Imrali whisper rattles the Terror-Free Turkey process as Ankara tightens both child screens and price rules
KDP-linked site Darka Mazi claims SDG commander Mazlum Abdi was secretly taken to İmralı in March to meet Öcalan, days after a similar 9 May claim about PKK leaders in June 2025; the Presidency, Justice Ministry and MİT have stayed silent, and the AK Parti base is asking whether Parliament should pass process laws before disarmament. Ankara is finalising rules barring under-15s from social media, and has fined 1,200+ businesses TL 390m ($8.6m) for excessive price hikes ahead of Eid. FM Hakan Fidan meets Germany's Johann Wadephul Monday in Berlin for the third Strategic Dialogue.
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KDP-linked site claims SDG commander Mazlum Abdi met Öcalan on Imrali; Ankara silent
A KDP-linked Iraqi Kurdistan website, Darka Mazi, has reported that Syrian Democratic Forces commander Mazlum Abdi and SDG external-relations head Ilham Ahmed were secretly taken to Imrali island prison in March through "a channel prepared by Turkey" to meet imprisoned PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan, three days after an earlier 9 May claim that PKK leaders Sabri Ok and Bese Hozat had been brought there in June 2025 before that year's symbolic weapon-burning ceremony in Sulaymaniyah. As of 17 May, neither the Presidency's Disinformation Centre, the Justice Ministry nor MİT — which is coordinating the "Terror-Free Turkey" process under chief İbrahim Kalın — has issued a formal denial. The unverified claims have opened debate inside the AK Parti base over whether Parliament should pass process legislation before the PKK disarms, with columnist Fatih Altaylı arguing such contacts are ordinary statecraft.
Turkey finalizes rules to restrict social media use for children under 15
Turkey is finalizing regulations that will ban children under 15 from opening social media accounts, with implementation guidelines and age verification systems being prepared. Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş said a working group has been established and the framework will soon be put into effect. The legislation, approved by Parliament in April 2026, also mandates separate safety measures for users aged 15 to 18.
Turkey fines businesses $8.6 million for excessive price hikes in 2026
Turkish authorities have imposed administrative fines totaling nearly TL 390 million ($8.6 million) on over 1,200 businesses so far in 2026 for excessive price increases, the Trade Ministry said on Sunday. Inspections have intensified ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday, with fines targeting sectors including basic food, bread, e-commerce, and fruit and vegetables. The ministry said the Unfair Price Evaluation Board imposed TL 389.4 million in fines on 1,258 businesses at four meetings this year.
Turkey, Germany hold third strategic dialogue meeting in Berlin
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will host Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday for the third meeting of the Türkiye-Germany Strategic Dialogue Mechanism. The talks will cover bilateral trade, Türkiye-EU relations, security, and regional conflicts including the U.S.-Iran war and Russia-Ukraine war. The mechanism, established in 2013, was revived in October 2025 after an 11-year hiatus.
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Every other event tracked in Turkey, with a one-line preview.
tr28Turkey and Malaysia deepen defense ties at DSA 2026 exhibition
At the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Turkey showcased 87 companies, with Aselsan as corporate sponsor and TAI's Hürjet mockup as centerpiece. Eight major agreements worth hundreds of millions of dollars were signed, highlighting growing defense cooperation. However, Turkish firms face competition from US, European, Korean, and Chinese companies, and the article argues for strategic procurement to reduce dependence on single sources.
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Turkey and Malaysia deepen defense ties at DSA 2026 exhibition
At the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Turkey showcased 87 companies, with Aselsan as corporate sponsor and TAI's Hürjet mockup as centerpiece. Eight major agreements worth hundreds of millions of dollars were signed, highlighting growing defense cooperation. However, Turkish firms face competition from US, European, Korean, and Chinese companies, and the article argues for strategic procurement to reduce dependence on single sources.
At the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Turkey showcased 87 companies, with Aselsan as corporate sponsor and TAI's Hürjet mockup as centerpiece. Eight major agreements worth hundreds of millions of dollars were signed, highlighting growing defense cooperation. However, Turkish firms face competition from US, European, Korean, and Chinese companies, and the article argues for strategic procurement to reduce dependence on single sources.
tr15Turkish AFAD joins Balkan rescue exercise in Greece, new regional federation formed
Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) teams participated in a three-day international disaster response symposium and search-and-rescue drills in Thessaloniki, Greece, from May 15-17, 2026, alongside volunteer rescue teams from Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Hungary, Kosovo, and Serbia. The event included presentations, field exercises, and public awareness activities using AFAD's earthquake simulation truck. The exercise aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and operational readiness. A new federation of Balkan rescue teams was established, with AFAD's expertise serving as the foundation for future training and certification. This exercise underscores growing regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and emergency response.
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Turkish AFAD joins Balkan rescue exercise in Greece, new regional federation formed
Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) teams participated in a three-day international disaster response symposium and search-and-rescue drills in Thessaloniki, Greece, from May 15-17, 2026, alongside volunteer rescue teams from Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Hungary, Kosovo, and Serbia. The event included presentations, field exercises, and public awareness activities using AFAD's earthquake simulation truck. The exercise aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and operational readiness. A new federation of Balkan rescue teams was established, with AFAD's expertise serving as the foundation for future training and certification. This exercise underscores growing regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and emergency response.
Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) teams participated in a three-day international disaster response symposium and search-and-rescue drills in Thessaloniki, Greece, from May 15-17, 2026, alongside volunteer rescue teams from Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Hungary, Kosovo, and Serbia. The event included presentations, field exercises, and public awareness activities using AFAD's earthquake simulation truck. The exercise aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and operational readiness. A new federation of Balkan rescue teams was established, with AFAD's expertise serving as the foundation for future training and certification. This exercise underscores growing regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and emergency response.
tr13Turkish mining sector rejects opposition deputy's criticism of industry practices
Turkish mining industry groups, including the Mining Platform and the Miners Association of Türkiye, publicly rejected recent statements by CHP deputy Gökhan Günaydın, who criticized mining royalties, alleged gold smuggling, and claimed widespread cyanide use. The sector defended its practices, stating it pays significant taxes and royalties, operates under strict oversight, and that cyanide use is standard globally, including in Europe. The dispute highlights ongoing political tensions over domestic resource extraction and economic policy in Turkey.
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Turkish mining sector rejects opposition deputy's criticism of industry practices
Turkish mining industry groups, including the Mining Platform and the Miners Association of Türkiye, publicly rejected recent statements by CHP deputy Gökhan Günaydın, who criticized mining royalties, alleged gold smuggling, and claimed widespread cyanide use. The sector defended its practices, stating it pays significant taxes and royalties, operates under strict oversight, and that cyanide use is standard globally, including in Europe. The dispute highlights ongoing political tensions over domestic resource extraction and economic policy in Turkey.
Turkish mining industry groups, including the Mining Platform and the Miners Association of Türkiye, publicly rejected recent statements by CHP deputy Gökhan Günaydın, who criticized mining royalties, alleged gold smuggling, and claimed widespread cyanide use. The sector defended its practices, stating it pays significant taxes and royalties, operates under strict oversight, and that cyanide use is standard globally, including in Europe. The dispute highlights ongoing political tensions over domestic resource extraction and economic policy in Turkey.