Five Years After Reconversion: Hagia Sophia Embodies Turkey’s Cultural Crossroads

 

ISTANBUL, JULY 2025 — Half a decade has passed since the iconic Hagia Sophia resumed its role as a working mosque, marking a watershed moment in Turkey’s cultural-religious identity and triggering complex global reverberations that continue to shape geopolitics and heritage diplomacy.

The Turning Point

• Historic Reversal: On July 10, 2020, a presidential decree overturned the 1934 cabinet decision that transformed the 6th-century monument into a museum, reigniting a 1,500-year legacy of faith and conquest.

• Legal Catalyst: Turkey’s Council of State unanimously annulled the museum status after a 2016 lawsuit argued the site’s vakıf (endowment) status under Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s 1453 conquest rendered it inalienably a mosque.

• Symbolic Reawakening: On July 24, 2020, President Erdoğan joined 350,000 worshippers for the first Friday prayers in 86 years, declaring it a "restoration of sovereignty."

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Global Reactions: Divergent Perspectives

1. UNESCO World Heritage Committee

"While respecting Turkey’s sovereignty, we maintain that Hagia Sophia’s universal value demands vigilant conservation. Technical cooperation continues to address humidity control and mosaic protection during worship."
(2024 Monitoring Report)

2. The European Parliament

"The reconversion undermined interfaith dialogue and violated UNESCO conventions. It remains an obstacle to EU accession talks."
*(Resolution 2020/2990)*

3. Stratfor Geopolitical Intelligence

"Ankara weaponized cultural heritage to assert civilizational independence. The move resonated across the Muslim world but fractured relations with Orthodox Christian states."

4. Bloomberg Economics

*"Market jitters proved short-lived. Tourism revenue surged to record levels by 2023, demonstrating ideological decisions can coexist with economic pragmatism."*

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Five-Year Impact Assessment

Dimension	Outcome
Tourism	▶️ 2020-2021: 61% visitor drop (COVID + boycotts)
	▶️ 2024: 5.7 million visitors (pre-2020 avg: 3.7m)
Conservation	✅ Reversible curtains shield Byzantine mosaics during prayers
	⚠️ UNESCO notes "structural stress from footfall density"
Geopolitics	❄️ Frozen cultural cooperation with Greece/Cyprus
	🤝 Strengthened ties with Muslim-majority states

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The Balancing Act: Worship vs. Heritage

Innovative Coexistence Model

• Hybrid Access: Non-prayer hours allow tourist visits free of charge.

• Acoustic Engineering: Sound-dampening systems preserve architectural integrity during calls to prayer.

• Global Pilgrimage: 44% of 2024 visitors came from Muslim-majority nations—a new demographic driver.

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Voices from Istanbul

Emre Tan, Cultural Historian:
"Hagia Sophia mirrors modern Turkey: a palimpsest of empires. Its layers—Orthodox basilica, Ottoman mosque, secular museum, and now dual-function space—reflect our perpetual negotiation between past and present."

Sophia Kazanskaya, Moscow Tourist (July 2025):
"I expected tension, but the atmosphere is reverent. Seeing gold mosaics of Christ beside Arabic calligraphy feels like witnessing history breathing."

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What Lies Ahead

As the dome enters its sixth year echoing with Qur’anic recitations, unresolved tensions persist:

• Diplomatic Costs: No progress on EU cultural partnerships.

• Conservation Debt: $12M UNESCO-funded restoration backlog.

• Symbolic Weight: The site remains a lightning rod in Turkey’s culture wars.

"Hagia Sophia’s reconversion achieved its domestic objective: cementing Turkey’s cultural self-determination. Yet its success as a global heritage site hinges on transcending politics to honor all chapters of its storied existence."
— International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)

Sources: Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism, UNESCO Technical Reports, Stratfor, Bloomberg Terminal Dat

Turkey Bolsters Offshore Ambitions with $490 Million Deepwater Drilling Fleet Acquisition

 Istanbul, [Date] – Turkish state energy company TPAO has significantly upgraded its deep-sea exploration capabilities with the acquisition of two advanced drilling vessels from Norway, signaling intensified efforts to discover domestic natural gas reserves.

