Recap radio

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 formIn 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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

Lahib Higel, interim deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa program at the International Crisis Group, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss the Iran war.Higel recently co-authored a report on Turkey-Iraq rapprochement titled “Strengthening Iraq-Türkiye Ties amid Regional Tensions.” In this podcast, she juxtaposes the main trend lines from the report against the ongoing regional conflict, highlighting areas to watch in the coming weeks and months.Also covered are discussions about the possible reopening of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to export Iraqi oil through Turkey—a move that would circumvent the Strait of Hormuz.Additionally, the pair take deep dives into Iran-Turkey power competition in Iraq, the prospects of a Kurdish ground incursion into Iran and how the war might impact the Turkey-PKK peace process.Referenced in this talk:Submit a question for our Q&A with this formA Sprawling Middle East War Explodes (Crisis Group)Rivals within: How Iran and Turkey compete inside Iraq’s fractured politics (Chatham House)Iraq plans pipeline revamp for direct Kirkuk oil exports to Turkey, minister says (Reuters)How would a Kurdish offensive change the war in Iran? (Atlantic Council)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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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

Today’s guest is Ezgi Başaran, a political scientist and author of the books Frontline Turkey: The Conflict at the Heart of the Middle East and The New Spirit of Islamism: Interactions Between the AKP, Ennahda and the Muslim Brotherhood. She is also the author of the weekly Substack called Angle, Anchor, and Voice.Together with Diego Cupolo, editor-in-chief at Turkey recap, Ezgi discussed US proposals to arm Kurdish militias against the Iranian regime and the potential implications for both Turkey and the PKK peace talks.Also covered are updates on the Syria transition government and its integration process with the Kurdish-led SDF.Referenced in this talk:Submit a question for our Q&A with this formVague and contradictory Trump says Iran war ‘won’, but not ‘won enough’ (Guardian)Israel backing Iranian Kurdish plans to seize Iran border areas, sources say (Reuters)Integration or conflict in northeastern Syria? Ten key points to consider (MEI)Syria’s Kurds caution Iran’s Kurds against aligning with US against Tehran (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: 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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

Two days after the US and Israel launched new airstrikes on Iran, Hürcan Aslı Aksoy, a senior fellow at the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, discussed what this means for Ankara with Diego Cupolo, editor-in-chief at Turkey recap.Aksoy is the author of a recent report on Israel-Turkey regional competition and, after laying out the implications of war in Iran for both nations, she detailed its potential impacts on Israel-Turkey power dynamics across the region.Covered in this podcast are the competing interests and escalation risks between Turkey and Israel in Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Horn of Africa and beyond.Referenced in this talk:US-Israeli strikes kill Khamenei and Iranian retaliation shakes Gulf (Reuters)Türkei–Israel: Riskante Eskalation in einer fragmentierten Regionalordnung (SWP)Israel’s actions affecting SDF–Damascus integration talks: FM Fidan (DS)New alignments and old rivalries are heating up the Eastern Mediterranean (WPR)Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland (AJ)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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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

Our guest today is Amy Austin Holmes, a professor at Texas A&M University's Bush School of Government and Public Service in Washington DC, and author of the book, “Statelet of Survivors: The Making of a Semi-Autonomous Region in Northeast Syria.”Together with Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo, she outlined developments before and after Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reached a ceasefire deal on Jan. 30 to integrate their forces.Also covered are the security concerns regarding Islamic State-affiliated detainees that escaped prison camps during and after the January offensive as well as the changing US military role in Syria and also women’s changing role in the Syria transition.Referenced in this talk:Syria, Kurdish-led SDF reach integration deal after weeks of clashes (AFP)Syria’s New Order: Centralization by External Consent (Arab Center)US Intelligence Says at Least 15,000 at Large After ISIS Detention Camp Collapses in Syria (WSJ)Disarmament Without Safeguards Is a Death Sentence for Syria’s Minorities (Defense Post)Introduction to Leahy Vetting Policy (US State Dept)Syria’s Minorities Need American Help — by Sam Brownback (WSJ)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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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

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: 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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: 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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: 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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: 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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: 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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: 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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: 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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: 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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: 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-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet 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 websiteThe World Bank’s Turkey overviewThe 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: 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 create balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Turkish language editorDemet 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

