Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Ankara will continue to work in coordination with the United States to establish peace in Gaza. He expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for inviting Turkey to join the newly formed 'peace board' for Gaza, according to TRT World.

Earlier, Trump stated that he had a 'very important' phone conversation with Erdogan and expressed his admiration for the Turkish leader. Last Friday, the White House announced the creation of a 'peace board' to help permanently end Israel’s killings in Gaza and to implement Trump’s 20-point plan for rebuilding the war-torn enclave.

As part of the broader plan to resolve the Gaza conflict, a national committee has also been established to oversee governance in Gaza. Trump invited Erdogan and other heads of state and government to join the peace board.

A nearly 900-year-old madrasa has been discovered in the central Turkish city of Kayseri during ongoing urban renewal work. The structure was found south of the city’s historic Grand Mosque, near the tomb of Malik Muhammad Ghazi. The finding was reported on Thursday by the Turkish news agency Anadolu. Kayseri Mayor Memduh Büyükkılıç said the city holds traces of various civilizations and has a significant place in the history of Islam in Anatolia.

According to the mayor, the discovery was made while carefully clearing the area, revealing traces of a religious educational structure built in the traditional style. Malik Muhammad Ghazi, a ruler from the Danishmend dynasty, is regarded as the founder of Kayseri and an important figure in early Turkish Islamic history in Anatolia.

Mayor Büyükkılıç added that the search and excavation work will continue and that the municipality plans to coordinate with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for restoration efforts.

Turkey has declared its opposition to any form of military intervention in Iran as tensions rise between Tehran and Washington. Speaking in Istanbul on Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Iran should resolve its internal issues independently and that avoiding instability in Iran is a priority for Ankara. His remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened military action against Iran, while Tehran warned of strong resistance if attacked.

Fidan emphasized that the current economic crisis in Iran stems from existing policies and sanctions, which have created deep social and economic challenges. He described Iran as a diverse and dynamic society and cautioned that external interference would only worsen the situation. He added that Turkey views Iran as an important neighbor and that resolving Tehran’s problems would benefit Ankara.

Meanwhile, protests in Iran entered their 20th day on Friday, with reports of thousands arrested and internet access still restricted. Iranian authorities claimed the situation was stabilizing, and state media reported large funeral gatherings for those killed in recent unrest.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated in Istanbul on Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s aggressive military policies have left Israel increasingly isolated internationally. He said the ongoing military operations have caused widespread death and destruction in the Middle East and made normalization of relations with Israel practically impossible for Turkey and many other countries.

Fidan emphasized that as long as Israel’s military campaign continues, there is no realistic opportunity to restore diplomatic ties. He noted that European leaders are now reluctant to meet or be photographed with Netanyahu, reflecting growing opposition among European human rights groups and elected representatives. According to him, this reluctance stems from political risks associated with public closeness to Netanyahu.

He added that Israel’s diplomatic isolation is evident, with Netanyahu reportedly losing the ability to travel beyond the United States. Fidan described Turkey’s stance not as emotional or ideological but as part of a broader international response, noting that many countries are either openly criticizing Israel or quietly avoiding high-level contact.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called for dialogue to address the recent situation in Iran. During a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Fidan emphasized the need for discussions to ease regional tensions, according to a report citing an unnamed Turkish diplomatic source. The Anadolu news agency reported that Fidan highlighted the importance of preventing escalation through dialogue.

The call came as tensions rose following protests in Iran and threats of military intervention from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Turkish officials have reportedly been in contact with their American counterparts amid these developments. Earlier in the week, Fidan accused a foreign intelligence agency of orchestrating the protests, claiming that Israel’s Mossad was openly encouraging Iranians to rebel against their government through online platforms.

The Turkish foreign minister’s remarks reflect Ankara’s concern over regional instability and its preference for diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.

Turkey is in advanced discussions to join the strategic defense agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, according to a Geo News report. The talks have reportedly progressed significantly, and a formal agreement could follow. The existing pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia stipulates that an attack on one will be considered an attack on both nations.

The report suggests that Turkey’s potential inclusion could pave the way for a new security alliance, potentially altering the balance of power in the Middle East and beyond. The discussions come at a time when questions have been raised about the reliability of the United States as a security partner.

