Politics
Türkiye advances Aegean marine park plans amid Greek move
Türkiye is intensifying efforts to establish marine parks in the Aegean Sea and other surrounding waters while closely watching Greece’s expected announcement of marine protected areas by the end of June. The move comes amid Ankara’s concern that Athens’ initiative may be tied to long-standing disputes in the Aegean.
According to diplomatic sources, Türkiye is carefully evaluating whether the marine parks Greece is expected to declare in the Ionian and Aegean Seas will overlap with contentious maritime zones. While Ankara supports environmental protection and sustainable marine management, it maintains that unilateral actions under the guise of ecological preservation must not be allowed to mask political motives or alter the delicate status quo in the Aegean.
“Preventive measures are being reviewed against possible unilateral steps,” sources told Anadolu Agency (AA), adding that Türkiye is assessing broader environmental protection initiatives in all its seas – including the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
The current dynamic is seen as a continuation of Greek efforts to internationalize bilateral problems with Türkiye. The Turkish Foreign Ministry had already criticized Greece in 2023, warning that Athens was exploiting environmental agendas for political leverage.
“Despite the recent normalization trend in our bilateral relations, Greece is again abusing environmental issues in an attempt to score diplomatic points,” the ministry said.
Legal and institutional framework
Türkiye is not standing idle. In September 2024, it signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement during the 79th United Nations General Assembly. The domestic ratification process is currently underway. This landmark international accord aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Simultaneously, Türkiye has been working on its Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework, which was officially announced on April 16. The plan aims to manage marine resources in all Turkish seas in a balanced and sustainable manner. Authorities are currently working on enhancing the scope and technical content of the plan, and necessary applications have already been submitted for its registration with the U.N.
In this context, Ankara also participates in the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France. Türkiye is represented by Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Deputy Minister Fatma Varank leading a delegation to articulate Ankara’s commitment to marine conservation. Türkiye is expected to deliver an official address at the summit.
Athens presses forward
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, addressing the same U.N. Ocean Conference in Nice, reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to declare new marine parks in the Ionian and Aegean Seas before the end of June. These parks, originally announced during the 2024 “Our Ocean” conference held in Athens, are expected to prohibit deep-sea trawling and introduce stronger regulations to prevent overfishing.
Although the Greek initiative appears to be environmentally driven, Türkiye sees the potential for this effort to spill into the geopolitical realm, especially given the long-standing disputes between the two NATO neighbors regarding maritime boundaries, continental shelves, airspace and demilitarized islands in the Aegean.
Türkiye stresses that international environmental norms should not be instrumentalized to undermine the rights of coastal states or distort the balance of power in contested areas. Any attempt to establish conservation zones that may impact the status of disputed territories is seen as unacceptable.
Broader strategic concerns
Ankara’s proactive stance on marine spatial planning is part of a broader strategy to assert its maritime rights and uphold international legal norms in the face of what it sees as encroaching initiatives by Greece. Turkish officials maintain that marine protection efforts must be transparent, equitable and cooperative, particularly in semi-enclosed seas like the Aegean, where maritime boundaries remain unsettled.
As Türkiye moves to institutionalize its marine planning within international frameworks, it seeks to preempt efforts that may attempt to redefine maritime jurisdiction through environmental discourse. The broader message from Ankara is clear: marine conservation is vital, but not at the cost of geopolitical stability or sovereign rights.
While Türkiye and Greece have recently engaged in dialogue to ease bilateral tensions, the marine parks issue underscores how even shared global concerns like environmental protection can become arenas of quiet competition in a historically fraught region.
After a long period of tensions marked by disputes over irregular migration, the Cyprus dispute, energy exploration and territorial sovereignty in the Aegean, Ankara and Athens have been taking confidence-building steps for a fragile normalization of their relations since late 2023.
Türkiye on Tuesday hit back at allegations that a Liberian-flagged container ship that docked at its southern Mersin Port, was carrying steel for Israel’s military industry.