Key Deal Details & Specifications:

• Purchase Price: $245 million per vessel ($490 million total)

• Deployment:

  • Vessel 1: Offshore Libya (supporting existing agreements with Libya's GNA)

  • Vessel 2: Offshore Mersin Taşucu, Turkey (Eastern Mediterranean focus)

• Vessel Specs:

  • Deadweight Tonnage (DWT): 59,200 each

  • Dimensions: 228 meters (length) x 42 meters (width)

  • Drilling Depth Capacity: 12,192 meters (12 km / ~40,000 ft) – world-class capability

  • Crew Capacity: 200 personnel per vessel

• Next Steps: Post-delivery maintenance and preparation in Turkey before deployment.

International Commentary & Analysis:

1. Wood Mackenzie (Energy Research Consultancy):
   "This acquisition aligns with Turkey's strategic push for greater energy security and regional influence. Deploying one vessel near Libya reinforces Ankara's energy partnership with Tripoli, directly challenging the Greece-Egypt-Cyprus axis in the contested East Med. While deepwater exploration is high-risk/high-reward, success near Mersin could materially reduce Turkey's hefty $50+ billion annual energy import bill. The technical capability (12km depth) is impressive." (Source: Wood Mackenzie East Med Energy Update)

2. S&P Global Commodity Insights:
   "The $490 million investment underscores Turkey's commitment to indigenous hydrocarbon exploration despite fiscal pressures. Utilizing modern, efficient vessels improves operational prospects. However, commercial viability hinges on significant discoveries in geologically complex areas. TPAO faces competition from majors with vast deepwater experience. Success could reshape regional gas dynamics, but exploration timelines are long." (Source: S&P Global Platts Analytics)

3. The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA):
   "While enhancing domestic exploration capacity is rational for an import-dependent nation, the economics remain challenging. Deepwater drilling is capital-intensive with uncertain returns. Turkey's focus should complement, not replace, accelerated investments in renewables and efficiency to address its core energy vulnerability faster and more sustainably." (Source: IEEFA Commentary on EM Energy Investment)

4. Reuters Energy Correspondents (Synthesis):
   "The purchase signals Ankara's intent to actively assert its claims in the Eastern Mediterranean. Deploying near Libya solidifies its position there following the 2019 maritime MoU. The move is likely viewed warily in Athens, Nicosia, and Cairo. Technical capability is no longer the primary barrier; geopolitical stability and commercial discovery are the key uncertainties." (Based on reporting from major energy newswires)

The Analysis: Strategic Significance and Challenges

• Energy Security Imperative: Turkey imports ~75% of its energy needs, creating a massive trade deficit and strategic vulnerability. Finding significant domestic gas is a top national priority. These vessels directly target high-potential (but high-risk) deepwater plays.

• Geopolitical Messaging: The Libya deployment is a powerful signal. It reinforces Turkey's controversial maritime boundary agreement with the Tripoli-based government and asserts its presence in zones claimed by others. The Mersin vessel focuses on exploring Turkey's own continental shelf amidst ongoing disputes with Greece and Cyprus.

• Technical Leap: The 12km drilling depth capability places TPAO firmly in the league of major international operators, enabling access to complex sub-salt reserves previously beyond reach.

• Economic Calculus: $490 million is a substantial investment for Turkey. While justified by potential import savings and geopolitical gains, the commercial success is uncertain. Deepwater exploration carries high failure rates. Significant discoveries are needed to justify the CAPEX and ongoing high operating costs.

• Regional Tensions: Activity near Cyprus or in areas claimed by Greece under disputed EEZ boundaries risks renewed friction and potential counter-moves by other regional players or the EU.

• Timeline: Exploration, appraisal, and potential development take many years. Even a major discovery wouldn't impact imports for at least 5-10 years.

Conclusion:
TPAO's acquisition of two advanced deepwater drill ships represents a major tactical upgrade in Turkey's quest for energy independence and regional influence. While the move demonstrates significant technical ambition and reinforces geopolitical stances in Libya and the Eastern Mediterranean, the ultimate success hinges on commercially viable gas discoveries – a high-stakes gamble in complex geological and political waters. The international energy community recognizes the strategic intent but emphasizes the long timelines, high costs, and inherent uncertainties of deepwater exploration. Turkey's energy future remains heavily dependent on the success of vessels like these.

