Türkiye is experiencing widespread protests following the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul and a leading figure in the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). İmamoğlu was detained along with over 100 others on charges including bribery, bid rigging, fraud, alleged ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and leading a criminal organization.
The timing of his arrest has raised serious concerns about political motivations. Just one day before his detention, Istanbul University annulled his degree over alleged irregularities—a move that could disqualify him from running for president, as Turkish law mandates candidates hold a university diploma. His arrest came mere days before the CHP was set to officially nominate him as its presidential candidate on 23 March.
Demonstrations erupted in Istanbul—Türkiye’s economic and cultural hub—and quickly spread to Ankara, Izmir, and numerous other cities. Reports estimate that over 300,000 people have taken to the streets across 32 provinces since March 19, marking the largest wave of protests since the Gezi Park movement in 2013. Among the demonstrators are university students, opposition supporters, municipal workers, and lawyers who argue that İmamoğlu’s arrest is a blatant violation of constitutional principles.
Critics view the move as an attempt by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to sideline a formidable rival. İmamoğlu, who twice defeated Erdoğan’s party in Istanbul’s mayoral elections (2019 and 2024), has consistently polled as a leading challenger to the Turkish president, making him a direct threat to Erdoğan’s 22-year rule.
CHP leader Özgür Özel condemned the arrest as a “political coup” against the will of the Turkish people, arguing that the revocation of İmamoğlu’s degree was further evidence of legal manipulation.
The protests are unfolding amid a worsening economic crisis. Following İmamoğlu’s arrest, the Turkish lira plunged between 12% and 14.5% against the dollar, while the stock market tumbled 8.7%. This financial turmoil has only fueled public anger.
Rather than de-escalate tensions, the government has responded with force. Authorities imposed a four-day ban on public gatherings in Istanbul and deployed riot police, tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse demonstrators. At least 88 protesters were arrested, along with 37 individuals accused of spreading “provocative posts” on social media.
In an apparent attempt to curb online mobilization, Turkish authorities restricted access to platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram, according to digital rights watchdog NetBlocks. Meanwhile, Erdoğan and his officials, including Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç, have defended the arrest as a lawful and independent judicial process, warning that continued protests could destabilize the country.
The protests could elevate İmamoğlu as a symbol of resistance against Erdoğan’s rule, particularly if he is released or if public support for him continues to grow. However, they could also prompt an even harsher government crackdown, exacerbating Türkiye’s deep political and social divisions.
Internationally, the response has been swift. The European Union, France, and Germany have condemned the arrests as a blow to Turkish democracy, while human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, described the case as “a blatant abuse of the judicial system.” Despite growing international scrutiny, it remains unclear whether external pressure will be enough to alter the political trajectory inside Türkiye.
The ongoing protests highlight a crisis with multiple dimensions—political, economic, and social. İmamoğlu’s detention has become a flashpoint for broader grievances, from concerns over judicial independence to economic instability and growing public discontent with Erdoğan’s leadership.
Türkiye’s opposition has demonstrated that, despite government repression, it can still mobilize large-scale demonstrations. But the path forward is uncertain. If the crackdown intensifies or İmamoğlu remains behind bars for an extended period, protests could escalate into more violent confrontations, reminiscent of the 2013 Gezi Park uprising—but with even greater consequences given today’s fragile economic conditions.
Adding to the volatility are other flashpoints: economic hardship, social tensions over refugees (particularly Syrians, who have been scapegoated for economic woes and targeted in xenophobic attacks), and recent military purges. Earlier this month, Erdoğan’s government dismissed military officers in what critics have called an attack on the army’s secular traditions, a move that could trigger further unrest.
For Erdoğan, this crisis is not just about securing his presidency—it’s also about reclaiming Istanbul. Losing Türkiye’s largest city in 2019 was not just a political setback but a financial one, cutting him off from a key source of patronage that sustained his network for decades. Regaining control of Istanbul could be vital for his political machinery, particularly as he navigates one of the most challenging periods of his rule.
Türkiye now stands at a crucial juncture. The outcome of this crisis will depend on whether the opposition can sustain its momentum and whether the government opts for conciliation or further repression. Erdoğan faces a difficult choice: backing down could damage his image of strength, while escalating the crackdown could deepen his domestic and international isolation.
One thing is certain: the protests have shattered any illusion of stability. Whether this moment signals the beginning of a broader political shift or simply another chapter in Erdoğan’s increasingly authoritarian rule remains to be seen.
Dr. Hatem Sadek – Professor at Helwan University