“The loading manifest and customs records of the ship that arrived from Spain, docked at Mersin Port at 2 pm (1100 GMT) on June 9, 2025, and the unloading procedures of which began at 3:25 pm (1225 GMT), have been meticulously examined.
“No steel or military-purpose items registered under the name of Israel Military Industries (IMI) or any similar institution were detected on the ship,” Türkiye’s Center for Combating Disinformation said on X.
A total of 461 containers were unloaded at Mersin Port from the ship, the center said, adding it was reported that 220 of these containers were empty, while 241 were loaded.
It has been confirmed that the loaded containers do not contain any steel or materials that could be used for military purposes, it added.
Besides, it was determined that 1,570 of the containers on board were transit cargo destined for other countries, while 33 loaded containers-whose inspections had been completed-originated from Türkiye and were bound for Palestine, primarily containing food supplies, the center noted.
Turkish ports handle tens of thousands of international cargo ships each year, processing about 8 million containers in full compliance with international rules and with complete transparency, the center said, adding: “Türkiye completely suspended all trade relations with Israel as of May 2, 2024.
“Since that date, Türkiye’s customs system has been closed to all foreign trade transactions involving Israel. No commercial activity linked to Israel is permitted in free zones or ports.”
Türkiye is among the first countries to take the clearest and most principled stance against Israel’s unlawful attacks in Gaza,” it highlighted.
The center also called for not giving credence to “the unfounded allegations.”
On May 2, 2024, Türkiye suspended all export and import operations with Israel due to its “aggression against Palestine in violation of international law and human rights,” according to the Trade Ministry.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç has disclosed the findings of an expert report on the tragic death of Manisa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek, who was electrocuted at his residence. The report, prepared by a panel of electrical and mechanical engineers, reveals serious safety lapses that led to the incident.
In a statement on social media, Tunç confirmed that the Manisa Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is conducting a thorough investigation into the fatal accident. He said that one deputy chief prosecutor and two prosecutors have been assigned to the case, 12 individuals have been questioned and two remain in custody.
“The report prepared by the team of electrical and mechanical engineers revealed that the pool pump motor was faulty; the building lacked a residual-current device (RCD) at its main entrance; all metal equipment showed signs of corrosion; there was moisture and water at cable connections; and the RCD in the pool’s power room was itself corroded and malfunctioning. Additionally, the distance between the pool energy room and the pool did not meet international safety standards.”
The incident has sparked concerns over residential safety standards and oversight, particularly in facilities with electrical installations near water sources.
He added that the investigation is being carried out comprehensively based on these technical findings.
Tunç extended his condolences to Zeyrek’s family and loved ones, saying, “May Allah have mercy on him.”
Zeyrek’s funeral was held in Manisa on Tuesday with a broad participation of the political circle.
Zeyrek, a member of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), had earned wide support from Manisa residents in the March 31 local elections, in which he became the first CHP mayor of the city in decades.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a message of condolence following the news of Zeyrek’s death. In a post on social media, Erdoğan said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Manisa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mr. Ferdi Zeyrek as a result of a tragic accident. I extend my condolences to his family, colleagues, the citizens of Manisa and the entire CHP organization.”
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) is set to turn introspective and tackle problems in the field across Türkiye in an annual camp scheduled for later this month, party sources said Monday.
From June 23 to 25, AK Party lawmakers and provincial chairs will convene at the party headquarters in the capital Ankara, and discuss solutions to various problems encountered by AK Party officials at district levels. The camp will also draw up a roadmap and other suggestions to better convey the party’s operations and achievements directly to the public.
A second camp is slated from July 11 to 13, which will assemble lawmakers and headquarter executives of the AK Party, as well as the party chair, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The July meeting is mainly focused on the recent developments in the terror-free Türkiye initiative, sources said, as well as citizens’ expectations about the process.