Turkish Lira Gains Ground in International Trade, Hits Record Volumes

Turkish Lira Gains Ground in International Trade, Hits Record Volumes

Ankara, July 2025– The international use of the Turkish Lira (TL) is showing significant momentum, with trade conducted in the local currency reaching a record high of 700 billion TL in the first half of 2024. This surge highlights growing acceptance of the TL in cross-border transactions, a key goal of Turkish economic authorities.

According to the latest data:

• Exports in TL: 162.3 billion TL

• Imports in TL: 535.8 billion TL

• Total Trade Volume in TL: 700 billion TL (Jan-Jun 2024)

The trend accelerated notably in June, with 29,291 Turkish companies conducting exports in Lira to 164 countries, demonstrating widespread participation beyond large corporations.

International Perspectives on the TL's Rising Role

This shift towards Lira-denominated trade is drawing attention from global financial institutions and analysts:

1. Institute of International Finance (IIF): "The record volume is a tangible indicator of the TL's increasing convertibility in trade finance. While driven partly by regulatory encouragement and specific bilateral arrangements, it reflects a genuine, albeit still developing, market acceptance. Sustaining this requires continued focus on price stability and deepening FX markets." (Source: IIF Emerging Markets Brief, July 2025)

2. J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Research: "The 700 billion TL figure is impressive growth. This reduces immediate demand for FX for these transactions, easing some pressure on reserves. However, the dominance of imports in the total highlights the challenge: exporters receiving FX still need avenues to hedge or convert efficiently. Long-term success hinges on building deeper and more liquid hedging instruments for the TL." (Source: J.P. Morgan EMEA Currency Outlook, Q3 2025)

3. Capital Economics: "Turkey's push for Lira trade is part of a broader de-dollarization strategy seen in several emerging markets. The H1 numbers show significant traction, especially on the import side. While it mitigates some FX risks for importers, the volatility of the TL itself remains a key hurdle for wider international adoption as a pricing or reserve currency. The sheer number of firms involved in June is a positive signal of broadening participation." (Source: Capital Economics Emerging Europe Update, July 2025)

4. Reuters / International Economic Analysis: "The record TL trade volume signals Ankara's policy to promote the currency is gaining real-world traction. While primarily benefiting Turkish importers by shielding them from direct FX fluctuations on those contracts, the next step is encouraging more exporters to willingly accept TL, which requires greater confidence in the currency's stability and convertibility." (Synthesis of reporting from major financial newswires)

Significance and Outlook

The record-breaking volume of trade conducted in Turkish Lira marks a significant milestone in the country's efforts to enhance its currency's international standing. It reduces direct FX conversion needs for a substantial portion of trade flows and fosters the development of TL-based financial products.

Challenges Remain: Analysts universally point out that for the TL's international role to solidify further, deeper and more liquid hedging markets are essential to manage currency risk. Additionally, sustained macroeconomic stability and lower inflation are critical for building long-term confidence in the Lira beyond regulated trade channels.

Despite these challenges, the H1 2025 data provides clear evidence that the Turkish Lira is becoming a more established player in international trade settlements, moving beyond symbolic use towards meaningful volume.

Is the Turkish Lira Becoming a Trade Currency?

Expert Commentary by Muhittin Çiftçi – Global Currency Brief

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1. Strategic Progress, Structural Challenges

Over 29,000 firms are now engaging in TRY-based trade, a result of strategic partnerships with countries such as Russia, China, and Gulf states. However, macroeconomic vulnerabilities persist, particularly regarding inflation and market depth.

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2. Trade Imbalance: The Double-Edged Sword

In 2024, imports in TRY amounted to 535.8 billion while exports were just 162.3 billion. Importers benefit from exchange rate protection, but exporters face the risk of TRY depreciation and must either hedge or seek government incentives.

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3. Impact on FX Markets

TRY trade provides short-term relief by reducing immediate FX demand. However, the chronic current account deficit remains, especially due to energy and key material imports still priced in USD/EUR.

