International activists, including groups from the US, Canada, and Norway, are preparing a flotilla led by the ferry boat Akdeniz to deliver over 5,000 tonnes of aid to Gaza in an attempt to break the Israeli blockade. Despite the risks highlighted by past incidents and current regional tensions, the organizers are determined to provide humanitarian assistance and call for international support and protection. Turkish President Erdogan's stance on the flotilla is unknown, but he recently discussed Gaza aid with Hamas's leader, which Israel condemned.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to visit Iraq for the first time in 12 years, seeking Iraqi support in combating Kurdish rebels based in Iraq. The visit also aims to counteract Iran's influence in the region, highlighting Turkey's strategic interests and diplomatic efforts in strengthening regional alliances.

Istanbul is experiencing one of its worst droughts, with water reservoirs nearing depletion due to a dry winter and a summer of record-high temperatures. The Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI) has announced emergency measures and long-term plans to address the water crisis. Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu emphasized the global threat of the climate crisis at a conference. Water is being transported from the Melen River to sustain the city's population, and efforts are being made to manage water resources efficiently across Istanbul's European and Asian parts. The Hydropolitics Association warns of the urgent need for rain to avert a severe water shortage. The city is promoting water conservation among consumers, and the political implications for Mayor Imamoglu's reelection are significant, with President Erdogan aiming to reclaim control of the city.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signaled a potential shift in his country's foreign policy by agreeing to support Sweden's bid to join NATO, a move that contrasts with his previous close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This change comes amid a series of setbacks for Russia, including Turkey's release of Ukrainian commanders and Russia's veto of a UN aid deal for Syria. Despite Erdogan's apparent pivot, his country's reliance on Russian trade and energy, as well as the importance of the Black Sea grain deal, leaves some analysts skeptical about a significant shift in Turkey's alliances. The grain deal's future is particularly crucial, as its end could have serious implications for Turkish-Russian relations and Turkey's stance towards its Western allies.

The article discusses the suspension of Turkish football league games following the assault of referee Halil Umut Meler by senior club officials. The incident has highlighted the broader issue of violence against public officials in Turkey, including healthcare workers who have faced a 600% increase in violent attacks over the past decade. The Turkish Physicians' Association and healthcare staff have protested against government indifference to the violence. The article suggests that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's polarising politics have contributed to societal divisions and violence. Schools are also experiencing increased violence against staff. Critics argue that legal protections for professionals are not being enforced, and the economic crisis is exacerbating public anger towards service providers. The violence has led to a professional exodus from Turkey, causing a brain drain and potential social crises.

Tensions are escalating between Azerbaijan and Armenia as Azerbaijan increases its demands for a corridor through Armenian territory, known as the Zangezur corridor. Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey, is preparing for joint military exercises, which is seen as a pressure tactic on Armenia. Despite Armenia's opposition to the corridor, Azerbaijan claims it will not use military force to achieve its objectives. The situation is complicated by the recent recapture of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan and Armenia's efforts to secure a peace agreement and reduce Russian influence. A potential peace deal brokered by the EU failed due to disagreements involving Turkey's participation. Analysts suggest Russia is using the situation to maintain regional control, while the US is too preoccupied with other international issues to focus on the Caucasus. The article implies that Armenia's pro-Western government could be at risk if conflict arises, which would likely benefit Russian interests in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit Turkey in the coming months, signaling a warming of relations between the two countries. This follows a meeting between Erdogan and Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly, marking a significant step in rapprochement efforts. Discussions have included energy cooperation, particularly in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the potential for a pipeline to transport Israeli gas through Turkey to Europe. However, there are concerns about the long-term trust required for such an infrastructure investment. Shared regional interests, such as the threat posed by Iran and the situation in Azerbaijan, are also areas of potential cooperation. Despite historical support for the Palestinians, Turkey recognizes that closer ties with Israel could enhance its influence on the Palestinian issue.

Russia's withdrawal from a UN and Turkey-brokered deal for Ukrainian grain exports has raised concerns about global food security. The last shipment under the deal was carried by the Turkish-flagged TQ Samsun. Ukrainian President Zelensky urges the continuation of exports, potentially requiring Turkish naval support. Analyst Yoruk Isik and advisor Mesut Casin discuss the risks, including Russian retaliation and naval confrontations. Turkey, as the Black Sea gatekeeper under the Montreux Convention, maintains a balanced approach, blocking non-littoral Nato and Russian ships. Turkish President Erdogan's diplomacy is seen as key to resolving the situation and averting a food crisis, as Turkey's economy could suffer from halted Ukrainian grain exports.

Yoruk Isik, an international analyst, has been monitoring Russian ships passing through Istanbul's Bosphorus waterway to identify sanction-busting activities following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Bosphorus is a crucial route for Russian trade and military exports, and Isik, with the help of volunteers and NGOs, tracks ships that turn off their AIS to avoid detection. His efforts have contributed to exposing illegal exports of Ukrainian grain and coal by Russia. Despite sanctions, trade between Russia and Turkey has increased, with plans to expand further. Isik's work is highlighted as essential by experts like George Voloshin from ACAMS, a US-based financial crime watchdog, due to the challenges in tracking ships that frequently change owners and manipulate their AIS signals.

Greece and Turkey are taking steps towards improving their historically strained relations following the election victories of their respective leaders. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have both appointed new foreign ministers who are seen as more amenable to rapprochement. The two countries' foreign ministers are scheduled to meet, and there is optimism about a more cooperative approach, despite ongoing issues such as maritime disputes and the situation in Cyprus. Improving relations may also assist Turkey in its goal to purchase F-16 jets from the United States. While there are signs of a 'honeymoon period' in Greek-Turkish relations, analysts remain cautious about the longevity of this improvement.