The initiative, launched last year by Erdoğan’s ally Devlet Bahçeli, aims to end four decades of PKK terrorism in Türkiye after the organization declared in a landmark decision last month to disarm and disband itself.
The PKK’s bloody terror campaign, which exploited the Kurdish community under the pretext of fighting for their rights, a self-styled Kurdish state in southeast Türkiye, has claimed at least 40,000 lives since the 1980s.
After years of military operations to eradicate the group, Türkiye initiated a “reconciliation process” previously in 2013 in a bid to prevent the PKK from justifying its actions.
The process saw the reinstatement of the rights of the Kurdish community, but it ultimately collapsed when the PKK resumed its terrorist attacks after a brief lull.
The PKK’s disarmament process is expected to be completed in the coming months, with the group handing over all of its weapons and some 3,500 members leaving their hideouts in Iraq’s north.
The AK Party cadres are also expected to discuss the constitutional overhaul efforts at the July camp.
Erdoğan’s government has been pushing to overhaul the Constitution for over a decade now, which was enforced in 1982 following a military coup that led to the detention of hundreds of thousands of people along with mass trials, torture and executions, which still represents a dark period in Turkish political history.
The AK Party has a comprehensive draft prepared by a scientific council during the pandemic, which it’s hoping to submit to Parliament.
The party has held several workshops with academicians and legal experts on a new constitution in the past year and is currently preparing to convene an exclusive commission tasked with outlining a method to produce a draft.
Manisa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek died after suffering an electric shock while inspecting a malfunction in his home swimming pool, Türkiye’s health minister announced Monday.
Zeyrek had been receiving intensive care at Manisa Celal Bayar University Hafsa Sultan Hospital since the June 6 incident at his home in the Yunusemre district. Despite all medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu confirmed the news in a statement on social media, offering condolences to Zeyrek’s family and loved ones. “Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek, who had been undergoing treatment at the hospital following an accident at his home, has passed away despite all intervention,” Memişoğlu said. “May he rest in peace. Our condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved him.”
Zeyrek, a member of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), had earned wide support from Manisa residents in the March 31 local elections, in which he became the first CHP mayor of the city in decades.
His passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a message of condolence following the news of Zeyrek’s death. In a post on social media, Erdoğan said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Manisa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mr. Ferdi Zeyrek as a result of a tragic accident. I extend my condolences to his family, colleagues, the citizens of Manisa, and the entire CHP organization. May Allah have mercy on him.”
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli expressed sadness over the loss, saying: “It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of Manisa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mr. Ferdi Zeyrek following the unfortunate accident he suffered at his home. I offer my condolences to his family, loved ones, and the CHP community.”
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş also extended condolences, saying: “May Allah have mercy on Manisa Metropolitan Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek, who lost his life after a tragic accident. My sympathies to his family and loved ones.”
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) spokesman Ömer Çelik shared similar sentiments, noting Zeyrek’s contributions to public life: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek. We offer our condolences to his family, loved ones, the CHP community, and the people of Manisa.”
Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş said he was “deeply pained” by the loss of his fellow mayor and friend. “He was one of the honorable sons of this country, devoted to the Republic and known for his honesty,” Yavaş said. “May his soul rest in peace.”
Former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu also paid tribute to Zeyrek, saying: “I am profoundly saddened by the passing of our beloved Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek, who had won the affection and trust of the people of Manisa. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, supporters, and all Manisa residents.”
Zeyrek’s funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by municipal officials.
A widening corruption probe into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) has taken a dramatic turn as prominent businessperson Ahmet Sari, owner of Sarılar Inşaat, confessed to paying over TL 232 million in bribes to collect nearly TL 3 billion in unpaid municipal debts.
Sari, who was previously detained, was released after becoming a key informant in the investigation.
