AGP Executive Report

Deadly Floods: Istanbul’s flood death toll rose to eight after extreme rain inundated the city and nearby Kocaeli. Analysts point to rapid construction and paved-over green space as factors that can worsen flooding. Media Crackdown: Authorities took over opposition-aligned Halk TV, while a court ordered access blocked to 13 reports on a minister’s assets and the investment-fund scandal. The capital markets regulator’s chief has resigned as investigations widen. Brussels Talks: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, joined by the interior and justice ministers, is meeting Belgian counterparts on counterterrorism, migration, policing and judicial cooperation; talks with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and NATO chief Mark Rutte are also on his agenda. Cyprus: Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman are due to meet in Nicosia, with crossing points and a return to negotiations among the issues in focus. Regional Ties: Ankara and Riyadh discussed regional security as Turkish and Emirati officials condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Floods: The death toll from torrential rain in Istanbul and neighboring Kocaeli rose to eight, with damage reported at 3,000 properties and compensation payments beginning. Politics and Media: Erdoğan said Türkiye had resisted provocations and stayed out of regional conflicts. Separately, a Turkish court blocked access to 13 reports on a minister’s assets and a fund scandal, while the capital markets regulator’s chief resigned amid turmoil; journalist Mehmet Yılmaz was jailed over alleged Gülen links. Investment: Türkiye broke ground on a major Ankara data center, with total planned investment of $4.1 billion. A transport minister said the Iraq-Türkiye Development Road could add $55 billion to the economy over the next decade. Cyprus: Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides voiced hope for progress in talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, as the EU and Türkiye prepare discussions on the Cyprus issue.

Floods and Rescue: Istanbul’s storm death toll has risen to five, with two people reported missing in the latest round of flash floods. Separately, six people, including an infant, died when a migrant boat capsized off Lesvos; a Turkish national suspected of smuggling was arrested. Press Freedom: Authorities have taken control of opposition-aligned Halk TV after a police raid, drawing condemnation from press groups. A journalist detained over coverage of a major investment-fund scandal was released under judicial supervision. Eastern Mediterranean: Ankara has renewed objections to undersea cable surveys as Greece and Cyprus prepare to restart work on an electricity link, adding to tensions over maritime boundaries. Energy: Turkey says it will receive Russian diesel under a US-Russia supply deal, while its new Black Sea gas platform signals plans to expand domestic production. Politics: Erdoğan’s advisers have floated an early 2028 election, which could allow him to seek another term.

Istanbul Floods: The week’s torrential rains have killed five people in Istanbul, with a further death in nearby Kocaeli. Search teams are still looking for missing people after floods swept away cars. Media Freedom: Authorities have taken control of opposition broadcaster Halk TV and halted its broadcasts, drawing condemnation from press-freedom groups. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged Islamic unity on Palestine at an OIC meeting in Baghdad, where he also held talks with regional counterparts. Energy: Türkiye says it will receive some Russian diesel under a Moscow-Washington supply arrangement. Its first floating gas-production platform, Osman Gazi, is heading to the Black Sea, with output expected to rise sharply. Neighbourhood Tensions: Ankara and Baku are at odds over Azerbaijan’s school headscarf restrictions, while Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman says political equality must be accepted before substantive Cyprus negotiations can begin.

Regional Diplomacy: At the OIC meeting in Baghdad, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged Muslim countries to act together on Palestine and regional crises. He also discussed trade, energy and security with Iraqi leaders, while Türkiye, Egypt and Iran called for renewed US-Iran talks. Domestic Affairs: Authorities detained US crypto founder Richard Heart in Istanbul over a Finnish investigation; detention is not a finding of guilt. Separately, heavy flooding near Istanbul killed three people, with searches continuing for the missing. Press Freedom: A government-appointed trustee took control of opposition broadcaster Halk TV after a police raid, drawing condemnation from rights monitors. Security and Energy: Türkiye signed a military cooperation agreement with Cambodia as the leaders pledged to deepen trade ties. Ankara also launched its first floating Black Sea gas platform, aiming to increase domestic output. Cyprus: Ankara issued new sea warnings amid a dispute over planned surveys for a Greece-Cyprus power link, as EU-Türkiye talks on Cyprus loom.

Press Freedom: Authorities have taken control of opposition broadcaster Halk TV after a police raid, halting broadcasts amid a wider crackdown on reporting about a major investment-fund scandal. Press groups condemned the move. Floods: Torrential rain has killed three people in Istanbul, with three still missing and more heavy weather forecast. Energy: Türkiye plans to raise oil output to 550,000 barrels a day by 2028; the Osman Gazi floating platform is heading to the Black Sea as Ankara targets a sharp increase in gas production. Cyprus: Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman shared a peace message at a bicommunal festival, while Ankara and Athens remain at odds over eastern Mediterranean maritime activity. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged OIC members to coordinate on regional crises and protect navigation through the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab straits. Rights: Saturday Mothers renewed their call for answers over Fehmi Tosun’s 1995 disappearance; four DEM Party youth members detained in Mardin were released under judicial supervision.

