Recap radio

Turkey is hosting the COP31 UN Climate Change Conference in Antalya from Nov. 9 to 20. To get a sense of where global and local climate policies stand, Turkey recap Editor-in-Chief Diego Cupolo interviewed Dawid Bartelt, director of the Heinrich Böll Stiftung's Turkey office.This podcast breaks down what to expect and why Ankara is focusing on moving climate talks from negotiation to implementation. Bartelt outlines the current challenges posed by climate finance, geopolitical crises and funding shortfalls before getting into Turkey and Australia’s historic co-presidency of the conference.Also covered are Turkey’s emission targets, coal dependency and electrification agenda as well as the alternative Peoples’ Climate Summit, civil society action plans, protests and how state authorities might respond.Show notes* COP31 Official Website (cop31.tr)* The Peoples’ Climate Summit (Halkların Iklim Zirvesi)* COP31 Antalya: Facts, Debates and What to Expect on the Ground (HBS)* Plastic Turkey: Mapping pollution from production to plate (HBS)* COP31 in Turkey: What to Expect at the 2026 UN Climate Summit (CFR) 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

Welcome to the Tr Reader, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe.In this episode, we look at the ongoing fallout from the investment fund scandal, focusing on the jailing of former minister Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya, how different papers covered the political accountability, and polling data showing a dip in AKP support.We also cover Turkish press reactions to the US midterm elections and a Democratic congressional victory, exploring Athens’ strategic optimism and opposition commentary advising the Yeni Party to study US-style grassroots campaigning.Finally, we look at diplomatic efforts to mend relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan following a rift over school headscarf bans in Baku, ahead of President Erdoğan’s upcoming visit to patch things up.For more, visit turkeyrecap.com.This post has bonus content for paid subscribers. Upgrade to get full access.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. Get in touch at [email protected] 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.✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics.Diego … 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

Welcome to the Tr Reader, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe.This episode examines local newspapers from Diyarbakır. We look at regional coverage of the ongoing peace process between the state and the PKK, highlighting calls from the DEM Party for concrete government steps alongside the official “Terror-Free Turkey” stance and critiques from pro-Kurdish outlets regarding stalled legal and institutional reforms.We also cover local reporting on the severe cost of living crisis, exploring neighborhood market realities, rising prices driven by middlemen and transport costs, and public anxieties around inflation and economic hardship.Finally, we look at official data highlighted by the press regarding severe prison overcrowding in Turkey, detailing how detainee and convict numbers vastly exceed official facility capacities.For more, visit turkeyrecap.com.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. Get in touch at [email protected] 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.✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics.Diego Cupolo, Co-founder, editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Managing editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentWouter Massink, Investigative reporterDaniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-largeGözde Ocak, 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

Welcome to the Tr Reader, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe.In this episode, we examine how Turkish newspapers covered the escalating Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and the implications for the newly signed Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, noting how pro-government outlets are omitting Turkey’s potential role while Islamist and opposition papers debate military aid and regional alignments.We also cover the PKK’s phased withdrawal from camps in Northern Iraq and the reported pullback of its covert operatives from major cities like Istanbul under the “Terror-Free Turkey” initiative.For more, visit turkeyrecap.com.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. Get in touch at [email protected] 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.✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics.Diego Cupolo, Co-founder, editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Managing editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentWouter Massink, Investigative reporterDaniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-largeGözde Ocak, 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

Welcome to the Tr Reader, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe.In this episode, we examine the massive investment fund scandal affecting over 450,000 people, tracing how pro-government papers covered President Erdoğan’s initial anger before pivoting to his parliamentary opening speech, where he warned the opposition against exploiting the crisis and signaled plans for a new constitution.We also cover the protest by the opposition Yeni Party, whose MPs staged a walkout during the parliamentary address in response to the jailing of their candidate and what they described as a political coup.Finally, we look at the culture pages and the legal troubles of pop star Mabel Matiz, who faces up to three years in prison on “obscenity” charges over the dancing in his latest music video.For more, visit turkeyrecap.com.This post has bonus content for paid subscribers. Upgrade to get full access.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. Get in touch at [email protected] 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.✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics.Diego Cupolo, Co-founder, editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Managing editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentWouter Massink, Investigative reporterDaniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-largeGözde Ocak, 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

