Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarojak

Guests Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarojak, a Turkish politics expert, and Nadav Eyal, a seasoned journalist, dive into Turkey's evolving role in the Middle East post-Assad's regime collapse. They discuss Erdogan's rise to power, exploring his strategic maneuvers and the shift in Turkey-Israel relations since the 1990s. The conversation highlights historical ties between Turkish and Jewish communities, Turkey's ambitions in Syria, and the complex geopolitical landscape that both nations navigate, shaping their future interactions.

Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, a historian from Tel Aviv University and a descendant of Istanbul's Jewish community, dives into the rich history of Ottoman Jewry. He discusses the unique relationship between Jews and the empire, including Sultan Bayezid II's welcoming of Spanish Jews in the 15th century. The conversation explores the complexities of Jewish identity amid European modernity and rising anti-Semitism, as well as the impact of the Ottoman millet system that offered Jews a precarious yet remarkable place in society.

Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, a scholar at the Moshe Dayan Center and a top expert on Turkey, dives deep into Turkey's evolving role in the Middle East. He discusses how Turkey's neo-Ottoman ambitions have positioned it as a formidable player following Iran's decline. The conversation reveals Turkey's shift towards an anti-Israel stance and its efforts to unite Muslim nations, posing significant implications for regional security. Dr. Cohen also questions whether a future clash between Turkey and Israel is inevitable or if a diplomatic resolution is possible.