Under reconsruction
Research Expertise
With more than 25 years of field experience, I specialize in independent, evidence-based research across the Middle East, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and West Africa. My work focuses on understanding complex social, political, and humanitarian developments through direct field engagement, local networks, and rigorous information verification.
Areas of expertise include:
• Political and governance dynamics
• Humanitarian issues and NGO operations
• Migration, displacement, and refugee movements
• Informal economies and transnational networks
• Social change, community resilience, and local development
• Religious trends, identity, and interfaith relations
Drawing on extensive regional experience and trusted local contacts, I provide accurate, context-rich analysis and field insights. Whether assessing emerging developments, verifying difficult-to-access information, or navigating complex operating environments, I deliver reliable research grounded in local realities and cultural understanding.
Contact Me
For assignments, collaborations, or media support: aksamemet at gmail.com
Memet Aksakal
Freelance Journalist, Fixer, and Researcher
Unfortunately, after changing my web hosting server, all the information on my website was deleted. I am currently rebuilding the site.
About Me
I’m a freelance journalist and researcher with more than two decades of experience covering Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and other parts of the Middle East. I have worked with major television networks and production companies from the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia on breaking news coverage, investigative reports, and documentaries focusing on the political, social, and cultural realities of the region.
In addition to my reporting and research work, I have extensive experience supporting international journalists, documentary filmmakers, and television crews in the field. This has included source development, logistical coordination, interview arrangements, and facilitating access to relevant contacts and locations throughout the region.This experience has enabled me to develop extensive regional networks and a strong understanding of the complexities of operating in diverse environments across the region.
Between 2011 and 2016, I was based on the Syrian border, reporting directly on the war and its humanitarian, political, and security consequences.
I am fluent in Kurdish, Turkish, English, German, and Persian, with working knowledge of Arabic. I produce original articles and video footage and have extensive experience supporting international media teams working in Turkey and the wider region.
Journalists who wish to report fom Turkey must obtain temporary press accreditation from the Presidential Directorate of Communications. Detailed information is available here: https://www.iletisim.gov.tr/english/temporary-accreditation
Some of my published articles
Turkish articles
My articles for Independent Turkish
https://www.indyturk.com/article-author/memet-aksakal
My articles for Serbestiyet
Working on Discovery Channel’s Mega Builders documentary about the Bosphorus Metro tunnel project, Istanbul, 2009
Working for Voice of America, Iraqi Kurdistan, 2012
Working for the Japanese Sankei newspaper, Ankara, 2023
Working for the Japanese Sankei newspaper, Syrian border, Hatay, 2015
Covering the earthquake for Al Jazeera Balkans TV, Gaziantep, 2023.
Working for Al Jazeera Balkans covering the Syrian conflict, Turkish–Syrian border, Kilis, 2014
Working for the Japanese TBS TV, Syrian border, Sanliurfa, 2015
Working for Fox News on the Syrian border, Hatay, 2017
Working for Fox News covering the Jamal Khashoggi murder case, Istanbul, 2018.
Workıng for Al Jazeera Balkans TV, Istanbul, 2019
Working for Fox News covering the Kobani war on the Syrian border, Şanlıurfa, 2014.
Working on the series Tough Trucks for, PBS and Travel Channel, various locations across Turkey, 2017.
Working for Swedish Television (SVT) in the Syrian city of Kobani, 2015
Working for PBS on the Turkish–Syrian border, 2012
Working for Canada's Global News TV in Iraqi Kurdistan, 2014
Working inside Syria during the war, 2012
Working for Swedish Television (SVT) on the Syrian border Hatay, 2012
Working for Fox News on the Syrian border, Gaziantep, 2012
Working with Canadian film director Simcha Jacobovici on the documentary film Struma, Istanbul, 2000
Working with BBC Scotland team on a news story, Diyarbakir, southeastern Turkey, 2001
Working for Swedish Television (SVT), Erzurum, eastern Turkey, 2016
Working for the Japanese Sankei newspaper, Erzurum, eastern Turkey, 2016
Working for Voice of America on the Turkish–Syrian border, 2012
Working for ARTE TV on the Turkish–Syrian border, Hatay, 2012
Working for Swedish Television (SVT) ın eastern Turkey, Tuncelli (Dersim), 2011
Working for CNN International on the programme Green Journey, Istanbul, 2011
Working for BBC on the series Life in a Cottage Garden with Carol Klein, Van, eastern Turkey, 2014
Working for CNN International on the program CNN Go, Istanbul, 2010
Working for CNN International on the program Future Cities, Istanbul, 2010
Working with BBC Scotland team on a news story, Gaziantep, southeastern Turkey, 2001
Working with BBC Scotland team on a news story, Diyarbakir, southeastern Turkey, 2009
Working with the BBC Scotland team in Zonguldak, northern Turkey, 2010
Some of My Work Experience