James Jeffrey, former US ambassador to Turkey, Iraq, Albania and former US special representative for Syria engagement, joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Syrian Pres. Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington on Monday, Nov. 10.Jeffrey reviewed US policy in Syria, including a potential US military presence in Damascus and how Washington views the integration of SDF forces with the central Syrian government.Other topics covered include international sanctions, post-war reconstruction efforts and US efforts to contain Iranian and Russian influence in Syria along with remnants of the Islamic State.Also referenced in this talk:Trump hosts Syria’s Sharaa at White House, US renews temporary waiver of tough sanctions (Reuters)US military to establish presence at Damascus airbase, sources say (Reuters)Syria to join US-led coalition to defeat IS group after Trump meeting (BBC)Ankara presented its views, positions on Syria at talks in US: Turkish foreign minister (AA)Sharaa Goes to Washington (Washington Institute)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 create balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Turkish language editorDemet 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

Sinem Adar, an associate at the Center for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS Network) in the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), joined Turkey recap’s Diego Cupolo to discuss the Turkey-PKK peace process.Adar outlined recent steps taken by Kurdish militants to disarm and withdraw from Turkey as members of the parliamentary peace commission consider a meeting with PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. Other topics covered include perceived divergences in the AKP-MHP alliance, the CHP’s stance as well as developments in Syria and Israel that could impact the peace talks in Turkey.Also referenced in this talk:Turkey’s Erdogan heralds “new phase” in PKK peace process (Reuters)Turkey may finally release Kurdish leader Demirtaş after nine years in prison (Bianet)SDF to join Syrian army as three distinct units: Commander (Rudaw)Can Turkey Make Multicultural Authoritarianism Work? (Foreign Policy)For more, follow Sinem Adar on X and BlueskyOther 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 create balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Turkish language editorDemet 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

Fiona Mullen, director of Sapienta Economics, joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo, to discuss the elections in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and what they mean for Cyprus, Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean.Mullen broke down the dynamics that led to a landslide victory for the new, pro-EU TRNC Pres. Tufan Erhürman over the Ankara-backed incumbent Ersin Tatar. She also weighed in on what this means for reunification talks, which Erhürman supports.Other topics covered include US-Republic of Cyprus (RoC) relations, as well as Israel-RoC relations, offshore gas in the eastern Mediterranean and the economic factors behind the election results.Also referenced in this talk:Turkish Cypriots elect moderate leader in crucial policy switch (Politico)Evidence based analysis of Turkish Cypriot elections (Charis Psaltis)Turkish Cypriots Go to the Polls. Will It Matter? (Foreign Policy)Israeli man’s sentence over illegal development in Cyprus’ breakaway north sends a stark warning (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 create balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Turkish language editorDemet 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

Joining Recap radio today is Soner Çağaptay, a senior fellow at The Washington Institute and author of many books on modern Turkey, including “A Sultan in Autumn: Erdogan Faces Turkey’s Uncontainable Forces” – available here.Çağaptay outlined the shift in US-Turkey ties under the Trump administration, which appears to be viewing Ankara as an increasingly valuable partner for achieving US policy goals in the region. Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo hosted the talk.Topics discussed include Turkey’s apparent hand in bringing Hamas to the negotiating table, Turkey’s potential role in post-war Gaza as well as what this could mean for the Syria transition and future defense sector procurements for Ankara.Also referenced in this talk:Turkish experts await Israeli go ahead to help recover bodies in Gaza (AFP)Turkish NGO begins cleanup, debris removal operations in Gaza (Yeni Şafak)The Ceasefire in Gaza: Views on Security, Palestinian Governance, and Regional Dynamics (Washington Institute)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 create balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Turkish language editorDemet 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

Prof. Dr. Seda Demiralp joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss the state of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) amid mounting corruption investigations – which many citizens view as politicized judicial pressure.Demiralp comments on the looming investigation into CHP Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, a potential presidential contender as the opposition frontrunner, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, remains in jail since March 2025.Also discussed is the leadership of CHP chair Özgür Özel, his pro-democracy rally in Brussels Sunday and what might be driving the ruling AKP-MHP bloc’s electoral strategy.Also referenced in this talk:Turkish Prosecutors Plan Misconduct Probe of Ankara Mayor (Bloomberg - Gift)CHP held its first overseas rally in Brussels: ‘We are taking note of those who remain silent about the coup in Turkey’ (BBC Türkçe)Undecided Voters, Anxious Choices: Between Mental Resilience and Fear of Being Tricked (Emotics Lab Research)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 create balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Turkish language editorDemet 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