What Happened to Zaman Gazetesi?
Zaman Gazetesi was once Turkey's highest-circulating newspaper, known for its critical stance towards the government and its ties to the Gülen movement. It was seized by the Turkish government in March 2016 and subsequently shut down by decree in July 2016 following a failed coup attempt, which the government blamed on the Gülen movement. Its former headquarters now serve as a court building, and many of its journalists have faced arrest and imprisonment.
Quick Answer
Zaman Gazetesi, formerly Turkey's largest newspaper, was seized by the Turkish government on March 4, 2016, due to its alleged links to the Fethullah Gülen movement, which the government designated as a terrorist organization. It was officially closed by decree on July 27, 2016, in the aftermath of a failed coup attempt. The newspaper's headquarters have since been converted into a court building, and numerous former staff members have been arrested and imprisoned, with some journalists still jailed as of July 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Zaman Gazetesi Founded
Zaman Gazetesi was established, beginning its journey as a daily newspaper in Turkey.
First Turkish Daily Online
Zaman became the first Turkish daily newspaper to launch an online edition, marking an early adoption of digital media.
Circulation Exceeds 1 Million
The newspaper announced its daily net circulation had surpassed one million copies, cementing its position as a leading publication.
Shift to Critical Stance Against Government
Following a major corruption investigation in December 2013, Zaman Gazetesi became increasingly critical of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Editor-in-Chief Ekrem Dumanli Arrested
Turkish police arrested more than two dozen journalists and media executives, including Zaman's then editor-in-chief, Ekrem Dumanli, on charges of 'forming, leading and being a member of an armed terrorist organization.'
Turkish Government Seizes Zaman Gazetesi
Turkish authorities seized control of Zaman Gazetesi and its parent company, Feza Media Group, after a court order, citing the newspaper's alleged ties to the Fethullah Gülen movement. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters.
Zaman Germany Announces Independent Publication
Süleyman Bag, editor-in-chief of Zaman Almanya (Zaman Germany), stated that the German edition would continue to publish an independent newspaper following the takeover of its Turkish counterpart.
New Management Changes Zaman's Logo
Under government-appointed management, Zaman Gazetesi changed its logo, with the new editor-in-chief stating the paper was returning to its 'original spirit.'
Failed Coup Attempt in Turkey
A faction of the Turkish military attempted a coup against President Erdoğan and the government, which was swiftly suppressed. The government immediately blamed the Fethullah Gülen movement.
Zaman Gazetesi Officially Closed by Decree
In the aftermath of the failed coup, Zaman Gazetesi was officially closed by government decree No. 668, along with dozens of other media outlets accused of Gülenist ties.
Former Headquarters Converted to Court Building
The former headquarters of Zaman Gazetesi in Istanbul were assigned to the İstanbul judicial complex to be used as an additional service building.
Former Zaman Executive Mehmet Kamış Arrested
Mehmet Kamış, a former executive of Zaman daily, was arrested on coup-related charges, facing aggravated life sentences and additional years for alleged terrorist organization membership.
Former Zaman Columnist Ali Ünal Remains Jailed
Ali Ünal, a former columnist for Zaman, is listed among journalists still imprisoned in Turkey, facing charges related to his alleged affiliation with the Gülen movement.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Zaman Gazetesi, founded in 1986, rose to become a prominent daily newspaper in Turkey, notably being the first Turkish daily to launch an online edition in 1995. Initially, Zaman maintained a supportive stance towards the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). However, its editorial line shifted significantly after a major corruption investigation in December 2013, becoming increasingly critical of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the AKP government. The newspaper was known for its close affiliation with the Hizmet movement, led by the U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gülen.
The escalating tensions between the Gülen movement and the Turkish government culminated in a severe crackdown on media outlets perceived to be linked to Gülen. On March 4, 2016, Turkish authorities seized control of Zaman Gazetesi and its affiliates, including the English-language Today's Zaman, following a court order. This takeover was met with widespread protests, which police dispersed using tear gas and water cannons. Critics, including international media groups and human rights organizations, condemned the action as a severe blow to press freedom in Turkey.
The government justified the seizure by accusing the Gülen movement of attempting to establish a 'parallel state' and orchestrating the 2013 corruption probes. Following the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, which the Turkish government immediately blamed on the Gülen movement, the crackdown intensified dramatically. On July 27, 2016, Zaman Gazetesi, along with numerous other media outlets, was officially closed by emergency decree-law No. 668.
In the years that followed, the consequences for Zaman's former staff were severe. Dozens of journalists and executives associated with the newspaper were arrested, charged with terrorism-related offenses, and many received lengthy prison sentences. The former headquarters of Zaman Gazetesi in Istanbul were repurposed and assigned to the İstanbul judicial complex to be used as an additional service building by August 2020. While some international editions, such as Zaman Almanya, initially expressed intentions to continue independent publication, the original Turkish Zaman ceased to exist.
As of August 30, 2026, the original Zaman Gazetesi remains shut down. The Turkish government continues its designation of the Gülen movement as a terrorist organization, and the broader crackdown on alleged Gülenists, including journalists, persists. For instance, Ali Ünal, a former Zaman columnist, was still listed among journalists jailed in Turkey as of July 2026. The name 'Zaman' may appear in some Turkish news archives for current dates, likely referring to a pro-government iteration that briefly used the name after the seizure, or as part of historical archives, but it does not represent the independent, critical newspaper it once was.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Zaman Gazetesi made different choices?