Welcome to the Tr Reader, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe.In this episode, we examine President Erdoğan’s trip to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on how pro-government papers highlighted his speeches on Gaza and UN reform, while critics targeted his interactions with Donald Trump and a major Boeing aircraft deal.We also cover jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu’s sharp critique of foreign policy and the high-profile resignation of Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş from the CHP alongside eight district mayors.Finally, we look at how the Kemalist opposition daily Nefes illustrated the cost of living crisis by charting the staggering rise in the price of basic staples like dried beans and red meat.For more, visit turkeyrecap.com.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. Get in touch at [email protected] 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.✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics.Diego Cupolo, Co-founder, editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Managing editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentWouter Massink, Investigative reporterDaniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-largeGözde Ocak, 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

Welcome to the Tr Reader, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe.In the second episode, we explore how different outlets covered the CHP losing the Üsküdar municipality in Istanbul back to the AKP after the arrest of Mayor Sinem Dedetaş, paired with warnings that the same tactics might soon threaten the greater Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.We also look to a bitter public feud between former CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu.Meanwhile, the Islamist-conservative daily Yeni Şafak broke rank to launch a sharp attack on high interest rates and the toll they are taking on businesses.For more, visit turkeyrecap.com.Article linksThis post has bonus content for paid subscribers. Upgrade to get full access.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. Get in touch at [email protected] 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.✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics.Diego Cupolo, Co-founder, editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Managing editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentWouter Massink, Investigative reporterDaniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-largeGözde Ocak, 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

Welcome to the Turkey recap reader podcast, your regular review of what the Turkish press is saying about major events by Daniel Thorpe.Coming to you from Istanbul, Thorpe provides a cross-partisan round-up of the leading narratives presented by a variety Turkish newspapers.In this inaugural episode, we examine how pro-government media framed Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s participation this week in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.Special focus was given to his meetings with Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin and Belarusian Pres. Alexander Lukashenko. In contrast, opposition media gave prominence to a new corruption investigation into former AKP Ankara Mayor Melih Gökçek.Discount: Click here and save 25 percent on annual subscriptions. The offer is valid until Sept. 8, 2026, so act now to lock in those savings and get full access to Turkey recap.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. Get in touch at [email protected] 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.✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics.Diego Cupolo, Co-founder, editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Managing editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentWouter Massink, Investigative reporterDaniel Thorpe, Reporter-at-largeGözde Ocak, 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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.turkeyrecap.comAfter years of judicial pressure on political opponents and civil society leaders, the Turkish government is now targeting religious conservatives.The Süleymancılar community, or cemaat in Turkish, has seen multiple waves of arrests and new investigations since mid-August on a variety of charges centered on allegedly criminal finances.To dig deeper into recent developments and what they mean for Turkish Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s policies towards religious communities, Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo spoke to Salim Çevik, a visiting fellow at the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.This podcast covers the origin of Turkish state policies towards religious communities, how this changed under Erdoğan and the widening crackdown by Justice and Development Party (AKP). We conclude with what all this means for the next election cycle.Discount: Click here and save 25 percent on annual subscriptions. The offer is valid until Sept. 8, 2026, so act now to lock in those savings and get full access to Turkey recap: https://www.turkeyrecap.com/publish/offers/back_to_work

Ankara’s NATO summit is over and Turkey is expected to sell its Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems today, according to a pro-government columnist at the Hürriyet newspaper.The move could pave the way for the US congress to lift sanctions on Turkey and eventually facilitate the nation’s return to the F-35 fighter jet program, from which it was removed due to its 2019 acquisition of the S-400s.Political scientist Soli Özel joined Recap radio to outline the significance of a potential S-400 sale, what that means for Turkey’s F-35 prospects and how this could impact the regional power balance with Greece and Israel.Also discussed are the main takeaways from this week’s NATO summit, what the Turkish government sought to achieve by hosting the event and how all this serves Turkey’s long-standing drive for “strategic autonomy.” Note: This podcast was recorded at 10:30 am Turkey time on Friday, July 10.Referenced in this talk:S400’ler üçüncü ülkeye gidiyor, satış bugün netleşecek (Hürriyet)Netanyahu warns US could ‘destroy’ Mideast power balance as Trump floats F-35 jet sale to Turkey (France24)The Ankara Corral (Turkey recap)Quest for Autonomy: History, Geopolitics and Ideology in Turkish Foreign Policy (Institut Montaigne)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. Get in touch at [email protected] 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.✅ Typos verify our humanity. All Turkey recap news output is created and fact-checked by people. Find our AI policy in our Code of Ethics.Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentHilmi Hacaloğlu, Political correspondentGözde Ocak, 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