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.
Over the years I have also worked extensively as a fixer for international media for more than 25 years. While I am no longer working actively in that role, I can still assist visiting journalists and television crews with contacts, coordination, and practical guidance when needed.
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.
Research Expertise
With over 25 years of field experience, I specialize in deep, on-the-ground research across the Middle East, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and West Africa. My work covers:
Political dynamics and governance
NGO activities and humanitarian issues
Irregular migration and refugee movements
Smuggling networks and illicit organizations
Social change and community resilience
Religious trends and interfaith relations
Whether navigating sensitive environments, verifying hard-to-access information, or connecting with trusted local sources, I bring the expertise, network, and cultural insight needed to deliver accurate and impactful results.
Contact Me
For assignments, collaborations, or media support: aksamemet at gmail.com
Some of my published articles
Turkish articles
My articles for Independent Turkish
https://www.indyturk.com/article-author/memet-aksakal
My articles for Serbestiyet
From around 20 March onward, I will be based in Iraqi Kurdistan while covering developments related to the US–Iran war and the wider regional situation
At present, journalists and television crews who want to report on the conflict from the region can operate from Iraqi Kurdistan. Although the airspace is currently closed, it is still possible to reach the region from Turkey by road, which currently remains the main route of entry.
During this period I will be reporting and writing from the region and will also be available to assist other journalists and media teams. I worked as a fixer in the region for more than 20 years and, although I am no longer working actively in that role, I remain available to assist television crews and journalists with advice, contacts, coordination, and practical guidance.
Journalists and TV crews planning to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan to report on the war are welcome to contact me for information and possible assistance on the ground
aksamemet at gmail.com
Memet Aksakal
Freelance Journalist, Fixer, and Researcher
Because I changed my web hosting server, unfortunately all the information on my website was deleted. I am now rebuilding the site.