2025 Turkish protests

{{Main article|Arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu|Purges in Turkey following the 2016 Turkish coup attempt|Human rights in Turkey}}

Ekrem İmamoğlu, a 54-year-old politician from the Republican People's Party (CHP), had served as Mayor of Istanbul since 2019. İmamoğlu had achieved notable electoral victories against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's allies in both the 2019 and 2024 municipal elections, during which the CHP secured control of most major Turkish cities. These victories were widely interpreted as significant challenges to Erdogan's political dominance.

In the months preceding his detention, İmamoğlu had intensified his criticism of the Erdogan administration, resulting in multiple legal actions against him. On 19 March 2025, Turkish authorities detained İmamoğlu on allegations that included corruption and providing assistance to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), an organization designated as terrorist by Turkey and its Western allies.{{Cite news |last1=Toksabay |first1=Ece |last2=Erkoyun |first2=Ezgi |date=19 March 2025 |title=Turkey detains Erdogan's main rival in what opposition calls 'coup' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkish-authorities-order-detention-istanbul-mayor-some-100-others-2025-03-19/ |access-date=19 March 2025 |work=Reuters}} About 100 journalists and business figures, including his political advisor Murat Ongun, were also accused of alleged criminal activities connected to municipal contracts. Charges included leading a criminal organization, accepting bribes, and manipulating tender processes. Istanbul University revoked İmamoğlu's academic degree, which would disqualify him from participating in future presidential elections if upheld.{{Cite web |date=19 March 2025 |title=Türkiye: Massive escalation in ongoing crackdown including arrest of Istanbul mayor |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/03/turkiye-massive-escalation-in-ongoing-crackdown-including-arrest-of-istanbul-mayor/ |access-date=19 March 2025 |website=Amnesty International}} The reason given was irregularities after transferring from a private university.{{Cite web |agency=Associated Press |date=23 March 2025 |title=Turkish court orders Erdogan rival jailed pending trial on corruption charges as protests grow |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/europe/turkish-court-orders-erdogan-rival-jailed-pending-trial-on-corruption-charges-as-protests-grow/article_ad11f5a5-8455-5c0e-9821-c2aafedc5637.html |access-date=24 March 2025 |website=Toronto Star}}{{Cite web |title=Why are there protests in Turkiye? What to know |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/3/23/why-are-there-protests-in-turkiye-what-to-know |access-date=24 March 2025 |website=Al Jazeera}}

CHP leader Özgür Özel characterized the detention as "a coup against our next president" and urged opposition groups to unify. Within hours of the mayor's detention, a hundred demonstrators assembled near Istanbul's central police headquarters, where İmamoğlu had been transported. Protesters expressed support for the mayor while chanting anti-government and anti-Erdoğan slogans. Demonstrators characterized the detention as an attack on democratic processes and institutions, with some describing it as "a coup against İmamoğlu", emphasizing that İmamoğlu had "beat Erdoğan four times at the ballot box" through legitimate democratic processes. Protesters expressed their belief the detention would strengthen public support for İmamoğlu, with many anticipating the arrest and vowing to continue demonstrations until the decision was reversed. Municipal workers participated in the demonstrations. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered around the municipal offices of Istanbul, with Özel urging them to continue support for İmamoğlu while referring to him as "future president of Turkey".{{Cite web |title=Protests in Turkey as Imamoglu, key Erdogan rival, is arrested - AL-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012 |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/03/protests-turkey-imamoglu-key-erdogan-rival-arrested |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=Al-monitor}} Dilek İmamoğlu, Ekrem İmamoğlu's wife, urged supporters to "raise their voices", stating that: "The day the government decides its opponents is the day democracy dies."