Istanbul Floods: Flash floods have killed four people, with three still missing, in the city’s worst flooding since 1942. Media Crackdown: Authorities have seized opposition-aligned broadcaster Halk TV; a journalist detained over reporting on a major investment-fund scandal was released under judicial supervision. Regional Ties: Türkiye and Armenia report fresh momentum in normalisation talks, with Yerevan saying the land border could reopen soon. Ankara also agreed to deepen ties with Cambodia, including a new military cooperation deal. Energy and Defence: Türkiye plans to more than triple defence-equipment procurement allocations in its 2027 budget. Meanwhile, wind and solar now make up a third of installed power capacity, and a new Black Sea platform is set to boost gas output. Trade: President Trump suspended planned Russia-related sanctions and tariffs that could have affected Türkiye and other major buyers of Russian energy.

Istanbul Floods: Flash floods killed four people and left three missing after the city’s heaviest downpour in decades; more rain was forecast. Press Freedom: Authorities seized control of opposition broadcaster Halk TV after a police raid, suspending its broadcasts as press groups condemned the move. Journalists have also been detained over coverage of a major investment-fund scandal. Azerbaijan Tensions: A school headscarf ban has sparked rare protests and strained ties between Baku and Ankara, which has urged its ally to ease restrictions. Black Sea Security: Ukraine asked Türkiye to help restore safe shipping as drone attacks put merchant vessels and billions of dollars in exports at risk; Bulgaria has asked NATO for added air and drone defenses. Cyprus Dispute: Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş said no settlement can ignore Turkish Cypriots, while Ankara issued new notices challenging planned surveys for a Cyprus–Crete power link. Counterterrorism: Türkiye detained 59 suspects in raids targeting alleged Islamic State members and support networks across 22 provinces.

Flood Emergency: Record rainfall has killed three people and left five missing in Istanbul. Thousands were rescued, schools closed and residents told to stay home as more rain was forecast. Media Crackdown: Authorities seized control of opposition broadcaster Halk TV after a police raid, halted live broadcasts and appointed a state trustee. Press groups and opposition leaders condemned the move. Politics: Reports say Erdoğan may seek an early 2028 election that could allow him to run again, as pressure on the opposition grows. Regional Ties: Turkish and Azerbaijani foreign ministers met in Baku amid a dispute over school headscarf restrictions; Hakan Fidan said ties remain strong. Markets: MSCI froze some changes to its Turkey indexes and warned the country could face a downgrade if market concerns persist. Arrest: Crypto entrepreneur Richard Heart was detained in Istanbul, Turkish media report; authorities have not confirmed details of the reported cash and luxury-watch seizures. Discovery: Archaeologists found a shipwreck off Turkey’s coast believed to be about 4,700 years old.

Media Crackdown: Authorities raided opposition broadcaster Halk TV, halted live broadcasts and appointed a trustee to run it; 11 people were arrested, prompting renewed press-freedom concerns. Istanbul Floods: Torrential rain killed two people, triggered more than 8,800 emergency calls and forced 2,727 residents to evacuate. Officials called it the city’s heaviest rainfall in 84 years. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan joined representatives from Iran, Kuwait, Pakistan and the Palestinian Authority in walking out during Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s speech at a Baku summit. Fidan also urged Türkiye and Azerbaijan to resolve disagreements directly, amid a dispute over Azerbaijan’s school headscarf restrictions. Rights and Trade: The European Court of Human Rights found Türkiye violated the rights of 26 people held in pretrial detention over alleged Gülen links. Ankara also pressed the EU to include Türkiye in its “Made in Europe” industrial plan. Archaeology: Divers found a shipwreck off Türkiye’s coast believed to be about 4,700 years old, potentially among the world’s oldest.

Istanbul Floods: Torrential rain killed a 14-year-old boy by electrocution, flooded homes and brought traffic to a standstill; schools closed as officials urged residents to stay indoors. Media Crackdown: Police raided opposition broadcaster Halk TV, halted its broadcasts and installed a government-appointed trustee, drawing fresh press-freedom warnings. Black Sea Security: A tanker reported a suspected drone strike and fire in Romanian waters while awaiting passage to Ukraine; the incident has renewed calls for stronger coordination among NATO’s Black Sea states. Trade and Industry: Türkiye and the EU signaled progress on updating their Customs Union as bilateral trade reached $233 billion. Spain is also planning to add 15 Hürjet trainer jets to its existing order for 30. Archaeology: Researchers reported a 4,700-year-old shipwreck off Türkiye’s coast, while excavations at Ordu’s Kurul Castle uncovered new ancient artifacts.

