Recap radio

Court ousts Turkish opposition leader: What comes next with Berk Esen

Berk Esen [https://fass.sabanciuniv.edu/tr/faculty_members/detail/2486], associate professor of political science at Sabancı University in Istanbul, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo for an emergency podcast on the latest blow against Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). On Thursday, May 22, a Turkish court ousted CHP head Özgür Özel from the party leadership and replaced him with his predecessor Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. This podcast outlines Turkey’s ongoing slide towards autocracy, how Özel and his supporters might respond and the prospects for early elections as a result of this unprecedented moment in Turkish politics. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question for our Q&A podcast with this form [https://forms.gle/953tUNACVoZjpyPa7] Kılıç In The Matrix (Turkey recap [https://www.turkeyrecap.com/p/klc-in-the-matrix]) Turkey court rules to oust opposition leader in latest blow to Erdogan’s challengers (Reuters [https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-court-annuls-main-opposition-partys-2023-congress-latest-blow-2026-05-21/]) Istanbul’s mayor on trial for corruption charges (BBC [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c204ymjnn80o]) How to Fight Turkey’s Authoritarian Turn (Journal of Democracy [https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/how-to-fight-turkeys-authoritarian-turn/]) Other ways to watch & listen: Our webcasts are also available on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@turkeyrecap], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1KzyzWkguHP5t9jPWRChEZ], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/recap-radio/id1813696945] and other podcast players. Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com [info@turkeyrecap.com]. Subscribe here on Substack [https://turkeyrecap.substack.com/subscribe] (or on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/turkeyrecap] 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. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor Demet 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 [https://www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Unpacking the shifts in Turkey’s Libya policy with Jalel Harchaoui

Jalel Harchaoui [https://www.rusi.org/people/harchaoui], a political scientist focused on Libya and a contributor at the Royal United Services Institute, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss shifts in Turkey’s Libya policy and how they fit into broader US and NATO objectives for stability in the divided nation. The talk outlines how, in 2019, Ankara initially backed the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity in Western Libya and, since 2024, has been expanding its diplomatic outreach and drone sales to the Benghazi-based Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar in Eastern Libya. Topics covered include Turkey’s hosting of joint military exercises [https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2026/05/06/turkish-exercise-sees-libyas-rival-forces-train-together-for-second-time-within-weeks/] between Libya’s rival forces as well as the spillover effects of Turkey’s Libya policy for regional conflicts and actors. They also discuss Turkish parliament’s planned legislation [https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/05/new-turkey-maritime-draft-bill-fuels-eastmed-tensions-greece-cyprus] to claim waters near the Greek Island of Crete by formalizing a maritime boundary agreement with Libya. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question for our Q&A podcast with this form [https://forms.gle/953tUNACVoZjpyPa7] RSVP to our June 11 get-together in Ankara with this form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpCgjMkg13w7rvGHcOxAGcnCkp2t3dGfdpAht0gkWfwc3jMA/viewform?usp=header] (details inside) Libya’s False Peace (Foreign Affairs [https://www.foreignaffairs.com/libya/libyas-false-peace]) Turkey’s policy towards Libya: a year of major shifts (OSW [https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2025-12-02/turkeys-policy-towards-libya-a-year-major-shifts]) Libya’s Haftar acquires combat drones despite UN embargo (Reuters [https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/libyas-haftar-acquires-combat-drones-despite-un-embargo-2026-04-02/]) Libya in the middle: Can Greece’s moves rival Türkiye’s years-long strategy? (Daily Sabah [https://www.dailysabah.com/opinion/op-ed/libya-in-the-middle-can-greeces-moves-rival-turkiyes-years-long-strategy]) According to experts, the “de-escalation environment” that Türkiye created in Libya brought the parties back to the negotiating table. (Anadolu Agency - Turkish [https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/uzmanlara-gore-turkiyenin-libyada-sagladigi-catismasizlik-ortami-taraflari-yeniden-masada-birlestirdi/3928789]) Other ways to watch & listen: Our webcasts are also available on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@turkeyrecap], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1KzyzWkguHP5t9jPWRChEZ], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/recap-radio/id1813696945] and other podcast players. Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com [info@turkeyrecap.com]. Subscribe here on Substack [https://turkeyrecap.substack.com/subscribe] (or on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/turkeyrecap] 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. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor Demet 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 [https://www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

The Armenian elections and what they mean for Ankara, Baku and Brussels with Nareg Seferian