The Istanbul Governor's Office responded by prohibiting public gatherings in the city, deploying security forces to establish barricades around the police facility. Riot police units and water cannon vehicles were positioned to block roads leading to the headquarters. Despite this, thousands of protesters demonstrated outside city hall, with many shouting slogans such as "Imamoglu, you are not alone!" and "Erdogan, dictator!". Clashes between police and protesters were recorded by witnesses, including an instance of police using pepper spray on a crowd protesting outside Istanbul University.{{Cite web |date=19 March 2025 |title=Ekrem Imamoglu: Protests erupt in Turkey after Erdogan rival arrested |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yren8mxp8o |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=BBC}}{{Cite news |last=de Kuyper |first=McKinnon |date=19 March 2025 |title=Video: Protesters Clash With Police in Turkey Over Istanbul Mayor Arrest |url=https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/middleeast/100000010061809/turkey-istanbul-mayor-arrest.html |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331}} Police barricaded and blocked roads that led to the Vatan Security Department, where İmamoğlu was detained.{{Cite web |title=Thousands protest against arrest of Istanbul mayor seen as key Erdoğan rival |url=https://www.euronews.com/2025/03/20/thousands-protest-against-arrest-of-istanbul-mayor-seen-as-key-erdogan-rival |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=Euronews|date=20 March 2025 }} Banners with Ekrem İmamoğlu's pictures and a quote by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: "Sovereignty unconditionally belongs to the nation", were unfurled in front of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality building.

Hundreds of protesters in Ankara gathered around the headquarters of the CHP to protest along with CHP lawmakers. CHP representatives attempted to impede the legal proceedings in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, before marching out in protest.{{Cite web |date=19 March 2025 |title=Turkish police arrest Istanbul mayor, a key Erdogan rival, as government crackdown escalates |url=https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/europe/recep-tayyip-erdogan-ekrem-imamoglu-istanbul-turkish-ankara-b2717913.html |access-date=19 March 2025 |website=The Independent}} Middle East Technical University (METU) students marched on campus demanding the resignation of the government. Afterwards many attempted to move to Kızılay, but were stopped by barricades and police on Eskişehir Road, who pepper sprayed them. Mayor of Ankara Mansur Yavaş stated that he would travel to Istanbul to provide support for İmamoğlu and the tens of thousands of protesters.{{Cite web |title=Saraçhane'de "İmamoğlu" protestosu |url=https://www.dw.com/tr/sara%C3%A7hanede-i%CC%87mamo%C4%9Flu-protestosu/live-71968500 |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=dw.com|language=tr}} Significant demonstrations were reported in Adana, Trabzon, and İzmir.{{Cite web |last=Robles |first=Carlos |date=20 March 2025 |title=Protests erupt across Turkey after opposition leader İmamoğlu's arrest |url=https://bnonews.com/index.php/2025/03/protests-erupt-across-turkey-after-opposition-leader-imamoglus-arrest/ |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=BNO News}} In Dublin, Ireland, the group Democratic Türkiye Community in Ireland began demonstrations against İmamoğlu's arrest.{{cite web| title = Ireland's Turkish community protest İmamoğlu arrest| first = Gavin| last = O'Callaghan| date = 23 March 2025| website = RTÉ News|url =https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2025/0323/1503583-irelands-turkish-community-protest-imamolu-arrest/}}

