Turkey is confronting significant legal challenges from human rights organizations over its policy of deporting foreign Christians, many of whom are long-term residents, by labeling them as 'national security threats' using internal security codes. Over 350 individuals have been affected since 2020, prompting cases before the European Court of Human Rights.
Turkey's Parliament is set to empower the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) with the authority to instantly freeze bank and cryptocurrency accounts linked to suspicious transactions. This move, part of the 11th Judicial Reform Package, aims to combat money laundering, cyber-fraud, and illicit crypto activities, aligning with FATF recommendations.
Journalists in Turkey are at risk of criminalization for reporting on LGBTQ+ issues under the proposed '11th Judicial Package.' The draft legislation, expected to be submitted to Parliament, includes provisions that could lead to prison sentences of up to three years for those deemed to be promoting content 'contrary to biological sex and public morality,' drawing strong condemnation from international press and human rights organizations.
Eleven individuals, including former İstanbul Bilgi University Rector Remzi Sanver and Can Broadcast Holding Chairman Kenan Tekdağ, have been formally arrested in Turkey. The arrests are part of an expanding investigation into Can Holding, a major conglomerate, on charges related to organized crime, money laundering, and tax evasion, involving 88 billion Turkish lira in alleged suspicious financial activity.
MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli urged the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to reject recent election results and annex to Turkey. This call followed Tufan Erhürman's victory over Ankara-backed incumbent Ersin Tatar, sparking debate over the island's future and international law.
The Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), designated a terror organization by Israel, has launched extensive debris removal and humanitarian aid operations in northern Gaza. The initiative, supported by the Turkish government, aims to rehabilitate war-damaged areas and provide essential supplies to residents.
Turkey has extended its congratulations to Azerbaijan on the 34th anniversary of its Restoration of Independence Day, celebrated annually on October 18. Ankara reaffirmed the deep-rooted 'one nation, two states' principle, underscoring the strong historical and cultural bonds between the two Turkic nations.
The Turkish lira has extended its losses to a new record low against the US dollar, trading around 41.9 per dollar in October 2025. This continued depreciation follows the Central Bank of Turkey's decision to cut its benchmark interest rate to 40.5% in September, despite an accelerating annual inflation rate of 33.29%. The central bank maintains its presence in foreign exchange markets to manage the currency's decline.
UAE's Masdar and the Turkish government are in the final stages of a US$1 billion agreement to develop a 1.1 GW solar power plant with integrated energy storage in Nigde Province. The project, announced by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, is a significant step towards Turkey's 2053 net-zero goals.
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Turkey violated the rights of prominent Kurdish politician Aysel Tuğluk, citing unlawful detention and infringement of freedom of expression. The court found her 2016 pre-trial detention was politically motivated and ordered compensation.
Top diplomats from Turkey and Iraq have reached a tentative draft agreement on a water-sharing framework for the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The deal, aimed at addressing severe drought conditions, is expected to be signed soon in Baghdad and includes provisions for increased water releases and infrastructure rehabilitation.
Turkish environmental journalist and documentary filmmaker Hakan Tosun, 50, is in critical condition after being brutally assaulted in Istanbul. Found unconscious in Esenyurt, he suffered a brain hemorrhage. Family and colleagues suspect the attack is linked to his environmental reporting, with two suspects reportedly arrested.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called on Israel to honor its commitments under the recent Gaza ceasefire deal and emphasized the critical need for increased humanitarian aid to the region before the onset of winter. Speaking from Trabzon and during a visit to Sharm el-Sheikh, Erdoğan highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza and pledged Turkey's continued support for reconstruction and aid efforts.
Turkish authorities have successfully extradited international drug lord Abdullah Alp Üstün, known as 'Don Vito,' and his financier Hasan Lala from the United Arab Emirates on October 11, 2025. Both were wanted under Interpol notices for drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime offenses.
The 18th World Energy Congress & Exhibition (EIF 2025) successfully concluded in Istanbul, Turkey, from October 8th to 10th. The event at the Istanbul Expo Center brought together over 300 exhibitors and more than 25,500 delegates to discuss energy transformation, renewable technologies, and sustainable solutions.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met in Ankara on October 10, 2025, to discuss enhanced cooperation on energy, security, water management, and regional stability, including a draft water agreement and counter-terrorism efforts.
Turkey has announced plans to restore its military hospitals, including the prominent Gülhane Teaching and Research Hospital, nearly a decade after their closure following the 2016 coup attempt. The move aims to address a shortage of military medical capacity and improve support for deployed units.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that former US President Donald Trump asked Turkey to convince Hamas to accept his Gaza peace plan. Erdoğan stated Hamas showed readiness for negotiations, contrasting with Israel. Turkish officials are involved in ongoing indirect talks in Sharm El-Sheikh regarding the 20-point proposal.
Nissin Foods has officially launched a new US$38.1 million noodle production facility in Turkey's Sakarya province. The Japanese food giant acquired an existing factory from Oba Makarnacılık Sanayi ve Ticaret, marking a strategic re-entry into the Turkish market and aiming to expand its reach across Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Turkey is in discussions with the United States to jointly develop its significant rare earth reserves in Beylikova, Eskişehir. This move follows the stalling of previous negotiations with China and Russia, primarily due to disagreements over technology transfer and domestic refining rights. The Beylikova deposit is considered the world's second-largest, crucial for high-tech industries.