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4. Key Constraints

TRY suffers from limited global hedging tools, historical volatility, and low liquidity compared to USD, EUR, and CNY. These factors discourage foreign investors and partners from using TRY in larger or long-term contracts.

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5. Regional Role and Long-Term Vision

TRY offers an alternative settlement currency for countries under Western sanctions like Russia. However, without reforms such as stable single-digit inflation and an independent monetary policy, its ambition to become a regional reserve currency is not realistic.

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Conclusion & Outlook

TRY’s use in trade, particularly imports, is growing. Yet, full internationalization requires:

1. Robust financial tools for hedging

2. Macroeconomic stability

3. Exporter incentives

Key indicators to watch include TRY adoption by exporters and the expansion of swap lines.

Former Ankara Mayor Melih Gökçek Issues Public Statement Following Court Ruling

 

ANKARA — Former Mayor of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB), İbrahim Melih Gökçek, has issued a public statement following the conclusion of a legal process regarding the municipal residence he has been living in.

According to Gökçek, the case stems from Law No. 7061, which allowed residents of public and municipal housing to purchase the properties they were living in. Gökçek stated that he applied to purchase his official residence in line with this law and that his wife legally bought the property from the municipality.

However, a recent ruling by Turkey’s Court of Cassation (Yargıtay) overturned the sale, citing Gökçek’s own signature on the document that initiated the sale process in 2017 as a conflict of interest. The court determined that, despite not having made the final decision, his involvement as a signatory rendered the sale invalid.

Gökçek emphasized that the final decision to sell the property was made by then-Mayor Mustafa Tuna and that the purchase was conducted legally, at a price approximately 10% above the official market value at the time.

"As a result of the court’s decision, the municipality will refund the purchase amount, and I will vacate the property," Gökçek stated.

Despite the unfavorable outcome, Gökçek expressed his continued trust in the judicial system. “Even when verdicts go against us, it is our duty to respect the rule of law,” he said. “My stance is clear: always the law, always justice.”

He also called on other political parties to show similar respect for judicial decisions, especially when rulings are not in their favor.

Addressing frequent claims that he is not being prosecuted, Gökçek stated that such narratives are misleading and politically motivated. “This process once again proves how groundless and deceptive such claims are. Exploiting the justice system for political gain does not serve the truth or the public,” he concluded.

TURKISH DEFENSE TITANS BREAK INTO GLOBAL TOP 100 RANKINGS!

 

Four Companies Make Historic Entry as Türkiye Emerges as Aerospace & Tech Powerhouse

ANKARA –ÇİFTÇİ,Muhittin  Türkiye’s defense industry has achieved a strategic milestone with four companies securing positions in the prestigious 2024 Defense News Top 100 and SIPRI Top 100 global defense rankings. This unprecedented breakthrough signals Türkiye’s transformation from an arms importer to a technology exporter in less than two decades.

🏆 The Top 100 Contenders (2024 Estimates):

1. ASELSAN: ~#70-75
   Dominates electronic warfare, radar, and communication systems; Türkiye’s largest defense contractor.

2. Turkish Aerospace (TAI): ~#75-80
   *Flagship projects: TF-X Kaan (5th-gen fighter), Hurjet trainer, ATAK-2 helicopter, and combat drones.*

3. ROKETSAN: ~#85-90
   Global leader in smart munitions, missile systems (SOM-J), and space technologies.

4. HAVELSAN: ~#95-100
   Pioneering combat management systems, AI-driven simulations, and cybersecurity solutions.

⚡ Rising Stars (Projected Top 150-250):

• BMC: Altay main battle tank & Kirpi MRAPs

• FNSS: Pars IV amphibious armored vehicles

• STM: Submarine modernization & autonomous naval drones

• MKE: Artillery shells, rockets, and next-gen small arms

• Sarsılmaz: Precision rifles and tactical weapons

📊 Strategic Shift:

• Export Surge: Defense exports grew 214% since 2018 (SSB data), reaching $5.5B+ in 2023.

• Tech Sovereignty: 80%+ domestic content in critical projects like TF-X Kaan and ANKA-3 drone.

• Game Changer: Bayraktar TB2 drones deployed in 30+ countries disrupted traditional markets.

