Turkey Project

Examining the link between Turkey’s political, economic and social development and the role Turkey plays in regional stability and development.

Image — Istanbul ferry on the Bosphorus. Photo by Getty Images.

The project considers the implications of Turkey as a country in the midst of dynamic political and economic changes, and the repercussions of its interactions with Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Black Sea region. This includes effects on the Turkish economy and the changing dynamics of Turkey’s democracy.

It also examines a number of Turkey’s vital bilateral relationships, including its European Union accession process and its delicate ties with Russia. The project is designed to enable policymakers and decision-makers to gain a better understanding of Turkey as a country in transition.

Research areas

  • Assessing the interaction between Turkey’s internal political developments and its strategic regional role.
  • Understanding the evolution of the Turkish economy and the role that the Turkish private sector plays in fostering closer economic relations with its regional neighbours and global partners.
  • Analysing Turkey’s foreign policy, including its ongoing negotiations on EU membership and Turkey’s relations in the Middle East.

The Chatham House – Koç Roundtable

The Chatham House – Koç Roundtable is an annual high-level meeting that brings together a small group of senior figures from the worlds of politics, business, media and civil society for a discussion on the challenges facing Europe and its immediate neighbourhood today. The 2025 roundtable taking place from 31 October to 1 November in Istanbul focuses on Strategies for a Multipolar World.

All discussions in the roundtable are held under the Chatham House Rule.