Behind the visible political landscape in Turkey, a long-simmering tension has recently become more apparent: the power struggle between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Hakan Fidan, the current Foreign Minister and former head of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT). According to investigative journalist Cevheri Güven, Fidan is no longer content to remain in Erdoğan’s shadow and is now working to build his own power base—politically, economically, and in the media. This conflict represents one of the most significant internal rivalries within the state in recent years.
Stepping Out of the Shadows: Fidan’s Alternative Power Project
Fidan’s move to position himself independently may stem from one of two things: either he believes Erdoğan’s political career is nearing its end, or he knows that his own health won’t allow him to continue indefinitely. In either case, he’s laying the groundwork for a post-Erdoğan era.
At the core of Fidan’s plan is media control. His acquisition of Flash TV, along with influence over digital payment systems and financial institutions, reflects an effort to create a parallel structure to the existing power centers. But rather than acting directly, he operates through his son Halit Fidan and businessman Erkan Kork. Kork, who made massive profits from illegal betting operations, has been instrumental in acquiring media and financial platforms, allegedly with the full backing of Hakan Fidan and his son.
Erdoğan’s Red Line: Media Control
One of Erdoğan’s most sensitive pressure points is media power. From his days as Prime Minister, he has regarded total media control as essential to maintaining political dominance. The government’s past seizure of the Uzan Group’s media holdings and their redistribution to loyal business figures is part of this longstanding strategy.
In this context, the revival of Flash TV under Fidan’s influence has set off alarm bells in Erdoğan’s inner circle, particularly with his son Bilal Erdoğan. Flash TV, having terrestrial broadcasting rights, can easily become a nationwide media powerhouse with minimal investment—something Erdoğan would never allow in the hands of a rival.
Counter-Offensive: Bilal Erdoğan and Soylu Step In
Fearing a rival media structure that could challenge the Erdoğan family’s influence, Bilal Erdoğan and former Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu reportedly stepped in to block Fidan’s media ambitions. Their target: the network Fidan built through Erkan Kork.
As a result, operations were launched against Kork. Once untouchable despite being named in financial crime reports, he was suddenly detained and had his assets seized. This was interpreted as a direct blow to Fidan’s plan to build a media empire.
A Diversion Tactic: Shifting the Blame
In response, Fidan’s camp employed a diversion strategy. Erkan Kork claimed in his testimony to prosecutors that journalists such as Timur Soykan and Murat Ağırel had threatened him and tried to extort money. These allegations appear designed to redirect public attention away from Fidan and toward members of the press and the opposition.
By detaining the journalists, authorities not only shifted the media narrative but also silenced critical voices linked to the opposition. This move served two purposes: reducing pressure on Fidan while helping the government clamp down on dissenting media figures.
Erdoğan’s Strategy: Media as a Tool to Restrain Fidan
Erdoğan’s media strategy remains unchanged: he refuses to let media power slip from his hands. Whenever figures like Hakan Fidan try to use media influence to build their own political capital, Erdoğan intervenes forcefully. According to Güven, these interventions have extended not only to Flash TV but also to other independent outlets like Halk TV, Ekşi Sözlük, and various journalists and influencers.
To Erdoğan, media is not just a platform—it’s the cornerstone of political survival. Therefore, any attempt by rivals to gain ground in the media landscape is seen as a direct violation of his core political doctrine.
Fidan’s Shadow Empire: Building Power Through Technology and Economy
Fidan’s ambitions go beyond media. He’s also constructing a financial and technological infrastructure. Some notable examples:
- Alper Özbilen, a former MIT official, joined a company called Pavotek after resigning. This firm has won nearly every major public software contract, providing Fidan’s network with access to critical digital infrastructure.
- Yasin Oral (Paribu), a figure who allegedly amassed wealth through crypto, is said to be laundering illegal gambling revenues through Paribu—with Fidan’s alleged support.
These individuals are described as “shadow businessmen” under Fidan’s influence. The operation is coordinated by his son Halit, who manages financial dealings and oversees front-company networks.
Erdoğan’s Balancing Act: Tolerate, Then Strike
Erdoğan’s approach to rising rivals is consistent: give them limited space, tolerate their activities up to a point, and then strike when necessary. He doesn’t immediately crush Fidan but keeps him under control—allowing him to grow conditionally while retaining the ability to neutralize him if needed.
Fidan’s bid to enter media, however, crossed the line. For Erdoğan, that move constituted a direct challenge to his authority, prompting an immediate and decisive response.
Conclusion: Who Will Outplay Whom?
Cevheri Güven believes Fidan is attempting to emulate Erdoğan’s political playbook. But Erdoğan is unlikely to tolerate anyone copying his strategy. Many of his former allies—Abdullah Gül, Ahmet Davutoğlu, Ali Babacan, Bülent Arınç—have been discarded when they posed a threat. Fidan could be next in line.
At present, Fidan’s network may appear formidable, but Erdoğan still holds the upper hand. He controls the state apparatus, intelligence, judiciary, media, and economic levers. Fidan is still a rising actor, while Erdoğan remains the ultimate gatekeeper. Fidan’s bold moves might land him on the same “use-and-discard” list as many before him.
In Summary:
- Hakan Fidan is preparing for a post-Erdoğan Turkey by building media and financial power.
- Erdoğan sees this as a threat and has already struck back.
- The Flash TV acquisition was the trigger that provoked Erdoğan’s wrath.
- The journalist arrests were part of Fidan’s attempt to deflect attention.
- Ultimately, Erdoğan still holds more tools—and more experience—in this battle.
