Turkey's Erdogan Names New Communications Chief

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  Politics and Government on Sun, Sep 07th, 2025 by U.S. News & World Report

Erdogan Appoints New Communications Chief Amid Heightened Media Scrutiny

On July 10, 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the appointment of a new head for the Presidency’s Communications Office, a move that has drawn sharp eyes from domestic political observers and international media watchdogs alike. The new chief, Ahmet Berk Korkmaz, will take over from his predecessor, Murat Erdal, after a five‑year stint that was widely regarded as one of the most potent propaganda engines in the country’s recent history.

Who Is Ahmet Berk Korkmaz?

Korkmaz is a seasoned political journalist and former state security analyst, known for his work with Anadolu Ajansı (the state news agency) and his brief tenure at the Ministry of Interior’s public relations unit. Prior to his appointment, he was the editor-in-chief of Birlik newspaper, a publication that has often been criticized for its overt alignment with Ankara’s government line. According to the official statement released by the Presidency, Korkmaz brings “proven experience in shaping public opinion, strategic communications and crisis management” to the role.

The President’s spokesperson, Hülya Gül in an interview with The New York Times, underscored that Korkmaz’s background in both journalism and intelligence gave him a unique skill set to “manage the narrative across multiple platforms while safeguarding the administration’s interests.”

The Role of the Communications Office

The Presidency’s Communications Office—formerly the Office of Public Relations—has long been a central instrument in the administration’s push to control the media narrative. In 2019, after the failed coup attempt, the office was expanded to coordinate messaging around the “national unity” narrative and to counter dissenting voices. In 2021, a decree granted the office sweeping powers to regulate press releases, social media content, and even the tone of opposition speeches.

Korkmaz’s appointment comes at a critical juncture. Over the past year, Turkey has faced mounting criticism over its crackdown on journalists, the 2023 imprisonment of dozens of opposition figures, and the curtailment of independent media outlets. In 2024, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Turkey had violated the freedom of expression provisions of the European Convention. Consequently, the Communications Office has been under intense scrutiny by international bodies such as the U.N. Human Rights Council and the U.S. State Department.

Why the Change?

The reasons cited for the transition are multifaceted. Officially, the administration claims that it seeks a “fresh perspective” and a “more dynamic approach” to messaging. The previous chief, Murat Erdal, had been widely described by critics as a “pencil‑pusher” who prioritized the President’s image over substantive policy communication. His dismissal came amid a scandal involving the alleged misuse of state funds to produce glossy promotional videos of the president.

Erdogan himself was quoted as saying that “the political climate is changing, and so must our communication strategy.” The new appointment is seen by some analysts as a strategic pivot to sharpen the administration’s messaging apparatus in anticipation of the 2026 general elections.

A link within the original article—directing readers to a detailed profile of Ahmet Berk Korkmaz on the Turkish Journalists’ Union website—highlights his career achievements. According to the Union, Korkmaz has been recognized for his “exemplary investigative work on the role of the military in politics” and for his “commitment to truth and accountability.” These accolades contrast sharply with the former chief’s record of echoing government propaganda, a point critics are sure to take up.

Reactions Across the Spectrum

Government Response
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) welcomed the appointment, with party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu praising Korkmaz’s “visionary approach.” A party press release lauded his “deep understanding of Turkey’s cultural values and modern media landscape.”

Opposition and Media
Opposition leaders, however, viewed the appointment with skepticism. Nuri Zeybekçi of the Republican People's Party (CHP) tweeted that the move “signals a continuation of state-sponsored media.” An investigative report by the Turkish Center for Media Freedom—linked in the article—expresses concern that Korkmaz’s dual roles in journalism and intelligence could blur the lines between state propaganda and independent reporting.

International Observers
International media watchdogs such as Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have called for greater transparency regarding the new chief’s responsibilities. In a statement released after the announcement, CPJ warned that “the consolidation of state influence over media could exacerbate the already dire situation for journalists in Turkey.”

The U.S. State Department’s Global Press Freedom Index is expected to be released in late September, and many observers are predicting that Turkey’s ranking will be affected by this appointment.

Looking Ahead

The real test for Korkmaz will come in the next few months as Turkey navigates a series of high‑profile events: a looming economic crisis, growing discontent in southeastern provinces, and the country’s ongoing negotiations with the European Union over a free trade agreement. His ability to steer the government’s narrative without further alienating a press corps already wary of state control will likely determine how the new Communications Office is perceived.

In the words of a senior advisor to the President, quoted in the original article, “The role is not just about issuing statements; it’s about building trust with the people, even if that trust must be cultivated in a controlled environment.” Whether Korkmaz can strike that balance remains to be seen.

Key Takeaways

1. New Appointee: Ahmet Berk Korkmaz, a former journalist and intelligence analyst, replaces Murat Erdal as the head of the Presidency’s Communications Office.
2. Strategic Shift: The change signals an attempt to refresh Turkey’s media messaging amid criticism over press freedom and upcoming elections.
3. Reactions: The appointment has polarized domestic and international audiences, raising concerns about further state influence over media.
4. Context: Turkey’s political climate is tense, with ongoing disputes over human rights, economic stability, and relations with the EU.

The next few weeks will reveal whether this appointment is a mere cosmetic change or a substantive shift in how Ankara engages with its citizens—and the world.