In March 2025, Turkey was thrust into a new wave of political upheaval, ignited by the arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu—a popular opposition leader and, crucially, a major challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. What began as outrage over his detention has now morphed into the largest anti-government protests the country has witnessed in over a decade.
While the government insists the charges—corruption, bid-rigging, and aiding a terrorist group—are rooted in legal procedure, critics at home and abroad argue this is a politically calculated attempt to sideline Erdogan’s most formidable opponent ahead of the 2028 elections. Imamoglu was, notably, confirmed as the presidential candidate for the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP) from behind bars on March 23, just four days after his arrest.
Erdogan’s been in power since 2003 — first as Prime Minister, then President. That’s more than two decades. He’s changed the political system, expanded his own powers, and critics say he’s eroded checks and balances. And while the constitution says he can’t run again in 2028, many believe he’s going to find a way around that. That’s part of the reason people are so nervous right now.
The Arrest That Sparked a Movement
Imamoglu’s arrest on March 19, 2025, was the trigger. Police arrived at his home during a dawn raid and detained him pending trial. The charges stemmed from two investigations into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality—one for corruption and the other for alleged ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Prosecutors claimed Imamoglu ran a criminal network involved in embezzlement, bid manipulation, and unauthorized data recording.
Critics, however, argue that the case is riddled with unreliable testimonies, mostly from unnamed witnesses. Adding to the controversy, Imamoglu’s lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, was also arrested, without formal charges being announced.
The timing was hard to ignore. His arrest came just days before the CHP was expected to formally nominate him as its presidential candidate. For many, this was not just law enforcement at work—it was a political strategy.
A Wave of Protests Across the Nation
Public outrage erupted almost immediately. Tens of thousands took to the streets in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other cities. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “We will not be silenced” and “This is our fight too.” What stood out was the prominent involvement of young people and university students—many of whom had never participated in political protests before. At Middle East Technical University, clashes erupted between students and police, symbolizing the generational stakes of this moment.
Over the course of eight days, nearly 1,900 people were detained, including journalists, activists, and opposition party members. Police used tear gas, water cannons, pepper spray, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. More than 150 police officers were reportedly injured, while international observers condemned the use of excessive force.
Despite the crackdown, the protests have not subsided. Instead, they have grown larger and more coordinated, with the opposition calling for boycotts of pro-government businesses and media blackouts being challenged by citizen journalism on social media.
Erdogan’s Response and the Growing Divide
President Erdogan, in a televised speech, denounced the protests as “evil” and blamed the CHP for inciting public unrest. The government has labeled the demonstrators as vandals and “street terrorists,” justifying the heavy police presence as necessary for maintaining order.
However, the government’s narrative has done little to convince the opposition or the general public. For many, this is just the latest in a long string of power grabs and democratic backsliding under Erdogan’s 22-year rule. Since the failed coup attempt in 2016, Turkey has seen sweeping purges of civil servants, academics, and judges, alongside a steady erosion of media freedom.
Recent developments have only added to concerns. In the same week as Imamoglu’s arrest, Istanbul University revoked both his undergraduate and graduate degrees, citing procedural irregularities. This move, coming just before his presidential nomination, was widely interpreted as a legal maneuver to disqualify him from running for office—Turkish law requires presidential candidates to hold a university degree.
Economic Pressures Add to Public Frustration
While political repression is at the heart of the protests, economic hardship is the oxygen feeding the fire. Despite modest GDP growth of 3.2% in 2024, inflation remains painfully high at over 39% as of February 2025. Populist financial experiments—often referred to as “Erdoganomics”—have worsened Turkey’s economic outlook over the past few years, undermining confidence in institutions like the central bank.
Many citizens feel the pinch of rising costs, stagnant wages, and increasing inequality. Even access to healthcare has become more difficult, with reports suggesting that economic strain is impacting public services. This economic backdrop has made the arrest of a reform-minded mayor feel not just unjust, but deeply personal for millions.
A Climate of Fear for Press and Speech
Media repression has also intensified. More than 10 journalists have been arrested since the protests began, including AFP photographer Yasin Akgül. Sozcu TV was slapped with a 10-day broadcasting ban, and the government has fined or suspended other opposition-friendly outlets.
Even international journalists have been targeted. BBC’s Mark Lowen was detained for 17 hours before being deported, reportedly labeled a “threat to public order.” On social media, the government demanded that X (formerly Twitter) block over 700 accounts belonging to journalists, academics, and activists.
These moves have drawn widespread criticism from organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which accuse the Erdogan government of hollowing out Turkey’s democratic institutions and weaponizing the judiciary.
International Reactions and What Lies Ahead
The European Commission has called on Turkey to “uphold democratic values,” and several Western governments have urged restraint. The UK Foreign Office has issued travel advisories due to the risk of violence at protests.
Inside Turkey, however, the mood is one of defiance. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel said it best: “Imamoglu is in prison, but he is also on his way to the presidency.” Whether that’s possible remains to be seen—but the public’s response makes one thing clear: the fight for Turkey’s democratic soul is far from over.
GeoWire 
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