Mass demonstrations broke out in several major Turkish cities. Significant protests were reported in Mamak (Ankara),{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=People took to the streets in Mamak to protest the detentions |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547204/mamakta-halk-gozaltilara-karsi-sokaga-cikti |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Ankara,{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=The crowd protesting the detention operations in Ankara marched to the old Parliament building |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547203/ankarada-gozalti-operasyonlarini-protesto-eden-kitle-eski-meclis-binasina-yurudu |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Bolu,{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Reaction to the detention of İmamoğlu in Bolu |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547202/boluda-imamoglunun-gozaltina-alinmasina-tepki |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Şişli (Istanbul),{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=They marched against the usurpation of the people's will in the streets of Şişli |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547201/sisli-sokaklarinda-halk-iradesinin-gasbina-karsi-yuruduler |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} İzmir,{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=The people of Izmir were on the streets against the usurpation of will: They will go with their palaces and reigns |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547197/izmirliler-irade-gaspina-karsi-sokaktaydi-saraylariyla-saltanatlariyla-gidecekler |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Samsun,{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Samsun Labor and Democracy Forces: "The will of the people cannot be taken over!" |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547194/samsun-emek-ve-demokrasi-gucleri-halkin-iradesi-teslim-alinamaz |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Manavgat (Antalya),{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Operation protest in Manavgat: A system where target rights are eliminated |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547213/manavgatta-operasyon-protestosu-hedef-haklarinin-ortadan-kaldirildigi-bir-duzen |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Ayvalık (Balıkesir),{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Protest against detentions in Ayvalık: "The democratic will of the people cannot be mortgaged" |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547063/ayvalikta-gozaltilar-protesto-edildi-halkin-demokratik-iradesine-ipotek-konulamaz |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Eskişehir,{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Support for İmamoğlu from Eskişehir: We will fight against unlawfulness |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547062/eskisehirden-imamogluna-destek-hukuksuzluklara-karsi-mucadele-edecegiz |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Mersin,{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Support for İmamoğlu from Mersin: "We will stop this coup" |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547061/mersinden-imamogluna-destek-bu-darbeye-dur-diyecegiz |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Muğla,{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Support for İmamoğlu from democracy forces in Muğla: "Coup attempt is unacceptable" |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547060/muglada-demokrasi-guclerinden-imamogluna-destek-darbe-girisimi-kabul-edilemez |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Bursa,{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Legal warning from Bursa Bar Association: "The constitution is being violated, legal security is disappearing" |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547187/bursa-barosundan-hukuk-uyarisi-anayasa-cigneniyor-hukuki-guvence-yok-oluyor |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Didim (Aydın),{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Reaction to detentions in Didim: "Today we are all Ekrem İmamoğlu!" |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547167/didimde-gozaltilara-tepki-bugun-hepimiz-ekrem-imamogluyuz |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Adana,{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Thousands took to the streets in Adana, the barricades did not listen |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547212/adanada-binler-sokaga-dokuldu-barikat-dinlemedi |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Denizli,{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=KESK held a democracy march in Denizli: 'Let's unite in the general resistance line' |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547183/kesk-denizlide-demokrasi-yuruyusu-yapti-genel-direnis-hattinda-birleselim |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} Trabzon, Antalya, Çorum, Konya, Sakarya, Amasya, Giresun,{{Cite web |date=20 March 2025 |title=Türkiye uyumuyor: Milyonlar İmamoğlu için sokakta |url=https://halktv.com.tr/gundem/turkiye-uyumuyor-milyonlar-imamoglu-icin-sokakta-923155h |access-date=21 March 2025 |website=Halk TV |language=tr}} Rize, Kırıkkale, and Karabük.{{Cite web |date=20 March 2025 |title=Türkiye ayakta: İşte il il İmamoğlu protestoları |url=https://www.sozcu.com.tr/turkiye-ayakta-iste-il-il-imamoglu-protestolari-p152946 |access-date=21 March 2025 |website=Sözcü |language=tr}} Students and faculty from 13 Turkish universities conducted demonstrations or protest marches, including those of Istanbul University. Police intervened against the protests of Mersin, Galatasaray, Dokuz Eylül, Ankara, and Kocaeli Universities, with pepper spray, barricades, and force. The nose of a protester was broken after it was kicked by a police officer, while others were detained.{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Action at 13 universities in 5 provinces: 'Democratic universities and freedom are a matter of struggle' |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547073/5-ilde-13-universitede-eylem-demokratik-universite-ve-ozgurluk-mucadeleden-geciyor |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}}{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Students were not allowed to march at Kocaeli University: 4 people were detained |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547181/kocaeli-universitesinde-ogrencilerin-yuruyusune-izin-verilmedi-4-kisi-gozaltina-alindi |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}}

The Tandoğan campus of Ankara University was surrounded with police barricades, with several students being prohibited from entering while the rest required ID access to enter. Resistance from students inside the campus led to several prohibited students being able to enter, and protesters marching on campus against the government. Following the march, the students were prohibited from leaving the campus, with attempts to take down the barricades being met with pepper spray and beatings from police.{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Police intervention against students at Ankara University |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547173/ankara-universitesinde-ogrencilere-polis-mudahalesi |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}} METU students started a protest march from Dormitory 5, shouting anti-government slogans. Students from Bilkent University and Hacettepe University joined the march by taking down police barricades at the METU A1 Gate. Despite the police using plastic bullets, pepper spray, and tear gas, the march continued.{{Cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=METU students protesting detentions were intervened with plastic bullets |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547206/gozaltilari-protesto-eden-odtu-ogrencilerine-plastik-mermi-ile-mudahale-edildi |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Evrensel}}

