This handout photograph taken and released by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) press office on March 29, 2025, shows an aerial view of a large crowd gathering during a rally called by the CHP, Turkey’s main opposition party, in support of Istanbul’s arrested mayor Ekrem Imanoglu in Maltepe, on the outskirts of Istanbul. (HANDOUT / Republican People’s Party (CHP) Press Service / AFP)
| Published March 30, 2025
Introduction On March 29, 2025, Istanbul became the epicenter of political upheaval as hundreds of thousands of Turkish citizens flooded the streets in one of the largest demonstrations in recent memory. The protest, organized by the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), was a direct response to the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu—a popular figure and vocal critic of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
A Show of Strength The rally, held in Maltepe on Istanbul’s Asian side, saw a sea of protesters waving Turkish flags and holding banners demanding justice. The CHP claims that over 2.2 million people participated, though independent estimates remain unverified. The gathering reflected not just anger over Imamoglu’s detention but also mounting dissatisfaction with Erdogan’s government and its increasing authoritarianism.
The Arrest That Sparked a Movement Imamoglu was arrested on charges of corruption and alleged ties to terrorist organizations—claims that many, including international watchdogs, dismiss as politically motivated. The mayor has long been seen as Erdogan’s most formidable political opponent, particularly after his resounding victory in the 2019 municipal elections, which ended decades of AKP control over Istanbul.
His detention sent shockwaves through Turkish society, uniting opposition factions and igniting protests not only in Istanbul but across other major cities like Ankara and Izmir. Human rights organizations have condemned the move, calling it a blatant attempt to suppress dissent ahead of the 2028 general elections.
A Growing Discontent The rally underscored deep-seated frustrations with Erdogan’s administration, which has been accused of eroding democratic institutions, curbing press freedoms, and silencing opposition voices. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Justice for Imamoglu!” and “Turkey will not bow to dictatorship!” while opposition leaders delivered impassioned speeches.
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel addressed the crowd, stating, “This is not just about Imamoglu; this is about the future of Turkey. We will not allow democracy to be strangled.”
A protestor holds a banner with the picture of of Istanbul’s arrested mayor Ekrem Imanoglu reading “Everything is going to be alright” during a rally called by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in support of Imanoglu in Maltepe, on the outskirts of Istanbul on March 29, 2025. (KEMAL ASLAN / AFP)
Erdogan’s Response The Turkish government has dismissed the protests as an attempt to destabilize the country. Erdogan accused the opposition of “wrecking Turkey’s economy” with their actions, arguing that such mass gatherings create unnecessary turmoil. His government has also deployed security forces in key areas to prevent further escalation.
What’s Next? The protests mark a critical moment in Turkey’s political landscape, with the opposition gaining momentum ahead of future elections. Many analysts believe Imamoglu’s arrest could backfire on Erdogan, further galvanizing the opposition movement.
For now, Istanbul remains a city on edge, with its people determined to make their voices heard. The question remains—will this wave of dissent force change, or will it be met with further crackdowns? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the fight for democracy in Turkey is far from over.
Be the first to comment