The Latest Breaking News from Ankara

Kemal Kilicdaroglu: The soft-spoken reformer threatening Erdogan’s grip on power

After two decades in power, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces the most serious challenge yet to his rule as he campaigns for the 2023 presidential election. Opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu has not only diluted his Republican People’s Party (CHP)’s secularism and nationalism, he has also managed to unite the…

France 24 · Apr 27, 2023

Türkiye, Russia, Iran, Syria Hold ‘Constructive Talks’

The defense ministers and intelligence chiefs of Iran, Russia, Syria and Türkiye held talks on Tuesday that Ankara and Moscow described as constructive, as part of efforts to rebuild Türkiye-Syria ties after years of animosity during the Syrian war. NATO alliance member Türkiye has backed political and armed opposition to…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Apr 25, 2023

How the West, Russia see Turkey's presidential elections

The 2023 Turkish presidential election next month will be eagerly followed in Western capitals – and in Moscow. Russia favours the incumbent, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while the West tacitly prefers his main rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, according to analysts. But an opposition win would not guarantee an obstacle-free path to…

France 24 · Apr 25, 2023

Erdogan Launches Black Sea Gas Deliveries

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday launched Türkiye’s first delivery from a Black Sea gas reserve a few weeks ahead of a general election, as Ankara aims towards energy independence. In 2020, the country discovered gas reserves off the coast of Zonguldak in the Black Sea region, which Erdogan…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Apr 21, 2023

Four Turkish troops wounded in attacks in Syria, Ankara says

Four Turkish soldiers were wounded in artillery and rocket attacks by Kurdish militants on bases in northern Syria, prompting a counter attack, Ankara said on Sunday.

Reuters · Apr 16, 2023

Turkey summons Danish envoy over attacks on Koran and Turkish flag

Turkey summoned the Danish ambassador in Ankara to express its strong condemnation and protest over what it said had been attacks on the Koran and on the Turkish flag on Friday, the Foreign Ministry said.

Reuters · Apr 14, 2023

Iraq’s Northern Oil Exports Stuck on Türkiye Negotiations

Oil exports from northern Iraq to the Turkish port of Ceyhan remain at a standstill almost three weeks after an arbitration case ruled Ankara owed Baghdad compensation for unauthorized exports. The March 23 arbitration ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) ordered Türkiye to pay Baghdad damages of $1.5…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Apr 14, 2023

Turkey, Egypt say they will cooperate more closely on Libya

Ankara and Cairo will cooperate more closely regarding Libya, where they back opposing sides, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday, marking another step in the rapprochement between the two regional powers.

Reuters · Apr 13, 2023

Erdogan launches election campaign with pledge to slash Turkey inflation

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan launched his re-election campaign on Tuesday with a party pledge to slash inflation to single digits and boost growth, as he seeks to extend his two decades in power in a May 14 vote.

Reuters · Apr 11, 2023

Egyptian minister to visit Turkey as ties improve - Ankara

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is likely to visit Turkey again this week, the government in Ankara said on Monday, adding that progress could be made towards reinstatement of envoys after relations ended a decade ago.

Reuters · Apr 10, 2023