A mass demonstration took place outside the Embassy of Turkey in London, with members of the Workers' Party of Turkey and the Turkish Kurdish Community Solidarity Center unravelling banners protesting the restrictive acts of the Turkish government. In Germany, mass demonstrations conducted by the Turkish diaspora were reported in Berlin and Stuttgart, calling upon European states to enact greater action against the Turkish government crackdowns.{{Cite web |date=20 March 2025 |title=Almanya'da, Türkiye'deki demokrasi mücadelesine destek büyüyor |url=https://yeniposta.de/almanyada-turkiyedeki-demokrasi-mucadelesine-destek-buyuyor/ |access-date=21 March 2025 |website=Yeni Posta |language=tr}}

Interior Minister of Turkey Ali Yerlikaya reported that over 18.6 million social media posts concerning the arrests of opposition figures appeared online by 6 a.m. on 20 March.{{Cite web |date=20 March 2025 |title=Turkey arrests dozens for online posts after Erdogan rival held |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv43dd3vlgo |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=bbc.com}}

Protests intensified in many cities including Istanbul, İzmir and Ankara,{{Cite web |title=Tense protests grow in Turkey over Istanbul mayor's detention |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-criticises-opposition-leaders-call-streets-over-mayors-detention-2025-03-21/ |website=Reuters|date=21 March 2025 |last1=Gumrukcu |first1=Tuvan |last2=Ozkan |first2=Mert |last3=Caliskan |first3=Mehmet Emin |last4=Toksabay |first4=Ece }} while spreading to Konya, Niğde, Trabzon, and Adana.{{Cite web |title=Konya'da Ekrem İmamoğlu'na destek eylemi |url=https://ankahaber.net/haber/detay/konyada_ekrem_imamogluna_destek_eylemi_228345 |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=ankahaber.net}}{{Cite web |date=21 March 2025 |title=Niğde İmamoğlu için sokakta! |url=https://www.tele1.com.tr/nigde-imamoglu-icin-sokakta/amp |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=tele1.com.tr|language=tr}}

The continuation of İmamoğlu's detention further fueled anti-government mobilizations. The protests were driven by opposition parties, labor unions, civil rights groups, and other citizens, expressing their dissatisfaction with what they considered authoritarian actions by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government. These protests had been building, but 22 March marked their peak, with demonstrators demanding İmamoğlu's release and calling for an end to government measures they deemed undemocratic.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2025 |title=Protests Erupt Following Arrest of Key Political Figure in Turkey |url=https://en.protothema.gr/2025/03/22/enough-is-enough-say-the-turks-who-are-increasing-in-the-protests-show-of-force-by-erdogan/ |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=ProtoThema News}}

File:Beyazıt Meydanı.jpg in Istanbul]]

Istanbul became the epicenter of large-scale protests, with gatherings erupting in districts such as Saraçhane, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Şişli. However, Taksim Square, a historically significant site, was blockaded by heavy police presence, preventing demonstrations there. Despite this, protesters in other areas carried banners and chanted slogans like "{{lang|tr|Susma, sustukça, sıra sana gelecek!}}" ("Don't stay quiet, the longer you do, it will be your turn!"), "{{lang|tr|Hükümet istifa!}}" ("Government, resign!"), and "{{lang|tr|Hak, hukuk, adalet!}}" ("Right, law, justice!"), while others participated by banging pots and pans from their balconies, reminiscent of the 2013 Gezi Park protests Riot police, reinforced by armored vehicles and TOMA water cannon trucks, took up defensive positions in the city.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2025 |title=Clashes Erupt in Istanbul Amid Widespread Protests |url=https://www.ft.com/content/643368db-038a-4da0-91ad-adf241b42016?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=Financial Times}}

