Turkey

Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is located partially in the continent of Asia and partially in Europe. It shares borders with Greece and Bulgaria to the Northwest, Iran to the east and Iraq to the southeast. It also shares various borders with Syria, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

70%-75% of Turkey's population are Turks, and 19% are Kurds, making them the country's largest minority group. The country's capital is Ankara, and the largest city and financial city is Istanbul.

As of November 2021, the President of Turkey is Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has served in this position since 2014. Prior to that, he served as Prime Minister of the country from 2003-2014.

Since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011, an estimated 3.6 million Syrian refugees have taken up residence in Turkey, most of them living with temporary residence permits.

Middle Israel: Why Turkey, Qatar are Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei's willing accomplices - opinion

While Doha's support for Khamenei stems largely from practical concerns, Istanbul's defense of Iran is more connected to ideology.

FEBRUARY 20, 2026|ByAMOTZ ASA-EL

IN TERMS of the clash of civilizations, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Recep Tayyip Erdogan are on the same page. Here, the Turkish president speaks during a joint press conference with Ethiopia’s prime minister during his official visit to the National Palace in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.

Journalist for German media detained in Turkey for 'misinformation,' 'insulting president'

DW Director General Barbara Massing called the accusations baseless and said the arrest was "a deliberate act of intimidation and shows how severely the government is suppressing press freedom."

FEBRUARY 20, 2026|ByREUTERS

A Turkish police officer and armored vehicle outside Istanbul Courthouse, March 26, 2019; illustrative.

Turkey detains 88 in nationwide raids over alleged links to group accused of 2016 coup attempt

Turkish authorities detain 88 suspects in nationwide operation targeting alleged members of the Gülen movement, linked to the 2016 coup attempt.

FEBRUARY 18, 2026|ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF

Turkish charities operating in the southern Gaza Strip, October 23, 2025

Turkey opens three mosques in Gaza as Ankara expands religious influence

Turkey’s Diyanet Foundation opened three mosques in Gaza ahead of Ramadan, part of Ankara’s broader effort to expand religious and political influence in the enclave.

FEBRUARY 15, 2026|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

Iraq's Kurds emerge as Middle East's key diplomatic players at Munich Security Council - analysis

The KRG has helped smooth the transition in eastern Syria by working with Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces, also hosting US forces and other anti-ISIS coalition forces.

FEBRUARY 15, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

Nechirvan Barzani, President of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan Region, gives a joint press conference with France's Foreign Minister in Arbil, the regional capital, on February 5, 2026.

Which are the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey?

FEBRUARY 12, 2026ByISAAC KAPLAN

How US Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack plays key role in creating a new Syria, Levant region - analysis

Barack plays a key role as US ambassador to Turkey, Special Envoy to Syria, and one of the key figures in American policy in the Levant, while also keeping constant dialogues with Gulf state actors.

FEBRUARY 11, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack attends a press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, in Damascus, Syria September 16, 2025.

Iraq-Turkey tensions grow as Baghdad summons ambassador over 'interference' accusations

Baghdad issued a formal protest after remarks on PKK activity were seen as interference. Ankara says the comments were mistranslated and focused only on militants in Iraq.

FEBRUARY 11, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

Members of the Iraqi security forces take part in an event marking the Iraqi Police Day in Mosul, Iraq, January 9, 2026.

Israeli, Greek, Cypriot, US gov't officials gather in Knesset as Turkish threat rises

The meeting, held in cooperation with the Middle East Forum, discussed several regional developments and urged greater cooperation against the Turkish threat.

FEBRUARY 11, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

MKs Alon Schuster and Ohad Tal, Middle East Forum’s Alex Selsky and Greg Roman, INSS senior reaserch fellow Galia Lindenstrauss, entrepreneur Yehonatan Adiri, security expert Yossi Kuperwasser, and strategic advisor Liane Polak-David host “The 3+1 Framework” security meeting on February 10, 2026.

Erdogan names controversial prosecutor as new Turkish justice minister

Akin Gurlek was the chief prosecutor behind the crackdown on the Turkish opposition party. His appointment marks the first cabinet shuffle since the last election.

FEBRUARY 11, 2026ByREUTERS

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a ceremony for the handover of new vehicles to the gendarmerie and police forces in Istanbul, Turkey, November 28, 2025.

Could a nuclear Iran start an arms race?

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise.

FEBRUARY 10, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a televised message in Tehran, Iran, February 9, 2026. Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader.

Turkey could join nuclear arms race if Iran acquires bomb, Hakan Fidan warns

Turkish FM Hakan Fidan also said that the idea that US or Israeli airstrikes on Iran could lead to regime change was "a pipe dream."

FEBRUARY 10, 2026ByJAMES GENN

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) and Iranian Foreign Minster Abbas Araghchi (L) hold a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey, January 30, 2026.

Foreign ministers from Muslim, Arab countries denounce Israeli West Bank bill to expand control

A group of Arab and Muslim states condemned Israel’s latest Security Cabinet decisions on West Bank land policy, planning authority, and enforcement powers.

FEBRUARY 9, 2026ByJAMES GENN

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi attends a press briefing during an EU-Jordan summit in Amman, Jordan, January 8, 2026; illustrative.

Rojava defeated: Why Kurdish leadership must adapt or risk extinction - opinion

Kurdish political weaknesses and bad strategies are highlighted as risks for the region and Israel.

FEBRUARY 9, 2026ByAMED MARDIN

Members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after US-backed alliance led by Syrian Kurdish fighters captured Deir el-Zor, in Syria December 7, 2024