Pakistan and Turkey already share a long-standing military relationship, collaborating on several defense projects. Ankara has supplied corvette warships to Pakistan’s navy and is working with both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on drone technology and a fifth-generation fighter jet program. The original Pakistan-Saudi agreement, known as the SMDA, was signed on September 17 of the previous year during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

Turkey’s security forces arrested 85 suspected members of the militant group ISIS during separate anti-terror operations across the country’s eastern regions on Friday. The arrests took place in multiple provinces, including Şanlıurfa, Ağrı, and Istanbul, as part of a coordinated effort to dismantle ISIS-linked networks.

In Şanlıurfa, eight suspects were detained for allegedly posting content on social media praising ISIS. In Ağrı province, police arrested ten individuals accused of having ties to the group and seized banned books and digital materials. Istanbul’s chief public prosecutor’s office detained 67 more suspects. Authorities also transferred 32 individuals to repatriation centers after determining they posed a threat to national security. One alleged leader was identified for conducting illegal classes and recruiting supporters.

The operations followed a December 29 terrorist attack that killed three police officers, prompting Turkey to intensify its counterterrorism measures nationwide.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Gaza crisis, comparing him to Pharaoh. Speaking to reporters in Istanbul after Friday prayers on January 2, Erdogan said the cries and suffering of children in Gaza were shaking the world, yet Israel continued to block humanitarian aid. He added that children living in wind, rain, and mud had no tents, and Turkey’s attempts to send container shelters were being obstructed by Israel.

Erdogan praised the large pro-Palestinian rally held on January 1 at Istanbul’s Galata Bridge, calling it proof that Palestine is not alone. He pledged that Turkey and the Islamic world would stand firmly with Gaza. Turkish media outlet Hurriyet Daily News reported his remarks.

Since the conflict began in October 2023, Turkey has reduced trade with Israel, banning the export of over 1,000 products in April and later suspending all exports, imports, and transit trade between the two countries.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that he will hold a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on January 5 to discuss the Gaza crisis and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Erdogan made the statement on January 2 in Istanbul after Friday prayers, according to a report by Turkey-based Hurriyet Daily News.

Erdogan also said that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend a high-level meeting in France next week with the coalition of Kyiv’s allies known as the “coalition of the willing.” Before that, on January 3, a meeting of security advisers from allied countries will take place in Ukraine. Erdogan noted that he maintains regular communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President Trump, and European leaders, with discussions covering both the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Palestine.

The upcoming call underscores Turkey’s continued diplomatic engagement with major global actors amid overlapping crises in Gaza and Ukraine.

Turkey has announced that Chinese citizens will be allowed to enter the country without a visa for tourism and transit purposes starting January 2, 2026. The decision, published in the Official Gazette through a presidential decree, was reported by Turkey-based Hurriyet Daily News. Under the new rule, holders of passports from the People's Republic of China can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.

The move is expected to boost bilateral tourism and strengthen economic ties between Turkey and China. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1971 and elevated to a strategic cooperation level in 2010. In recent years, trade and investment relations have expanded significantly, with bilateral trade rising from 1 billion dollars in 2001 to 48 billion dollars in 2024.

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, Turkey exported goods worth 3.4 billion dollars to China in 2024, while imports reached 44.9 billion dollars. The two nations have also been exploring cooperation in electric vehicle production and raw material processing, with Chinese automaker BYD already signing a deal to establish a production facility in Turkey.

On January 1, 2026, around 520,000 people gathered on Istanbul’s Galata Bridge to express solidarity with Palestine. The rally and march were organized by Turkey’s Humanitarian Alliance and National Will Platform under the slogan “We will not be silent, we will not forget Palestine.” More than 400 civic and social organizations joined the event, which began with morning prayers at major mosques including Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Suleymaniye, and Eminonu Yeni Cami. Participants carried Turkish and Palestinian flags, wore keffiyehs, and chanted slogans supporting Palestinian resistance and freedom.

