Parliament is anticipated to discuss a draft bill soon for the next stage of the terror-free Türkiye initiative, which began in 2024. The initiative, which aims for full disarmament of the terrorist group PKK, will be reinforced with the new law, which will be temporary in nature and will have a clear definition about the fate of PKK members. The law will also exclude Abdullah Öcalan and other PKK members who were sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment, though it may offer leniency to other members of the terrorist group. The law will only be implemented after Turkish authorities confirmed PKK is fully dissolved and has abandoned arms.

The AK Party sources say the law’s rationale was offering its benefits to members of the group only after they dissolve it, and Türkiye is able to confirm this. National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) are authorized to confirm the disarmament, but the National Security Council (NSC) will have the final say on the matter. Sources say that the confirmation will be announced only after the disarmament process reaches around 80%.

It is unclear how long the law will remain in force, but a time span of six months to one year is considered. It will definitely exclude Öcalan, who was sentenced to death on June 29, 1999, on charges of treason, before his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Any leniency in prison terms for Öcalan and other PKK members committed to acts of terrorism will be out of question. Those convicted of the grave acts of terrorism and currently abroad at large will also be exempt from leniency.

The law does not bring amnesty to PKK members, and it will only annul terrorism charges for those imprisoned on charges of PKK membership and those who face prosecution for similar charges. This means an early release from prison for convicts or a significant reduction in their sentences. In most terrorism cases, suspects face a wide variety of charges in addition to charges related to acts defined as terrorism under Turkish laws. For instance, a convict involved in bombing will only be sentenced or serve his/her sentence for manslaughter instead of terrorism. Currently, Türkiye hosts 4,300 people convicted of terrorism in its prisons. The case of each will be re-examined by the courts once the law is implemented.

For PKK members residing abroad and without any criminal record in Türkiye, the country plans to allow their return, but they will be subject to judicial control.

PKK’s senior cadres, who currently hide in Qandil mountains in northern Iraq, will also be exempted from the law, while sources say they already left the hideouts for several other destinations. Sources also say that it is believed that the majority of PKK members would not return to Türkiye even if the law is implemented, and they would prefer settling in Iraq, where they spent years.

On Saturday, Parliamentary Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş said the initiative reached to an important stage and “80-90% of the work is done.” Kurtulmuş, who chaired a parliamentary committee on the initiative, said the terrorism would be “off the agenda of Türkiye soon.”

Kurtulmuş told broadcaster CNN Türk that the regime change in neighboring Syria, where the PKK’s wing YPG, has been active throughout the civil war, contributed to the initiative. “It became clear that it is now impossible to threaten Türkiye through Syria,” he said.

He expressed hope that all political parties would act unanimously to pass the law. “If we relax caution and do not act with urgency, I am afraid that provocations will emerge to undermine the process,” he said.

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Reinstated Chairperson Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is expected to fire at least 50 more people from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) within two months amid a growing rift between his supporters and the supporters of ousted Chair Özgür Özel. Özel, for now, is spared from the wrath of the Kılıçdaroğlu administration. The party denied claims that he would be removed from his current tenure as parliamentary group chair of the party.

Nevertheless, a report by the Sabah newspaper says at least 50 provincial chairs of the party will lose their seats by September. So far, the party parted ways with 10 provincial chairs who sided with Özgür Özel in the aftermath of a court verdict that annulled Özel’s chairmanship over allegations of vote-buying in a 2023 intra-party election. Özel views himself as the de facto chair of the party and repeatedly called Kılıçdaroğlu to hold a new intra-party election. The Kılıçdaroğlu administration announced earlier that the process for a new election will be launched in September. Although Özel is confident of winning a new election, he is also rumored to be preparing to switch to a new party or establish a new one, based on the outcome of the process, which will be held two years before the scheduled date for the presidential elections.

Kılıçdaroğlu, glorified by CHP supporters including Özel during his presidential election campaign against incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, found himself in hot water after accepting the job to lead the party again, three years after losing the intra-party race to Özel. Özel repeatedly condemns the move and says Kılıçdaroğlu works for the government, claiming that the court verdict ousting him was politically motivated. Özel’s supporters brand Kılıçdaroğlu as a “traitor.” This slogan was chanted en masse when Özel was visiting a cemevi, an Alevi place of worship, in Istanbul earlier this week. The incident sparked outrage among several Alevi associations. Although the Alevi community’s political views are diverse, it counts fervent supporters of both Özel and Kılıçdaroğlu among its members. Seven Alevi federations released a joint declaration on Saturday over the incident in Istanbul and accused the Özel supporters of politicizing a place of worship. The federations said, “ugly slogans constituted a hate crime.”

