Global Scans · Turkey · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Uncertainties over Turkey's eventual political position abound. With EU decisions in doubt, recent crackdown on opposition parties causing concerns, and being embroiled in complex Middle East politics and fighting terrorism on its borders and internally, which way will she swing?

• [New] In 2026, Turkey expects over 60 million visitors, breaking all previous records. RestProperty
• [New] Turkey's economy will continue to expand steadily, with gross domestic product expected to grow by 3.7% in 2025 and accelerate to 4.3% in 2026. Turkiye Today
• [New] The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey is expected to continue its monetary easing cycle through 2026, with projections pointing to a reduction in the key policy rate to 30.0% by year-end. Turkiye Today
• [New] Turkey expects to issue its first offshore wind farm tenders by the end of 2026 after installing 2 gigawatts of new wind energy installations last year. AGBI
• [New] Turkey plans to drill six new exploratory wells across the western, central and eastern Black Sea. Daily Sabah
• [New] Turkey's declining inflation trend is expected to sustain real returns on lira-denominated assets through 2026, strengthening investor confidence and reinforcing capital inflows. Turkiye Today
• [New] Turkey's Medium-Term Program for 2026-28 expects the inflation rate to hover around 28.5% in 2025 and fall to around 16% in 2026. Daily Sabah
• [New] Turkey introduced a visa-free policy for Chinese travelers this month, while Cambodia plans to waive visas for arrivals from June to October. South China Morning Post
• [New] In a strategic move to boost tourism and strengthen ties with China, Turkey has granted visa-free access to Chinese nationals holding ordinary passports, a change that is expected to significantly increase the number of Chinese visitors. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Turkey's partnerships in Libya, Sudan, and Somalia threaten to contain Israeli efforts to strengthen its strategic depth and project power into key shipping lanes in the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean, respectively. Critical Threats
• [New] Turkey is negotiating a 5,000-megawatt solar package with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power company, with 2,000 megawatts in the first phase projected for 2026 completion. Foreign Affairs Forum
• [New] Despite the wide range of investment opportunities available in 2026, Turkish real estate stands out as a stable option that combines security with sustainable returns - especially in light of positive economic indicators. OmranTRK
• [New] Turkey is close to finalizing a major international solar power agreement that could be signed during a potential Gulf visit by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in February. Daily Sabah
• [New] After completing seismic surveys in Somalia in 2025, Turkey plans to begin its first offshore drilling campaign there in 2026, using the ultra-deepwater vessel Cagri Bey. Daily Sabah
• [New] Turkey plans to move beyond traditional vertical drilling by introducing horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, testing 24 wells over the next three to four years across a 600-square-kilometer pilot area. Daily Sabah
• [New] In parallel, Turkey will continue developing the Goktepe field, where it last year announced a gas discovery valued at roughly $37 billion at current prices. Daily Sabah
• [New] In 2026, daily production will rise to 20 million cubic meters, supplying roughly 8 million homes. / Turkey Daily Sabah
• [New] ESG sukuk momentum is expected to continue in 2026, supported by sustainability mandates, net-zero targets, new frameworks, robust investor demand, and the upcoming COP 31 in Turkey. Mettis Global Link
• [New] Turkey's economy will grow 3.9% in 2026 and 4.1% in 2027, while inflation is expected to continue declining but remain in double digits at 22.4% in 2026 and 19.8% in 2027. Turkiye Today
• [New] Turkey plans its first overseas deepwater drilling off Somalia within weeks. Forbes

Last updated: 26 January 2026