Introduction
The Milli İstihbarat Teşkilatı (MIT), or National Intelligence Organization of Turkiye, stands as one of the most pivotal intelligence agencies in the Middle East. Known for its broad scope of operations and historical significance in shaping regional geopolitics, MIT has evolved from a Cold War-era institution into a modern, tech-driven intelligence agency. This article delves into MIT’s structure, symbolism, and key operations. The future trajectory offers an in-depth analysis of its role within Turkiye’s national security framework.
Images Sourced From: Daily Sabah, MIT,
1 Motto, Symbols, Patches and/or History
1.1 Motto
‘’We firmly believe that, in the eyes of our nation, we are the shadow of the crescent and star in our flag that will fly in the skies forever. We are the prayers in silently murmuring lips of our mothers. We are the ones who never blink an eye so that our loved ones and the entire nation of 85 million people can sleep in peace. We are “the last fiery hearth ablaze” in our country that will never go out. We are the National Intelligence Organization.’’ [source]
1.2 Symbols / Patches
Unlike military units, MIT personnel do not typically wear patches due to their covert nature. However, ceremonial uniforms and official insignia occasionally display the national flag alongside MIT’s emblem.
1.3 History
The origins of Turkish intelligence trace back to the early administrative structures of the Ottoman Empire in 1299, with the divan-i hümayun kalemi (Imperial Chancery) responsible for intelligence gathering on foreign powers and internal threats. Reforms under Sultan Abdulhamid II led to the creation of the Yıldız Organization (1880–1908), a precursor to modern intelligence. During World War I, the Teşkilât-ı Mahsûsa (Special Organization) played a crucial role in intelligence and special operations. Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk institutionalized intelligence operations with the creation of the Millî Emniyet Hizmeti Riyâseti (MAH) in 1926, focusing on domestic security.
During World War II, intelligence activities expanded as Turkey navigated a delicate neutrality while countering espionage efforts. The Cold War years saw a significant expansion of intelligence capabilities, particularly after NATO accession in 1952, which provided new resources and training. In 1965, the MAH evolved into the National Intelligence Organization (Milli İstihbarat Teşkilatı or MİT). It was focusing on both domestic and foreign intelligence. Throughout the Cold War, MİT conducted clandestine operations, notably in Cyprus, supporting Turkish Cypriot paramilitary groups during the conflict with Greece. These operations highlighted MİT’s growing regional role and strategic use of covert action.
By the end of the Cold War, MİT adapted to new global dynamics, shifting its focus to emerging threats. The 1999 rendition of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan from Nairobi demonstrated MİT’s capabilities in transnational operations. The post-9/11 era brought further changes, as Turkey aligned with global counter-terrorism initiatives. While addressing regional instability and asymmetric threats, solidifying MİT’s pivotal role in both domestic and international security. [source, source]
2 Organisation
MIT operates directly under the Office of the President of Turkiye. Its director reports to the President, underscoring its strategic importance in national security and policy-making. [source]
2.1 Place in broader government structure
The organization coordinates closely with the National Security Council (MGK), ensuring alignment with Turkiye’s overall strategic objectives. Additionally, MIT works in tandem with the Turkish Armed Forces, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Interior on various intelligence and counter-terrorism missions. As a government agency, MIT receives its funding through the national budget, approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly. [source]
2.1.1 MIT’s Counterterrorism Operations
MIT’s cross-border operations have significantly degraded the operational capabilities of groups like PKK/KCK, through the use of advanced UAV and A-UAV technology. (The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and its umbrella organization, the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), are Kurdish militant and political groups that have been engaged in a long-standing conflict with the Turkish state, advocating for Kurdish autonomy and rights) These efforts highlight MIT’s pivotal role in maintaining national security and addressing transnational threats. [source, source, source]
2.1.2 MIT’s Cooperation with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)
Additionally, former MIT Director Hakan Fidann, in an interview on 20 December 2024, admitted that the cooperation with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a UN-designated terrorist group in Syria, was an intelligence-sharing effort aimed at combating ISIS. This admission highlighted violations of international laws. By law, Turkish intelligence can engage with terrorist groups for activities such as infiltration, intelligence gathering, and negotiation. However, the law strictly prohibits it from facilitating these groups’ operations or assisting in any terrorist activities.
