What Happened in Türkiye: September 21-28, 2026
Türkiye had a busy week between September 21 and 28, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s diplomatic meetings in New York, turmoil in financial markets, a major Turkish Airlines aircraft deal and the UEFA Nations League among the country’s main stories.
Erdoğan Calls for UN Reform
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he called for reform of the UN Security Council and criticized the current structure, arguing that decisions affecting more than 190 countries should not effectively depend on five permanent members.
Erdoğan also focused heavily on the war in Gaza, calling for greater international pressure and urging countries that have not recognized Palestine to reconsider their positions.
During his visit, Erdoğan also met Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and discussed deeper security cooperation between Türkiye and Iraq. Ankara later agreed to a gradual handover of the Bashiqa military base to Iraq.
Financial Markets Under Pressure
Financial markets remained one of the biggest domestic stories of the week.
Türkiye’s capital markets faced significant liquidity problems following a sharp sell-off involving investment funds. Regulators ordered the liquidation of 130 investment funds managed by seven portfolio companies and suspended trading on the TEFAS electronic fund platform.
Borsa İstanbul also announced one of its largest index reshuffles in six years. More than a quarter of the companies in the BIST 100 index are set to change, with the new composition taking effect in October.
Türkiye’s Financial Stability Committee said the problems were concentrated in a specific segment of the fund market and did not represent a structural risk to the country’s financial system.
Turkish Airlines Signs Major Boeing Deal
Turkish Airlines signed an agreement with Boeing covering up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, marking the airline’s largest-ever single-aisle aircraft order from Boeing.
The deal includes a firm order for 100 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and options for another 50 aircraft. Turkish Airlines said the agreement forms part of its long-term fleet expansion strategy.
Türkiye and Regional Security
Regional security remained another important issue for Ankara.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a series of diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly as Türkiye continued discussions with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and other regional partners over the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
Türkiye has also continued to emphasize diplomacy and regional cooperation as tensions involving Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the wider Middle East remain high.
Shooting Near a High School
A shooting near a high school in western Türkiye also made national headlines during the week. Authorities arrested a suspect after several people were wounded in the incident in Turgutlu, Manisa.
The incident added to a number of security-related stories that drew attention across the country during the week.
France Beat Türkiye in the Nations League
Sports provided one of the week’s biggest international stories involving Türkiye.
France defeated Türkiye 1–0 in Kocaeli on September 25 in the opening match of the UEFA Nations League campaign. Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive goal in the second half.
Türkiye pushed for an equalizer but could not find the net, while goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır was sent off late in the match following a VAR review.
Looking Ahead
As Türkiye heads into the final days of September, the country’s agenda remains focused on financial-market stability, regional diplomacy and the government’s preparations for major international events.
The financial-market investigation, Türkiye’s diplomatic activity and the country’s role in regional security are likely to remain closely watched as October begins.
Türkiye’de Neler Oldu / NationalTurk
Source: NationalTurk
