AGP Executive Report

Aviation Honors: Singapore Airlines was named the World’s Best Airline for 2026 at the Skytrax awards, with Turkish Airlines placing fifth. Sanctions Pressure: Türkiye will suspend Mahan Air flights from Sept. 21 over US sanctions exposure, warning the risk could spread to Turkish service providers. Justice & Security: Turkey’s justice minister announced raids that detained 175 suspects in an Israel-linked fraud network selling fake forex and crypto investment schemes worth about $266m. Middle East Tensions: Syria told the UN Security Council Israel is the “greatest threat” to regional stability, as accusations flew over military presence in Syria. Cyprus Closure: Fifteen Turkish Cypriots, including a baby, were laid to rest after remains were identified decades later. Elections Talk: Turkey’s justice minister said a 2028 vote would be held to “re-elect” Erdoğan, pointing to a legal path for another term. Regional Trade: Bangladesh and Türkiye discussed expanding energy cooperation, including solar, LNG logistics and pipeline links.

Markets & Finance: Turkey’s lira and financial markets came under fresh strain as the currency neared a new record low and stocks and bond yields slid higher, with liquidity worries tied to fund redemption problems. Regulation & Funds: The Capital Markets Board (SPK) ordered İşbank and Ziraat Bank to manage the liquidation of 131 investment funds, setting a three-month timetable for selling assets and paying investors. Human Rights: The UN urged Turkey to release people it says were arbitrarily detained in a nationwide anti-LGBTQ+ crackdown, citing mass arrests and alleged ill-treatment. Regional Security: Turkey condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and warned that the Red Sea threat and Bab al-Mandab risks harm to regional security and global maritime trade. Black Sea Shipping: Ankara proposed a deal with Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks on civilian cargo ships, aiming to reduce strikes that have hit merchant shipping. Culture & Tourism (Ankara): Ankara will host the 19th stop of the Türkiye Culture Route Festival, running Sept. 19–27 across major heritage sites. Istanbul (Heritage): Turkey confirmed a 9km tunnel network beneath Hagia Sophia, with restoration and possible future visitor access under review.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: UN rights chief Volker Türk warned Turkey over the detention of 150+ LGBTIQ+ people and defenders amid the “My Family is Safe” raids, with reports of ill-treatment and wider civic-space curbs. Erdogan’s 2028 Path: A top adviser says President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will run again in an early April 16, 2028 election, a move aimed at sidestepping the two-term limit. PKK Peace Process: Abdullah Öcalan is set to join a committee overseeing the conflict’s end, with officials saying it’s about disarmament and coordination, not release. Black Sea Shipping: Turkey proposed a Russia-Ukraine memorandum to curb attacks on civilian vessels, drawing on the grain-corridor model to reduce the risky gap in territorial waters. Regional Security: Ankara condemned Houthi actions and a drone attack on Saudi Arabia, while welcoming steps by 12 countries to restrict trade with illegal Israeli settlements. Finance Watch: Regulators moved to stabilize markets after fund liquidity stress and ordered liquidation of some investment funds. Aviation: Istanbul Airport overtook Heathrow as the world’s most connected hub, while a Singapore Airlines flight was diverted to Istanbul after a medical emergency. Sports: Trabzonspor hired Thomas Reis as Mohamed Salah’s new coach on a two-year deal.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish police detained dozens and raided LGBTQ+ groups and venues in Istanbul, Ankara and İzmir, with rights groups warning of a widening “obscenity” crackdown that has also swept up journalists. Defense Industry: Türkiye says its domestically built Hurkus-II trainer aircraft has completed final tests and will be delivered soon to the Air Force, marking a first for local production. Regional Security: Turkey strongly condemned a Houthi attempted drone attack on Makkah after Saudi air defenses stopped it, reiterating support for Saudi Arabia and urging tensions not to escalate. Markets & Economy: The BIST 100 opened down 1.32% as investors pulled back, while the lira and key commodities were also reported in early trading. Aviation & Connectivity: Istanbul overtook Heathrow as the world’s most connected international airport, citing 337 destinations and Middle East disruption effects on rankings. Sports Calendar: Türkiye’s Grand Prix is set to return to the F1 calendar in 2027, with Istanbul Park hosting the race in October. Food Rules: New milk labeling and sugar/fat limits were introduced, with businesses given until March 31, 2027 to comply.