Bilal Erdoğan, chairman of the Ilim Yayma Foundation, addressed the crowd, emphasizing growing solidarity among Turkish citizens with Palestinians and calling for prayers for the freedom of Palestine and Jerusalem. Other political and religious leaders, including AK Party Istanbul branch head Abdullah Ozdemir and Onder Imam Hatipliler Association president Abdullah Cilan, also joined the march. Participants carried banners calling for justice for Palestine and condemned Israeli actions. Police maintained tight security, and organizers described the event as a peaceful demonstration of public support.

Many participants expressed hope that 2026 would bring justice, peace, and relief to Gaza, calling the rally a powerful message of solidarity from Istanbul to the world.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara is taking transformative steps in the defense sector to ensure regional and global stability. He made the remarks during a phone call with soldiers gathered at the Artillery and Missile School Command in Polatlı, Ankara, on New Year’s Eve. Erdogan stated that Turkey is engaged in a strong struggle to establish stability in the world.

He emphasized that Turkey’s actions align with the foreign policy principle of the Republic’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, of “peace at home, peace in the world.” Highlighting efforts to strengthen internal unity, Erdogan said the country is striving to ensure stability both within its region and beyond. He detailed Turkey’s growing military capabilities, including tanks, howitzers, helicopters, drones, missiles, air defense systems, warships, submarines, and unmanned sea vehicles.

Erdogan added that despite serious challenges, Turkey has seized a “historic opportunity” to turn recent achievements into lasting success. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building a stronger and greater Turkey for future generations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended a ceremony in Hatay province on December 27 to hand over the 455,000th new home built for survivors of the 2023 earthquakes that devastated southern Turkey. The February 6 quakes, measuring 7.8 and 7.5 in magnitude, killed more than 53,000 people and displaced millions across southern Turkey and northern Syria. Erdogan said over 55,000 housing units were delivered in Hatay and about 22,000 in Kahramanmaraş, slightly exceeding his earlier pledge of 453,000 units.

During the event, Erdogan criticized opposition parties, calling them “earthquake tourists” who sought political advantage from the disaster. He emphasized that his administration had rebuilt infrastructure in affected provinces including Adıyaman and Gaziantep. The president also linked Turkey’s internal stability to the broader Middle Eastern situation, warning against “merchants of blood and chaos” seeking to destabilize the region.

Erdogan reiterated that Turkey’s progress depends on a strong ruling party and national unity, highlighting solidarity with neighboring peoples in Syria, Palestine, and Iraq. The 2023 earthquakes were the deadliest in two decades, destroying over 35,000 buildings and severely damaging 200,000 more.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a written message to the annual Muslim American Society conference held in Chicago on December 26–27. In his message, he emphasized the importance of global Muslim unity and praised the role of the Muslim American community. Erdogan expressed hope that the conference would yield positive outcomes for the Islamic world and thanked the organizers for their invitation.

The conference’s theme, “Faith Under Trial: Standing Firm in Turbulent Times,” reflected the challenges facing the Muslim world, particularly Palestinians. Organizers said the event aimed to raise voices against international silence and support for Israel amid ongoing violence in Gaza since 2023. Erdogan highlighted that unity and mutual trust were essential to overcoming crises and conflicts affecting Muslim regions.

From Turkey, Tugba Isik Ercan, head of the ruling Justice and Development Party’s women’s branch, attended the conference. She outlined Turkey’s humanitarian diplomacy, including calls for ceasefire, enforcement of international law, and the opening of aid corridors. She also noted Turkey’s suspension of trade with Israel as part of Erdogan’s “justice-based foreign policy.”

A state funeral was held in Ankara on Saturday morning for five Libyan military officials who died in a plane crash earlier in the week. Among the victims was General Muhammad Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, a top commander from western Libya. The private jet, carrying the officials and three crew members, crashed after taking off from Ankara en route to Tripoli, killing all on board. Libyan authorities stated that a technical fault caused the accident.

General al-Haddad had played a key role in United Nations-mediated efforts to unify Libya’s armed forces. The delegation had been returning home after discussions aimed at strengthening defense cooperation between Turkey and Libya.

Turkey’s defense minister and senior military officials attended the funeral, where the coffins, draped in Libyan national flags, were honored before being sent to Libya. Special prayers were offered for the deceased.