Despite the largely peaceful nature of the protests, tensions escalated when security forces attempted to disperse the crowds, citing concerns over illegal gatherings and public disorder. The police response was forceful, deploying tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons against protesters who refused to leave. Violent clashes broke out in Bozdoğan Kemeri, where thousands had gathered in defiance of government warnings.{{Cite web |title=Saraçhane'den Taksim'e yürümek isteyenlere Bozdoğan Kemeri'nde yine biber gazlı polis müdahalesi |url=https://ankahaber.net/haber/detay/sarachaneden_taksime_yurumek_isteyenlere_bozdogan_kemerinde_yine_biber_gazli_polis_mudahalesi_228397 |access-date=23 March 2025 |website=ankahaber.net}} Many responded by throwing plastic bottles, chanting slogans, and waving opposition party flags, particularly those of the CHP.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2025 |title=Istanbul Protests Lead to Violent Clashes with Police |url=https://www.wsls.com/news/world/2025/03/22/detained-istanbul-mayor-faces-2nd-day-of-questioning-as-protests-intensify/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=WSLS News}} In İzmir, videos circulated of police beating up protestors and detaining them while they shouted for help.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8vIsCkbAik |title=İzmir'de, genç kadını darp eden kişinin Hayati K. olduğu ortaya çıktı: Şirket işine son verdi! |date=22 March 2025 |last=Halktv |language=tr |access-date=23 March 2025 |via=YouTube}}

Elsewhere in the country, demonstrations took place in Ankara, where crowds and CHP representatives attempted to march to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to demand justice.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2025 |title=CHP Representatives march from TBMM to the First Parliament Police |url=https://gazeteoksijen.com/turkiye/chp-milletvekilleri-tbmmden-birinci-meclise-yurudu-237917 |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=Gazete Oksijen |language=tr}} Police barricaded major roads, preventing demonstrators from reaching the parliament building, which had been heavily fortified with additional riot units. In İzmir, thousands flooded Lozan Square to begin a march to Alsancak, disregarding the five-day demonstration ban set in place by the Governor of İzmir, waving Turkish flags and chanting pro-democracy slogans.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2025 |title=Thousands of people in İzmir marched to Alsancak, disregarding the governor's ban |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/547283/izmirde-binler-valilik-yasagini-tanimayarak-alsancaka-yurudu |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=Evrensel |language=tr}}

As the protests intensified, the Turkish Interior Ministry announced that 343 individuals had been detained during overnight clashes. The ministry claimed security forces acted in accordance with public order laws, arguing some demonstrators engaged in "provocative and violent behavior". However, opposition leaders and human rights organizations accused the government of excessive force, noting many arrested were peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional right to free assembly.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2025 |title=343 Detained Amid Widespread Protests in Turkey |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/22/europe/turkey-protests-istanbul-mayor-ekrem-imamoglu-intl/index.html |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=CNN News}} Forty-one protesters were detained in Ankara's Güvenpark and in an "anti-terror" operation, while 31 others had arrest warrants issued. Of 22 student protesters detained, seven female students were forcibly strip-searched.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2025 |title=Ankara'daki 'İmamoğlu' eylemlerinde 41 gözaltı: 7 kadın öğrenciye çıplak arama! |trans-title=41 detained during 'İmamoğlu' protests in Ankara: 7 female students strip searched! |url=https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/siyaset/ankaradaki-imamoglu-eylemlerinde-41-gozalti-7-kadin-ogrenciye-2311961 |access-date=23 March 2025 |website=cumhuriyet.com.tr |language=tr}}

The Istanbul Governor's Office announced that entering and leaving Istanbul was restricted, saying that "Individuals, groups and vehicles from the districts of our province or neighboring provinces, who are likely to join illegal actions individually or collectively by using the route of our province, will not be allowed to enter or leave our province".{{Cite web |date=22 March 2025 |title=Basın Açıklaması (2025-23) |url=http://www.istanbul.gov.tr/basin-aciklamasi-2025-23 |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=T.C. İstanbul Valiliği}}

File:Saraçhaneden-çektiğim-bazı-kareler-v0-4mxbjjk28bqe1.webp]]