Middle East Security: Turkey condemned a Houthi drone attack targeting Mecca, calling it a threat to regional stability and reaffirming support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security. Regional Diplomacy: Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers held a phone call as negotiations continue amid high tensions, with Ankara also pushing for Iran to join efforts against the PKK and PJAK. Aegean Tensions: FM Hakan Fidan warned that Greece’s militarization of demilitarized Greek islands is a direct security threat, urging treaty compliance. Turkic Cooperation: Fidan met TURKPA’s secretary general in Azerbaijan, while a proposal emerged for a common trade platform along the Middle Corridor to help small producers sell locally made goods. Defense Industry: Türkiye issued its first indigenous military type certificate for the HÜRKUŞ-II trainer aircraft, signaling a new phase for domestic military aviation. Economy & Trade: Ankara’s push for higher-tech manufacturing highlighted a widening gap—Türkiye buys more high-tech than it sells. Sports: Real Madrid edged Elche 3-2 with Arda Güler scoring a free-kick opener as Elche staged a late comeback.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown in Istanbul: Police detained dozens of protesters outside Istanbul’s Çağlayan courthouse as demonstrations demanded the release of people held in a nationwide LGBTQ+ crackdown, with lawyers reporting 91 arrests by midday and protesters chanting for immediate release under heavy surveillance. Diplomacy on Cyprus: Greece’s Cypriot side has accepted UN chief Guterres’ seven-point Cyprus proposal, and Cyprus talks are set to push “concrete steps” ahead of New York meetings, with Turkey’s expectations focused on a constructive approach from the Turkish Cypriot side. Black Sea Talks: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara is stepping up efforts to reconcile positions on the Black Sea and warned about rising attacks on civilian vessels. Turkish Airlines Probe: Sri Lanka’s civil aviation authorities sought an explanation from Turkish Airlines after javelin champion Rumesh Tharanga’s equipment was damaged in transit, with the airline agreeing to investigate and compensate losses. Energy Security: Europe faces winter gas risks as LNG supply disruptions and slower reserve replenishment leave storage around 68% full, near a 14-year low. Turkic Tech Exchange: Kyrgyzstanis can apply for Türk Forum 2026, with the final event in Ankara and cash prizes for top projects. Business Aviation: Boeing is nearing a deal to salvage Turkish Airlines’ 737 MAX order for 150 jets after a CFM engine dispute.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Police detained dozens of protesters outside Istanbul’s Çağlayan courthouse demanding the release of LGBTQ+ activists swept up in a nationwide operation; authorities say the raids targeted 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses under the “My Family is Safe” framing. Aegean & Cyprus Tensions: AKP spokesman Ömer Çelik warned Greece against “provocative actions” in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, stressing Ankara wants dialogue but won’t mistake it for weakness; he also criticized a US Cyprus move. Turkey-Azerbaijan Ties: Turkish and Azerbaijani foreign ministers Hakan Fidan and Jeyhun Bayramov held talks in Baku, reaffirming “One nation, two states,” boosting defence and energy cooperation, and marking the 108th anniversary of Baku’s liberation. Regional Security—Gulf: Turkey’s FM urged an immediate halt to reciprocal Gulf attacks undermining efforts to de-escalate the US-Iran war and called for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Black Sea Warning: Fidan said Ankara is warning parties after an increase in attacks on cargo vessels in the Black Sea, noting Turkish and Azerbaijani citizens have been killed. Energy: Russia cut pipeline gas exports to Turkey by about 10% year-on-year in Jan–July 2026, according to Turkish regulator data. Crime: A shooting at an Istanbul currency exchange office left three dead and one injured; police detained a suspect.