💡 Expert Insight:

"Türkiye is no longer just a 'cost-effective' supplier," says defense analyst Dr. Ali Yılmaz. *"With TAI’s TF-X and ASELSAN’s directed-energy weapons, they’re competing in the high-tech tier. Top 50 status is imminent by 2028."*

⚠️ Key Context:

• Rankings based on 2023 defense revenue (SIPRI methodology).

• Post-100 positions remain unofficial due to limited public data.

• Türkiye aims for $10B annual defense exports by 2026.

Visual Assets Recommended:
① TF-X Kaan prototype rollout footage
② ROKETSAN’s Khan missile test
③ Infographic: Turkish defense export growth (2018-2024)

Publication Tags:
#GlobalDefense | #EmergingDefenseTech | #TurkishDefenseIndustry

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Source: Defense News Top 100 (2024), SIPRI Military Expenditure Database, Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) Report.
Deep News Network | Defense Sector Bulletin

AK PARTİ KADIN KOLLARI GENEL BAŞKAN TUBA IŞIK ERCAN'LA KIZILCAHAMAM'DA ÇEVRE GÜNÜ'NÜ KUTLADI

Turkey-Pakistan Intel Op Captures ISIS Architect; Global Uproar Over Alleged Tel Aviv Plot

 Güçlükaya News Center :

**Turkey-Pakistan Intel Op Captures ISIS Architect; Global Uproar Over Alleged Tel Aviv Plot**  

*ANKARA/ISLAMABAD – Joint forces of Turkey’s MIT and Pakistan’s ISI have captured Özgür Altun (aka "Abu Yasir Al-Turki"), a senior ISIS strategist accused of orchestrating transnational attacks and recruiting militants across 18 countries. The operation exposed explosive claims of Israeli-directed plots targeting Pakistan, igniting diplomatic firestorms worldwide.*  

### 🔹 **Operation Breakdown**  

1. **Capture:** Altun was apprehended on April 30 in a cross-border raid near Torkham (Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier) following MIT intelligence tracking his movements from Turkey.  

2. **Role:**  

   - Directed ISIS propaganda in Turkish/English via "Halifet Media."  

   - Managed militant transfers from Europe/Central Asia to Afghanistan-Pakistan.  

   - Oversaw ISKP recruitment, logistics, and terror financing.  

3. **Thwarted Attack:** Intelligence confirmed Altun planned a Kashmir bombing mirroring the April 22 attack (26 killed), allegedly on "orders from Tel Aviv" to punish Pakistan for rejecting the Abraham Accords.  

### 🔹 **Interrogation Revelations**  

- **Attack Blueprints:** Detailed plans for mass-casualty assaults at concert venues in Istanbul, Berlin, and Lahore.  

- **Transnational Network:** Cells in Germany, Netherlands, and Azerbaijan funneled recruits via Turkey.  

- **Israeli Directive Claim:** Altun asserted ISIS-K received funds and "strategic targets" from handlers linked to Israeli intelligence. *(Note: MIT classifies this as "under verification")*  

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### 🌍 **Global Reactions**  

| **Country/Entity** | **Response** |  

|-------------------|--------------|  

| **UN** | *"Commend the operation but demand evidence for state-sponsorship claims. Urge joint investigation."* |  

| **USA** | *"Vital counter-terrorism win. No corroboration of Israeli involvement. Sanction ISIS financiers."* |  

| **EU** | *"Prevented imminent attacks on European soil. ‘Tel Aviv link’ requires extraordinary proof."* |  

| **Russia** | *"Confirms Western double game: Israel funds ISIS to destabilize Muslim states resisting normalization."* |  

| **Iran** | *"Zionist regime’s footprint exposed. Muslim nations must sever ties with Israel’s backers."* |  

| **Saudi Arabia** | *"Applaud neutralizing this threat. Reject all terrorism—whether by states or non-states."* |  

| **India** | *"Pakistan must explain Altun’s Kashmir ops. Stop sheltering anti-India terror architects."* |  

| **Israel** | *"Vile blood libel. Turkey and Pakistan divert blame for their failed deradicalization policies."* |  

### 🎯 **Strategic Impact**  

- **Diplomatic Ruptures:** Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Egypt (liaison for Israel) in protest. Turkey summoned NATO envoys over "intel leaks to Tel Aviv."  

