Turkey Roundup: Pope Leo in Turkey, security lapse investigations, historic cemetery restored

Pope Leo XIV makes his first international trip to Turkey

Pope Leo XIV’s first international trip took him to Turkey, where he met President Erdoğan and held key religious and diplomatic meetings. The visit highlighted shared calls for peace amid global crises and underscored Türkiye’s historic role as a bridge between cultures. The Pope also visited İznik, reflecting the country’s deep Christian heritage and recent steps toward greater religious pluralism.

Interior ministry probes security lapse after Barzani’s Cizre visit

Türkiye’s Interior Ministry has launched an investigation into security arrangements during former KRG President Mesud Barzani’s recent visit to Şırnak, after images of his guards carrying long-barreled weapons in military-style uniforms sparked public criticism. Barzani, now a political party leader with no official government role, visited Cizre on Nov. 29 for the Melaye Ciziri Symposium. Footage of his armed detail drew swift backlash and raised protocol concerns. AK Party spokesman Ömer Çelik called the images “unpleasant” during a Habertürk interview and confirmed a formal inquiry, noting that Türkiye is fully capable of providing security for visiting figures.

Turkey's TIKA restores historic Ottoman-era cemetery in Damascus

Turkey has completed the restoration of the historic Ottoman-era cemetery in the courtyard of the Sheikh Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi Mosque in Damascus, repairing decades of damage and neglect, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) announced Monday. The cemetery, home to the graves of Ottoman statesmen and their families, had deteriorated due to wear, deliberate destruction, and lack of upkeep, leaving it in a state seen as inconsistent with the site’s spiritual and historical importance. With Syria reopening to visitors, the cemetery has again become a stop for official delegations and cultural tourists. TIKA said the first phase of restoration, removing debris, uncovering graves buried under concrete and soil, and reorganising the area, was completed in late August.

Turkey seeks permanent, fair solution to Russia-Ukraine War

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey's push for a diplomatic, fair and lasting resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Monday. At a joint news conference in Istanbul, Erdoğan said they reviewed regional and global developments, including the Middle East and Ukraine, and praised Hungary’s role in the Organisation of Turkic States, noting the historic informal summit held in Budapest in May. He emphasised that Turkey has worked from the start of the conflict to advance a just peace, adding, “No one wins a war, and no one loses from a just peace.”

Parliament speaker says peace bid enters 'riskiest phase'

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş says Turkey's latest peace initiative has entered its “most risky phase” after the PKK announced it would lay down arms, warning that the process must move forward without delays. Speaking to Milliyet, he said it must be confirmed that the PKK has disarmed, ended its activities, and will integrate with the new administration in Syria, noting the YPG’s March agreement to join Syria’s national army. Kurtulmuş said the process has progressed well but stressed that the next stage is the most delicate, urging the group to fulfil its promises without hesitation. Under the government’s “terror-free Turkey” plan, the PKK declared a ceasefire, began disarming, and said in late October that it had withdrawn from Turkish territory.