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: [email protected].

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

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: [email protected].

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

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: [email protected].

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

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: [email protected].

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

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: [email protected].

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

To kick off the new year, Özgür Ünlühisarcıklı, the US German Marshall Fund’s managing director of south and wider Europe as well as regional director for Turkey, joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Turkey’s foreign policy in 2026.

The talk starts with Turkey-Venezuela relations in the aftermath of the US capture of Venezuelan Pres. Nicolás Maduro, and then moves counterclockwise around the globe, covering Ankara’s interests in North Africa, the Middle East, Eurasia, Europe and the US.

Throughout, Turkish concerns and objectives are outlined in multiple conflicts, regions and nations, including Libya, the Israel-Gaza war, Somalia, Syria, Iraq, Iran, the Caucasus, the Ukraine-Russia war and more.

Referenced in this talk:

Turkey’s policy towards Libya: a year of major shifts (OSW)

Pro-Palestine march draws over half a million people to Istanbul’s Galata Bridge on New Year’s Day (AA)

One step forward, one step back – a year of the Turkish–Kurdish peace process (OSW)

The Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process and the Role of Turkey (SUITS)

US envoy hopes F-35 talks with Türkiye yield ‘breakthrough’ in coming months (AA)

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: [email protected].

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

Daria Isachenko, an associate at the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies in the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Ankara’s growing political and commercial ties with Central Asia.

The talk covers initial outreach efforts in the 1990s, in which Turkey was seen as a “door opener” for Europe to regional actors, such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Also discussed is Eurasian energy politics amid the Russia-Urkaine war, the purpose of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and the Middle Corridor, which relies on a planned transit connection through Armenia and Azerbaijan, known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, or the Zangezur corridor.

Also referenced in this talk:

Turkey’s Turns to Central Asia: Learning by Doing (CATS Network)

First EU-Central Asia summit, 4 April 2025 (Consilium)

EU signs deal with Azerbaijan to double gas imports by 2027 (Reuters)

Understanding Central Asia’s Position on Northern Cyprus: Between Principles, Pressures, and Pragmatism (Hague Research)

The Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process and the Role of Turkey (SUITS)

UN marks first World Turkic Language Family Day (UN News)

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: [email protected].

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

Karolina Wanda Olszowska, president and co-founder of the Institute for Turkey Studies, and Karol Wasilewski, head of the Turkey, Caucasus and Central Asia Department at the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW), joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to outline Russian disinformation strategies in Turkish media.

The talk comes as EU leaders meet to discuss the future of the Ukraine-Russia war and focuses on coordinated efforts to spread pro-Russian talking points in Turkey and beyond.

We discussed traditional and online media strategies intended to heighten anti-Western sentiments in Turkey, especially in Sputnik Türkiye. We also cover efforts to disseminate anti-Poland narratives in attempt to discredit Warsaw’s stance on the Ukraine war in Turkey and, again, beyond.

Also referenced in this talk:

EU starts crucial week with Zelenskyy talks and bid to save €210B loan (Politico)

Russian Disinformation in Turkey (Disinfoinmenat)

‘Unprecedented’ Violation and ‘Alleged’ Evidence: An Analysis of Narrative Lines in Türkiye Following the Drone Attack on Poland (Disinfoinmenat)

U.K. Spy Chief Warns of Acute Russia Threat: The ‘Frontline is Everywhere’ (NYT)

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: [email protected].

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

László Szerencsés, a postdoctoral researcher at the Stockholm University Institute for Turkish Studies (SUITS), joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to review the state of Turkey-Hungary ties.

The conversation comes after Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán met with Turkish Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul Monday, Dec. 8. We cover the basis of bilateral ties, from pragmatic energy connectivity to civilizational rhetoric on shared Turkic heritage.

Additionally, we discussed Turkey and Hungary’s role in both NATO and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), as well as future prospects for the bilateral cooperation as Hungary heads into 2026 elections.

Also referenced in this talk:

Turkey to guarantee flow of Russian gas to Hungary, Orban says (Reuters)

Viktor Orbán begins ‘anti-war roadshow’ as Hungary gears up for 2026 elections (Guardian)

The Turkish Energy Hub and the Hungary Connection: Challenging EU Gas Diversification Efforts (SUITS)

Hungary’s Opening Toward Turkey: from Economic Diversification to Political Partnership (IPC)

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: [email protected].

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

Can Selçuki, an economist and director of Research Istanbul, joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Turkey’s economic standing after more than two years of reforms under Finance Min. Mehmet Şimşek.

Selçuki also outlined Turkey’s trade relations with European and Asian nations, its competitive advantages against other middle-income nations and the challenges posed by its education system.

Other topics covered include inflation projections and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) review this month of Turkey’s oversight efforts to prevent money laundering and the funding of terrorist activities.

Also referenced in this talk:

Türkiye Raporu’s website

The World Bank’s Turkey overview

The latest Lahmacun Index (Susam Bülten)

Crime watchdog FATF to visit Turkey after ‘grey list’ exit, sources say (Reuters)

Strategic Connectivity in A Contested Era: A Next Generation UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement (EDAM)

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: [email protected].

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 create 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, Turkish language 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