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Turkish politics and foreign affairs by Turkey recap

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

  1. 1d ago

    Peace process stalls, groceries unaffordable, half a million in jail┃Tr Reader

    Welcome to the Tr Reader, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe. This episode examines local newspapers from Diyarbakır. We look at regional coverage of the ongoing peace process between the state and the PKK, highlighting calls from the DEM Party for concrete government steps alongside the official “Terror-Free Turkey” stance and critiques from pro-Kurdish outlets regarding stalled legal and institutional reforms. We also cover local reporting on the severe cost of living crisis, exploring neighborhood market realities, rising prices driven by middlemen and transport costs, and public anxieties around inflation and economic hardship. Finally, we look at official data highlighted by the press regarding severe prison overcrowding in Turkey, detailing how detainee and convict numbers vastly exceed official facility capacities. For more, visit turkeyrecap.com. 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. Get in touch at 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. ✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics. Diego Cupolo, Co-founder, editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Managing editor Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Hilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondent Wouter Massink, Investigative reporter Daniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-large Gözde Ocak, 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

    Peace process stalls, groceries unaffordable, half a million in jail┃Tr Reader
  2. Oct 13

    Ankara mulls attacking Houthis, PKK withdraws from caves┃Tr Reader

    Welcome to the Tr Reader, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe. In this episode, we examine how Turkish newspapers covered the escalating Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and the implications for the newly signed Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, noting how pro-government outlets are omitting Turkey’s potential role while Islamist and opposition papers debate military aid and regional alignments. We also cover the PKK’s phased withdrawal from camps in Northern Iraq and the reported pullback of its covert operatives from major cities like Istanbul under the “Terror-Free Turkey” initiative. For more, visit turkeyrecap.com. 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. Get in touch at 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. ✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics. Diego Cupolo, Co-founder, editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Managing editor Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Hilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondent Wouter Massink, Investigative reporter Daniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-large Gözde Ocak, 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

    Ankara mulls attacking Houthis, PKK withdraws from caves┃Tr Reader
  3. Oct 2

    Fund scam, new constitution, limits of public decency┃Tr Reader

    Welcome to the Tr Reader, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe. In this episode, we examine the massive investment fund scandal affecting over 450,000 people, tracing how pro-government papers covered President Erdoğan’s initial anger before pivoting to his parliamentary opening speech, where he warned the opposition against exploiting the crisis and signaled plans for a new constitution. We also cover the protest by the opposition Yeni Party, whose MPs staged a walkout during the parliamentary address in response to the jailing of their candidate and what they described as a political coup. Finally, we look at the culture pages and the legal troubles of pop star Mabel Matiz, who faces up to three years in prison on “obscenity” charges over the dancing in his latest music video. For more, visit turkeyrecap.com. This post has bonus content for paid subscribers. Upgrade to get full access. 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. Get in touch at 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. ✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics. Diego Cupolo, Co-founder, editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Managing editor Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Hilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondent Wouter Massink, Investigative reporter Daniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-large Gözde Ocak, 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

    Fund scam, new constitution, limits of public decency┃Tr Reader
  4. Sep 25

    Erdoğan’s UN speech, Yavaş resigns from CHP, beans become unaffordable┃Tr Reader

    Welcome to the Tr Reader, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe. In this episode, we examine President Erdoğan’s trip to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on how pro-government papers highlighted his speeches on Gaza and UN reform, while critics targeted his interactions with Donald Trump and a major Boeing aircraft deal. We also cover jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu’s sharp critique of foreign policy and the high-profile resignation of Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş from the CHP alongside eight district mayors. Finally, we look at how the Kemalist opposition daily Nefes illustrated the cost of living crisis by charting the staggering rise in the price of basic staples like dried beans and red meat. For more, visit turkeyrecap.com. 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. Get in touch at 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. ✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics. Diego Cupolo, Co-founder, editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Managing editor Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Hilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondent Wouter Massink, Investigative reporter Daniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-large Gözde Ocak, 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

    Erdoğan’s UN speech, Yavaş resigns from CHP, beans become unaffordable┃Tr Reader
  5. Sep 9

    Üsküdar back to AKP, row between Kılıçdaroğlu and Imamoğlu – Tr Reader

    Welcome to the Tr Reader, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe. In the second episode, we explore how different outlets covered the CHP losing the Üsküdar municipality in Istanbul back to the AKP after the arrest of Mayor Sinem Dedetaş, paired with warnings that the same tactics might soon threaten the greater Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. We also look to a bitter public feud between former CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu. Meanwhile, the Islamist-conservative daily Yeni Şafak broke rank to launch a sharp attack on high interest rates and the toll they are taking on businesses. For more, visit turkeyrecap.com. Article links This post has bonus content for paid subscribers. Upgrade to get full access. 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. Get in touch at 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. ✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics. Diego Cupolo, Co-founder, editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Managing editor Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Hilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondent Wouter Massink, Investigative reporter Daniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-large Gözde Ocak, 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

    Üsküdar back to AKP, row between Kılıçdaroğlu and Imamoğlu – Tr Reader
  6. Sep 2

    Erdoğan joins SCO summit, former AKP mayor faces corruption probe – Tr Reader

    Welcome to the Turkey recap reader podcast, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe. Coming to you from Istanbul, Thorpe provides a cross-partisan round-up of the leading narratives presented by a variety Turkish newspapers. In this inaugural episode, we examine how pro-government media framed Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s participation this week in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Special focus was given to his meetings with Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin and Belarusian Pres. Alexander Lukashenko. In contrast, opposition media gave prominence to a new corruption investigation into former AKP Ankara Mayor Melih Gökçek. Discount: Click here and save 25 percent on annual subscriptions. The offer is valid until Sept. 8, 2026, so act now to lock in those savings and get full access to Turkey recap. 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. Get in touch at 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. ✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics. Diego Cupolo, Co-founder, editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Managing editor Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Hilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondent Wouter Massink, Investigative reporter Daniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-large Gözde Ocak, 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

    Erdoğan joins SCO summit, former AKP mayor faces corruption probe – Tr Reader
  7. Jul 10

    Turkey’s S-400 dilemma and NATO summit takeaways with Soli Özel

    Ankara’s NATO summit is over and Turkey is expected to sell its Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems today, according to a pro-government columnist at the Hürriyet newspaper. The move could pave the way for the US congress to lift sanctions on Turkey and eventually facilitate the nation’s return to the F-35 fighter jet program, from which it was removed due to its 2019 acquisition of the S-400s. Political scientist Soli Özel joined Recap radio to outline the significance of a potential S-400 sale, what that means for Turkey’s F-35 prospects and how this could impact the regional power balance with Greece and Israel. Also discussed are the main takeaways from this week’s NATO summit, what the Turkish government sought to achieve by hosting the event and how all this serves Turkey’s long-standing drive for “strategic autonomy.” Note: This podcast was recorded at 10:30 am Turkey time on Friday, July 10. Referenced in this talk: S400’ler üçüncü ülkeye gidiyor, satış bugün netleşecek (Hürriyet) Netanyahu warns US could ‘destroy’ Mideast power balance as Trump floats F-35 jet sale to Turkey (France24) The Ankara Corral (Turkey recap) Quest for Autonomy: History, Geopolitics and Ideology in Turkish Foreign Policy (Institut Montaigne) 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. Get in touch at 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. ✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Hilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondent Gözde Ocak, 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

    Turkey’s S-400 dilemma and NATO summit takeaways with Soli Özel

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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

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