AGP Executive Report

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkey’s justice ministry says a court ordered T24’s website and social media accounts blocked over “LGBT propaganda,” as part of the “My Family is Safe” investigation after raids and arrests targeting LGBTQ+ groups and activists. Press Freedom Under Pressure: The same crackdown includes broader social media restrictions, with journalists’ and rights groups’ accounts reportedly blocked on national security grounds. Court Sentences Journalist: A Turkish court sentenced journalist Züleyha Müldür to 6 years and 3 months on terrorism-related charges tied to her reporting and activism. Heritage & Culture: Ankara opens the Ankara Museum of Foundational Works, showcasing carpets, Qurans, calligraphy and wooden artifacts in a historic First National Architecture building. Travel & Lifestyle: Turkish Airlines plans to boost Dhaka–Istanbul services to 10 weekly flights, with possible new direct routes from Chattogram and Sylhet. Ancient Mysteries: Noah’s Ark hunters continue sampling a boat-shaped formation in Turkey, while separate underwater discoveries near Lake Van fuel new “lost city” speculation.

Istanbul LGBTQ+ nightlife after raids: A firsthand account describes queuing for Istanbul’s gay clubs just days after a sweeping crackdown, capturing the mix of trepidation and defiance among regulars. Contemporary Istanbul 2026: The 21st edition of the art fair ran Sept. 22–27 with a “Focus: Asia” lineup of regional galleries and a “New Grounds” section spotlighting emerging, cross-geography artists—plus Johnny Depp’s first sculpture, “The Bunnyman,” at the historic Tersane venue. Turkish culture & heritage on screen: Yeşim Ustaoğlu’s “What Remains” is reviewed as a poetic, rural-Turkey drama about love and separation. Archaeology in Turkey: Divers filmed a stone wall and circular structure on Lake Van’s lakebed, fueling fresh debate about possible ancient ruins. Rights and politics: A London conference on the Kurdish question highlights Turkey’s evolving legal framework for disarmament and reintegration, while Council of Europe talks press for “Right to Hope” for Abdullah Öcalan. LGBTQ+ crackdown in Turkey: Reports say LGBTQ+ organisations and activists face charges after police raids, with rights groups urging action.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Türkiye faces fresh outrage after police raids and mass detentions of LGBTI+ activists and rights groups, with at least 162 held and charges including “obscenity” and morality-related offences. Human Rights in Court: A Turkish court ordered the release of four İHD members detained for over three months ahead of NATO’s Ankara summit, while two others remain jailed. Cultural Tourism Boom: Türkiye’s museums and archaeological sites hit a record 34.8 million visitors in 2025, bringing in over TL 7.3 billion, with Ephesus leading the list. Music Heritage Online: The Culture and Tourism Ministry is building a free digital archive of centuries-old Turkish music, with online access planned for 2027. Performing Arts on Tour: Anadolu Atesi’s dance production “Troy” returns to Istanbul on Oct. 1, then heads on a 16-date Russia tour. International Culture Exchange: Katara and the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center in Doha opened “From Roots, Across Cultures, to the Future,” running until Oct. 3. Film Release: Minos Papas’ gothic film “Motherwitch” is set for theatrical release in Cyprus starting Oct. 29.

Cultural Diplomacy: TIKA is backing new Kyrgyz-Turkish cultural work, including a permanent exhibition on Mahmud Kashgari at the Kurmanjan Datka Center for Nomadic Civilization in Bishkek. Heritage & Arts: In Doha, Katara and the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center opened “From roots, through cultures, to the future,” blending Turkish Ebru with Qatari heritage until Oct. 3. Archaeology: Underwater excavations off Antalya’s Adrasan recovered 2,100-year-old luxury tableware from a shipwreck, with 122 ceramic forms so far. Tourism & Lifestyle: Turkey’s licensed accommodation capacity hit 1,939,125 beds (Aug), led by Antalya; the ministry also highlights “environmentally friendly” certified facilities. Politics & Society: Turkey’s LGBTQ+ community faces renewed pressure as raids and “obscenity” charges follow coordinated police actions. Culture & Expression: Istanbul’s court convicted comedian Deniz Göktaş for insulting Erdoğan, but ordered release pending appeal. Regional Context: US sanctions on Iran’s aviation cut international flights roughly in half, with Turkey emerging as a key transit gateway.