- **Security Alert:** Threat level raised to "critical" at public venues across Turkey, Pakistan, and EU capitals.  

- **Legal Onslaught:** Altun faces 32 charges in Ankara, including crimes against humanity. Interpol seeks extradition of 14 linked suspects.  

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### 📊 **Analyst Snapshots**  

- **Washington Post:** *"The ‘Tel Aviv directive’ claim—even if unproven—could torpedo Turkey-Israel normalization talks."*  

- **Al Jazeera:** *"Pakistan just signaled strategic autonomy: Partnering with Ankara over Washington on counter-terrorism."*  

- **ISI Internal Memo (Leaked):** *"Altun’s network penetrated FATA camps. Cleanup operations ongoing in Waziristan."*  

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**// GÜÇLÜKAYA NEWS CENTER INTELLIGENCE ASSESSMENT //**  

» **Immediate Threat:** ISIS-K sleeper cells activated for retaliation (last signal: May 3, Dark Web).  

» **Geopolitical Fallout:** OIC emergency session called May 10 to address "state-sponsored Takfiri terrorism."  

» **Evidence Trail:** MIT to share Altun’s encrypted comms data with BRICS allies—excluding Western intel.  

---  

**Report Filed:** 01.06.2025  

**Intelligence Sources:** MIT/ISI Field Ops + Interpol Fusion Cell  

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Weekly Brief: Turkey’s Political and Economic Developments (May 21–28, 2025)

 

🔹1. Erdoğan Commissions New Constitution Amid Speculations of Extended Rule

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has tasked a group of 10 legal scholars with drafting a new Turkish constitution, citing the need to move beyond the remnants of the 1980 military coup-era charter. While Erdoğan emphasizes democratization, opposition figures argue the initiative may be aimed at bypassing the two-term presidential limit to secure a run in 2028, which is currently barred under existing law without an early election or constitutional amendment.

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🔹2. Revelations Continue in Istanbul Municipality Corruption Probe

A corruption investigation involving Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) continues, now expanding with new testimony from a suspect, Şeyhmus Sarıboğa. Initially denying involvement, Sarıboğa later confirmed he was the person referenced in statements by another suspect, Ahmet Çiçek. The inquiry, which implicates İBB officials including suspended Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, includes charges such as bribery, rigging bids, and misuse of public funds. Sarıboğa described his role as merely following orders as a junior staffer but requested leniency under effective remorse provisions.

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🔹3. PKK Announces Formal Dissolution, Opening New Phase in Kurdish Peace Process

On May 12, the PKK announced its official dissolution, ending a 40-year armed struggle. This development may herald a new phase for Kurdish rights discussions in Turkey, shifting the debate from military confrontation to political dialogue and civil reform.

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🔹4. Energy Diplomacy: Fidan Meets Putin in Moscow

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 27 in Moscow, focusing on energy cooperation, including the Akkuyu Nuclear Plant and Gazprom partnerships. Simultaneously, the U.S. appointed Thomas Barrack as Special Envoy to Syria, signaling increased geopolitical attention on Ankara’s role in the region.

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🔹5. Erdoğan, Aliyev, Sharif Convene in Strategic Laçın Summit

President Erdoğan attended a trilateral summit with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Laçın, Azerbaijan. The event coincided with the inauguration of the new Laçın International Airport. The summit marked a symbolic alignment of the three nations in regional cooperation and infrastructure development.

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🔹6. Additional Political Movements

• Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş visited MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli.

• Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz participated in the 18th Balkan Chiefs of Staff Conference in Istanbul.

• AKP's Keçiören Women’s Branch leader Nuran Şeyhan joined the opening of a special needs education institution.

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📊 Economic Highlights

1. Slower Growth Expected Amid Tight Monetary Policy

According to a Reuters survey on May 27, Turkey's GDP is estimated to have grown 2.3% in Q1 2025, with a full-year forecast of 3%, under the government's 4% target. Economists attribute the slower pace to restrictive monetary measures. OECD projections suggest a 2.6% growth rate for 2025, with inflation averaging 30.7%, underlining the necessity for continued fiscal and monetary discipline.

