Recap radio

Turkish politics and foreign affairs by Turkey recap
  • 5.0 (2)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We make sense of Turkish politics and foreign policy with in-depths interviews. Broadcasting live from Ankara, Turkey. www.turkeyrecap.com

  1. How the Iran war impacts Turkey and the PKK peace talks with Ezgi Başaran

    1D AGO

    How the Iran war impacts Turkey and the PKK peace talks with Ezgi Başaran

    Today’s guest is Ezgi Başaran, a political scientist and author of the books Frontline Turkey: The Conflict at the Heart of the Middle East and The New Spirit of Islamism: Interactions Between the AKP, Ennahda and the Muslim Brotherhood. She is also the author of the weekly Substack called Angle, Anchor, and Voice. Together with Diego Cupolo, editor-in-chief at Turkey recap, Ezgi discussed US proposals to arm Kurdish militias against the Iranian regime and the potential implications for both Turkey and the PKK peace talks. Also covered are updates on the Syria transition government and its integration process with the Kurdish-led SDF. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question for our Q&A with this form Vague and contradictory Trump says Iran war ‘won’, but not ‘won enough’ (Guardian) Israel backing Iranian Kurdish plans to seize Iran border areas, sources say (Reuters) Integration or conflict in northeastern Syria? Ten key points to consider (MEI) Syria’s Kurds caution Iran’s Kurds against aligning with US against Tehran (Reuters) Other ways to watch & listen: Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players. Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com. Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools. We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe

    29 min
  2. Iran, war and the Turkey-Israel rivalry with Hürcan Aslı Aksoy

    MAR 2

    Iran, war and the Turkey-Israel rivalry with Hürcan Aslı Aksoy

    Two days after the US and Israel launched new airstrikes on Iran, Hürcan Aslı Aksoy, a senior fellow at the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, discussed what this means for Ankara with Diego Cupolo, editor-in-chief at Turkey recap. Aksoy is the author of a recent report on Israel-Turkey regional competition and, after laying out the implications of war in Iran for both nations, she detailed its potential impacts on Israel-Turkey power dynamics across the region. Covered in this podcast are the competing interests and escalation risks between Turkey and Israel in Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Horn of Africa and beyond. Referenced in this talk: US-Israeli strikes kill Khamenei and Iranian retaliation shakes Gulf (Reuters) Türkei–Israel: Riskante Eskalation in einer fragmentierten Regionalordnung (SWP) Israel’s actions affecting SDF–Damascus integration talks: FM Fidan (DS) New alignments and old rivalries are heating up the Eastern Mediterranean (WPR) Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland (AJ) Other ways to watch & listen: Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players. Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com. Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools. We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe

    38 min
  3. Syria, centralization and the SDF ceasefire with Amy Austin Holmes

    FEB 23

    Syria, centralization and the SDF ceasefire with Amy Austin Holmes

    Our guest today is Amy Austin Holmes, a professor at Texas A&M University's Bush School of Government and Public Service in Washington DC, and author of the book, “Statelet of Survivors: The Making of a Semi-Autonomous Region in Northeast Syria.” Together with Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo, she outlined developments before and after Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reached a ceasefire deal on Jan. 30 to integrate their forces. Also covered are the security concerns regarding Islamic State-affiliated detainees that escaped prison camps during and after the January offensive as well as the changing US military role in Syria and also women’s changing role in the Syria transition. Referenced in this talk: Syria, Kurdish-led SDF reach integration deal after weeks of clashes (AFP) Syria’s New Order: Centralization by External Consent (Arab Center) US Intelligence Says at Least 15,000 at Large After ISIS Detention Camp Collapses in Syria (WSJ) Disarmament Without Safeguards Is a Death Sentence for Syria’s Minorities (Defense Post) Introduction to Leahy Vetting Policy (US State Dept)Syria’s Minorities Need American Help — by Sam Brownback (WSJ) Other ways to watch & listen: Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players. Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com. Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools. We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe

    32 min
  4. The state of Turkey-Greece relations with Ioannis Grigoriadis

    FEB 16

    The state of Turkey-Greece relations with Ioannis Grigoriadis

    Ioannis Grigoriadis, an associate professor of political science at Bilkent University and head of the Turkey program at the Hellenic Foundation of European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Turkey-Greece relations. On Feb. 11, Turkish Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Ankara, where the pair signed various cooperation and trade agreements while voicing interest in resolving territorial disputes that have plagued ties for decades. This podcast covers the meeting and its implications for EU security as the bloc mulls closer defense cooperation with Turkish defense companies to bolster security amid the Russia-Ukraine war. We also touch on the Cyprus issue towards the end. Referenced in this talk: Turkish, Greek leaders voice desire to resolve issues after talks (Reuters) Türkiye, Greece sign wide-ranging cooperation agreements (AA) Israel will aid Greece in countering military drone swarms (AP) Disputes with EU states complicate Turkey’s role in defense loan program (Tr) Landslide win for pro-EU Turkish Cypriot candidate raises hopes for peace (Guardian) Other ways to watch & listen: Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players. Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com. Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools. We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe

