarter. Information and communication activities followed, growing 8.6%.
Turkey Lowers 2027 Growth Forecast, Raises Inflation and Deficit Targets
The Turkish government expects the economy to grow 4.2% in 2027 under its new Medium-Term Program (MTP), lowering its previous forecast of 4.3%. The government also revised its 2026 growth forecast down to 3.3% from 3.8%.
The MTP sets an inflation target of 21% for the end of 2027, sharply above the previous projection of 9% and the central bank’s latest forecast of 15%.
The government also raised its projected budget deficit for 2027, expecting the shortfall to reach 3.5% of GDP, compared with its previous forecast of 3.1%.
Turkey's Annual Inflation Eases to 31.51% in August
Turkey's annual inflation rate eased to 31.51% in August from 31.75% in July, according to official data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) on September 3.
Consumer prices rose 1.84% month on month in August, up from 1.78% in July. Annual inflation can decline even as monthly price growth accelerates because the annual figure compares price levels over different periods.
However, the independent Inflation Research Group (ENAG), which comprises economists and academics, calculated monthly inflation at 2.24 percent and the annual rate at 49.03 percent. ENAG's annual inflation estimate declined from 50.49% in July, when the group recorded monthly inflation of 3.07%.
Turkey's Foreign Trade Deficit Widens to $5.24 Billion in August
Turkey's exports rose 8.1% year-on-year to $23.467 billion in August 2026, while imports increased 10.5% to $28.706 billion, according to data released by the Ministry of Trade on September 3.
The larger import increase widened the monthly foreign trade deficit to $5.239 billion. Foreign trade volume reached $52.173 billion in August, up 9.4% from the same month a year earlier.
In the January-August period, exports increased 4.0% year-on-year to $185.006 billion, while imports rose 5.3% to $250.791 billion. Turkey's foreign trade volume totaled $435.798 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 4.7% from the same period last year.
Turkey Plans 30-Year Privatization of Istanbul Bridges and Highways
Turkey plans to grant 30-year operating rights for two of Istanbul’s most prominent bridges, along with several highways, as part of a multibillion-dollar privatization program.
The 15 July Martyrs Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge form the centerpiece of the plan, according to a decree signed by President Erdogan and published on September 5.
The government plans to complete the privatization process by December 31, 2031.
Turkey Wealth Fund Set to Take Stake in TOGG as Vestel, Anadolu Group Exit
Turkey's sovereign wealth fund TVF is set to become a shareholder in Turkish electric vehicle maker TOGG as Vestel Elektronik and Anadolu Group Holding prepare to sell their stakes, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Vestel Elektronik, Anadolu Group Holding, Turkcell and BMC Otomotiv each currently own a 23% stake in TOGG, while the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) holds the remaining 8%.
Two sources said Turkcell and TVF would acquire the stakes held by Vestel and Anadolu Group, which together account for 46% of TOGG. The sources did not provide details on the value of the transaction. The discussions remain ongoing, and the parties expect to reach a final agreement soon, the sources said.
Following the Reuters report, Vestel Elektronik and Anadolu Group Holding confirmed late on August 31 that they were in talks over their TOGG stakes in disclosures to Turkey's Public Disclosure Platform (KAP).
Vestel said its board had not made a decision to finalize any transaction, while Anadolu Group said it had not signed a binding agreement.
US Imposes Sanctions on Turkish Bank Over IRGC Ties
The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Turkish lender Golden Global Bank on September 4 over its alleged ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The measures also target the bank's subsidiaries.
The Treasury said Golden Global Bank facilitated transactions worth tens of millions of dollars for the IRGC. The bank and its subsidiaries also provided Tehran with "key correspondent banking access," enabling it to move funds abroad, the department said.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Turkey's Prison Population Rises Further Above Capacity
Turkey's prison population reached 434,681 as of September 1, 2026, exceeding the country's official prison capacity of 304,244 by 130,437 inmates, according to the latest figures. The occupancy rate stood at 142.9%, meaning the country's prisons held 42.9% more inmates than their official capacity.
The figures mark a further increase from August, when Turkey's prisons held 433,520 inmates against the same capacity of 304,244. The inmate population exceeded capacity by 129,276, with an occupancy rate of 142.5%.
The number of prisoners also increased from 65,227 in August to 70,693 as of September 1, an increase of 5,466 in a single month.