Turkish Diplomacy & Culture: Türkiye welcomed acceptance as an associate observer to the Ibero-American Conference, aiming to deepen ties in trade, culture and development ahead of the Nov. 4–5 summit in Madrid. Digital Childhood Safety: At a UN panel in New York organized under Emine Erdoğan’s auspices, leaders pushed for safer digital systems for children, warning that AI is raising new risks beyond parental controls. Human Rights & LGBTI+ Crackdown: Over 450 civil society groups from 65 countries demanded an end to Turkey’s crackdown on LGBTI+ organizations and rights defenders, citing raids, detentions and seized equipment. Arts & Expression Under Pressure: Comedian Deniz Göktaş was convicted for insulting President Erdoğan in a stand-up case, but ordered released pending appeal—another sign of tightening speech rules. Heritage & Identity: A new push to restore Kurdish place names is framed as a real test for the peace process after decades of official renaming. Regional Watch: Greece denied plans to reroute the Great Sea Interconnector cable amid a dispute over Türkiye’s declared marine park near Kastellorizo.

Tourism Policy: Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy says the country will push tourism beyond the traditional season—aiming for year-round travel across all 81 provinces while protecting natural and cultural heritage. Cultural Heritage: Istanbul’s historic Muammer Karaca Theater has reopened after 14 years, restored by the municipality and now set for performances, exhibitions, and new cultural events. Arts & Film: The 54th Antalya International Film Festival wrapped with China’s “Angels Wear White” winning best film, alongside awards for its lead actress and an Iranian best actor. Human Rights & Law: A Kurdish academic, Güllistan Yarkin, faces prosecution in Turkey over an unpublished US doctoral thesis touching on racism against Kurds and the Armenian genocide debate. Gender & Safety: A report highlights rising femicide and violence against women in Turkey and Kurdistan, including cases involving state security forces. Music: Turkish rapper Motive keeps dominating Spotify in Türkiye, while Pentagram marks 30 years with new video memories and collaborations. Sports Diplomacy: Nigeria’s Gymnastics Federation launches “Catch Them Young” with support from the Turkish Gymnastics Federation to build grassroots pathways for youth.

Tourism Push: Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy says the country aims to turn tourism into a year-round business, spreading activity across all 81 provinces while protecting natural and cultural heritage. Cultural Revival in Istanbul: Muammer Karaca Theater reopened after 14 years in Beyoğlu, with restoration uncovering remains of a 19th-century French courthouse and a new program featuring stage performances and a dedicated exhibition. Music Scene: Turkish heavy metal veterans Pentagram marked their 30th anniversary with a new “Pentagram Unplugged” project and a video series sharing memories with major Turkish rock voices. Film Spotlight: The 54th Antalya International Film Festival closed with China’s “Angels Wear White” winning best film, alongside awards for its lead actress and an Iranian actor. Local Reading Culture: Amed’s 10th Book Fair opened in Diyarbakır, bringing together 125 publishers and civil society groups and drawing strong crowds on day one. Women’s Rights & Safety: A new report highlights rising violence against women and points to the role of mother-tongue support in combating gender violence. Child Labor Alarm: Another piece warns that child worker deaths are increasing, linking the trend to weak workplace inspections and the expansion of vocational education centers. LGBT Rights Under Pressure: Amnesty urges Turkey to drop charges against LGBTI+ rights defenders, as activists continue to face crackdowns. Regional Security Context: Iraq’s Kurdish leader Masrour Barzani calls the imminent US withdrawal “shameful,” warning the region is vulnerable without adequate air defenses. Germany-Türkiye Ties: North Rhine-Westphalia’s premier Hendrik Wüst plans a Türkiye visit to mark the 65th anniversary of the German-Turkish labor deal, celebrating “guest worker” recruitment and cultural tolerance.

Tourism & Culture: Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism says licensed accommodation capacity has topped 1.9 million beds, with Antalya alone holding about a third of the total—plus Istanbul and Muğla close behind. Language & Identity: President Erdoğan marked Turkish Language Day, urging Turks to protect, enrich, and pass on the language as a carrier of history and culture. Archaeology & Heritage: New excavations at Hattusha (Boğazkale) uncovered a fragment tied to the world’s oldest known peace treaty, adding fresh details about protections for people fleeing between Egypt and Hatti. International Cultural Diplomacy: The UN Alliance of Civilizations’ Group of Friends met in New York with Türkiye and Turkic partners, focusing on cultural diversity, heritage protection, and dialogue amid polarization. Lifestyle & Wellbeing: A new study highlights how diet patterns—especially Mediterranean-style eating—can improve sleep quality. Sports & Pop Culture: Kylian Mbappé suffered a knee hyperextension after scoring against Turkey, raising questions about his availability. Social Issues: Aylin, a gay Turkish woman granted protection in the US, was deported to a country she’d never visited, spotlighting concerns around third-country deportation policies. Arts & Poetry: Turkish poet Efe Duyan’s poem “Gravity” is shared for the Mid-Autumn Festival, blending love with cosmic imagery.