Large crowds gathered in central areas such as Kadıköy, chanting slogans like “Justice for all” and “This is not about a mayor; it's about democracy.” Protesters described the situation as an attack on electoral legitimacy and democratic governance.{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/22/turkey-protests-istanbul-mayor-grow-into-fight-about-democracy | title=Turkey's protests over Istanbul mayor grow into 'fight about democracy' | work=The Guardian | date=23 March 2025 | last1=Michaelson | first1=Ruth }}{{Cite web |title=Why are there protests in Turkiye? What to know |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/3/23/why-are-there-protests-in-turkiye-what-to-know?utm |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} Turkish police responded with tear gas and riot control tactics. Several protesters were reportedly injured during the crackdown, and some were detained.

RTÜK's president Ebubekir Şahin, warned some TV channels on X that there could be penalties applicable up to broadcast suspension and license revocation,if they kept engaging in activities such as broadcasting against the law and calling the people to the streets.{{Cite tweet |user=ebekirsahin |number=1903568587337695445 |title=Yayıncı Kuruluşlara Açık ve Çok Önemli Uyarı!}} This resulted in some channels ,such as {{Interlanguage link|Sözcü TV|tr}} and Halk TV cutting their live broadcasts of rallies and protests at the Metropolitan Municipality building.{{Cite web |date=23 March 2025 |title=RTÜK uyardı: Eylem yayınları kesildi |url=https://www.odatv.com/guncel/rtuk-uyardi-eylem-yayinlari-kesildi-120091618 |access-date=23 March 2025 |website=OdaTV}} As a result, several millions tuned into livestreams of the protests broadcast from İmamoğlu's social media accounts and the CHP. The broadcast resulted in a record number of simultaneous viewers of the livestream, at 4 million.{{Cite web |title=Türkiye bunu da gördü: RTÜK tehdit etti, kanallar canlı yayını kesti, Türkiye mitingi sosyal medyadan izledi! |trans-title=Türkiye saw this too: RTÜK threatened, channels cut off live broadcast, Türkiye watched the rally on social media! |url=https://10haber.net/gundem/turkiye-bunu-da-gordu-rtuk-tehdit-etti-kanallar-canli-yayini-kesti-591308/ |access-date=23 March 2025 |website=10haber.net |language=tr-TR}} After calls on social media to boycott brands associated with the AKP, as well as smaller businesses that refused to help protesters or sell to them, Özgür Özel threatened a boycott on media companies if they did not cover the protests.{{Cite web |date=23 March 2025 |title=Özgür Özel'den merkez medyaya boykot çağrısı |url=https://halktv.com.tr/gundem/ozgur-ozelden-merkez-medyaya-boykot-cagrisi-923931h |access-date=23 March 2025 |website=Halk TV |language=tr}}

At 12:20 p.m. İmamoğlu was formally arrested following a court order.{{Cite web |date=23 March 2025 |title=Turkish court jails Istanbul mayor pending trial |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkish-court-jails-istanbul-mayor-pending-trial-2025-03-23/ |access-date=23 March 2025 |website=Reuters}} The Istanbul Criminal Court mandated his detention pending trial on charges of corruption and alleged connections to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group designated as terrorist by Turkey.{{Cite web |date=23 March 2025 |title=Turkish court orders key Erdogan rival jailed pending trial on corruption charges |url=https://apnews.com/article/f962743f724f00a318f84ffaed7f58de |access-date=23 March 2025 |website=AP News}} The terrorism charges were dropped as the court focused on corruption. Despite misinformation,{{Cite web |date=23 March 2025 |title=Statement regarding claim of a trustee appointment to İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality |url=https://www.iletisim.gov.tr/English/haberler/detay/statement-regarding-the-claim-that-a-trustee-has-been-appointed-to-the-istanbul-metropolitan-municipality |access-date=24 March 2025 |website=The Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications}} this move means that a trustee cannot be appointed to Istanbul. İmamoğlu denied the allegations, labeling them as baseless and politically motivated.{{Cite web |date=23 March 2025 |title=Erdogan's rival imprisoned amid corruption accusations |url=https://www.bild.de/politik/gericht-ordnet-inhaftierung-von-imamoglu-erdogan-steckt-rivalen-ins-gefaengnis-67dfb4b94682b874e385690c |access-date=23 March 2025 |website=Bild |language=de}} His legal team announced plans to appeal the court's decision, asserting that the charges are intended to suppress political dissent.{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Daren |date=23 March 2025 |title=Ekrem İmamoğlu's lawyers challenge arrest ruling |url=https://www.bernama.com/tv/news.php?id=2405290 |access-date=23 March 2025 |website=Bernama}} At 10:49 p.m. local time, after most of the votes from the primary election were counted, the CHP declared on X that their presidential candidate for the upcoming elections is Ekrem İmamoğlu.{{Cite web |date=23 March 2025 |title=CHP 🇹🇷 on X: ""Yolumuz uzun, heyecanımız yüksek, gençliğimiz var!" #Başlıyoruz" / X |url=https://x.com/herkesicinCHP/status/1903896913189245062 |access-date=23 March 2025 |website=Twitter/X}}