“Certain political actors and their supporters turned the cemevi into a venue for a political rally. Things that should never happen at a cemevi happened. We are also worried to see that politicians present at Garip Dede Cemevi did not intervene in this act of disrespect,” the joint statement said.

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Commenting on Sunday on plans for a new “solution plan” for divided Cyprus, Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was in the same place as it was in the past. “We won’t give even a piece of rock to Greek Cypriots. We won’t give land, won’t abandon our homeland, our state, and our flag.”

According to a report in the Greek Cypriot press, the solution model discussed during the recent contacts of the U.N. secretary-general’s personal envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, does not envisage a return to the “heavy federation” concept that had been discussed in previous years. It was claimed that the model under discussion is a “loose federation” approach aimed at reconciling the Greek Cypriot side’s position of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with the Turkish Cypriot side’s demands for sovereign equality and equal international status under a single framework.

The report stated that the proposed structure could be described by Greek Cypriots as a federation and by Turkish Cypriots as a confederation. It further alleged that the discussions centered on the previously debated concept of “territory in exchange for recognition and political equality.” Within this framework, it was suggested that areas such as Varosha, Morphou (Güzelyurt), and the Mesaoria region were included in various scenarios, similar to the maps discussed during the Crans-Montana process. In return, it was reportedly intended that the political equality of the Turkish Cypriot side would be recognized not merely verbally but in a functional manner within the state mechanism.

The report further claimed that the model envisages a state structure shaped by loose ties between two constituent states. Unlike previous federal proposals that included approximately 120 shared competencies, the new approach reportedly aims to significantly reduce common powers, leaving most day-to-day governance to the constituent states. The central authority would be limited to powers necessary for the effective representation of the new state internationally and within the European Union. According to the report, the system under consideration would include two constituent states, two separate legislatures, and a federal structure that would primarily serve a supervisory role for federal matters. Instead of an elected federal parliament, a body resembling the Council of Europe model and composed of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot representatives was allegedly being considered. This body would deal only with matters that the two constituent states could not decide independently. The aim, it was argued, would be to address Greek Cypriot concerns about governmental deadlock caused by veto powers while also alleviating Turkish Cypriot concerns stemming from the Greek Cypriot population majority.

Speaking to Ihlas News Agency (IHA) on Sunday, Üstel stated that the Turkish Cypriot people’s stance on the national cause is clear, saying: “The response that the Turkish Cypriots have always given to these claims is well known around the world. The position and determination put forward in the national cause have created a vision together with the Republic of Türkiye.”

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot people had been engaged in a struggle for existence from 1950 to 1974, Üstel said that during this period the Republic of Türkiye had always stood by the Turkish Cypriots. Üstel noted that from 1974 to the present day, the Turkish Cypriot people had also fought a major struggle in terms of the economy and catching up with the modern world, adding: “Here too, our motherland, the Republic of Türkiye, was always by our side.”

Emphasizing that they introduced a new policy on the national cause in 2020, Üstel said: “After 2020, the federation file has been closed for us. For us, a solution on the island can only be possible based on two states. Two peoples, two states and the sovereign equality of these states are important.” Üstel said that if this framework is not accepted, the Turkish Cypriot people would not say “yes” to any agreement, adding: “I say this on every platform. The governments before me in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as well as our government, have always said the following: We have only one red line. The guarantor country in this case is Türkiye. We will not and cannot sign any agreement without Türkiye’s effective and de facto guarantee.”

Üstel stated that this stance had been clearly expressed not only by the TRNC but also by the Republic of Türkiye, recalling that Türkiye had called on the world three times at the United Nations General Assembly for the recognition of the TRNC.

Referring to the meeting between Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Representative on Cyprus, Üstel said Fidan’s message was clear.

Üstel said: “The message conveyed by Mr. Hakan Fidan is clear. For us, no agreement can be reached in Cyprus unless the two peoples, the two states, and the sovereign equality and equal international status of these two states are accepted.”

Stating that the claims raised by the Greek Cypriot side were aimed at disturbing the Turkish Cypriot people, Prime Minister Üstel said: “These provocations and statements made by the Greek Cypriot side are causing great unease among our people.”