Azerbaijan-Türkiye Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set for a two-day visit to Baku to deepen strategic ties with Azerbaijan, with talks on trade (targeting $15 billion), energy and transport, plus defence and security cooperation. Energy & Infrastructure: Türkiye plans a high-speed rail corridor linking six northern provinces, cutting Samsun–Trabzon travel to about two hours, while Ankara–Samsun rail upgrades also move ahead. Nuclear Power: Russian Ambassador Sergey Vershinin says the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant’s first unit remains the key goal for this year, with further plants planned in Sinop and Trakya. Regional Security: Türkiye and Syria discussions continue as Ankara prepares for Erdogan’s upcoming Damascus visit, with Fidan also meeting regional counterparts. LGBTQ Crackdown: Turkish authorities carried out nationwide raids targeting LGBTQ+ groups and blocked some social media accounts, drawing condemnation from rights groups and EU officials. Tourism & Culture: Istanbul’s Bosphorus Museum opens at Kabataş, while Ayvalık promotes its diving sites and the 212 Photography Istanbul festival returns for its 200th-anniversary photography theme. Sports: Saudi football authorities condemned chants aimed at late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, promising disciplinary action. Business: ABB Financial Group completed its controlling-stake acquisition of Uzbekistan’s Davr Bank, launching “ABB Davr” operations.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish courts ordered blocks on social media accounts tied to Amnesty Turkey, rights groups and journalists after raids that detained dozens and targeted LGBTQ+ organizations and venues across multiple provinces, with authorities citing “family values” and “national security.” Social Media Censorship: A Bakırköy court backed further profile blocks on X and other platforms, while activists warned they would open new accounts to keep reporting. Education Push: President Erdoğan said Türkiye improved 50% in PISA 2025 across all assessed areas as the new school year opened in Ankara. Space & Defense: Türkiye completed its first homegrown lunar spacecraft for testing ahead of an early-2027 launch, and Roketsan test-fired the Sungur missile from the Burç mobile air defense system. Archaeology: Excavations near Ankara uncovered a 5,000-year-old fossil and new findings at Kulhoyuk, alongside earlier “Love Flower” seed discoveries. Economy & Trade: Türkiye’s exports to Armenia reached $1.336m since the start of the year, while exports to Azerbaijan hit $1.542bn in Jan-Aug. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held talks with Qatar and Saudi Arabia on regional attacks and negotiations, and met Syrian officials in Damascus reaffirming support for Syria’s unity.

LGBTQ Crackdown: Turkish police launched nationwide raids on gay bars and LGBTQ+ activists’ homes and offices, detaining dozens across major cities as prosecutors opened investigations into dozens of suspects and groups. Cyprus Diplomacy: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said the US arms embargo waiver extension sends a “clear message,” while negotiators are preparing for fresh Cyprus talks during the UN General Assembly week in New York. Turkey-Ukraine Talks: A Turkish government source told RIA Novosti Ankara still sees Istanbul as a suitable venue for negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict. Aviation Shock: Turkish Airlines passengers reported terrifying turbulence during a stormy approach to Tunisia, with accounts of three landing attempts and a sudden “plummet” moment going viral. Regional Security: Turkey and Iran’s foreign ministers discussed Strait of Hormuz and regional tensions as shipping disruptions and Yemen-related risks keep the wider region on edge. Sports: Galatasaray beat Kocaelispor 1-0, with coach Okan Buruk saying the team is strong even without Victor Osimhen. OTS Religious Meeting: The 7th meeting of Muslim religious leaders of Turkic states opened in Baku, bringing together around 200 figures from nearly 40 countries.

Syria Talks in Damascus: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan arrived in Syria for talks with Asaad al-Shaibani, focusing on Kurdish formations’ integration into the Syrian army, steps to strengthen state institutions, and responses to Israeli aggression; Fidan also said President Erdoğan’s visit to Syria is planned “in the near future.” LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish police launched dawn raids across 12 provinces under the “My Family is Safe” campaign, detaining 162 people and targeting LGBTQ+ groups and websites; authorities cite “obscenity” and “family values,” while rights groups call it a political purge. Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi said Oman talks will cover a new maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing it is not a reopening and linking any change to US commitments. Sports Spotlight: Türkiye beat Switzerland 3-0 to win their first CEV European Volleyball Championship match; Galatasaray also edged Kocaelispor 1-0 with a Bardakci strike. Security & Economy: Turkey seized about 350 kg of cocaine in Mersin; Somalia faces rising costs and piracy fears as Red Sea disruptions continue. Travel Safety: Turkish Airlines passengers reported terrifying turbulence during a storm approach to Tunisia, with the flight diverted after multiple landing attempts.

Regional Diplomacy: Iran, Iraq and Türkiye urged restraint to prevent escalation in West Asia in separate calls involving FM Hakan Fidan and Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, while Iran and Oman agreed new Strait of Hormuz entry/exit routes to brief Gulf states Monday. Energy Security: Türkiye condemned drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline from Iraqi territory, calling for an immediate end and warning against steps that could further inflame tensions. Social Media Crackdown: Turkey blocked more than a dozen LGBTQ-related X accounts at authorities’ request, including Kaos GL and lawyer Levent Piskin, according to a watchdog. Sports—Turkey’s Spotlight: Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal returned to duties after reports of a final resignation, with the club saying he would prepare for the Gaziantep FK match. Aviation/Travel: Pegasus Airlines cleared to take over Czech carrier Smartwings/České aerolinie, but only after conditions to protect competition on the Prague–Antalya route. Local Life: A truck crash with a wedding minibus in Bartın left 21 injured, including three children.

