Cold spring Sultana

Exclusive. Protests broke out in Istanbul in March 2025 after the arrest of the city's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, on March 19. Imamoglu, a prominent opposition politician and member of the Republican People's Party (CHP), was detained by Turkish authorities on charges of corruption, extortion and ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Turkey considers a terrorist organization. This arrest became a catalyst for mass demonstrations, which covered not only Istanbul, but also other cities in Turkey, including Ankara and Izmir.

Background of the arrest

Ekrem Imamoglu, elected mayor of Istanbul in 2019 and re-elected in 2024 with 50,3% of the vote, has long been considered the main political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. His victories in Istanbul, a city that Erdogan himself called the key to controlling the country, dealt a serious blow to the positions of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). On the eve of his arrest, on March 18, 2025, Istanbul University revoked Imamoglu's higher education diploma, which, according to Turkish law, leaves him with the right to run for president. The opposition regarded it as politically motivated step.

The charges against Imamoglu include the use of official position for personal gain, manipulation of tenders and the creation of a "criminal organization". Together with him, about 100 people were detained, including his advisor Murat Ongun, director of the election campaign Nejata Shahin, as well as businessmen and journalists. The prosecutor's office claims that Imamoglu and his entourage laundered money and cooperated with the PKK, although concrete evidence was not publicly presented at the time of the arrest.

Protests

Immediately after the detention of Imamoglu on March 19, thousands of people took to the streets of Istanbul, despite the four-day ban on mass gatherings imposed by the authorities (from March 19 to 23). Protesters gathered at the city hall in the Sarackhane district, at Istanbul University, where the mayor's diploma was revoked, and at the police station where he was detained. Students, municipal workers and opposition supporters chanted slogans like "Erdogan is a dictator!" and "Imamoglu, you are not alone!".

The police used force to disperse the demonstrators: the use of tear gas, batons and, according to some reports, water cannons was recorded. Central streets, including Taksim Square, were closed, and a number of metro lines were suspended. The authorities also restricted access to social networks (X, YouTube, Instagram), which caused even greater indignation. CHP leader Özgür Ozel called the arrest an "attempted coup" and called on citizens to mass resistance, saying that the will of 16 million residents of Istanbul is under attack.

On March 20, the protests continued with renewed vigor. Footage from the scene shows clashes between students and the police on the campus of Istanbul University, as well as marches in the historic center of the city. The number of demonstrators is estimated at tens of thousands, which makes these actions one of the largest in recent years.

The reaction of the authorities and Erdogan

Erdogan first commented on the situation on March 20, accusing the opposition of putting pressure on the police and the judicial system. He declared that "no one is above the law" and emphasized the independence of Turkish justice. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc supported this position, denying the political nature of the arrest. At the same time, the ruling party hinted that in the event of an official indictment, Imamoglu could be removed from office, and the mayor's office would be headed by an appointed "trusted manager."

International reaction

The arrest and protests caused concern abroad. The Chairperson of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed "deep concern" and reminded Turkey of the need to observe democratic norms. The economic consequences also appeared quickly: the Turkish lira fell to a record low, and the Borsa Istanbul 100 index lost 6,9% amid asset sales.

Meaning of events

For many in Turkey, Imamoglu's arrest is an attempt by Erdogan to eliminate his main rival before the 2028 presidential election. The opposition sees in this a parallel with the arrest of Erdogan himself in 1999, when he, as the mayor of Istanbul, was convicted of "incitement" and left prison with increased popularity. However, the current context — the economic crisis, societal fatigue from Erdogan's 20-year rule, and growing distrust of the authorities — makes the outcome of the protests unpredictable.

By March 25, 2025, the situation remains tense: the protests do not subside, and the political crisis deepens. Imamoglu, from custody, urged the court "not to remain silent in the face of lawlessness", and his supporters promise to continue the fight.

Murat ShahinFor Newsky.