Turkish Language Day: President Erdoğan marked Sept. 26 by urging Turks to protect, enrich and pass on the Turkish language—calling it a carrier of history, culture and collective memory. Cultural Diplomacy: In New York, Türkiye joined a UNAOC Group of Friends meeting chaired by Miguel Angel Moratinos, with TURKSOY and regional partners stressing cultural diversity as a strength and heritage protection as a tool for peace. Archaeology & Heritage: Divers reported mysterious underwater ruins in Lake Van, including a circular structure and stone wall, sparking fresh debate about how far back Anatolia’s past could reach. Education & Identity: Psychologists in Diyarbakır warned that testing children in a non-mother tongue can distort identity and assessment, calling for language-sensitive practice. LGBTQ+ Rights: Amnesty and rights groups urged Turkey to drop charges against LGBTI+ defenders, as reporting highlights continued pressure on activists and press freedom. Travel & Tourism: A new boutique cruise line, Blue Zephyr Cruises, launched Eastern Mediterranean sailings linking Greek islands with Turkey’s Kuşadası and Ephesus. Visitors: Iraqis topped Arab arrivals to Türkiye in August, reaching 143,322 visitors.

Digital Rights & Elections: Turkey’s Justice Ministry is pushing a plan to tighten social media controls ahead of possible early elections, requiring users to link accounts to national ID numbers and letting prosecutors seek identities after specific offenses. LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Amnesty and other groups urge Turkey to drop charges against LGBTI+ defenders as raids and arrests expand, including cases tied to online account blocks. Culture & Heritage: Archaeologists at Hattusa uncovered a fragment of a cuneiform tablet linked to the ancient Kadesh Peace Treaty—an Anatolia find that adds fresh detail to a story often called the world’s oldest known international peace deal. Archaeology & Myth: Drilling has started at Turkey’s Durupinar site, where some researchers claim evidence for Noah’s Ark, reviving global debate with new underground work. Sports & Pop Culture: Kylian Mbappé limped off after scoring in France’s 1-0 win over Türkiye in Izmit, with a knee tendon injury reported. Lifestyle & Travel: UAE schools are seeing rising enrollments from Turkey alongside Spain, Singapore and Russia, reflecting a broader international family mix in Dubai and beyond.

Ancient Peace Discovery: Archaeologists at Hattusa uncovered a cuneiform clay fragment tied to the 13th-century B.C. Kadesh Peace Treaty—an Anatolian find that adds fresh detail about refuge and cross-kingdom protection. LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish authorities detained LGBTQI+ defenders and journalists after raids under a “My Family Is Safe” campaign, with rights groups warning about torture claims and worsening media pressure. Hybrid Work Legalized: Türkiye formally added a clear hybrid working model to labor law, letting contracts specify which days are in-office vs remote. Archaeology Beyond the Hittites: New excavations at Aspendos suggest settlement in the area goes back some 6,000 years, expanding the story behind the famous Roman theater. Sports & Culture Spotlight: Turkish attorney Güzin Müjde Karakaşlı won the women’s three-cushion billiards world championship in France, marking a first for Turkish women. Coffee Business Move: UAE’s Mair Group agreed to buy a 70% stake in Espressolab, signaling a push for international growth while keeping founders involved. Press Freedom Alarm: Türkiye’s press freedom situation remains under strain as calls grow for the release of detained journalists and activists.

Cyprus Diplomacy: Nicosia mayors Mehmet Harmancı and Charalambos Prountzos pulled out of next week’s Cyprus Forum after organisers stopped calling Harmancı “mayor” following Elam pressure, escalating tensions around representation and peace awards. Housing & Daily Life: A Berlin-focused piece argues the city’s rent crisis is fueled by loopholes and illegal practices despite rent controls, and says Die Linke’s housing-first campaign is resonating with voters. Culture on Screen: The indie film “Goodbye Paradise” returns for a special screening in Hawaii after being preserved from a rare VHS copy. Travel & Lifestyle: Seabourn launched its “Explore Beyond” offer with up to $2,000 shipboard credit on select 2026–2029 sailings, including a Turkey-themed “Evening at Ephesus.” UN Spotlight: Netanyahu used the UN General Assembly to attack Erdoğan as a “tyrant,” accusing Turkey of Cyprus and Greece violations, with multiple walkouts reported. Human Rights & LGBTQI+: Rights groups urged Turkey to free LGBTQI+ defenders and reverse restrictions, as international pressure grows. Heritage & Archaeology: Excavations at Troy uncovered what’s believed to be the site’s oldest public gathering space, reshaping timelines of post-Trojan War life. Film Distribution: Gaza documentary “Naza” secured Middle East theatrical distribution, including Turkey, after its Venice premiere. Climate & Clean Cooking: COP31’s electrification push is being paired with calls for electric cookers to replace firewood and charcoal.

