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

  1. The Armenian elections and what they mean for Ankara, Baku and Brussels with Nareg Seferian

    3D AGO

    The Armenian elections and what they mean for Ankara, Baku and Brussels with Nareg Seferian

    Researcher Nareg Seferian joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to outline the upcoming Armenia elections on June 7, 2026. Incumbent Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan is seeking re-election on a “Real Armenia” platform, which seeks to downplay historical territorial disputes beyond Armenia’s current borders in favor of EU integration and more cooperation with Azerbaijan and Turkey. It’s a high stakes vote with implications for not just Armenia’s foreign policy alignments, but also regional trade and transit routes, as Turkey and Armenia are currently pursuing normalization efforts that, if successful, could reopen a land crossing on their shared border. This podcast covers national election dynamics as well as the state of play for Baku-Yerevan peace negotiations and their impacts on Turkey-Armenia bilateral relations. We also review the prospects for EU-Armenia ties and the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) aka Zangezur corridor. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question with this form Armenia, Turkey and the Zangezur corridor with Nareg Seferian (Turkey recap) A Risk Assessment for Armenia’s 2026 Parliamentary Elections (GMF) Armenia, Turkey sign memorandum on restoration of Ani Bridge (Armenpress) Turkish vice president’s Armenia visit marks turning point: Envoy (AA) Macron sings at Armenian state dinner with Pashinyan on drums (AP) 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

    40 min
  2. Suzy Hansen on Turkey under Erdoğan

    MAY 4

    Suzy Hansen on Turkey under Erdoğan

    Journalist and author Suzy Hansen joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss her newly-released book, From Life Itself: Turkey, Istanbul, and a Neighborhood in the Age of Erdoğan. It’s a brutally honest look at Turkey under Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told through the people and street life of the Karagümrük, a rapidly changing neighborhood in Istanbul’s historic Fatih district. This podcast covers migration to Istanbul over many decades, from the rural-to-urban migration of the past till the modern relocation of Syrian refugees over the last 15 years. Also covered are Hansen’s takeaways after years as a foreign correspondent based in Turkey, tips for young journalists and a peek at her new projects, like Equator Magazine. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question with this form From Life Itself: Turkey, Istanbul, and a Neighborhood in the Age of Erdoğan (Macmillan) The Erdogan Loyalists and the Syrian Refugees (NYTimes - gift article) Notes on a Foreign Country: An American Abroad in a Post-American World (Macmillan) Equator Magazine (Equator) 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

    31 min
  3. Turkey’s growing presence in Somalia with Nebahat Tanrıverdi Yaşar

    APR 28

    Turkey’s growing presence in Somalia with Nebahat Tanrıverdi Yaşar

    Nebahat Tanrıverdi Yaşar, visiting fellow at the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Turkey-Somalia relations. This podcast covers Ankara’s growing military and commercial interests in the Horn of Africa, including the TURKSOM military base in Somalia and offshore energy drilling activities there, which began earlier this month. Also discussed are the implications of Turkey’s presence in the Horn of Africa amid regional competition between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Additionally, we touch on how the Iran war is impacting dynamics and how regional actors view Turkey’s rapid rise as a leading weapons provider in Africa. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question with this form Turkey launches first overseas deep-sea drilling mission in Somalia (Reuters) TURKSOM military base trains Somali forces since 2017 (DS) Unpacking Turkey’s Security Footprint in Africa (SWP) Turkey’s quest for direction in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea (FT) Turkey’s Drone Industry at a Strategic Crossroads (WOTR) 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

    39 min
  4. Alan Makovsky on Ankara's diplomacy pivot and US-Turkey ties

    APR 22

    Alan Makovsky on Ankara's diplomacy pivot and US-Turkey ties

    Alan Makovsky, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Ankara’s pivot to diplomacy and US-Turkey relations. This podcast covers Turkey’s growing efforts to mediate conflicts and host diplomatic meetings like this weekend’s Antalya Diplomacy Forum and the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. Also discussed are recent comments by US Ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack on democracy in the Middle East and on a possible resolution to the S-400 sanctions on Turkey as well as European security and opportunities for Turkey’s defense industry. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question with this form In Turkey, Middle Powers Ponder Diplomacy With a Rogue U.S. (NY Times) US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack Speaks at Antalya Diplomacy Forum (YouTube) Envoy expects U.S.-Turkey to ‘soon’ solve issue of sanctions over S-400 defences (Reuters) ‘Turkey: Managing an unfriendly ally’ by Alan Makovsky (Brookings) 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

