Turkey Seizes $500 Million in Crypto and Assets from Alleged Illegal Betting Financier Şeref Yazıcı
Turkish prosecutors have ordered the seizure of the entire asset portfolio, including an estimated $500 million in cryptocurrency, belonging to Şeref Yazıcı. Yazıcı, identified as the owner of Darkex, is allegedly linked to illegal betting kingpin Veysel Şahin and is suspected of providing infrastructure for illicit gambling operations and money laundering. This action is part of a wider crackdown on illegal betting in Turkey.
Turkey Among Nations Gaining 30-Day Visa-Free Access to Azerbaijan in New Pilot Program
Azerbaijan is set to launch a one-year pilot program on February 2, 2026, granting citizens from Turkey and several other countries visa-free access for up to 30 days. This initiative aims to enhance tourism and business ties, positioning Azerbaijan as a key regional hub.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee: Turkey Unlikely to Acquire F-35s Amid Russian Hardware Concerns
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has stated that Turkey is unlikely to acquire F-35 strike fighters. He cited the necessity of Senate approval and Turkey's continued possession of Russian military hardware, specifically the S-400 air defense system, as significant impediments to any potential sale.
Turkey's STM Lays Keel for First Portuguese Navy Support Vessel, Marking Historic Export
Turkish shipbuilder STM has laid the keel for the first of two Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment and Logistics Support Ships for the Portuguese Navy at Ada Shipyard in Istanbul. This event, attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, signifies Turkey's inaugural military ship export to an EU and NATO member state. The vessel, named NRP Luís de Camões, is part of a €100 million contract.
Turkey Declares Indefinite Aegean Navtex Warnings Amidst Tensions with Greece
Turkey's Ministry of National Defense announced its Navtex warnings in the Aegean Sea, targeting Greek activities, are indefinite. Ankara asserts these notices are technical objections to 'illegal' Greek actions and require coordination for all research activities on the continental shelf, escalating long-standing maritime disputes.
Turkey and Uzbekistan Forge Deeper Mining Ties with Critical Minerals Agreement
Turkey and Uzbekistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost cooperation in the mining sector, with a particular focus on critical minerals and rare earth elements. The agreement, signed in Ankara, aims to enhance information sharing, research, and joint projects, marking a strategic step in their economic partnership.
Turkey Declares Indefinite Aegean Navtex Warnings Against Greek Activities
Turkey's Ministry of National Defense has announced that its Navtex warnings in the Aegean Sea, issued as technical objections to Greece's activities, are indefinite. Ankara demands coordination for all research activities in its claimed continental shelf and highlights concerns over military activities near demilitarized islands.
Multiple Tornadoes Wreak Havoc Across Antalya Province, Exacerbating Flooding
Antalya Province, Turkey, was struck by multiple powerful tornadoes and severe storms overnight on January 26, 2026. The extreme weather caused extensive damage to over 200 hectares of greenhouses, critical infrastructure, and exacerbated ongoing flooding across several districts, prompting significant emergency response efforts.
Antalya Province Struck by Devastating Tornado Outbreak and Flooding in January 2019
Multiple tornadoes, accompanied by heavy rainfall and large hail, struck Antalya Province, Turkey, between January 24-26, 2019. The severe weather caused extensive damage to over 200 hectares of greenhouses, critical infrastructure including Antalya Airport, and resulted in at least three fatalities and numerous injuries.
Multiple Tornadoes Devastate Antalya Province, Turkey, Damaging Greenhouses and Infrastructure
Antalya Province, Turkey, was struck by multiple tornadoes on January 26, 2026, causing extensive damage to approximately 202 hectares of greenhouses and critical infrastructure, further complicating conditions following recent flooding. No casualties have been reported.
Turkey Urges US to Adopt 'One-by-One' Approach in Iran Talks, Citing Tehran's Readiness for Nuclear Negotiations
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called on the United States to address its disputes with Iran incrementally, beginning with the nuclear issue, and warned against military action. Fidan stated that Tehran is prepared to resume nuclear talks, emphasizing that a piecemeal approach would be more conducive to progress than a comprehensive deal.
Erdogan Affirms 'No State Within a State' in Syria, Calls for Peaceful Resolution
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated on January 27, 2026, that Syria cannot harbor a 'state within a state' or separate armed forces, emphasizing a peaceful resolution through existing political agreements. His remarks follow recent Syrian government efforts to integrate Kurdish-led forces and a ceasefire agreement.
Turkish Troops Engage Al-Shabaab in First Direct Combat Near Somali Satellite Launch Facility
Turkish ground forces, alongside the Somali National Army, engaged Al-Shabaab fighters on January 26, 2026, in the Jabad-Godane area of Somalia. The three-hour battle occurred near a Turkish satellite launch facility under construction, marking the first direct combat involvement of Turkish troops against the militant group in Somalia.
Former Turkish PM Davutoğlu Details Turkey's Deliberate Evasion of Iran Sanctions
Former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu recently disclosed how Turkey intentionally circumvented US sanctions on Iran through alternative financial channels, asserting it was a conscious policy decision made at the highest levels of the state. He differentiated this policy from the subsequent corruption cases like Halkbank's.
Hamas Delegation Meets Turkish Intelligence Chief in Istanbul to Discuss Ceasefire Phase Two
A Hamas delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, met with Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization, in Istanbul on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Discussions focused on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and the reopening of the Rafah Border Crossing.
Turkey to Repatriate 76 Nigerian Artifacts, Bolstering Cultural Ties
Turkey has identified 76 wooden and metal artifacts believed to be of Nigerian origin and has initiated discussions for their repatriation. This move, announced by Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Poroy during a visit to Nigerian Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, aims to strengthen cultural cooperation and bilateral relations between the two nations.
Turkish Central Bank Cuts Benchmark Interest Rate to 37 Percent Amidst Easing Cycle
Turkey's central bank reduced its benchmark interest rate by 100 basis points to 37 percent on January 22, 2026, continuing a gradual easing cycle. The decision, which saw the one-week repo rate drop from 38 percent, was driven by an easing underlying inflation trend despite short-term price pressures.
Journalists Detained Across Turkey Amid Pro-Kurdish Protests, Sparking International Condemnation
Turkish authorities have detained multiple journalists in Şırnak, Istanbul, and Nusaybin while they were covering pro-Kurdish protests. The detentions, which included both local and international reporters, have prompted strong calls for their immediate release from press freedom organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists.
President Erdoğan Meets NBA Legend Shaquille O'Neal at Istanbul Basketball Event
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met former NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Turkcell Basketball Development Center in Istanbul. The two exchanged signed basketballs and played a friendly game, highlighting Turkey's focus on sports and youth development.
Turkey Detains Seven Suspects in Connection with Spain's Record Cocaine Seizure
Turkish authorities have detained seven individuals across six provinces in connection with Spain's historic maritime seizure of nearly 10 tons of cocaine. The arrests follow an investigation into the Turkish links of the international drug trafficking operation, which saw 13 crew members, including four Turkish nationals, apprehended on a vessel in the Atlantic.