Media Freedom: Police raided opposition-linked Halk TV, halted broadcasts and installed a state-appointed trustee during a corruption probe. Eleven people were detained; the channel and press groups denounced the move as politically motivated. Ancient History: Archaeologists found a 4,400-to-4,700-year-old shipwreck off Turkey’s coast near Kekova, with storage jars that may shed light on Bronze Age trade. Regional Tensions: Azerbaijan’s ruling party rebuked Turkish officials for criticising school restrictions on hijabs, warning Ankara against interference and testing the allies’ close ties. Defence Industry: Spain is planning to buy 15 more Turkish Hürjet aircraft, potentially expanding its planned fleet to 45, though no additional contract has been signed. Digital Policy: Turkey’s ban on social media for children under 15 is set to take effect November 1, with platforms facing age-check requirements.

Media Freedom: Police raided Istanbul’s opposition broadcaster Halk TV on Wednesday, the channel said, reporting that a government-appointed trustee had taken control and its live broadcast was cut. Authorities had not explained the move. The raid comes amid arrests of journalists over coverage of a major investment-fund scandal. Regional Security: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and pledged Ankara’s support for Riyadh; US President Donald Trump has floated asking Türkiye to get involved, though Ankara has ruled out sending troops to fight in Yemen. Peace Process: The PKK has withdrawn from four positions in northern Iraq, a step Turkish sources link to efforts to advance the peace process. Online Rules: Türkiye plans to bar children under 15 from social media starting November 1, with added restrictions on teen users. Heritage: Archaeologists say they found a 4,400-to-4,700-year-old trade shipwreck off Antalya, with stone anchors and more than 30 pottery vessels.

Saudi Crisis: Erdoğan condemned Houthi attacks and pledged support for Riyadh as President Trump said he might ask Türkiye to help; Ankara has ruled out sending troops for offensive operations. Black Sea Security: Two commercial ships were struck off Bulgaria, including one sailing from Türkiye’s Giresun port. Türkiye, Bulgaria and Romania are discussing closer surveillance and intelligence-sharing. Fund Scandal: Türkiye aims to liquidate nearly half of the troubled investment funds this week, as repayments begin. The crisis has also brought new journalist arrests and a warning from press-freedom groups that the crackdown is nearing a crisis point. NATO Summit Arrests: Dozens detained ahead of July’s Ankara summit remain in prison. A 17-year-old arrested at 16 is reportedly held in isolation, with no indictment filed after three months. PKK Peace Process: Kurdish militants have withdrawn from four positions in northern Iraq, a step Turkish officials describe as part of the process to end the insurgency.

Saudi Defense Pact: Erdoğan says the joint-defense agreement with Saudi Arabia will go to parliament within days. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says Türkiye is considering defensive support but will not send troops for offensive operations against the Houthis. Kurdish Peace Process: Turkish intelligence confirms the PKK has withdrawn from four bases in northern Iraq, while the group calls on Ankara to take further steps. Press Freedom: Two journalists remain jailed pending trial over alleged misinformation about a major investment-fund crisis; prosecutors are also investigating large-scale withdrawals. Public Safety: A bus-truck collision in western Türkiye killed 11 people and injured 27. Digital Policy: A ban on social media for under-15s is due to take effect November 1, with age checks raising privacy concerns. Football: Galatasaray host Barcelona in a high-profile Champions League clash in Istanbul.

Saudi Defense Pact: Erdoğan said Türkiye will send its joint defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to parliament for ratification, while condemning Houthi attacks on Riyadh. Ankara has ruled out offensive troop deployments. PKK Peace Process: The PKK has withdrawn from four camps in northern Iraq, a step in the fragile peace effort. MHP deputy leader Feti Yıldız expects concrete results by the end of November, potentially opening legal relief for about 2,800 prisoners. Fund Scandal: Erdoğan says repayments of up to 1 million lira per investor have begun for eligible funds. Investigators have taken legal action against 282 people; journalists have also been jailed or placed under house arrest over coverage of the crisis. Online Rules: New regulations bar under-15s from social media from November 1 and require platforms to verify ages, including through a government-issued digital token. Deadly Crash: A bus-truck collision in western Türkiye killed 11 people and injured 27. Climate: Türkiye is preparing to host COP31 in Antalya in November, with a media tour showcasing its environmental policies and projects.