Ankara prepares for NATO summit with massive security operations, arrests and protests

Turkey will host the NATO Leaders’ Summit on 7‑8 July 2026 in Ankara, drawing participation from 31 heads of state, nearly 100 ministers and thousands of delegations. In the run‑up, authorities launched a comprehensive security programme dubbed “Turkuaz Operasyonu”, deploying up to 56 000 police and gendarmerie personnel, installing thousands of cameras, sealing off designated “red zones”, restricting traffic and limiting access to key transport hubs. The operation resulted in the arrest and subsequent detention of 58 individuals suspected of terrorism, drug‑trafficking, security or public‑order offences.

Human‑rights groups, including the Istanbul branch of the Human Rights Association, condemned the pre‑summit raids, describing them as “preventive operations” lacking legal basis and warning of torture methods such as reverse‑handcuffs used against detainees. Parallel protests were organised in Ankara, Istanbul and İzmir – and later announced for other cities – demanding the release of those detained and the withdrawal of NATO from Turkey.

The summit will showcase Turkish culture, with co‑host President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offering a menu drawn from the “Asırlık Tariflerle Türk Mutfağı” cookbook and featuring a range of geographic‑indication foods such as Aydın figs, Malatya apricots and Giresun hazelnuts. In the political arena, reports suggest a cabinet reshuffle may follow the summit, with speculation that Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and Labor Minister Vedat Işıkhan could be dismissed while Education Minister Yusuf Tekin might retain his post.

Overall, the event combines high‑level diplomatic activity, an unprecedented security buildup, civil‑society dissent and cultural promotion, marking a focal point for Turkey’s domestic and international agenda.