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2. Social Assistance Expands

Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş announced that financial aid had been disbursed to 163,295 families nationwide, emphasizing the government’s ongoing commitment to welfare support.

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3. Youth Innovation Encouraged

Industry Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır awarded students at a national science fair in Ankara, praising the new generation's role in shaping Turkey’s technological future.

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4. Healthcare Fees Refunded After Oversight

A private hospital's 11,450 TL charge for a newborn's jaundice treatment was refunded following the Ombudsman Institution’s intervention, highlighting consumer protection improvements in Turkey's healthcare system.

AK Parti Keçiören Kadın Kolları Hukuki ve siyasi İşler Başkanı Nuran Şeyhan, Mihrimah Sultan Özel Eğitim Uygulama Okulu1.,2. ve 3. Kademe Açılışına Katıldı

AK Parti Keçiören Kadın Kolları Hukuki ve siyasi İşler Başkanı Nuran Şeyhan, Mihrimah Sultan Özel Eğitim Uygulama Okulu1.,2. ve 3. Kademe Açılışına Katıldı

Nisan 2025-Mayıs 2025 Türkiye ve Ankara Siyasi ve Ekonomik Gündem

 

🧑‍⚖️ Ekrem İmamoğlu’nun Tutuklanması ve Siyasi Yansımaları

İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediye Başkanı Ekrem İmamoğlu, 19 Mart 2025'te yolsuzluk, rüşvet, suç örgütü kurma ve terör örgütüyle iş birliği suçlamalarıyla gözaltına alındı. 23 Mart'ta tutuklanarak Marmara Cezaevi'ne gönderildi. İçişleri Bakanlığı, İmamoğlu'nu görevden alındı ve yerine Chp meclis Üyesi Nuri Aslan meclis içinden yapılan seçimle vekaleten seçildi. . niş çaplı protestolara yol açtı. CHP lideri Özgür Özel, İmamoğlu'nun tutuklanmasını "siyasi bir operasyon" olarak nitelendirdi ve erken seçim çağrısı yaptı . İmamoğlu'nun memleketi Trabzon'da da muhalif bazı gruplar , tutuklamaya tepki gösterdi

 

🕊️ PKK’nın Silah Bırakması ve Feshi

PKK, 5-7 Mayıs 2025 tarihlerinde düzenlediği 12. kongresinde silahlı ve siyasi faaliyetlerini sona erdirme, örgütü feshetme ve silahları teslim etme kararı aldı . Bu karar, Türkiye'nin son yıllardaki en önemli güvenlik gelişmelerinden biri olarak değerlendirildi. Silah bırakma sürecinin dört ay içinde tamamlanması planlanıyor. Bu süreçte, PKK'nın Kuzey Irak'taki üslerinin boşaltılması ve silahların teslim edilmesi öngörülüyor . ABD ve Irak yönetimleri süreci desteklediklerini açıkladılar .

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🏛️ İç Siyasette Gerginlik ve Yargı Süreçleri

CHP lideri Özgür Özel, 23 Mayıs'ta Esenyurt Belediye Başkanı Ahmet Özer'in yargılandığı duruşmayı izledi ve İmamoğlu'nu cezaevinde ziyaret etti. Ayrıca, "Mazot Desteğiyle Çiftçilerimizin Yanındayız" programına ve Sosyalist Enternasyonal Prezidyum Çalışma Yemeği'ne katıldı.

Özel, PKK'nın fesih kararını "barış yolunda tarihi bir dönemeç" olarak değerlendirdi ve CHP'nin hem barışın hem de Türkiye'nin bölünmez bütünlüğünün güvencesi olduğunu vurguladı .

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🌍 Dış Politika ve Uluslararası Temaslar

Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 21 Mayıs'ta Macaristan'da düzenlenen Türk Devletleri Teşkilatı Gayriresmi Zirvesi'ne katıldı. Zirvede, Macaristan'ın TÜRKSOY'a gözlemci üye olarak katılımı teşvik edildi . Erdoğan, dönüş yolunda yaptığı açıklamada, terörü bitirmenin arifesinde olduklarını belirtti . Ayrıca, 16 Mayıs'ta İstanbul'da Ukrayna ve Rusya arasında 2022'den bu yana ilk doğrudan barış görüşmeleri gerçekleştirildi. Bu gelişme, Türkiye'nin uluslararası alandaki diplomatik rolünü pekiştirdi.

