Latest News from Turkey
Central bank sells billions of dollars to calm FX volatility
Turkey’s central bank sold an estimated $7 billion in foreign exchange to reduce market volatility, with Reuters-based calculations citing banking sources. The intervention followed market turbulence linked to the Iran war risk and court rulings affecting the CHP leadership, and net reserves reportedly fell by about $5 billion in a week to roughly $47 billion.
Court ruling intensifies opposition crisis around CHP leadership
A court decision annulled the CHP’s 2023 congress, effectively removing leader Özgür Özel and deepening uncertainty inside Turkey’s main opposition party. The ruling triggered political and market reactions, including additional foreign-exchange demand and speculation about how CHP deputies aligned with the reinstated leadership may respond.
Turkey’s banking system faces rising bad-loan pressure
Unpaid loans handled by Turkey’s debt collection companies rose 68% over the past year to 132 billion lira, according to the weekly bulletin. The increase reflects more nonperforming loans being shifted from bank balance sheets to asset management companies that buy debt portfolios at a discount and pursue collections.
Turkey’s prisons reported as severely overcrowded
Council of Europe penal statistics for 2025 show Turkey’s prison system is severely overcrowded, with the imprisonment rate rising sharply between January 2024 and January 2025. The bulletin highlights the overcrowding as a significant justice-system and human-rights issue.
Black Sea tanker attacks near Turkey raise maritime security concerns
Three tankers were reportedly attacked by Ukrainian sea drones in the Black Sea near Turkey’s northern coast on May 28, though all crew members were reported safe. The incident underscores heightened maritime risk in waters close to Turkey.
Iraq seeks new Turkey oil transit deal before current agreement expires
Iraq is working on a new oil transit agreement with Turkey before the existing arrangement expires, according to the weekly bulletin. The talks matter because the route is strategically important for regional energy trade and Turkey’s role as a transit hub.
US lawmakers prepare hearing on political repression in Turkey
A US congressional hearing chaired by Rep. Chris Smith is scheduled to examine political persecution, election manipulation, censorship, and prospects for democratic governance in Turkey. The hearing reflects continued international scrutiny of Turkey’s political and judicial environment.
Turkey national team featured in June international friendlies
Turkey is among the national teams listed in June 1 international football friendlies, including a match against North Macedonia. The fixture keeps Turkey in the sporting headlines even as major political and economic developments dominate the news agenda.
Ankara-related news flow remains active amid national unrest
Real-time headline aggregators show continued strong coverage of Ankara and Turkey-related developments, reflecting sustained domestic and international attention. While this source does not give full article-level detail, it indicates that Ankara remains a focal point for breaking news.
Turkey faces heightened war-readiness debate in intelligence reporting
A government-linked intelligence report reportedly argues for war readiness while keeping channels open with Israel amid regional conflict dynamics involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The report suggests Turkish policymakers are balancing deterrence, diplomacy, and preparedness.