A media campaign on the YouTube platform has sparked widespread debate about the role of the Turkish government, led by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in the Sudanese war, through episodes that published evidence and images documenting the involvement of Turkish figures and companies in controversial commercial and military operations. The most prominent of these came via the channel of the Turkish opposition figure Cevheri Güven, which addressed the economic and military relations between Turkey and Sudan, and delved into what is known as “blood gold” and weapons supplied to conflict zones.
Erdoğan’s Wealth and His Associates at the Heart of the Debate
The episode focused on the Turkish businessman Ahmet Ahlatcı, close to President Erdoğan, who is accused of amassing a huge fortune from processing Sudanese gold. According to communications and recordings published by U.S. intelligence, this connection provided Ahlatcı with an opportunity to expand his economic influence at a time when the Turkish economy is facing major challenges.
Ahlatcı’s holding company was founded four decades ago as a simple jewelry store, before evolving into one of Turkey’s largest industrial conglomerates, encompassing 43 companies in multiple sectors including energy and finance. Ahlatcı’s rise mirrors that of Erdoğan: he participates in his foreign trips and hails from conservative regions that form the president’s base of support. Bloomberg estimated Ahlatcı’s net worth at more than $5 billion, surpassing historic families like Koç and Sabancı.
The report also highlighted the lavish headquarters of Ahlatcı’s metals refinery in Anatolia, built of glass and steel, featuring a fountain, sculpted trees, and a giant glass diamond, making it a symbol of economic success tied to Turkish politics.
Weapons Companies and Their Role in the Sudanese Conflict
The controversy did not stop at gold but also included the involvement of Turkish defense companies, most notably Baykar and Arca, in fueling the war in Sudan through the sale of weapons and drones to conflict parties. In a second episode titled “Blood Gold,” opposition journalist Erk Akarer published a report on YouTube confirming that President Erdoğan and his associates directly participated in arms deals to Sudan, sparking a wave of criticism on social media, despite no official responses from the Turkish government to date.
According to experts, this type of economic and military relations reflects an indirect Turkish policy to increase its influence in Africa, while benefiting from natural resources like gold, raising concerns about its impact on local conflicts and regional stability.
Gold and Inflation: Turkey’s Economy Between Opportunities and Risks
Turkey relies on gold as an important economic resource, particularly in the jewelry industry, valued at $8 billion and accounting for more than 3% of total exports. Ahlatcı’s company is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of luxury and simple jewelry, with its products popular in markets like India and China.
With inflation in Turkey reaching record levels—72% in 2022 and exceeding 100% in Istanbul—the demand for gold as a safe investment tool has increased, both for local citizens and foreign investors. Kagdas Kucukimeryeroglu, a consultant at Metals Focus in Istanbul, says: “With high inflation and limited investment options, Turks have chosen to invest in gold. If you hold the Turkish lira, you’re losing.”
Experts point out that the economic rise of Ahlatcı and his ilk reflects a delicate balance between political influence and economic opportunities under Erdoğan’s rule, making the relationship between money and politics a central element in understanding Turkey’s movements on the regional and international stage.
The media campaign sheds light on the intertwining of Turkish politics with the economy, especially in the gold and defense sectors, linking it to external conflicts like the war in Sudan. While official responses remain absent, the scandal opens the debate on Turkey’s role in regional conflicts and the exploitation of economic opportunities, amid growing concerns about transparency and accountability.
