Turkey's EFES exercise closes for 50 nations as Ankara rolls out parallel counter-terror and diplomatic wins
Turkey's largest combined joint exercise, EFES 2026, concludes on May 21 in Seferihisar with 10,388 personnel from 50 nations, first Bayraktar TB3 sorties from light carrier TCG Anadolu, a live demonstration of Aselsan's Steel Dome air defence, and an STM KARGU swarm of 20 units flown by one operator. Police arrested 110 suspected Daesh members in nationwide raids, days after a similar operation netted 324 suspects across 47 provinces. The Foreign Ministry condemned Greek May 19 commemorations of so-called "Pontus" claims as politically motivated, and Ankara secured a first-ever standalone health agenda for the COP31 climate summit it will host in November.
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Turkey's EFES 2026 closes with 50 nations and first Bayraktar TB3 carrier launches from TCG Anadolu
Turkey's largest combined joint exercise, EFES 2026, concludes on May 21 with 10,388 personnel from 50 nations, including a first-time Syrian deployment since the Baathist regime fell and the first joint participation of rival Libyan east and west forces. Highlights included Baykar Bayraktar TB3 UCAV sorties from light carrier TCG Anadolu, a live demonstration of Aselsan's Steel Dome layered air defence, and an STM KARGU swarm of 20 units run by a single operator. A parallel exhibition is showcasing TAI's Kaan fighter, Hürjet trainer and Anka-3 stealth UCAV.
Turkey Condemns Greek Pontus Commemorations as Baseless Historical Claims
Turkey's Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned Greek events marking May 19 as so-called "Pontus" allegations, calling them groundless and politically motivated. Ankara accused Athens of covering up atrocities committed during the Greek occupation of western Anatolia after 1919. The statement coincided with the anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's arrival in Samsun, which began Turkey's War of Independence.
Turkey arrests 110 suspected Daesh members in nationwide raids
Turkish police on Tuesday arrested 110 suspected members of the Daesh terrorist group in operations across Istanbul, Bursa, and another city. The suspects are accused of running recruitment classes, training minors, collecting funds for imprisoned Daesh convicts, and promoting the group through propaganda and banned publications. The raids follow a similar operation last week that netted 324 suspects across 47 provinces.
Türkiye secures first-ever health agenda at COP31
Türkiye has placed health on the official agenda of the UN Climate Change Conference COP31 for the first time, Health Ministry Director General for EU and Foreign Relations Aziz Alper Biten announced Monday at the WHO World Health Assembly in Geneva. The achievement, under Türkiye's presidency and hosting role, follows what Biten described as "determined and persistent efforts." The summit, themed "Dynamic and Resilient Health Systems," is set for November in Türkiye.
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Every other event tracked in Turkey, with a one-line preview.
tr33Turkey to implement social media regulation for children under 15 within six months
Turkey's Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş announced on May 19, 2026, that a new regulation to restrict social media use for children under 15, modeled on Australia's approach, will be in force within six months. The legislation, approved by Parliament in April 2026, aims to create safer digital spaces for minors. The law will include age verification via the e-Government portal and assign responsibilities to social network providers, coordinated with the Cybersecurity Directorate and BTK. Authorities are also developing separate measures for users aged 15-18.
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Turkey to implement social media regulation for children under 15 within six months
Turkey's Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş announced on May 19, 2026, that a new regulation to restrict social media use for children under 15, modeled on Australia's approach, will be in force within six months. The legislation, approved by Parliament in April 2026, aims to create safer digital spaces for minors. The law will include age verification via the e-Government portal and assign responsibilities to social network providers, coordinated with the Cybersecurity Directorate and BTK. Authorities are also developing separate measures for users aged 15-18.
Turkey's Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş announced on May 19, 2026, that a new regulation to restrict social media use for children under 15, modeled on Australia's approach, will be in force within six months. The legislation, approved by Parliament in April 2026, aims to create safer digital spaces for minors. The law will include age verification via the e-Government portal and assign responsibilities to social network providers, coordinated with the Cybersecurity Directorate and BTK. Authorities are also developing separate measures for users aged 15-18.
tr30Turkey detains five in bribery probe targeting Istanbul's Besiktas municipality
Turkish authorities detained five suspects, including former Beşiktaş Deputy Mayor Cevdet Çalı and current CHP municipal council member İlker Uluer, on bribery and money laundering charges in an investigation targeting Istanbul's Beşiktaş Municipality. Searches at their homes and offices yielded $90,000, €5,000, and digital evidence. The probe is part of a broader wave of corruption investigations across CHP-run municipalities in Turkey. The investigation is ongoing.