Under President Erdogan’s administration, MIT transported arms and fighters to Syria, including jihadist groups. In 2014, the government abruptly halted investigations into these activities after dismissing the prosecutors and officials involved. Additionally, authorities further suppressed al-Qaeda-related inquiries in Turkey, raising significant concerns about the government’s policies and adherence to anti-terrorism laws. In the early years of the Syrian civil war, MIT reportedly established a covert agreement with HTS, under which the group agreed not to conduct attacks on Turkish soil in exchange for logistical support, weapons, and funding.
Despite its official designation as a terrorist organization, Turkish authorities allowed HTS to operate within the country, raising funds, recruiting fighters, and procuring supplies. Turkish law enforcement agencies conducted multiple operations against HTS networks. But these actions were largely superficial, with many detained individuals released shortly after. Furthermore, Turkish intelligence allegedly shielded HTS from prosecution, even in high-profile cases such as the assassination of Russian Ambassador Andrei Karlov in 2016, where links to the group were uncovered but not pursued. Reports suggest that MIT continued its cooperation with HTS leadership, including its leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, using the group as a proxy to advance Turkish strategic interests in Syria. [source, source, source, source, source, source]
2.2 Financing
As a government agency, MIT receives its funding through the national budget, approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Exact figures are classified, but it is known that MIT has seen significant budget increases in recent years. With main purpose to bolster its technological capabilities and overseas operations. According to press reports, MIT’s 2024 budget was an estimated $277.2 million USD, a 125.7% increase from its 2023 budget of $626.4 million USD. [source]
2.3 MIT’s Structure
The MİT is structured to leverage Türkiye’s advancements in high-technology products developed over the last decade. The organization is divided into specialised divisions focusing on key intelligence areas such as counter-terrorism, foreign espionage, electronic intelligence (ELINT), and signal intelligence (SIGINT). [source]
MİT’s operational capacity has been significantly bolstered by the integration of armed and unarmed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which are deployed for intelligence gathering and operational planning in Türkiye, Syria, and Iraq. These UAVs provide instant intelligence on terrorist targets and facilitate real-time decision-making for political leaders. [source]
As of 2014, MİT employed approximately 8,000 personnel. However, the current number is not publicly disclosed due to security reasons. It is understood that the organization has expanded over the years to address evolving security challenges
Another critical component of MİT’s structure is its technical intelligence division. This saw a major boost with the commissioning of the Intelligence, Test, and Training ship, TCG Ufuk, Türkiye’s first national intelligence ship. Since its operational deployment in January 2022, TCG Ufuk has enhanced MİT’s technical intelligence capabilities. Providing maritime surveillance and data collection support. MİT operates primarily from its headquarters in Ankara, known as “KALE (FORTRESS)”. With also additional regional offices across Türkiye and an international presence to support intelligence operations. While the exact number of personnel remains classified, it is estimated that MİT employs thousands of operatives across multiple divisions to address evolving security challenges.
2.4 Key Figures
İbrahim Kalın (2023 – Current Director, previously National Security Advisor)
Background and Education
İbrahim Kalın, born in 1971 in Istanbul, is a historian and academic who has held several high-profile positions in Turkish government and academia. He earned his master’s degree from the International Islamic University Malaysia and a doctorate from George Washington University in 2002. He later became a professor at İbn Haldun University in 2020 and has lectured at prestigious institutions such as Georgetown, Bilkent, and İbn Haldun Universities.
Academic and Government Roles
Kalın founded and chaired the SETA Foundation in 2005 and has contributed extensively to literature in areas including Turkish foreign policy, politics, philosophy, and history. His works have been published internationally and translated into multiple languages.
