Latest News from Turkey

šŸ“…March 30, 2026 at 1:00 AM
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Turkey navigates economic shocks from gold sales, bank rate hikes, mega infrastructure projects, and diplomatic roles amid escalating Middle East war tensions.
1

Turkey Sells 58 Tons of Gold in 14 Days, Becoming World's Biggest Seller

The Central Bank of Turkey sold 58 tons of gold worth over $8 billion in just two weeks, as reported by The Kobeissi Letter on X.Source 1 This massive sale raises questions about reserve management amid global economic pressures.Source 1 Gold reserves data highlights the scale of the transaction.Source 1

2

Minister Uraloğlu Announces Three Mega Projects to Transform Türkiye's Economy

Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu outlined the Development Road, Middle Corridor, and new regional routes to boost logistics and trade.Source 2 These projects could add $55 billion to the economy over 10 years and create 70,000 jobs annually.Source 2 They position Türkiye at the center of global trade connecting to 67 countries.Source 2

3

Turkish Banks Set to Raise Loan Rates to 50% Amid War Tensions

Banks in Türkiye prepare to increase commercial loan rates by 5-6 points to around 50% as new credit limits open on March 30.Source 7 This responds to rising oil prices above $100/barrel and inflation from the US-Israel strikes on Iran.Source 7 The Central Bank raised policy rates to 41% to protect reserves and curb forex demand.Source 7

4

Turkey's Foreign Minister Arrives in Islamabad for Mideast War Talks

Turkey's FM is in Pakistan for meetings on March 29-30 with Deputy PM Ishaq Dar to discuss the Middle East conflict.Source 9 Pakistan hosts talks involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt on the war.Source 11 These diplomatic efforts address escalating regional tensions.Source 9Source 11

5

Iran War's Rippling Effects Felt at Turkey-Iran Border

NPR reports from the Turkey-Iran border on the Iran war's impacts, with US Marines arriving in the Middle East.Source 8 Developments are monitored amid heightened tensions.Source 10 The conflict, sparked by US-Israel strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, disrupts global markets.Source 8

6

Pakistan Hosts Saudi, Turkey, Egypt for Mideast War Discussions

Pakistan is hosting foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt for talks on the Mideast war on March 29.Source 11 The meetings aim to address the conflict's escalation.Source 11 Turkey plays a key diplomatic role leveraging regional ties.Source 11

7

Türkiye's Tourism Sector Strategies Amid Regional Instability and 2026 Projections

Türkiye's tourism industry navigates Middle East instability and economic pressures for 2026 forecasts.Source 13 Strategies include handling bank rate hikes and geopolitical risks.Source 13 The sector focuses on resilience despite global disruptions.Source 13

8

Central Bank Tightens Policy as Inflation Risks Mount from Geopolitical Tensions

Türkiye's Central Bank raised funding costs to 41% on March 2 and signaled further hikes if inflation worsens.Source 7 Measures counter war-driven oil price surges and forex pressures.Source 7 Banks adjust to protect reserves amid lira liquidity flows to dollars.Source 7

9

Development Road Project Secures Alignment with Iraq, Qatar, UAE

The Development Road, linking Gulf to Europe via Türkiye, gains political support from key nations.Source 2 Spanning 2,100 km with rail, highway, and energy lines from Iraq's Faw Port.Source 2 Financing is the final step before implementation.Source 2

10

Zangezur Corridor to Advance in 2026, Boosting Ties with Turkic World

The Zangezur Corridor will connect Türkiye with Azerbaijan via Nakhchivan, enhancing regional access.Source 2 Part of broader routes diversifying trade from maritime paths.Source 2 Expected progress strengthens Türkiye's geopolitical position.Source 2

11

Journalism Trials Calendar: Human Rights Defender Nimet Tanrıkulu's Case in Diyarbakır

A case against human rights defender Nimet Tanrıkulu for alleged organization membership is set for March 30 at Diyarbakır 8th Court.Source 5 This is part of ongoing freedom of expression trials.Source 5 Multiple journalism-related hearings scheduled this week.Source 5