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Turkey detains five in bribery probe targeting Istanbul's Besiktas municipality
Turkish authorities detained five suspects, including former Beşiktaş Deputy Mayor Cevdet Çalı and current CHP municipal council member İlker Uluer, on bribery and money laundering charges in an investigation targeting Istanbul's Beşiktaş Municipality. Searches at their homes and offices yielded $90,000, €5,000, and digital evidence. The probe is part of a broader wave of corruption investigations across CHP-run municipalities in Turkey. The investigation is ongoing.
Turkish authorities detained five suspects, including former Beşiktaş Deputy Mayor Cevdet Çalı and current CHP municipal council member İlker Uluer, on bribery and money laundering charges in an investigation targeting Istanbul's Beşiktaş Municipality. Searches at their homes and offices yielded $90,000, €5,000, and digital evidence. The probe is part of a broader wave of corruption investigations across CHP-run municipalities in Turkey. The investigation is ongoing.
tr28Turkey blocks 1,352 more social media accounts linked to FETÖ
Turkey's Directorate of Communications has blocked 1,352 additional social media accounts linked to the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), increasing the total to 1,731. The move, announced by Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, is part of a broader digital monitoring and counter-propaganda effort coordinated with the Justice and Interior Ministries. It underscores Turkey's ongoing crackdown on online dissent and terrorism-related content. Additionally, 361 accounts were restricted for praising terrorism and conducting psychological operations.
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Turkey blocks 1,352 more social media accounts linked to FETÖ
Turkey's Directorate of Communications has blocked 1,352 additional social media accounts linked to the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), increasing the total to 1,731. The move, announced by Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, is part of a broader digital monitoring and counter-propaganda effort coordinated with the Justice and Interior Ministries. It underscores Turkey's ongoing crackdown on online dissent and terrorism-related content. Additionally, 361 accounts were restricted for praising terrorism and conducting psychological operations.
Turkey's Directorate of Communications has blocked 1,352 additional social media accounts linked to the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), increasing the total to 1,731. The move, announced by Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, is part of a broader digital monitoring and counter-propaganda effort coordinated with the Justice and Interior Ministries. It underscores Turkey's ongoing crackdown on online dissent and terrorism-related content. Additionally, 361 accounts were restricted for praising terrorism and conducting psychological operations.
tr23Turkish parliamentary delegation visits Japan to boost defense and trade ties
A Turkish parliamentary delegation led by Fuat Oktay visited Japan to enhance bilateral cooperation in defense, technology, trade, and reconstruction projects. The talks aimed to increase trade volume from $7 billion to $10-15 billion, attract more Japanese investment, and explore joint projects in Syria and Ukraine. Defense industry collaboration, motor technologies, and tourism were also discussed, reflecting a strategic push to deepen ties amid regional instability.
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Turkish parliamentary delegation visits Japan to boost defense and trade ties
A Turkish parliamentary delegation led by Fuat Oktay visited Japan to enhance bilateral cooperation in defense, technology, trade, and reconstruction projects. The talks aimed to increase trade volume from $7 billion to $10-15 billion, attract more Japanese investment, and explore joint projects in Syria and Ukraine. Defense industry collaboration, motor technologies, and tourism were also discussed, reflecting a strategic push to deepen ties amid regional instability.
A Turkish parliamentary delegation led by Fuat Oktay visited Japan to enhance bilateral cooperation in defense, technology, trade, and reconstruction projects. The talks aimed to increase trade volume from $7 billion to $10-15 billion, attract more Japanese investment, and explore joint projects in Syria and Ukraine. Defense industry collaboration, motor technologies, and tourism were also discussed, reflecting a strategic push to deepen ties amid regional instability.
tr20Turkey reduces withholding tax on nuclear plant construction to 1%
Turkey has lowered the withholding tax rate on progress payments for nuclear power plant construction and repair works to 1%, aligning it with preferential rates for strategic transport projects. The policy aims to reduce financing costs and accelerate nuclear energy investments, including the Akkuyu plant built by Rosatom. Turkey plans to expand nuclear capacity to 7.2 GW by 2035 and 20 GW by 2050.
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Turkey reduces withholding tax on nuclear plant construction to 1%
Turkey has lowered the withholding tax rate on progress payments for nuclear power plant construction and repair works to 1%, aligning it with preferential rates for strategic transport projects. The policy aims to reduce financing costs and accelerate nuclear energy investments, including the Akkuyu plant built by Rosatom. Turkey plans to expand nuclear capacity to 7.2 GW by 2035 and 20 GW by 2050.
Turkey has lowered the withholding tax rate on progress payments for nuclear power plant construction and repair works to 1%, aligning it with preferential rates for strategic transport projects. The policy aims to reduce financing costs and accelerate nuclear energy investments, including the Akkuyu plant built by Rosatom. Turkey plans to expand nuclear capacity to 7.2 GW by 2035 and 20 GW by 2050.
tr18Türk Telekom and Aselsan partner to develop domestic communication devices
Türk Telekom and defense firm Aselsan have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to develop domestically produced smartphones, end-user devices, and communication infrastructure. The initiative aims to reduce Türkiye's reliance on foreign technology suppliers and strengthen local capabilities in critical communications technology. The partnership includes the Ankara Chamber of Commerce and the Turkic World Business Council as stakeholders.