    33 min
  5. Takeaways from the Hungary elections with László Szerencsés

    APR 14

    Takeaways from the Hungary elections with László Szerencsés

    László Szerencsés, a postdoctoral researcher at Stockholm University’s Institute for Turkish Studies (SUITS), joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss the Hungary election results, what they mean and their implications for Turkey-Hungary ties. This podcast begins with a deep dive into Hungarian politics, detailing the fall of Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán and the rise of opposition leader Péter Magyar, before exploring possible lessons for Turkey’s opposition. Also covered are expectations for the new government’s foreign policy and continued dependency on Russian gas, which arrives to Hungary from Turkey through the TurkStream pipeline—a key pillar of the Ankara-Budapest bilateral relationship. Note: This talk was recorded at 1100 Turkey time on Tuesday, April 14. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question with this form Péter Magyar maps out grand bargain to reset Hungary’s ties with Brussels (Politico) Unpacking Turkey-Hungary relations with László Szerencsés (Turkey recap) The Turkish Energy Hub and the Hungary Connection: Challenging EU Gas Diversification Efforts (SUITS) President Erdogan gifts Togg to Hungarian Prime Minister Orban (YouTube) 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

    45 min
  6. The Turkey-Israel rivalry in a changing Middle East with Howard Eissenstat

    APR 7

    The Turkey-Israel rivalry in a changing Middle East with Howard Eissenstat

    Howard Eissenstat, Laurentian associate professor at St. Lawrence University and non-resident scholar at Stockholm University's Institute of Turkish Studies, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Turkey-Israel relations. The podcast outlines growing concerns about a looming regional competition between the two states, past and present bilateral dynamics and how the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran is shifting power balances and perceptions in the region. Also covered are Israeli threat perceptions, Turkish contingency planning and the role of NATO allies in mitigating escalation risks on the road ahead. Note: This talk was recorded at 1600 Turkey time on Monday, April 6, before reports of an armed attack on the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, April 7. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question with this form The Next Big Middle East Conflict? The Turkish-Israeli Rivalry (SUITS) ‘The New Iran’: Bennett Warns of Emerging Axis at Conference of Presidents (Media Line) PM Netanyahu’s remarks at the start of today’s Government meeting (Gov.Il) What Ankara sees in Riyadh — and why it still needs Abu Dhabi (MEI) 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
  7. Sinan Ülgen on how Turkey views the Iran war

    MAR 31

    Sinan Ülgen on how Turkey views the Iran war

    Sinan Ülgen, a former Turkish diplomat and director of EDAM, an Istanbul-based think tank, and a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe, joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss the Iran war as viewed from Turkey. The talk outlines Turkish interests and concerns regarding the Iran war, including current and future impacts on Turkey’s economy — and what those could mean for Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s prospects in the next election cycle. Additionally, Ülgen discusses Ankara’s efforts to deescalate the conflict through regional coordination with Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as highlighted by a meeting between those countries in Islamabad Sunday, March 29. Note: This talk was recorded at 1700 Turkey time on Monday, March 30. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question with this form What Turkey Wants in Iran (Project Syndicate) NATO Intercepts Fourth Iranian Missile Targeting Turkey (Bloomberg) Pakistan hosts regional powers for Iran talks, with focus on Hormuz proposals (Reuters) Rubio tells allies Iran war will continue 2-4 more weeks (Axios) 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

    28 min
  8. Listener mail: Iran, Fidan and Bilal Erdoğan

    MAR 24

    Listener mail: Iran, Fidan and Bilal Erdoğan

    Happy birthday to Recap radio! To mark our first year of podcasting, Turkey recap editors Emily Rice Johnson and Diego Cupolo opened our mail bag and responded to a wide range of listener questions. Covered in this episode are election forecasts, candidacy prospects for Hakan Fidan, Bilal Erdoğan and Mansur Yavaş as well as the implications of the Iran war and ongoing PKK peace process for Turkey. We also discuss Turkey recap-specific questions about freedom of speech, journalism under pressure how to write puns on the run — which is a pun about a nun movie that we do not recommend. Your questions are always welcome. Email us at info@turkeyrecap.com or fill out the anonymous Google form below. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question with this form In Turkey, is Bilal Erdogan preparing to replace his father? (Al-Monitor) What Turkey’s Election Observers Saw (The Atlantic) Ankara Mayor Yavaş says will consider presidential candidacy ‘if there is demand’ (Duvar) 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
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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
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Turkey Recap Medya Ajans Hizmet ve Tic. Ltd. Şti.
  • Show Website
    Recap radio

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