LGBTQI+ Rights Under Fire: International rights groups urge Turkey to free LGBTQI+ defenders and reverse restrictions after raids across Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Aydın and Mersin, with at least 116 detained. Online Censorship: A court orders an access ban on the X account of law professor Yaman Akdeniz, highlighting how Turkey’s internet-law provisions are being used to block speech. UN Diplomacy & Regional Peace: President Erdoğan tells US think tanks that close Ankara-Washington cooperation can help build regional stability, while also stressing Syria’s territorial integrity and minority rights. Cultural Heritage in Focus: An international team prepares to document and help save a 1,100-year-old Georgian church in Turkey’s Artvin, with stabilization work hoped for in 2027. Nature & Environment: Activists warn that energy and mining projects in southeastern Turkey are accelerating ecological destruction, while reports also claim trees were cut and transported to Turkey under military supervision in Amadiya. Turkish Community Life in the UK: Münir Tatar is remembered at a London memorial football match, with Galatasaray London winning 5-2 and community leaders honoring his service. Heritage Tourism: Cappadocia’s “fairy chimneys” restoration in Göreme reaches a final stage, aiming to protect fragile formations and boost long-term visitor safety.

Integration Debate: Erdoğan told Turkish-American community leaders in New York that Muslims should be able to integrate without abandoning language, culture or roots—pushing back on “assimilation” and warning against xenophobia. UNGA Spotlight: At the UN General Assembly, Cyprus President Christodoulides directly accused Erdoğan of “maximum hypocrisy” over northern Cyprus, arguing international law must be applied consistently. Ancient Heritage Discovery: Archaeologists in Türkiye unearthed a new cuneiform fragment tied to the Treaty of Kadesh, adding detail to one of the world’s oldest peace agreements and its rules for returning refugees. Culture & Lifestyle Abroad: A Manisa school shooting left at least 11 injured, with classes suspended for a day and the suspect reportedly detained. Arts & Community: Berlin politics gets a Turkish-cultural angle as Elif Eralp’s rise to mayoral contention draws comparisons to democratic socialist campaigns. Trade & Digital Links: Türkiye and the UK are moving toward a broader deal covering services and digital trade, with negotiators set for another round this fall. Bilateral Commemoration: Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications ran a Saudi National Day campaign across Ankara and Istanbul landmarks. Education & Mobility: The University of Bradford hit a major overseas placement milestone through the UK’s Turing Scheme.

Climate & daily life: Emine Erdoğan urged people to change everyday habits as part of Turkiye’s Zero Waste push, linking excessive consumption to the climate crisis and citing recycling gains since 2017. Kurdish culture under pressure: Kurdish writer Suzan Samancı was detained at Istanbul Airport, released under judicial supervision, and hit with a travel ban after allegations tied to “propaganda for a terrorist organization.” Film & genre culture: The 19th Strasbourg European Fantastic Film Festival is set to run Sept. 25–Oct. 4, with a Turkish filmmaker’s debut included and an AI-focused retrospective. Sports & inclusion: A University of Worcester student will represent England at the IBSA Women’s Blind Football Euros in Istanbul (Oct. 3–7). LGBTQ+ rights crackdown: UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned of a “comprehensive onslaught” on LGBTQ and intersex rights, pointing to raids in Turkiye; meanwhile, 450+ groups urged Turkiye to end criminalization of LGBTI+ activism. Heritage & tourism: Bursa’s UNESCO-listed Cumalıkızık village will get upgrades—market, parking, and infrastructure—aimed at easing daily life while protecting its historic character. Language rights: Western Thrace Turks criticized Greek remarks tying Turkish-language minority education to “single identity” goals, calling for full Lausanne obligations. Publishing & culture industry: Istanbul hosts an Islamic publishing summit bringing together 200+ publishers from 68 countries, backed by Diyanet, the Culture and Tourism Ministry, and TIKA.

School Safety Shock: A 15-year-old opened fire outside a high school in Turgutlu, Manisa, wounding 11 students; the suspect and relatives were detained as authorities review how the gun was accessed. UN Diplomacy & Identity Politics: President Erdoğan used the UNGA to push UN Security Council reform, call for recognition of a Palestinian state, and renew demands on Cyprus and the Aegean—while also attacking “gender-neutralisation” policies as targeting families and children. Archaeology & Heritage: Turkey announced a newly found fragment of the 3,400-year-old Treaty of Kadesh at Hattusha, adding text tied to refugee treatment. Culture & Community: Turkish Airlines marked 15 years in Bangladesh by sponsoring the ActivePulse International Half Marathon in Dhaka, spotlighting sport as a bridge between cultures. LGBTQ+ Rights Under Pressure: Reports highlight Turkey’s widening crackdown on LGBTI+ groups and activists, drawing criticism from rights bodies and international institutions. Controversial Science Debate: Drilling began at the Durupinar “Noah’s Ark” site, reigniting arguments over creation claims versus mainstream science.