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Türk Telekom and Aselsan partner to develop domestic communication devices
Türk Telekom and defense firm Aselsan have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to develop domestically produced smartphones, end-user devices, and communication infrastructure. The initiative aims to reduce Türkiye's reliance on foreign technology suppliers and strengthen local capabilities in critical communications technology. The partnership includes the Ankara Chamber of Commerce and the Turkic World Business Council as stakeholders.
Türk Telekom and defense firm Aselsan have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to develop domestically produced smartphones, end-user devices, and communication infrastructure. The initiative aims to reduce Türkiye's reliance on foreign technology suppliers and strengthen local capabilities in critical communications technology. The partnership includes the Ankara Chamber of Commerce and the Turkic World Business Council as stakeholders.
tr15Turkish FM to host Mauritanian counterpart for talks on trade, defense, and security
Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug will visit Ankara on May 21, 2026, for talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The discussions will focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, fisheries, agriculture, and mining, as well as regional security in the Sahel. The meeting follows a previous engagement between the two ministers in Istanbul on April 21, 2026, and aims to implement decisions from the first Türkiye-Mauritania Joint Economic Commission meeting in May 2025.
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Turkish FM to host Mauritanian counterpart for talks on trade, defense, and security
Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug will visit Ankara on May 21, 2026, for talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The discussions will focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, fisheries, agriculture, and mining, as well as regional security in the Sahel. The meeting follows a previous engagement between the two ministers in Istanbul on April 21, 2026, and aims to implement decisions from the first Türkiye-Mauritania Joint Economic Commission meeting in May 2025.
Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug will visit Ankara on May 21, 2026, for talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The discussions will focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, fisheries, agriculture, and mining, as well as regional security in the Sahel. The meeting follows a previous engagement between the two ministers in Istanbul on April 21, 2026, and aims to implement decisions from the first Türkiye-Mauritania Joint Economic Commission meeting in May 2025.
tr10GE Vernova executive highlights Türkiye's unique energy market potential
Joseph Anis, president and CEO of Europe, Middle East and Africa, Gas Power at GE Vernova, said Türkiye's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and Asia, along with its industrial base and ambition to become an energy hub, gives it unique potential in the energy market. He cited Türkiye's hosting of COP31 as a platform to demonstrate balancing energy security, accessibility, and transition goals. Anis noted Türkiye's technical expertise in complex energy projects, progress in renewable energy capacity, grid flexibility investments, and deployment of a technology mix supporting system reliability in line with the 2053 Long-Term Climate Strategy. He stressed that financing remains a key issue in fast-developing economies like Türkiye, with investors valuing policy continuity, regulatory clarity, and long-term business environment confidence. Anis highlighted GE Vernova's 9HA gas turbine as a flexible complement to renewables, providing flexible generation and grid support, and said natural gas will continue to play a key role globally alongside renewables and storage.
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GE Vernova executive highlights Türkiye's unique energy market potential
Joseph Anis, president and CEO of Europe, Middle East and Africa, Gas Power at GE Vernova, said Türkiye's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and Asia, along with its industrial base and ambition to become an energy hub, gives it unique potential in the energy market. He cited Türkiye's hosting of COP31 as a platform to demonstrate balancing energy security, accessibility, and transition goals. Anis noted Türkiye's technical expertise in complex energy projects, progress in renewable energy capacity, grid flexibility investments, and deployment of a technology mix supporting system reliability in line with the 2053 Long-Term Climate Strategy. He stressed that financing remains a key issue in fast-developing economies like Türkiye, with investors valuing policy continuity, regulatory clarity, and long-term business environment confidence. Anis highlighted GE Vernova's 9HA gas turbine as a flexible complement to renewables, providing flexible generation and grid support, and said natural gas will continue to play a key role globally alongside renewables and storage.
Joseph Anis, president and CEO of Europe, Middle East and Africa, Gas Power at GE Vernova, said Türkiye's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and Asia, along with its industrial base and ambition to become an energy hub, gives it unique potential in the energy market. He cited Türkiye's hosting of COP31 as a platform to demonstrate balancing energy security, accessibility, and transition goals. Anis noted Türkiye's technical expertise in complex energy projects, progress in renewable energy capacity, grid flexibility investments, and deployment of a technology mix supporting system reliability in line with the 2053 Long-Term Climate Strategy. He stressed that financing remains a key issue in fast-developing economies like Türkiye, with investors valuing policy continuity, regulatory clarity, and long-term business environment confidence. Anis highlighted GE Vernova's 9HA gas turbine as a flexible complement to renewables, providing flexible generation and grid support, and said natural gas will continue to play a key role globally alongside renewables and storage.