The U.K. and Türkiye signed a memorandum of understanding to allow Ankara to become a customer of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, paving the way for a multibillion-dollar order of up to 40 aircraft. Senior defense officials from both governments signed the deal in Istanbul on Wednesday, confirming a Dow Jones Newswires report published Monday. Negotiations for a potential contract with Türkiye will continue over the coming weeks, with the U.K. expected to manufacture 37% of each aircraft sold, the U.K. defense ministry said. British Defense Secretary John Healey said the deal is a big step toward T...
Türkiye in International Media
Starting from July 15, a visa facilitation regime will be implemented for citizens of neighbouring Türkiye, allowing tourist visas valid for up to 5 years to be issued. Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh of Bulgaria announced a 60% increase in the number of Turkish tourists visiting Bulgarian resorts compared to the same period last year. Minister Borshosh stated that, as of July 15, visa procedures for Turkish citizens would be eased, and tourist visas valid for up to five years would be granted. Under the new scheme, in addition to the previously issued 3- and 6-month visas, citizens with no prior visa violations...
In a phone conversation between the President of Türkiye and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, bilateral relations, regional and global issues, and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza were discussed. According to information obtained, President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a phone call during which they discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global matters. According to a statement by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications of the Republic of Türkiye, the progress made regarding the procurement of Eurofighter jets was reviewed during the call, and...
Türkiye will directly intervene to stop any attempt to fragment Syria and will prevent any attempts by militants to obtain autonomy after clashes in southern Syria, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Tuesday. His warning against fragmentation, in comments to reporters in Ankara, appeared aimed at Israel as Türkiye considers this to be Israel's ultimate aim in Syria. NATO member Türkiye supports Syria's new government and has called for a ceasefire between the Bedouin and Druze fighters. Fidan said Israel wanted a divided Syria to make the country unstable, weaker and a liability to the region, and...
In a statement to the press, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye said, "Considering what is happening in and around Europe, the Union's need for a dynamic and solution-oriented member such as Türkiye is apparent." The Turkish leader stated that the European Union should not wait even a single day to resume accession negotiations with Türkiye. "We expect them to understand that it is not possible to advance relations with such an ambivalent attitude that we have faced far too often. Considering what is happening in and around Europe and the dissent within the EU,...
On July 21, President Erdoğan commented on the recent developments in Syria, accusing Israel of its unwillingness to allow regional stability and of continuing to take provocative actions. Erdoğan emphasised that Türkiye opposes Syria's division and that Syria’s unity and recovery align with regional stability and Türkiye's interests. On July 13, fierce clashes broke out between Druze armed groups and Bedouin tribes in Syria’s southern Suwayda province. Syrian regime’s Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defence forces later intervened. Citing the need to prevent the regime's armed forces from entering southern Syria, Israel began striking...
Türkiye will maintain its support for Gaza. According to TRT Haber television channel, Erdoğan stated, “We will continue to support Gaza. We are closely monitoring the steps taken by the United States on this matter. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan is in constant contact with his American counterpart. The international community that consistently supports Israel can no longer conceal anything.” The President of Türkiye further stated: “There are currently three questions regarding the ceasefire negotiations. First, where the Israeli soldiers will be located and in which exit zones after the ceasefire. Second, Hamas and Israel...
DNA study reveals female-centred society at Türkiye’s Neolithic Çatalhöyük settlement (Turkmenistan)
A comprehensive DNA study conducted at the Çatalhöyük settlement in Konya, recognised as one of the world's earliest known cities, has highlighted the central role of women in society during the Neolithic period. This research, spanning 12 years and involving a team of 47 scientists from 11 countries, including Türkiye, offers new insights into the organisation of early farming societies. As part of their research, scholars analysed the skeletal remains of 395 individuals who lived between 8000 and 5800 BCE, and they successfully sequenced the DNA of 131 individuals. The majority of individuals were discovered buried beneath the houses—a distinctive hallmark of burial...
"The international community should recognise the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and establish diplomatic, political, and economic relations with this state. This should take place as soon as possible." This statement was made by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during his visit to the island of Cyprus. BTA announced the news according to TRT Haber's report. Erdoğan visited the Mediterranean island yesterday to commemorate the 51st anniversary of Türkiye's military operation in Cyprus in 1974. This date is commemorated as the "Day of Peace and Freedom" for Ankara and Turkish Cypriots. Erdoğan met with Turkish Cypriot leader...