A protest was held in Valletta by Turkish residents in Malta.{{Cite web |last=Galdes |first=Marc |date=2025-03-23 |title=Watch: Turkish residents hold Valletta protest over Opposition leader's arrest |url=https://timesofmalta.com/article/watch-turkish-residents-hold-valletta-protest.1107003 |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Times of Malta |language=en-gb}}

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya claimed that{{Cite web |last=Jayatsever |first=Huseyin |date=24 March 2025 |title=Turkey detains more than 1,000 in protests since Istanbul mayor's arrest, minister says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-detains-nine-journalists-over-protests-against-istanbul-mayors-arrest-2025-03-24/ |website=Reuters}}{{Cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=Turkey updates: More than 1,100 detained in mass protests |url=https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-updates-more-than-1100-detained-in-mass-protests/live-72017324 |access-date=24 March 2025 |website=Deutsche Welle |language=en}} some of the arrested protesters were identified as having ties with terrorist organizations⁣⁣, and others had criminal records.{{Cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=Turkey detains journalists as protests grow over the jailing of key Erdogan rival |url=https://apnews.com/article/turkey-istanbul-mayor-protest-journalists-detained-erdogan-f6e803ab00ce86097aba78b3a94ef061 |access-date=24 March 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}} Yerlikaya announced that 123 police officers were injured during the protests, with fireworks. He wrote, "Terrorizing our streets and threatening the peace and security of our nation will absolutely not be tolerated".{{Cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=Turkey protests: 1,133 detained amid unrest over president's main rival being jailed |url=https://news.sky.com/story/turkey-protesters-met-with-tear-gas-and-rubber-bullets-at-rallies-after-presidents-main-rival-jailed-13334597 |access-date=24 March 2025 |website=Sky News |language=en}} X stated that it is objecting to multiple court orders from Turkish authorities to block over 700 anti-government accounts, including news organizations, journalists and politicians in Turkey.

President Erdoğan, after speaking at a cabinet meeting in Ankara, said that the CHP is responsible for every property damage and harm to police officers. He also said that the protesters had turned into a "movement of violence".{{Cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=Erdoğan says protests have turned into 'movement of violence' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/mar/24/turkey-protests-istanbul-erdogan-imamoglu-greenland-germanwings-europe-news-live?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-67e179fe8f082addef0b76a6#block-67e179fe8f082addef0b76a6 |website=The Guardian}} The Turkish opposition called for a boycott of companies owned by holdings close to the government and TV channels that censored images of the mobilizations.{{Cite web |date=25 March 2025 |title=Turquie: l'opposition appelle au boycott de médias et de marques jugés pro-gouvernementaux |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/europe/20250325-turquie-l-opposition-appelle-au-boycott-de-m%C3%A9dias-et-de-marques-jug%C3%A9s-pro-gouvernementaux |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=RFI |language=fr}}{{Cite web |date=25 March 2025 |title=Turquie : l'opposition appelle au boycott des médias pro-Erdogan |url=https://www.france24.com/fr/vid%C3%A9o/20250325-turquie-l-opposition-appelle-au-boycott-des-m%C3%A9dias-pro-erdogan |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=France 24 |language=fr}}{{Cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=Turkey opposition seeks boycott of pro-Erdogan media over failure to cover protests |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-opposition-seeks-boycott-pro-erdogan-media-over-failure-cover-protests-2025-03-24/ |website=Reuters}}