Emphasizing that the Turkish Cypriot people have maintained the same stance from the past to the present, Üstel pointed to the line established by Dr. Fazıl Küçük, founding President Rauf Raif Denktaş, and honorary National Unity Party (UBP) chairman Dr. Derviş Eroğlu.

Stating that the statements appearing in the Greek Cypriot press were of no validity for the TRNC, Üstel said these claims were related to the election process on the Greek Cypriot side.

“Since the Greek Cypriot side has its own elections coming up, they are putting forward these statements as part of their election preparations. In addition, as the UN Secretary-General is entering the final phase of his term this year, there is an effort to show that the Greek Cypriot side is willing and to introduce a new plan. This is not a plan that can be accepted.”

Emphasizing that the Turkish Cypriot side has always supported negotiations but that talks must take place on the right basis, Üstel said: “The Turkish Cypriots have always said on every platform that they support negotiations taking place and that they are in favor of them. However, they have also stated on every platform that these negotiations must take place on the right basis.”

Drawing attention to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s emphasis on a two-state solution, sovereign equality, and equal international status, Üstel recalled that the two-state solution decision had been unanimously adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly and that a similar decision on a two-state solution and sovereign equality had passed by majority vote in the TRNC Assembly.

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Evolving into a popular venue for international events, particularly summits, Türkiye takes every opportunity for self-promotion on the side. The upcoming summit of heads of state and governments from NATO member countries is no exception. As the leaders from Donald Trump to Emmanuel Macron will discuss the future of the alliance, they will also have a chance to nibble on Turkish snacks, a favorite pastime of millions of households across Türkiye. Dried and fresh pieces of fruit will be a staple of the tables at the venues of the summit on July 7-8 in the capital Ankara.

2026 is and will be a “year of summits” as Turkish officials often call it, referring to the COP31 climate summit in November, as well as NATO summit and the summit of Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Earlier, Antalya Diplomacy Forum in the eponymous Turkish city brought together top diplomats and politicians from around the world.

The NATO summit, which will be attended by leaders of 31 countries, some 100 ministers, and thousands of representatives, will be a showcase for Turkish hospitality that draws millions of foreign visitors to the country every year. Türkiye strives to host a memorable event for visitors as preparations are in full swing across the capital, from tightened security measures to renovation and expansion of an airport allocated for leaders. Food preparations are no exceptions for the summit, where leaders are not allowed to go on an empty stomach as they will engage in debates over strengthening NATO’s defenses and will try to convince US President Donald Trump to renew and upgrade their commitment to the military alliance.

While they will work hard to persuade the United States on the security of Europe, Türkiye will try to tempt the president with the famed “kuruyemiş”, dried fruit snacks. It is unclear whether Trump will indulge in assorted snacks, from figs from Aydın in western Türkiye, apricots of Malatya, dried grapes of Manisa, pistachios of Gaziantep, hazelnuts from Ordu and Giresun, and chickpeas from Çorum. Still, a large complex in Ankara that sells snacks to Türkiye and the capital wholesale was mobilized for hundreds of kilograms of kuruyemiş for fast-food-loving Trump and European leaders like Macron, who follows a healthier diet compared to the U.S. leader. Muhammet Burak Çiğdem, who heads TÜKSIAD, a business association of dried fruit producers, say Türkiye has a substantial global market share in the sector, and their top export is hazelnut. “We export to Germany, Italy, France, the United States, and China, among others. In terms of taste, pistachios of Gaziantep, for instance, are best in quality across the world. The NATO summit will be an opportunity for us to promote our products,” Çiğdem says.

Turkish recipes

Guests will also be served geographically indicated (GI) products of Türkiye, which expand this inventory every year. Along with the aforementioned figs and apricots, this list of products includes Turkish coffee, Tulum cheese, and baklava.

As for meals, the summit’s participants will be served dishes straight out of a book prepared under the auspices of the Presidency and first lady Emine Erdoğan. “Turkish Cuisine With Centennial Recipes” will be the cookbook of the summit’s chefs.

The first lady, primarily known for her global efforts on recycling through the “Zero Waste” initiative, is also leading in culinary diplomacy and promotion of traditional Turkish cuisine to new generations. Among her work is “Heritage Table” events to promote Ottoman-era and Anatolian flavors, and exhibitions on Turkish food she regularly attends.