Cyprus Tensions: Türkiye condemned the US extension of the arms embargo waiver for the Greek Cypriot Administration, warning it could further erode trust on the island. Middle East Security: Ankara also denounced drone attacks launched from Iraq targeting Saudi Arabia, while Saudi, Turkish and Qatari foreign ministers held calls on regional de-escalation. Regional Diplomacy: Iran’s president urged BRICS to resist unilateral sanctions and set up a permanent secretariat as leaders met in India; Oman is set to host Arab foreign ministers to sign a Hormuz shipping-route deal with Iran. Health Research: A Turkish randomized trial suggests playing a donor’s preferred music during living liver donation surgery may reduce stress markers like pulse, blood pressure and cortisol. Sports—Turkey: Galatasaray reportedly considers offloading Ilkay Gündogan and two others in winter after limited playing time. Sports—International: Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal returned to duties after confusion over resignation reports. Aviation/Border: Moldova temporarily closed parts of airspace after an unauthorized drone entered from Ukraine. Maritime Tragedy: A ferry fire off the Philippines’ Palawan coast killed 76, with 13 still unaccounted for.

Budget Discipline: Türkiye’s 2027–2029 budget guidelines call on public institutions to cut inefficient spending, limit new vehicle purchases, and avoid using temporary revenues for permanent commitments. Health Push in Rize: Erdoğan urged the rapid completion of Rize City Hospital and backed new hospital and housing projects, framing them as part of nationwide service expansion. Maritime Safety: The Transport Ministry warned Black Sea captains about abandoned, crewless vessels drifting toward Türkiye’s coast after incidents during the Russia-Ukraine war. Courtroom Politics: Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was sentenced to 2 years and 1 month and faces a political ban in an insult-defamation case. AI Election Influence: Malaysia’s UMNO demanded an investigation after Anthropic alleged an AI-linked “influence-as-a-service” operation targeting voters, with Malaysia’s regulator saying it will review the claims. Regional Diplomacy: Turkish and Saudi foreign ministers discussed de-escalation after pipeline attacks, while Saudi said the East-West oil pipeline was temporarily shut after drone strikes. Tech & Security: Anthropic warned of misuse of its Claude AI for autonomous drone development and hacking, saying it disrupted related efforts.

Istanbul Politics: Jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was sentenced to 2 years and 1 month and hit with a political ban in an insult case tied to remarks over a Tuzla district mayoral event; the restrictions won’t take effect unless the ruling becomes final on appeal. Prison Death: Kurdish political prisoner Nebi Yavuz died in Mardin after more than 30 years behind bars, with his release coming in July 2023; he had been treated for stage-four pancreatic cancer. Aviation Deal: Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines won conditional Czech antitrust approval to buy Smartwings, with requirements including transferring some summer route slots to preserve competition. Regional Security: Israel carried out explosions and shelling in southern Lebanon, including demolishing most of a public school in Mansouri, as tensions rise ahead of Oct. 27 elections. Middle East Trade: Iraq and Türkiye completed a final draft for the Development Road implementation agreement, moving toward approvals and signing for rail, road and port upgrades linking Iraq’s Grand Faw Port to the Turkish border. Tech & Investment: GITEX Ai Türkiye highlighted Türkiye as an AI “sandbox,” drawing global attendees and startups and pitching government support for scaling. Sports: Fenerbahçe accepted Ismail Kartal’s sudden resignation after a 1-1 Champions League draw with Roma, with Dirk Kuijt taking over as interim coach.

AI Safety & Security: Anthropic says it blocked five attempts to use its Claude models for work that could aid biological weapons development, including proposals tied to chikungunya, avian influenza and smallpox, and warned some users tried to bypass safeguards. Counterterror Policing: Turkish police detained 20 suspects in FETÖ infiltration raids across six provinces, using data from a secret witness-linked SD card and targeting alleged supervisory roles within covert police networks. Politics & Local Power: Erdoğan urged unity after AKP gained four mayors, while AKP says Erdoğan–Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş talks focused on capital needs and investments. Public Health: Istanbul temporarily closed three public beaches after water samples failed health standards. Cancer Screening Drive: Turkey screened 16.1 million people for cancer over two years, finding 36,000 early cases via KETEM centers. Cyprus Investigation: Turkish Cypriot legislature picked Sunat Atun to lead a ferry-disaster probe into the Kyrenia sinking. Sports Shock: Fenerbahçe coach İsmail Kartal resigned after a bottle hit him during a Roma draw, but the club president rejected the resignation and said he remains in charge.