Researcher Nareg Seferian [https://naregseferian.com/] joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to outline the upcoming Armenia elections on June 7, 2026. Incumbent Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan is seeking re-election on a “Real Armenia” platform, which seeks to downplay historical territorial disputes beyond Armenia’s current borders in favor of EU integration and more cooperation with Azerbaijan and Turkey. It’s a high stakes vote with implications for not just Armenia’s foreign policy alignments, but also regional trade and transit routes, as Turkey and Armenia are currently pursuing normalization efforts that, if successful, could reopen a land crossing on their shared border. This podcast covers national election dynamics as well as the state of play for Baku-Yerevan peace negotiations and their impacts on Turkey-Armenia bilateral relations. We also review the prospects for EU-Armenia ties and the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) aka Zangezur corridor. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question with this form [https://forms.gle/953tUNACVoZjpyPa7] Armenia, Turkey and the Zangezur corridor with Nareg Seferian (Turkey recap [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz1QSOWErh0]) A Risk Assessment for Armenia’s 2026 Parliamentary Elections (GMF [https://www.gmfus.org/news/risk-assessment-armenias-2026-parliamentary-elections]) Armenia, Turkey sign memorandum on restoration of Ani Bridge (Armenpress [https://armenpress.am/en/article/1249223]) Turkish vice president’s Armenia visit marks turning point: Envoy (AA [https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/turkish-vice-presidents-armenia-visit-marks-turning-point-envoy/3928090]) Macron sings at Armenian state dinner with Pashinyan on drums (AP [https://apnews.com/video/macron-sings-la-boheme-at-armenian-state-dinner-with-pashinyan-on-drums-cd5a05f11df84ee0bbc46f5ae4101aee]) Other ways to watch & listen: Our webcasts are also available on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@turkeyrecap], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1KzyzWkguHP5t9jPWRChEZ], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/recap-radio/id1813696945] and other podcast players. Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com [info@turkeyrecap.com]. Subscribe here on Substack [https://turkeyrecap.substack.com/subscribe] (or on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/turkeyrecap] 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. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor Demet 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 [https://www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Suzy Hansen on Turkey under Erdoğan

Journalist and author Suzy Hansen [https://suzyhansen.com/] joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss her newly-released book [https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374298432/fromlifeitself/], From Life Itself: Turkey, Istanbul, and a Neighborhood in the Age of Erdoğan. It’s a brutally honest look at Turkey under Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told through the people and street life of the Karagümrük, a rapidly changing neighborhood in Istanbul’s historic Fatih district. This podcast covers migration to Istanbul over many decades, from the rural-to-urban migration of the past till the modern relocation of Syrian refugees over the last 15 years. Also covered are Hansen’s takeaways after years as a foreign correspondent based in Turkey, tips for young journalists and a peek at her new projects, like Equator Magazine. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question with this form [https://forms.gle/953tUNACVoZjpyPa7] From Life Itself: Turkey, Istanbul, and a Neighborhood in the Age of Erdoğan (Macmillan [https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374298432/fromlifeitself/]) The Erdogan Loyalists and the Syrian Refugees (NYTimes - gift article [https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/24/magazine/erdogans-people.html?unlocked_article_code=1.f1A.S8d7.Jq_tr83T8RcP&smid=url-share]) Notes on a Foreign Country: An American Abroad in a Post-American World (Macmillan [https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374537838/notesonaforeigncountry/]) Equator Magazine (Equator [https://www.equator.org/]) Other ways to watch & listen: Our webcasts are also available on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@turkeyrecap], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1KzyzWkguHP5t9jPWRChEZ], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/recap-radio/id1813696945] and other podcast players. Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com [info@turkeyrecap.com]. Subscribe here on Substack [https://turkeyrecap.substack.com/subscribe] (or on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/turkeyrecap] 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. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor Demet 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 [https://www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Turkey’s growing presence in Somalia with Nebahat Tanrıverdi Yaşar

Nebahat Tanrıverdi Yaşar [https://www.swp-berlin.org/en/researcher/nebahat-tanriverdi-yasar], visiting fellow at the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss Turkey-Somalia relations. This podcast covers Ankara’s growing military and commercial interests in the Horn of Africa, including the TURKSOM military base in Somalia and offshore energy drilling activities there, which began earlier this month. Also discussed are the implications of Turkey’s presence in the Horn of Africa amid regional competition between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Additionally, we touch on how the Iran war is impacting dynamics and how regional actors view Turkey’s rapid rise as a leading weapons provider in Africa. Referenced in this talk: Submit a question with this form [https://forms.gle/953tUNACVoZjpyPa7] Turkey launches first overseas deep-sea drilling mission in Somalia (Reuters [https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/turkey-launches-first-overseas-deep-sea-drilling-mission-somalia-2026-04-10/]) TURKSOM military base trains Somali forces since 2017 (DS [https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/turksom-military-base-trains-somali-forces-since-2017]) Unpacking Turkey’s Security Footprint in Africa (SWP [https://www.swp-berlin.org/en/publication/unpacking-turkeys-security-footprint-in-africa]) Turkey’s quest for direction in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea (FT [https://fikirturu.com/jeo-politika/turkiyenin-afrika-boynuzu-ve-kizildeniz/]) Turkey’s Drone Industry at a Strategic Crossroads (WOTR [https://warontherocks.com/turkeys-drone-industry-at-a-strategic-crossroads/]) Other ways to watch & listen: Our webcasts are also available on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@turkeyrecap], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1KzyzWkguHP5t9jPWRChEZ], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/recap-radio/id1813696945] and other podcast players. Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: info@turkeyrecap.com [info@turkeyrecap.com]. Subscribe here on Substack [https://turkeyrecap.substack.com/subscribe] (or on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/turkeyrecap] 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. Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chief Emily Rice Johnson, Deputy editor Ceren Bayar, Parliament correspondent Yıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondent Günsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editor Demet 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 [https://www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]