In addition to his academic career, Kalın has held key government roles since 2009, serving as Chief Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister, Deputy Secretary General at the Presidential Office, and Presidential Spokesperson from 2014 until his appointment as Director of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in June 2023. He is fluent in English, Arabic, Farsi, and French. [source]
Strategic Initiatives and Influence
In January 2024 he launched the National Intelligence Academy. He said the academy’s mission aims to produce concepts in intelligence and create new literature.[source, source]
Kalın seems to have as a priority on his agenda the Syrian government and its future direction following the collapse of the Assad regime. Meanwhile, along with a delegation, in December 2024 he arrived in Damascus and performed prayers at the historic Umayyad Mosque. Kalın is also scheduled to hold key meetings with HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani and interim Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir to discuss the future of Syria. [source]
Hakan Fidan (Former Director, 2010-2023, currently Minister of Foreign Affairs)
Background and Education
Hakan Fidan is a graduate of the Army Forces Signal Corps and Army Forces Language School. He pursued his academic studies while serving in the Turkish Armed Forces. Earning an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and later completing his master’s and doctorate in International Relations at Bilkent University. Following his military service, he lectured at Bilkent and Hacettepe Universities. Fidan held several critical roles in foreign policy and security, including Director of TİKA. Furthermore, Deputy Undersecretary for Foreign Policy and Security, and Special Representative of both the Prime Minister and the President. He also served as the Director of the MİT. President Erdoğan appointed him as Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs after the presidential elections on May 28, 2023.[source]
Reforms and Controversies
Following the failed coup attempt in 2016, critics blamed Fidan for his organization’s failure to anticipate the putsch. He restructured MİT, separating internal and external intelligence functions, and enhancing its operational efficiency in counterterrorism efforts in Syria and Iraq. Under his leadership, MİT expanded its humanitarian and technological intelligence capabilities, increasing its international influence and effectiveness in combating terrorism. [source, source, source]
Influence on Foreign Policy
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is transforming Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs by appointing more senior officials with backgrounds in the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and political circles. This shift is reshaping the ministry’s role, aligning it more with intelligence and security functions rather than traditional diplomacy. Currently, nearly half of the ministry’s general directorates are led by individuals with MIT backgrounds. This reflects a prioritization of an intelligence-driven approach.[source]
2.5 Recruitment
MIT recruits through a rigorous process involving academic institutions, military academies, and specialised recruitment events. Recently, MIT has started targeting young talent by placing anonymous career posters at top universities. These posters feature QR codes leading to MIT’s career page, offering positions like intelligence specialist, engineer, language expert, and UAV operator. [source, source]
According to unofficial sources, MIT has recruited operatives from diaspora communities in Europe using nongovernmental organisations to identify and vet candidates. These operatives have reportedly been placed in key foreign agencies dealing with Turkish and Muslim communities to strengthen recruitment channels. [source]
3 Tactical-Operational Information – National Intelligence Academy
Since the 1950s, when Turkey’s strategic role became essential on NATO’s Eastern Flank, MİT has maintained strong relations with the CIA. However, MİT has struggled to establish an effective and stable network of contacts and collaborations with European intelligence services. In contrast, it has traditionally enjoyed good relations with Russian agencies and, after 1992, Azerbaijan, as well as intelligence services in Singapore and the broader Middle East. [source]
Significant transformations in its training and operational methodologies, particularly with the 2024 establishment of the National Intelligence Academy (NIA). Launched under the leadership of MİT President İbrahim Kalın, the NIA aims to generate scientific knowledge in intelligence and security. Through educational and research activities. It offers master’s and doctoral programs that are open to graduates from relevant undergraduate programs. Particularly, focusing on areas such as intelligence, security, strategy, regional studies, cybersecurity, cryptology, satellite space systems, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. NIA curriculum reflects a strategic blend of training methods influenced by Western intelligence practices. Including a shift towards integrating advanced technology in intelligence operations. [source, source]
4 The Future
Under İbrahim Kalın’s leadership, MİT is poised to continue its focus on clandestine operations. Which are a hallmark of Turkey’s assertive foreign policy under President Erdoğan. Kalın, a long-time confidant of Erdoğan and former presidential spokesperson, brings strategic vision to MİT, emphasizing the importance of intelligence in shaping national security and foreign policy. In his address during MİT’s 97th anniversary, Kalın highlighted the agency’s role in navigating an era of great uncertainty, underscoring the need for strategic foresight and adaptability in intelligence operations. [source, source, source]
5 Conclusion
MİT has evolved into a key player in the country’s national security and foreign policy framework, adapting to shifting geopolitical realities and emerging threats. Under the leadership of İbrahim Kalın, MİT continues to emphasize intelligence-driven strategies, leveraging cutting-edge technology and a growing presence in regional and international operations. The agency’s role in counterterrorism efforts, foreign espionage, and strategic diplomacy underscores its importance in safeguarding Turkey’s national interests. However, the increasing overlap between intelligence and diplomacy raises concerns about the future balance of power within Turkey’s institutional landscape. Also, its relationship with HTS has now positioned MIT in a delicate balancing act with the new Syrian intelligence team. As one of the most significant intelligence agencies in the region, MIT’s advanced operations, technological capabilities, and strategic focus place it at the forefront of efforts to address complex security challenges.
