Department of Research, Studies and International News 04-07-2025

The recent arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, has triggered some of the largest protests Turkey has seen in years. His supporters claim that millions have taken to the streets, denouncing what they view as a politically charged case designed to remove a prominent opposition figure from the political landscape.

Although official figures are unavailable, many observers describe these demonstrations as the most significant anti-government mobilization in over a decade. Imamoglu, once considered a likely contender in Turkey’s 2028 presidential elections, now finds himself imprisoned on multiple allegations, ranging from corruption and bribery to illegal data collection and manipulation of public tenders. He firmly denies all charges.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has responded by emphasizing the judicial process, asserting that no individual is above the law and that the courts must be allowed to do their job. He has labeled the protests a “violent movement” and insists they will not sway the country’s legal institutions.

Meanwhile, the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), is standing firmly behind Imamoglu. Party leader Ozgur Ozel has launched a national petition demanding his release and is calling for early presidential elections. Despite Imamoglu’s disqualification from running due to his imprisonment and the annulment of his university degree, the CHP formally nominated him as their presidential candidate on March 23.

A Popular Figure with Broad Appeal

Imamoglu rose to national prominence after his 2019 mayoral victory, during which he maintained a calm and focused campaign, even after the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) challenged the election results, forcing a re-run. His eventual win broke the AKP’s long-standing grip on Istanbul, a city of immense political and symbolic significance.

As mayor, Imamoglu has been credited with enhancing public transportation, investing in cultural projects, and expanding social services. Analysts describe him as warm, approachable, and articulate, traits that distinguish him in an increasingly polarized political environment.

“His appeal lies in his ability to connect with diverse segments of the population,” explained Ziya Meral, a scholar at SOAS University of London. “He doesn’t come across as divisive, which is quite rare in Turkish politics today.”

Burcu Ozcelik, a fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, emphasized that Istanbul is a hotbed of political rivalry. According to her, the protests reflect public outrage at what is seen as the unjust imprisonment of a popular, democratically elected leader.

Government Reaction and Judicial Defense

President Erdogan has denied any political interference in the legal case against Imamoglu, reiterating that those who break the law must be held accountable. He has also criticized the CHP’s support of the protests, accusing them of condoning violence against law enforcement, more than 100 police officers have reportedly been injured during clashes.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc echoed these sentiments, maintaining that the judiciary is impartial and rejecting claims that the president influenced the arrest.

CHP Doubles Down

Despite the charges and political risks, the CHP remains resolute in backing Imamoglu. The party has dismissed the accusations as a ploy to block his political ambitions, particularly his presidential candidacy. Alongside encouraging mass rallies, Ozel has called for boycotts targeting businesses linked to the AKP, a move that Erdogan condemned as economic sabotage.

Ozel has also promoted a one-day consumer strike, calling it a symbolic act of resistance. “They wanted to silence our youth and keep them off the streets,” he told a crowd of demonstrators. “But we are more determined than ever.”

In a personal appeal, Imamoglu’s wife, Dilek, released a video message attributing her husband’s arrest to his electoral successes. “He’s already defeated his rivals at the ballot box four times,” she stated.

Although Imamoglu enjoys significant support, he has also faced criticism during his tenure. He was reproached for being unprepared during major floods in 2019 and faced backlash for taking a family vacation shortly after visiting the earthquake-stricken region of Elazig in 2020.

Audits of the Istanbul Municipality have raised concerns about overspending, and some investigations into his administration were still ongoing at the time of his detention.

Nevertheless, the CHP continues to back him, likely because of his symbolic value. Imamoglu’s 2019 victory ended the AKP’s 25-year reign over Istanbul, a city Erdogan himself once described as the key to ruling Turkey.

A Mirror Image of Erdogan?

The parallels between Imamoglu and Erdogan are striking. Both men hail from the Black Sea region and served as Istanbul’s mayor, Erdogan from 1994 to 1998, and Imamoglu until his recent arrest. Both also spent time behind bars during their political careers, and both have roots in football culture.

Erdogan once famously declared that winning Istanbul is tantamount to winning Turkey. That statement, which proved true for his own rise, may now hold meaning for Imamoglu’s future, depending on how the coming months unfold.