Timur Akhmetov

Timur Akhmetov is an Ankara-based freelance journalist writing about politics and society in Turkey.

Presidents Hassan Rouhani of Iran, Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Vladimir Putin of Russia hold a joint news conference after their meeting in Ankara, Turkey April 4, 2018

Paradox of Russian political investments in Erdogan

A woman sits on the edge of a cliff as she visits Cape Fiolent in the Black Sea port of Sevastopol, Crimea.

The emerging diplomatic Crimea-Cyprus highway

DEMONSTRATORS HOLD BANNERS and Turkish and Palestinian flags as they shout slogans during a protest against US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, after Friday prayers at Haci Bayram Mosque in Ankara, in December.

Turkey: A game spoiler or challenger to US interests?


Turkey’s options in Iraq may now range between bad and worse

Another sensitive issue that may aggravate relations between Turkey and Iran is the trajectory of development of Iraqi identity.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addresses members of parliament from his ruling AK Party (AKP) during a meeting at the Turkish parliament in Ankara, Turkey, June 13, 2017.

Erdogan will seek legitimacy in an assertive foreign policy

The last decade witnessed Ankara feeling more self-confident, especially in the Middle East.

Supporters listen to the speech by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a rally for the upcoming referendum in Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey’s lonely messiah

Seeing all this, one can’t but realize that results of the upcoming referendum will not change much for Erdogan.

Supporters of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan shout slogans on the back of a truck during a pro-government demonstration on Taksim square in Istanbul, Turkey, July 16, 2016