menu_open Columnists
Ezgi Akin

Ezgi Akin

Al Monitor

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Turkey’s defense chief says PKK ceasefire holds 'no significance'

Turkey’s defense chief says PKK ceasefire holds 'no significance'

The Turkish defense chief asserts that the Kurdistan Workers Party and all its offshoots must immediately dissolve, dismissing its unilateral...

07.03.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey lowers interest rates to 42.5% following dip in annual inflation

Turkey lowers interest rates to 42.5% following dip in annual inflation

The decision to further cut interest rates follows a decline in the country's year-on-year inflation to below 40%.

06.03.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Iran, Turkey summon diplomats as tensions soar over Syria, Kurds: What to know

Iran, Turkey summon diplomats as tensions soar over Syria, Kurds: What to know

Turkish and Iranian tensions have intensified after the top Turkish diplomat criticized Tehran's use of proxy forces in an interview with Al-Jazeera...

04.03.2025 7

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

After Saudi Arabia, Turkey to host US-Russia talks Thursday: What to know

After Saudi Arabia, Turkey to host US-Russia talks Thursday: What to know

Thursday’s US-Russia talks in Turkey come as Ankara seeks to assert its role as a facilitator in US-Russia and Russia-Ukraine negotiations.

26.02.2025 7

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Lavrov in Turkey, praises Trump as Ankara offers to host Russia-Ukraine talks

Lavrov in Turkey, praises Trump as Ankara offers to host Russia-Ukraine talks

As Ankara seeks a role in potential Ukraine-Russia peace talks, the top Russian diplomat paid a visit to Turkey less than a week after the Ukrainian...

24.02.2025 6

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

One Turkish soldier, 17 PKK militants killed in northern Iraq clashes

One Turkish soldier, 17 PKK militants killed in northern Iraq clashes

The killing of the Turkish soldier comes ahead of militant leader Abdullah Ocalan’s expected call to disarm the Kurdistan Workers Party.

21.02.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey slaps travel ban on 2 businessmen for criticizing dissident crackdown

Turkey slaps travel ban on 2 businessmen for criticizing dissident crackdown

Two business leaders from the country’s largest industrialist group were banned from traveling internationally after a speech by the Turkish...

20.02.2025 8

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Ukraine's Zelenskyy postpones visit to Saudi Arabia in apparent snub to US

Ukraine's Zelenskyy postpones visit to Saudi Arabia in apparent snub to US

The move comes as direct talks between the United States and Russia are ongoing in Riyadh that the Ukrainian president described as a surprise to his...

18.02.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey, Jordan, Iraq to hold first anti-ISIS summit this month: Turkish official

Top diplomats as well as Turkish, Jordanian, Syrian and Iraqi defense and intelligence chiefs aim to hold a first security summit this month as part...

10.02.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey, Syria draft road map to strengthen Syrian military: What we know

Ankara and Damascus are working on a plan for defense cooperation, according to a Turkish official, who added that Turkey's priority in Syria is the...

06.02.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Ocalan 'highly likely' to call for PKK disarmament: Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party

A much anticipated statement by jailed Kurdish militant Abdullah Ocalan will very likely include a call for the Kurdistan Workers Party to disarm,...

04.02.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Erdogan to host Syria’s Sharaa on first Turkey visit, discuss security ties

The meeting between the Turkish president and Syria's new leader will focus on Syria's post-conflict reconstruction, economic recovery and security...

03.02.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Salwan Momika, the Koran burner who sparked international tensions

Iraqi refugee Salwan Momika, who was shot dead late Wednesday in Sweden, stoked international controversy with his Koran burnings.In June 2023, the ...

30.01.2025 7

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey awaits price offer for Eurofighters, says defense official

Ankara expects a price offer for the Eurofighter jets as it seeks to modernize its air fleet.

30.01.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey arrests journalist as clampdown on dissent tightens

The arrest of journalist Suat Toktas comes amid increasing pressure on dissidents from various backgrounds over the past weeks.

30.01.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey arrests prominent talent agent over 2013 Gezi protests

Ayse Barim’s arrest reflects a broader campaign to silence dissent, government critics say.

28.01.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Lebanon says Israeli fire kills two as residents try to go home

Lebanon's heath ministry said Israeli fire killed two people Monday and wounded 17 others in the south, in a second day of violence as residents tried...

27.01.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Two Iranian dissidents at 'imminent risk' of execution: activists

Two Iranian men convicted of membership of the People's Mujahedin opposition group, outlawed by the Islamic republic, are at imminent risk of...

27.01.2025 7

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

As Turkey's Fidan visits Saudi Arabia, defense ties and Syria to top agenda

The visit by Turkey's top diplomat aimed to strengthen regional cooperation on Syria and enhance defense ties between Ankara and Riyadh.

27.01.2025 20

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

PKK leader airs cautious optimism after talks with Turkey's pro-Kurdish party

The Kurdish militant leader expressed hope for a peaceful solution to the country’s 40-year armed conflict after four-hour talks with the...

23.01.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Rubio and Fidan hold first call as Turkey's role expands in Syria

The congratulatory call comes as Ankara ramps up threats against the Syrian Democratic Forces.

23.01.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey: Death toll from ski resort blaze rises to 79

As officials continue to play the blame game, the number of people detained as part of the investigation into the disaster has increased to 11.

22.01.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Hamas says will free four women hostages in next swap

Hamas said Tuesday it will release four women hostages in the next swap with Israel under the terms of a fragile truce intended to bring to an end to...

