Latest News from Turkey
Erdogan Postpones UAE Visit, Heads to Ethiopia on Feb 17
President Erdogan postponed his February 16 UAE trip and will visit Ethiopia on February 17 for talks with PM Abiy Ahmed on trade, defense, and infrastructure agreements. Discussions were set to cover Gaza peace deals originally planned for UAE. This reflects Turkey's stepped-up Africa diplomacy.
Erdogan Appoints New Justice and Interior Ministers
President Erdogan appointed Istanbul prosecutor Akin Gurlek as Justice Minister, replacing Yilmaz Tunc, via decree on February 11. Erzurum Governor Mustafa Ciftci replaced Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Gurlek signaled new social media identity verification laws on February 13.
Central Bank Raises 2025 Inflation Forecast to 15-21%
Turkey's Central Bank updated its 2025 year-end inflation forecast to 15-21% from 13-19%, announced by Governor Fatih Karahan on February 12. Targets for 2026 and 2027 remain at 16% and 9%. This adjustment accounts for recent economic pressures.
Police Detain 63 Over Gulen Links, Arrest 41 in Operations
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on February 9 that police detained 63 and arrested 41 for alleged Gulen movement ties across 29 provinces including Ankara and Istanbul. On February 13, 93 tax inspectors were detained in 11 provinces over similar allegations.
These follow post-2016 coup crackdowns.
Turkey Prepares to Repatriate ISIL Member Citizens from Iraq
Turkey is set to take back Turkish ISIL members transferred from Syria to Iraq, with identification ongoing per diplomatic sources. Returned nationals will face trial in Turkey. Exact numbers remain unconfirmed.
DEM Party Meets Erdogan on Peace Efforts, Ocalan’s Status
Erdogan met DEM Party's Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sancar on February 11, discussing regional developments and the 'Terrorism-free Turkey' initiative linked to Ocalan’s status. A joint report team on Kurdish issue held its sixth meeting.
Government Pushes Social Media Identity Verification Law
Justice Minister Gurlek announced on February 13 preparations for a bill requiring identity verification for social media users to end anonymity and combat disinformation. It bans under-15 accounts and adds minor restrictions; over 27,000 accounts blocked in early 2025.
Flour Industry Targets 3 Million Tons Exports in 2026
Turkey's flour sector aims for 3 million tons exports in 2026, over 25% of global market, after 2.34 million in 2025, per TUSAF Chair Mesut Çakmak. Growth in Syria from 18,000 to 55-65,000 tons monthly; wheat harvest projected over 20 million tons.
Journalism Trials Scheduled This Week Starting Feb 17
On Feb 17, hearings for writer Mehmet Şahin in Diyarbakır and journalists like Erdoğan Alayumat in Istanbul on organization charges. More cases on Feb 18-19 involve insults and recording violence.
Represented by MLSA amid freedom of expression concerns.
Majority Oppose Bridge and Highway Privatization
Over half of Turks oppose privatizing bridges and highways, believing past privatizations benefited few, per a survey. Public assets like these face resistance amid economic debates.
17 Arrested Over OnlyFans Income and Money Laundering
Seventeen people arrested in Turkey for earning from explicit OnlyFans content and laundering proceeds. Operations targeted alleged illegal online activities.
Seismic Event Reported Near Mersin on Feb 16
Unverified reports of ground shaking, possibly seismic, near Mersin on February 16, 2026. No further details on magnitude or impacts confirmed yet.