Turkey Blocks Access to More Than 2,000 Social Media Accounts in Two Months
Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran revealed that Turkey has blocked access to 2,034 social media accounts over the past two months. Duran said 699 of the accounts were linked to "terrorist and criminal organizations," primarily those allegedly affiliated with the Gulen Movement. Authorities also blocked 1,335 accounts that allegedly shared provocative content and disinformation.
The Freedom of Expression Association (IFOD) separately reported that Turkish authorities had blocked access to numerous X accounts on grounds of "national security and public order." The blocked accounts include the new account of "soL Haber" and the Family Solidarity Network, which was established by relatives of politicians and bureaucrats arrested in operations targeting opposition municipalities.
Security Forces Detain 10 Over Alleged Gulen Movement Links in "Signal" Investigation
Turkish prosecutors issued detention warrants for 13 people on September 1 over alleged links to the Gulen Movement as part of an investigation into suspected activity through Signal, a global encrypted messaging app. Authorities have detained 10 of the suspects.
Using Signal does not constitute a crime in Turkey, and the prosecutor's statement did not establish whether the suspects' installation or use of the app led to the detention warrants.
Former Senior AK Party Official Warns of Selective Prosecutions Against Religious Groups
Huseyin Celik, a founding member of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), former education minister and former party spokesperson, warned that recent criminal investigations into religious groups could become a tool for punishing communities whose leaders oppose the government.
In a column published by Independent Turkish, Celik questioned whether authorities would have launched the same operations if Alihan Kuris, leader of the Suleymanci religious community, and Alparslan Kuytul, leader of the Furkan religious movement, had supported the ruling party.
"The problem is not oversight, but the possibility that it is applied selectively and for political reasons," Celik wrote.
Celik also accused pro-government media outlets of portraying people under investigation as guilty before trial. He criticized AK Party members for remaining silent because the religious groups in question oppose the party.
FOREIGN POLICY
Erdogan, Putin Discuss Bilateral Ties and Akkuyu Nuclear Plant at SCO Summit
Turkish President Erdogan met Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 1 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan, where the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and joint energy projects.
Erdogan said Turkey-Russia relations had reached a higher level than ever before. "We have now entered the final stage of completing the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant," Erdogan said, adding that the launch of the plant would allow the two countries to take steps toward developing additional power plants together.
Putin described Turkey as one of Russia's "privileged partners" in foreign policy and economic cooperation, saying bilateral economic ties remained strong thanks to Erdogan's interest.
"Russia and Turkey continue to implement major joint projects, including the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant," Putin said, adding that Turkey had set a target of commissioning the plant's first unit this year. "This will happen," Putin said.
Erdogan also met separately with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov. His talks with Aliyev covered energy, infrastructure, transportation and the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Erdogan and Japarov discussed bilateral relations between Turkey and Kyrgyzstan, as well as regional and global issues.
Speaking to reporters on his return flight from Kyrgyzstan, Erdogan said Turkey could seek to deepen its engagement with the China- and Russia-led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. "Turkey's membership perspective does not mean breaking away from one bloc or turning its back on the West," Erdogan said. "Our goal is to increase our own weight with a 360-degree vision."
Pegasus Cancels Russia Flights Due to Technical, Operational Issues
Pegasus Airlines cancelled its Russia-bound flights scheduled for the night of September 1 to 2, citing technical and operational reasons, the Turkish carrier said.
In a statement on social media, Pegasus said it reviewed all its daily and scheduled routes before cancelling the Russia flights. The airline said flights from September 2 onward would continue as planned and added that it was arranging additional flights for passengers affected by the cancellations.
Mazlum Abdi Says Meeting with Ocalan "Would Be Good"
Mazlum Abdi, the former commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and now an adviser to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, described the group's integration into the Syrian army as "an end but also a beginning."
In his first television interview with a nationwide broadcaster in Turkey, aired on September 4, Abdi said he was open to developing ties with Turkey.
Asked about a possible meeting with imprisoned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) founder Abdullah Ocalan, Abdi said such a meeting "would be good." However, he gave no clear answer when asked whether he planned to visit Turkey.
Turkey Denies Reports of SDF-Linked Foreign Fighters Entering Country
Turkey's Defense Ministry denied reports that foreign fighters affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) would leave Syria and enter Turkey as part of the group's integration into the Syrian army.