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Turkish police detained 16 suspects on Friday in the third phase of an investigation into alleged bribery, procurement fraud and zoning irregularities at Istanbul’s Şile Municipality, prosecutors said.

The operation was carried out simultaneously in Istanbul and the western province of Izmir under the coordination of the Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. Investigators said the suspects were linked to alleged irregularities involving direct procurement contracts, zoning procedures, business licenses and occupancy permits, through which public officials allegedly accepted bribes and secured unlawful financial benefits.

The suspects were taken to Istanbul police headquarters for questioning.

The latest operation follows two earlier waves of arrests in the same investigation. In July 2025, Şile Mayor Özgür Kabadayı and five other suspects were detained on accusations including establishing a criminal organization, extortion, bribery and bid rigging. Kabadayı and four others were later arrested, while one suspect was released under judicial supervision.

The Interior Ministry subsequently suspended Kabadayı from office.

A second operation in December 2025 resulted in the detention of 22 additional suspects after investigators reviewed phone records and financial transactions.

Fifteen were later jailed pending trial, while seven were released under judicial supervision.

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) is under mounting scrutiny as a wave of corruption, bribery and terrorism-related investigations sweeps across its municipalities.

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A series of incidents in June and a debate over an Istanbul mosque demonstrated that an anti-Muslim mindset prevails in Türkiye, though not as strong as it was in the past.

Cases of discrimination, especially against headscarf-wearing women, sparked concerns over a social division that has evolved over decades.

In Mersin, a woman wearing a burkini was denied entry to a swimming pool in the residential complex she lives in. The case triggered a legal investigation, and the pool employee denying access was detained on charges of inciting public hatred and insult.

In another case, a video released on social media by a woman living in Istanbul calling for “destroying headscarf-wearing women” sparked outrage, and the woman was subsequently detained on charges similar to the case in Mersin. Days later, a video of a man harassing two young women over their headscarves at a supermarket in Antalya’s Kaş district emerged. One of the women in the video filed a criminal complaint against the man who was detained later.

Though they seem like isolated incidents, the anti-Muslim sentiment also resurfaced in Zonguldak. A group of people in the northern city staged a protest calling for “secularism to be implemented” after the images of young students celebrating their completion of Quran classes at a ceremony in the city emerged. Similarly, social media was awash with anti-Muslim comments when a video of a group of young girls wearing Muslim outfits as they celebrated completion of Quran courses in the eastern city of Batman surfaced.

These incidents and outrage preceded with a public debate and protests over a mosque planned to be built in Kadıköy, a district on Istanbul’s Asian side. The mosque, currently under construction after a court greenlit it by dismissing opposition, will be a prominent place of worship on the Kadıköy waterfront, a busy quarter of the city home to Ottoman-era and modern mosques. Supporters of the mosque cite the need for bigger mosque in the area whose population has significantly expanded in recent years, while opponents claim it is not necessary and point out “nearby mosques.”

The incidents prompted criticism from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who championed an end to bans targeting Muslims, especially headscarf-wearing women. In a speech last Thursday, Erdoğan reiterated how they have worked to defend the dignity, honor and freedoms of people who have been sidelined and mistreated. He noted that people voted for his Justice and Development Party (AK Party) to ensure that “those who suffered under the oppression of the perpetrators of the Feb. 28 process would never again be subjected to the same tyranny.”

Feb. 28 refers to the 1997 coup and the date powerful military elite issued a stern ultimatum to the government against “reactionary threat,” a derogatory term used to describe conservative Muslims. Before the ultimatum led to the collapse of the government within months, Muslim men and women were targets of a witch hunt by a coalition of elites, from military and judiciary to bureaucracy. Girls wearing headscarfves were barred from attending schools unless they removed their headscarves, while men in the public sector were blacklisted or fired from their jobs for performing prayers or simply growing a beard in the fashion of conservative Muslims. Long after the collapse of the coalition government, those practices continued, with the purpose of excluding practicing Muslims from social spaces. Civil servants lost their jobs for wearing headscarf or praying five times a day as their faith required. A large number of girls, including the daughters of Erdoğan, were among those affected by the bans, forcing to study abroad.

Erdoğan defined the recent incidents as “attempts by voices of arrogance to silence, intimidate and threaten the silent majority.” “We will not allow the revival of an oppressive mindset that still longs for the Feb. 28 era,” he said.

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