21.01.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Fire at Turkey ski resort kills at least 66, wounds dozens

Blaze strikes popular ski resort hotel, leaving at least 66 dead and dozens injured.

21.01.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s Erdogan to discuss Russian gas supplies to Slovakia with Putin

The move comes after Ukraine shut down a pipeline that had long transited Russian gas to Central Europe.

20.01.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Israel strikes Gaza and accuses Hamas of backtracking on deal

Israel carried out fresh air strikes on Gaza on Thursday and accused Hamas of backtracking on parts of a fragile ceasefire and hostage release deal...

16.01.2025 7

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkish Airlines to resume Damascus flights next week: What we know

As Turkey restarts flights to Damascus with some restrictions, its consulate in Aleppo is set to resume operations next week.

16.01.2025 6

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey urges Syria's new leaders to take action against SDF

Turkey’s top diplomat called for strengthened counterterrorism cooperation following a landmark meeting with his Syrian counterpart.

16.01.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s ruling party hits out at Israel’s support for Kurdish-led SDF

Ankara breaks its silence as Erdogan’s ruling party delivers the first official response to Israel’s support for the Kurdish-led SDF.

14.01.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s Erdogan targets LGBTQ+ community in push for 'Year of the Family' initiatives

The Turkish president took swipe at the LGBTQ community and at social media as he announced new measures to encourage child birth.

13.01.2025 6

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

As Turkey eases ban, Syrian refugees can now visit before deciding to return

Turkey is allowing one adult per Syrian family to return after visiting their homeland, but experts warn that easing restrictions may not lead to...

10.01.2025 6

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

As Trump praises Erdogan, Turkey says ready to take control of ISIS prisons in Syria

ANKARA — Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey was ready to take control of the camps that host detainees of the Islamic State members...

08.01.2025 6

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Buoyed by drones, NATO deals, Turkey defense exports hit record $7.1B

ANKARA — Turkey’s defense industry exports surpassed $7.1 billion last year, the head of Turkey's Defense Industry Agency (SSB) announced Friday,...

03.01.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Buoyed by drones, NATO deals, Turkey defense exports hit record $7.1 B

ANKARA — Turkey’s defense industry exports surpassed $7.1 billion last year, the head of Turkey's Defense Industry Agency (SSB) announced Friday,...

03.01.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey allows pro-Kurdish DEM party to meet with jailed PKK leader Ocalan

The permission comes as part of the government’s tentative Kurdish opening.

27.12.2024 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s Central Bank lowers interest rates for the first time in nearly 2 years

ANKARA — Turkey’s Central Bank on Thursday lowered its interest rates by 250 basis points, from 50% to 47.5%, easing the monetary tightening...

26.12.2024 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkish ammunition plant explosion kills 11, injures 7

ANKARA — An explosion at an ammunition plant in northwest Turkey on Tuesday killed 11 people and wounded seven others, Turkish Interior Minister...

24.12.2024 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s Erdogan says end near for PKK, Syrian offshoots

The Turkish president's remarks come amid growing speculation of an imminent Turkish-backed rebel offensive against the Kurdish-led Syrian...

23.12.2024 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey's Erdogan offers help in Syria state structure ahead of Fidan visit

The Turkish president said his top diplomat will soon travel to Damascus to support Syria's interim government in its fight against groups that...

20.12.2024 7

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s Erdogan in Egypt, holds first meeting with Sisi after Assad's fall

ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met on Thursday to discuss Syria, Gaza and bilateral...

19.12.2024 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Qatar emir in Turkey on surprise visit as efforts for Syria ceasefire intensify

ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday to discuss Syria's reconstruction...

17.12.2024 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s intel chief in Damascus, set to meet Syria's transition, HTS leaders

ANKARA — Ibrahim Kalin, director of Turkey’s National Intelligence Directorate, traveled to Damascus on Thursday just hours before US Secretary of...

12.12.2024 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey says Ethiopia, Somalia reach deal to end Somaliland dispute

The Turkish-mediated progress came as the three countries' leaders met in Ankara.

12.12.2024 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey to reopen crossing for returning Syrians as Erdogan hails rebel victory

The Turkish president pledges support for reconstruction as the victory by opposition groups bolster efforts to re

09.12.2024 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

As Turkey weighs next steps in Syria, Erdogan says target is Damascus

Rapid rebel advances in Syria have shifted negotiations between Turkey, Iran and Russia to whether the Syrian government will survive.

06.12.2024 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s Erdogan ups rhetoric, says Assad must ‘urgently engage' with rebels

Erdogan is urging the Syrian government to urgently launch a dialogue with rebels in a bid to end the civil war after insurgents captured Hama.

05.12.2024 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s Erdogan urges Assad to engage rebels as Fidan readies for talks with Iran, Russia

Turkey's president held calls on Syria with his Russian counterpart and Iraq's prime minister, while the top Turkish diplomat is expected to meet...

03.12.2024 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Iran’s FM meets Fidan in Turkey as rift over Syria persists: What we know

While the top Iranian and Turkish diplomats agree on the need for de-escalation in Syria, the two countries' positions remain divergent.

02.12.2024 6

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey deems 'unacceptable' any Greek Cyprus NATO membership attempt

The Turkish statement came as the president of Cyprus suggested that his country could eventually become a NATO member.

28.11.2024 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Erdogan: Turkey ready to contribute to 'permanent ceasefire' in Gaza

The Turkish president’s remarks came after the US president announced new ceasefire efforts in Gaza.

27.11.2024 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin