Turkey’s discovery of an estimated 6.1 billion barrels of shale oil in the Diyarbakır Basin could significantly reduce its reliance on energy imports and reshape its energy strategy.
At a Glance
- Continental Resources estimates 6.1 billion barrels of shale oil in Turkey’s Diyarbakır Basin.
- Turkey’s annual crude oil imports are approximately 365 million barrels.
- Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Continental Resources signed a joint venture in March 2025 to develop the shale fields.
- The discovery positions Turkey above some OPEC members in potential oil reserves.
- Turkey aims to enhance energy security by developing domestic resources and reducing import dependency.
Strategic Energy Shift
In March 2025, Turkey’s state-run Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) signed a joint venture agreement with U.S.-based Continental Resources to explore and develop shale oil fields in the Diyarbakır Basin. This southeastern region of Turkey is believed to contain one of the largest onshore oil discoveries in the country’s history. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar called the find “a new era in local crude oil exploration,” according to Daily Sabah.
The estimated 6.1 billion barrels would significantly reduce Turkey’s dependence on foreign energy, as the country currently imports around 365 million barrels of crude annually. If fully developed, the Diyarbakır Basin reserves could place Turkey ahead of smaller OPEC producers such as Congo and Gabon, as reported by OilPrice.
Watch a report: Turkey’s major shale oil discovery explained.
Broader Energy Implications
The oil find aligns with Turkey’s broader ambition to transform its energy portfolio through domestic development. Alongside efforts in the Diyarbakır Basin, Ankara is increasing natural gas production from the Black Sea and developing shale gas potential in the Thrace region. Earlier in 2025, Turkey announced a new 75 billion cubic meter gas discovery in the Black Sea, as detailed by Daily Sabah.
The joint venture includes not only drilling operations but also the transfer of U.S. shale technology and local workforce training. This initiative aims to build domestic technical capacity, generate jobs, and attract further investment, as highlighted in Daily Sabah’s coverage.
Minister Bayraktar emphasized the discovery’s potential by stating, “Shale oil and gas could be a game changer.” He added, “I hope that this agreement, which opens a new era in oil exploration in Türkiye, will be beneficial for all parties,” as quoted in OilPrice.
With global energy markets in flux, Turkey’s move to leverage its untapped reserves could provide both economic stability and strategic leverage. As development accelerates, the Diyarbakır Basin may become central to Turkey’s energy diplomacy for years to come.
