In May 2024, Turkey officially announced an embargo on trade with Israel, citing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. However, recent investigations suggest that oil shipments from Turkey’s Ceyhan Port to Israel have continued, despite the government’s claims.
Reports from independent journalists and advocacy groups indicate that oil exports are being rerouted through intermediaries, allowing Turkey to maintain economic ties with Israel while upholding a public stance against it. The controversy has sparked public outrage, protests, and arrests, as activists demand transparency in Turkey’s trade policies.
So, how is this trade still happening? And who stands to benefit from it?
How the Oil Shipments Continue Despite the Embargo
Ceyhan Port, located in southern Turkey, is a key hub for oil exports. It plays a vital role in the international energy trade, connecting oil-rich regions like Azerbaijan and Iraq to global markets. Following the embargo, it was expected that all oil shipments to Israel would cease. Yet, investigative findings suggest otherwise.
Bypassing the Embargo: The Role of Intermediaries
Investigations by journalist Metin Cihan and advocacy groups such as Stop Fueling Genocide have uncovered a network of companies facilitating these shipments. Instead of direct exports, oil is transferred through third-party intermediaries, making it harder to trace the final destination.
Key Findings:
- Oil tankers leaving Ceyhan do not always list Israel as their direct destination.
- Some shipments pass through intermediary ports before arriving in Israel.
- Companies linked to Socar and Limak Holding—two influential energy corporations—appear to be involved.
These findings contradict Turkey’s official stance and raise concerns about the government’s real position on its trade relationship with Israel.
Investigating the Shipments – A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step 1: Identifying Suspicious Activity
Metin Cihan began his investigation by analyzing ship tracking data, which is publicly available on maritime monitoring platforms. He found that several oil tankers regularly traveled between Ceyhan Port and Israel, despite the supposed embargo.
The repeated movements of these vessels raised questions:
- If Turkey had banned oil exports to Israel, why were these tankers still making the trip?
- Were there alternative routes or indirect transfers involved?
Step 2: Accessing Public Data
Using open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools, Cihan and his team accessed import-export records and shipping logs. These tools included:
- MarineTraffic & VesselFinder – Real-time tracking of ships.
- Public trade databases – Documentation of oil shipments and buyers.
The data showed inconsistencies with the official government narrative, revealing that Turkish oil was still reaching Israeli ports.
Step 3: Following the Ships in Real-Time
One of the most striking discoveries involved the Trans Fjord, a tanker frequently seen departing from Ceyhan and arriving in Israeli ports like Ashkelon.
- Cihan tracked International Maritime Organization (IMO) numbers to confirm vessel identities.
- Patterns emerged, showing repeated shipments over several months.
- This directly contradicted the Turkish government’s statement that trade with Israel had been completely halted.
Key Players – Who’s Involved?
While oil shipments from Turkey to Israel continue despite the embargo, the question remains: who is facilitating this trade? Investigations point to two major players in Turkey’s energy sector—Socar and Limak Holding—as well as potential links to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s inner circle.
Socar & Limak Holding: Energy Giants with Political Influence
- Socar is Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil company and a major stakeholder in Turkey’s energy infrastructure. It has strong commercial and diplomatic ties with both Turkey and Israel.
- Limak Holding is a Turkish conglomerate with deep connections to the government, frequently securing large state contracts.
- Reports suggest that both companies played a role in redirecting oil shipments through intermediaries, allowing trade to continue despite official restrictions. (Middle East Eye)
Reports Suggesting Erdoğan’s Family Involvement
Some reports indicate that President Erdoğan’s son may be indirectly involved in these oil dealings. While there is no direct proof linking him to the shipments, activists and journalists have highlighted past business connections between Erdoğan’s family and energy companies trading with Israel. (Balkan Insight)
This has fueled public skepticism and criticism, as many believe Turkey’s leadership is saying one thing and doing another behind closed doors.