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🏛️ Ankara’da  Siyasette Gerginlik ve Yargı Süreçleri

CHP’li ABB Başkanı Mansur Yavaş’ a yönelik 204 MİLYON LİRALIK yolsuzluk , irtikap, rüşvet iddiaları gündemde olmaya devam etti. Hakkında  Ak Parti Ankara İl Başkanı  Hakan Han Özcan’ın Basın Toplantısı düzenlediği iddialar ile ilgili AK Parti Ankara Milletvekili Osman gökçek 7 Mayıs günü mecliste açıkladığı 145 milyon karton bardak ve 600 ton çöp poşeti iddiası gümdemi sarstı.  İddialara net yalanlayıcı ve çürütücü net yanıt veremeyen Belediye Başkanı Mansur YAVAŞ, çareyi 16 Mayıs ta Mezarlıklar daire başkanını görevden almakta buldu.

 

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🏛️ Keçiören’de Kadın Siyasetinde Değişim

Ak Parti Kadın Kolları’nda Mayıs Ayında Değişim Rüzğarları Esti

Bir önceki aylık olağan toplantıda karalaştırılan ve mayıs ayı itibariyle yürürlüğe giren kararlar doğrultusunda Ak Parti Güçlükaya Eski Mahalle Başkanı ve Mahalle Koordinatörü Nuran ŞEYHAN , hem Ankara İl Kadın Kolları Güçlükaya Mahalle Koordinatölüğüne hemde Keçiören ilçe Kadın kolları Hukuki ve Siyasi İşler Başkanlığına Getirildi.

 

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Keçiören Belediyesi borç batağında!

Keçiören Belediyesi’nde zam müjdesiyle yapılan davullu zurnalı şovun ardından gerçekler ortaya çıktı. CHP’li Belediye Başkanı Mesut Özarslan’ın 1 Ocak’tan itibaren geçerli olduğunu söylediği zamlı maaşlar yatmadı. Beklentiler boşa çıktı, işçiler grev kararı aldı. Belediyenin borç batağında olduğu ve son bir yılda 2 bine yakın yeni işçi alındığı iddiaları krizle birlikte yeniden gündeme geldi.

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Başkent’te Büyükşehir belediyesinin  Sahipsiz Sokak Hayvanları Hakkındaki Yasayı Uygulamam İnadı Sürüyor, Sokak Köpekleri Terör Estirmeye Devam Ediyor

Ankara’nın Elmadağ ilçesinde sokak köpeklerinin saldırdığı bir köpeği vatandaşlar kurtardı.Alınan bilgiye göre, Elmadağ ilçesinde çok sayıda sokak köpeği bir köpeğe saldırdı. Köpeği adeta parçalayan sürüye vatandaşlar müdahale etti. Vatandaşların müdahalesi ile köpek kurtarıldı.

Anayasa Mahkemesi, sokak hayvanlarına ilişkin yasanın iptali için yapılan başvuruyu 7 Mayıstaki duruşmada reddetti , Böylelikle yasa yasal denetimi geçmiş oldu, fakat anamuhalefet Partisi CHP ve Bağlı belediyeleri yasayı vatandaş aleyhine uygulamamakta ısrar ediyor. Hayvan hakları savunucuları ise bu yasanın katliama yol açtığını, sokaklardaki hayvanları koruyacaklarını söylüyor.

TBMM geçen yıl, hayvanseverlerin kitlesel protestolarına rağmen milyonlarca sokak köpeğini toplayıp barınaklara yerleştirmeyi öngören yasa değişikliğini kabul etti.

Yasa 2 Ağustos 2024'te yürürlüğe girdiğinden beri, sokak hayvanlarının pek çok kentte kontrolsüzce ve işkenceyle öldürüldüğüne dair tartışmalara sebep oldu.

Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (CHP), düzenlemenin iptali için Anayasa Mahkemesi'ne başvurmuştu.