Turkey
PKK Kurdish separatist leader Ocalan issues historic call to lay down arms, end 40-year bloody conflict with Turkey
Doubts all factions will heed message emerge. Peace could advance Ankara’s ambition to play main role in reconstruction of post-war Syria.
Lebanon's rail revival paves the way for economic growth and unity
Lebanon is seeking to revive its dormant railway network, aiming to reconnect with neighbouring Syria and Iraq while positioning itself as a potential link in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation
Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.
Borsa Istanbul extends short selling restriction to avoid collapse
Local investors, who dominate the highly manipulated market, have turned to deposits and money market funds. There are no IPOs in the pipeline.
Turkey’s Kazancı plans to invest €1bn in North Macedonia's energy sector
North Macedonia's Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski says Kazancı's investment will strengthen energy independence and tackle air pollution.
Turkey confirms it expects 1.3 bcm of Turkmen gas flows by end-2025
Country continues to push its ambition to become a gas re-export hub, but if sanctions on Russia are lifted amid a deal on Ukraine, that hope could fall apart.
Erdogan challenger Imamoglu hit with new probe day after he applies to run for Turkish presidency
Investigation shows “how much they fear” his candidacy says opposition leader.
Turkey seizes fast food chain Maydanoz Doner over prosecution aimed at Gulenists
Total of 1,371 companies seized over links to clan since military coup attempt of 2016.
‘Perp walk’ pictures of businessmen who attacked Erdogan draw mocking response from opposition
Finance minister advised to hold up photo and say, “This is how favourable the investment environment in Turkey is.”
ISTANBUL BLOG: Just your everyday evil
Erdogan’s men are going about seizing opposition city halls again. In itself, it’s nothing remarkable. But the anointing of rival Imamoglu as his challenger could be.
Erdogan fires back at business association that attacked his administration
Turkish president accuses Tusiad of meddling in politics, undermining government. Prosecutor expands probe.
Visibly tired and upset Zelenskiy holds Ukraine war press conference with Erdogan in Istanbul
Says Turkey should be among countries with seat at any peace talks table. Turkish president says that table should be in Ankara.
AIIB to extend $5bn in infrastructure loans to Turkey
Country is Beijing-based AIIB’s second largest market after India. Turkish finance minister launched charm offensive to attract funds from development banks.
Country wants to see an “honest fight”, contender to unseat Erdogan tells Turkey’s leader
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu says “Mr President” trying to sideline him from politics.
Business attacks Erdogan
Tusiad association, known in recent years for keeping its head down, launches into stinging state-of-the-nation criticisms of Turkey's government at AGM.
Trump Gaza plan backed by “murderer” Netanyahu “major threat to world peace”, says Erdogan
On visit to Pakistan, Turkish leader asserts: “The homeland for which the Palestinians have sacrificed tens of thousands of their children is not up for bargaining.”
Turkey, Germany strike arms deal to ramp up production of 155mm artillery shells
Move comes as US downgrades its role in Nato defence of Europe and concern grows over how Russia is racing ahead in weapons manufacturing.
Russian gas supplies to Europe via TurkStream hit new all-time high in January
Russian gas supplies to Europe via the TurkStream gas pipeline set a new record last week, according to data from the European Network of Gas Transmission System Operators.
Turkmenistan to ship gas to Turkey under long-awaited deal
Initial volumes via arrangement with Iran will be modest, but the potential for sizeable flows is there. A Turkish hub could eventually transship deliveries to Europe.
Russian holiday-makers return to Europe as demand for trips abroad surges
Russian tourists are increasingly booking trips to Europe, with a sharp rise in hotel reservations for Spain, France and Italy, according to leading online travel aggregators.