Government Response & Public Denials
Official Denials from Ankara
The Turkish government has firmly denied all allegations, insisting that trade with Israel has been completely halted since May 2024. Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and other officials have repeatedly claimed that Turkey is fully committed to its embargo and that any reports of continued oil shipments are false or exaggerated. (Daily Sabah)
However, the investigative findings tell a different story, and the government has not provided any concrete evidence to counter them.
Contradictions in Official Statements
- While Turkey claims all exports to Israel have stopped, trade records show ongoing shipments. (Brave New Europe)
- The lack of transparency regarding oil exports from Ceyhan raises further questions.
- The government has not publicly addressed the involvement of private firms, instead focusing on diplomatic rhetoric.
These contradictions have fueled widespread distrust among activists, opposition politicians, and the public, leading to growing unrest.
Public Reactions & Protests
Anger Over Turkey’s Alleged Hypocrisy
The revelation that oil shipments to Israel may still be taking place has triggered mass protests across Turkey. Many citizens who support Palestinian solidarity feel betrayed by what they see as hypocrisy from the Turkish government.
Protests have erupted in Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities, with demonstrators calling for full transparency on Turkey’s trade policies. Activists argue that while the government publicly criticizes Israel’s actions, it is still profiting from energy deals with the country. (VOA News)
Arrests of Pro-Palestinian Protesters
In an escalating crackdown, Turkish authorities have arrested activists who protested against the alleged trade with Israel. Some activists face up to three years in prison for disrupting government events and calling out the contradictions between Turkey’s rhetoric and its economic dealings. (Stockholm Center for Freedom)
Despite this, the protests continue, with many demanding answers from President Erdoğan’s administration.
What This Means for Turkey-Israel Relations
The Political and Economic Implications
The revelations about continued oil shipments to Israel despite the embargo have major political and economic consequences for Turkey.
- Erdogan’s Balancing Act
- President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has built much of his political brand on pro-Palestinian rhetoric and opposition to Israel. However, the economic ties between Turkey and Israel remain strong despite these public statements.
- The contrast between official rhetoric and economic reality has led to internal criticism and skepticism from Turkish citizens and opposition parties. (Wilson Center)
- Turkey’s Energy Interests
- Turkey remains a key energy transit hub, and its economic stability depends on maintaining oil and gas exports. Cutting off trade entirely with Israel would also impact relations with key regional players, including Azerbaijan and the European Union.
- The involvement of Socar and Limak Holding in the ongoing oil shipments suggests that economic interests are taking precedence over political posturing. (Middle East Eye)
- International Perception of Turkey
- Turkey has long positioned itself as a defender of Palestinian rights on the international stage. However, the continued trade with Israel raises questions about the credibility of its stance.
- This could affect diplomatic relations with pro-Palestinian allies, such as Iran and Qatar, who may view Turkey’s actions as inconsistent with its official policy. (Brave New Europe)
Conclusion – Why This Investigation Matters
The controversy surrounding Turkey’s oil trade with Israel highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of international politics and trade.
- While Turkey publicly condemns Israel’s actions, evidence suggests that economic ties continue through indirect channels.
- Investigative journalism and open-source intelligence (OSINT) have played a crucial role in exposing these hidden dealings.
- The public protests and arrests demonstrate that many Turkish citizens are demanding accountability for their government’s actions. (VOA News)
The bigger question remains: Will Turkey be forced to make a definitive choice between its political stance and its economic interests? As more evidence comes to light, the world will be watching how Turkey navigates this delicate balance.
References & Further Reading
- Turkey-Israel Relations After October 7 – Wilson Center
- New Evidence Reveals Oil Shipments Continue – Middle East Eye
- Protests Grow Over Turkey’s Role in Supplying Oil to Israel – VOA News
- Turkey’s Oil Trade to Israel Despite Embargo – Brave New Europe
- Trade Ministry Clarifies Turkey’s Trade Halt with Israel – Daily Sabah
- Turkish Journalist Defends Tweets on Trade with Israel – Balkan Insight
- Activists Arrested for Protesting Erdoğan’s Israel Trade – Stockholm Center for Freedom