According to his May 27 testimony to the prosecutor’s office, Sari detailed how a bribery network allegedly functioned within the municipality from 2019 to 2024. He said his company faced significant difficulties securing payments for completed infrastructure projects under the administration of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu. Sari emphasized that despite legal efforts, some receivables could not be recovered through formal channels, prompting illicit payments.
The businessperson named two central figures in the scheme: Ertan Yıldız, who served as deputy secretary general of IBB and Fatih Keleş, the former head of the CHP Istanbul provincial organization. Sari alleged that the two demanded bribes in exchange for facilitating payments owed to his company.
Sari said he was first invited to the municipality’s auxiliary building in Bakırköy in late 2022, where he was informed by Yıldız and Keleş that he would not receive any money unless he paid them first. He claimed to have delivered portions of the money to Bakırköy and the majority to the former mayoral residence in Florya. The cash was received by individuals identified as Zafer Keleş (Fatih Keleş’s brother) and a man named Murat, reportedly a relative of Keleş.
Payments to Ertan Yıldız were allegedly collected via company visits by drivers whose identities were communicated by a municipal affiliate, Ziya Gökmen Togay.
In his sworn statement, Sari provided a detailed account of the payments, stating he paid Yıldız TL 63 million across various dates from 2022 to 2024. He also listed payments totaling TL 169.5 million to Fatih Keleş during the same period. Sari said he would submit receipts to support his claims.
Notably, Sari said he was instructed never to involve municipal department heads in these dealings. In early 2024, he was told that no more payments should be made to Yıldız, suggesting a shift within the alleged network.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office continues its investigation as public scrutiny over municipal finances intensifies ahead of further legal proceedings. Meanwhile, Imamoğlu, currently in detention on separate charges, has not been directly implicated in the bribery claims made by Sari but remains a central figure in the broader investigation.
This latest testimony underscores growing concerns over governance and transparency within Türkiye’s largest municipality, once considered a stronghold of opposition leadership.
Parliament is returning from Eid recess on Wednesday with a busy agenda, including the election of the 28th term second circuit general assembly presidency board members as well as the negotiation of several bills.
With Numan Kurtulmuş’s recent appointment as Parliament speaker, four deputies, as well as secretaries and administrative officers who will serve on the Presidency Board, will be elected, after which bills will be negotiated.
Following this election, the General Assembly will this week discuss the Bill on Amendments to Certain Laws and Legislative Decrees.
According to the bill, in case of deficiency or excess in the rank fulfillment rates of military commands due to various reasons, the waiting periods for ranks can be changed via the president’s decisions to meet personnel needs.
The number of foreign academic staff to be assigned by contract in higher education institutions cannot exceed 2% of the number of full academic staff positions.
The legal entity of municipalities and villages in which the residential districts have become closer than 5,000 meters to a municipality of at least 50,000 residents will be abolished and added to the municipality if basic infrastructure services or the general reconstruction order necessitate it.
The rector of the National Defense University will be appointed by the president.
The Trade Ministry will be authorized to establish a circulating capital enterprise.
Moreover, specialized and research committees will also continue to discuss the issues on their agenda.
The Agricultural Frost Research Commission will listen to officials from the Agricultural Board of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects’ (TMMOB) Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, as well as academics.
Group meetings of political parties will also be held.
On the other side, the commission researching the Kartalkaya hotel fire in Bolu province, which is nearing its term of duty, will discuss its final report. Prosecutors are seeking lengthy prison terms for 32 suspects over a devastating fire that tore through a luxury ski resort hotel in northern Türkiye, killing 78 people.
The blaze engulfed the Grand Kartal Hotel in the early hours of Jan. 21 at the Kartalkaya ski resort, with survivor testimonies and expert analysis revealing widespread safety lapses.
According to the indictment, prosecutors in Bolu are pushing for up to 1,998 years in prison for 13 key defendants – including the hotel’s owner, top executives, Bolu’s deputy mayor, the deputy fire chief and a firefighter – on 78 counts of killing with possible intent.
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