Understanding Türkiye: Its History, Foreign Policy, Security and Economics

Bodrum/Türkiye
22-25 October 2026

About the Program

Organized by the Bodrum Institute in cooperation with ANKUDA, the “Understanding Türkiye” program is designed specifically for diplomats stationed in Türkiye and international relations professionals working on Türkiye.

This intensive 4-day course provides in-depth insights into the key issues shaping Turkish foreign policy, security strategy, economic and trade relations, and energy policies. Taught by former Turkish Ambassadors, experts, journalists, and professors from leading Turkish universities, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how Türkiye’s bureaucracy and policymakers approach and respond to both regional and global developments, providing direct insight into strategic thinking and diplomatic practices.

This intensive 4-day course provides in-depth insights into the key issues shaping Turkish foreign policy, security strategy, economic and trade relations, and energy policies. Taught by former Turkish Ambassadors, experts, journalists, and professors from leading Turkish universities, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how Türkiye’s bureaucracy and policymakers approach and respond to both regional and global developments, providing direct insight into strategic thinking and diplomatic practices.

Course Objectives By the end of the course, participants will have gained competencies in the following areas:

• Historical Context: Understanding the historical evolution of Turkish foreign policy, from the Ottoman legacy and the Kemalist era to Türkiye’s alignment during the Cold War.
• Security Strategy: Comprehending Türkiye’s current security environment and its role in regional and global geopolitics.
• Economic Diplomacy: Examining Türkiye’s economic and trade relations with key partners and its approach to economic diplomacy.
• Energy Policy: Exploring Türkiye’s energy policy, transit projects, and their impact on domestic and international affairs.
• ‘Turkish Thinking’: Gaining practical insights into Turkish strategic thinking, cultural sensitivities, and decision-making processes.

Target Audience

• Diplomats
• International Relations Professionals
• Policy Analysts
• Government Officials
• Anyone interested in Türkiye’s role in international affairs

Curriculum

Day 1: Historical & Political Foundations

• Ottoman Legacy, the Republic & Kemalist Foreign Policy Principles
• Post-Cold War Turkish Foreign Policy (The Özal Era, EU Candidacy, and NATO Relations)
• Türkiye’s Current Foreign Policy Framework (Strategic Depth, The Presidency, Foreign Ministry, and MİT)

Day 2: Regional Relations & Key Partnerships

• Relations with Major Global Powers: United States, European Union (Customs Union, Migration Deal), Russia, and China
• Türkiye and the Middle East: Iraq, Iran, Syria, the Refugee Crisis, and the Arab Spring
• Turkish-Greek Relations, the Cyprus Issue, and Turkish-Azerbaijani Relations

Day 3: Security, Defence & Economic Policy

• Türkiye’s Security Environment & Defence Strategy (Fight against terrorism, PKK, ISIL)
• Defence Industry, Cross-Border Operations, and Türkiye’s Role in NATO
• Türkiye’s Economic Landscape and Trade Relations (Economic reforms, Trade with the Middle East, Africa, and Asia)

Day 4: Energy, Multilateral Engagement & Future Outlook

• Energy Policy & Geopolitics (TANAP, TurkStream, Nuclear energy, Eastern Mediterranean disputes)
• Türkiye’s Role in Regional & International Organisations (OIC, BSEC, OTS, UN, G20, TİKA)
• Insights into ‘Turkish Thinking’ (Navigating interactions with Turkish officials and institutions)
• Closing Roundtable, Future Scenarios, and Certificate Ceremony

Logistics Information Course Fee: 950 EURO (Includes full-board accommodation, all meals, and non-alcoholic beverages).

Venue & Accommodation: Hapimag Sea Garden Resort (5+ star hotel), Yalıçiftlik – Bodrum / Muğla. Both the training sessions and accommodations are conveniently situated within the same venue, offering participants ample opportunities for networking and engaging in informal discussions in an inspiring atmosphere.

Transportation: The recommended airport is Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV). Participants can take MUTTAŞ or HAVAŞ shuttle buses to the Bodrum Torba Central Bus Station, followed by a dolmuş or taxi to the hotel. Alternatively, Kos Airport (KGS) and Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport can be utilized.

Note: Participants are responsible for ensuring sufficient health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Türkiye. If an e-Visa is required, it can be obtained easily at www.evisa.gov.tr.

Contact Email: info@bodruminstitute.com Website: www.bodruminstitute.com