During a weekly press briefing, Defense Ministry spokesperson Rear Adm. Zeki Akturk said the ministry was closely monitoring the SDF's dissolution. "Claims that foreign elements affiliated with the SDF will leave Syria and that some of them will come to Turkey do not reflect the truth," Akturk said.
The denial came after Turkish and regional media reported that as many as 2,000 non-Syrian fighters affiliated with the SDF could leave Syria as the group integrates into the Syrian army. Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, citing a source familiar with the process, reported last week that around 800 fighters could move to northern Iraq, while about 1,200 could return to Turkey.
Turkey Begins Repatriating 184 Citizens Detained in Iraq Over Alleged ISIL Links
Turkey has begun repatriating 184 Turkish citizens detained in Iraq over alleged links to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), with the first group arriving in Ankara from Baghdad, T24 reported.
Authorities brought the first group from Karkh Central Prison near Baghdad International Airport. They have not disclosed the group's size or the names of those repatriated.
Savas Yildiz, a fugitive defendant in the case over the October 10, 2015, twin suicide bombing outside Ankara's main train station, is among the 184 Turkish nationals. The attack killed 104 people and injured hundreds.
Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Begin Building New Regional Security Alliance
The Mecca Defense Agreement has initiated efforts to create a “new security and cooperation architecture” in the region, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on August 31.
Fidan spoke at a news conference in Istanbul after the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee, established under the trilateral agreement between Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The meeting brought together the foreign and defense ministers and chiefs of general staff from all three countries.
The participants discussed concrete steps to implement the agreement, Fidan stated. “As of today, we have begun work to establish the institutional structure envisaged by the agreement. First of all, we agreed on the official name of our alliance. The official name of our alliance is the Mecca Defense Alliance,” Fidan said. The alliance will establish its secretariat in Riyadh, while the three countries agreed to appoint a Pakistani national as its first secretary-general.
Fidan said the agreement allows other countries to join the alliance, adding that the three founding members would need to consult both prospective and existing members on the conditions, procedures and standards for accession. The countries have begun work on a roadmap outlining the accession process, Fidan stated.
Turkey Joins US-Led Artemis Accords for Peaceful Space Exploration
Turkey signed the Artemis Accords in Washington on August 31, becoming the 71st country to join the US-led framework for peaceful and responsible space exploration. Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir signed the accords on behalf of Turkey at NASA headquarters, where NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman hosted the ceremony.
“Our goal is to establish a sustainable presence in space and take steps toward the peaceful use of space for the benefit of all humanity,” Kacir said. Kacir added that Turkey plans to send its first lunar spacecraft, AYAP-1, to the Moon in 2027 and that the mission would use a hybrid propulsion system and collect data from lunar orbit.
Isaacman welcomed Turkey’s decision to sign the Artemis Accords, saying the move would further strengthen ties between the two countries.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Environment Connor Tomlinson also welcomed Ankara’s participation, saying he expects cooperation between Turkey and the United States in space research to expand further.
Turkey Accused of Airstrike in Somalia as Jubaland Officials' Homes Targeted
Gen. Mahad Abdirahman, a former commander of Somalia's Custodial Corps, survived an airstrike on his residence in Dolow district in the Gedo region early on September 4, local media reported. One member of his family died in the strike.
Local officials said the airstrike also hit homes belonging to officials from Jubaland State.
Officials reportedly described the attack as a sign of Turkey's direct involvement in Somalia's civil war through its support for one side in the ongoing fighting in Southwest State. Southwest State's Ministry of Information condemned the airstrike and called on Turkey to halt what it described as attacks on civilian populations.
Turkish Intelligence Chief Visits Athens for Talks With Greek Counterpart
Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin visited Athens last week and met with his Greek counterpart, Themistoklis Demiris, Greek media reported on September 2. Officials have not publicly disclosed details of the talks between Kalin and Demiris.
Greek government sources reportedly said the discussions covered developments in the southeastern Mediterranean, Syria and Libya, as well as tensions between Turkey and Israel.
Greece Protests Turkey's Declaration of Two Marine Parks
Greece's embassy in Ankara formally protested Turkey's declaration of two national marine parks, saying their boundaries have no legal effect where they extend beyond Turkish jurisdiction and into areas Athens considers part of the Greek continental shelf.
The Greek protest also challenged Ankara's objections to three Greek plans announced in August that set out areas for tourism, renewable energy, industrial and logistics projects.
Turkey responded by handing Greek diplomats diplomatic notes that reiterated Ankara's previously stated positions, Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported.
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