    27 min
  5. Nacho Sánchez Amor on Syria, migration and EU-Turkey relations

    FEB 2

    Nacho Sánchez Amor on Syria, migration and EU-Turkey relations

    The European Parliament’s rapporteur on Turkey, Nacho Sánchez Amor, joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Ankara’s stalled EU accession process and recent developments in the region. Amor shares his views on humanitarian needs in northern Syria following clashes between the Syrian army and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He also covers migration coordination between European states and Turkey along with defense partnerships and security concerns regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. Towards the end, Amor addresses roadblocks posed by Turkey, Greece and Republic of Cyprus relations as well as opportunities for greater cooperation in light of the current Cypriot Council of the EU presidency and recent North Cyprus election victory of Tufan Erhürman, who campaigned on reviving stalled UN-brokered talks. Referenced in this talk: Amor Nuanced Approach (Turkey recap) Nacho Sánchez Amor visits Osman Kavala in prison (Bianet) EU’s Türkiye Rapporteur Amor: Türkiye has fallen to ‘an unprecedented low’ in democratic standards (AnkaHaber) Türkiye Report 2025 (European Commission) Other ways to watch & listen: Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players. Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com. Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools. We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe

    26 min
  6. Media strategy in the 'New Turkey' with Bilge Yeşil

    JAN 26

    Media strategy in the 'New Turkey' with Bilge Yeşil

    Bilge Yeşil, a professor of media culture at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York and an affiliate faculty of Middle Eastern Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss media and communication strategies in Turkey. Yeşil lays out how Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration presents itself as a benevolent global actor and “voice of the voiceless” that pushes back on Western hypocrisy through a network of state-funded media institutions and pro-government news channels. The talk deconstructs the way Ankara seeks to frame narratives with the use of “strategic obfuscation”, which presents Erdoğan’s administration in a positive light for domestic and global audiences. Also included are leadership changes at the Directorate of Communications, new digital media trends and how both impact government communication strategies. Referenced in this talk: Talking Back to the West: How Turkey Uses Counter-Hegemony to Reshape the Global Communication Order (University of Illinois) Turkey enters the global media stage with TRT World (TRT World) Türkiye leads Muslim nations in addressing Islamophobia (TRT World) Fahrettin Altun sacked as Türkiye’s comms director in major overhaul (Türkiye Today) Other ways to watch & listen: Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players. Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com. Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools. We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe

    38 min
  7. Syria’s new political map and the Turkey-PKK peace talks with Henri Barkey

    JAN 19

    Syria’s new political map and the Turkey-PKK peace talks with Henri Barkey

    Henri J. Barkey, adjunct senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss the SDF’s territorial losses this weekend and the possible implications for Turkey’s PKK peace talks. The podcast covers security concerns for the US and Israel, the potential fate of Islamic State prisoners in Syria plus future prospects for the Kurdish rights movement, both armed and unarmed. Barkey is also the author of the book, Turkey’s Kurdish Question, and the Bernard L. and Bertha F. Cohen chair in international relations at Lehigh University. Referenced in this talk: Syrian Government and Kurdish-Led Force Agree to Merge After Clashes (NYT - gift) Terms of the Ceasefire and Integration Agreement between Syria and SDF (SANA) Syria tightens grip after Kurdish pullback, says IS prisoners escape (Reuters) Other ways to watch & listen: Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players. Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com. Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools. We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe

    29 min
  8. Kaya Genç on journalism and censorship in Turkey

    JAN 13

    Kaya Genç on journalism and censorship in Turkey

    Author and journalist Kaya Genç joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to talk about what it means to report and write about Turkey in 2026 amid the latest wave of repression on government opponents, cultural figures and free speech, in general. The discussion covers censorship and the ethical quandaries reporters must navigate to perform their jobs. Genç also reflects on the responsibility of intellectuals in periods of democratic backsliding and what drives him to continue documenting the people and spaces that exist despite it all. Genç has been a professional journalist for about 20 years. His recent books include Şehir and The Lion and the Nightingale: A Journey Through Modern Turkey. Referenced in this talk: The Turkish government’s grip on journalism is tightening (Index on Censorship) Under the Shadow: Rage and Revolution in Modern Turkey (Bloomsbury) Peace be the promise (Eurozine) The people who clean up your TikTok feed are starting to fight back (Rest of World) Istanbul Biennial ends early following curator departure (The Art Newspaper) Other ways to watch & listen: Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players. Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com. Subscribe here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools. We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor Demet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe

    46 min
See All (36)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We make sense of Turkish politics and foreign policy with in-depths interviews. Broadcasting live from Ankara, Turkey. www.turkeyrecap.com

Information

  • Creator
    Turkish politics and foreign affairs by Turkey recap
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Turkey Recap Medya Ajans Hizmet ve Tic. Ltd. Şti.
  • Show Website
    Recap radio

You Might Also Like