Videos surfaced on social media was claimed that protesters climbing on top of the Şehzade Mosque and drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes, others were seen urinating on the walls of the mosque and littering the courtyard.{{Cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=İmamoğlu protestoları: Şehzade Camii tartışması hakkında neler biliniyor? |url=https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/c4gplgzvv77o |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=BBC News Türkçe |language=tr}}{{Cite web |title=Şehzadebaşı Camii bahçesinde içki içip cami duvarına işediler! Saraçhane'de çirkin görüntü |url=https://www.haber7.com/guncel/haber/3516124-sehzadebasi-camii-bahcesinde-icki-icip-cami-duvarina-isediler-sarachanede-cirkin-goruntu |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=Haber7}}{{Reliable|date=April 2025}}{{Cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=İBB PROTESTOCULARI ŞEHZADEBAŞI CAMİİ'NDE İÇKİ İÇTİ, AVLUYA ÇÖPLERİNİ ATTI |url=https://www.istanbulses.com/ibb-protestoculari-sehzadebasi-camiinde-icki-icti-avluya-coplerini-atti-112724h.htm |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=İstanbul Ses |language=tr}}{{Cite web |title=İstanbul'da Cami Avlusunda Provokasyon |url=https://www.urfadegisim.com/istanbulda-cami-avlusunda-provokasyon/135260 |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=Urfa Değişim |language=tr}} Vandals had desecrated the graveyard by breaking tombstones.{{Cite web |title=CHP'liler İstanbul Valisi ile görüştü! Olay olan iddia ve görüntülerin ardından Şehzadebaşı Camii açıklaması geldi: İptal ettiler |url=https://haber.mynet.com/chp-liler-istanbul-valisi-ile-gorustu-olay-olan-iddia-ve-goruntulerin-ardindan-sehzadebasi-camii-aciklamasi-geldi-110107201182 |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=Mynet |language=tr}}{{Reliable|date=April 2025}}

A judge ordered the pre-trial detention of seven journalists, including Agence France-Presse photographer Yasin Akgül, accused by the authorities of taking part in an illegal rally.{{Cite web |agency=AFP |title=Turquie : un juge ordonne l'incarcération de sept journalistes dont un photographe de l'AFP |url=https://www.liberation.fr/international/europe/turquie-un-juge-ordonne-lincarceration-de-sept-journalistes-dont-un-photographe-de-lafp-20250325_VCDMZJULZJE2NGJJ3MTHU7APHI/ |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=Libération |language=fr}}{{Cite web |date=25 March 2025 |title=Manifestations en Turquie: le gouvernement accentue la répression et fustige des «provocateurs» |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/europe/20250325-manifestations-en-turquie-le-gouvernement-accentue-la-r%C3%A9pression-et-fustige-des-provocateurs |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=RFI |language=fr}} They were charged with "refusing to disperse despite warning during a demonstration".{{Cite web |last=Spenser |first=Jonathan |date=25 March 2025 |title=Turks say they will carry on with protests as Erdogan says 'show' will end |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turks-vow-protest-even-erdogan-says-show-will-end-2025-03-25/ |website=Reuters}}{{Cite web |date=25 March 2025 |title=« Il ne manifestait pas » : l'AFP appelle la Turquie à libérer son photographe incarcéré |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/international/article/turquie-apres-les-manifestations-l-afp-appelle-a-la-liberation-d-un-de-ses-photographes_247940.html |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=Le HuffPost |language=fr}}{{Cite web |date=26 March 2025 |title=En Turquie, la contestation se poursuit pour le huitième jour consécutif |url=https://www.lopinion.fr/international/en-turquie-la-contestation-evolue-pour-le-huitieme-soir-consecutif |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=l'Opinion |language=fr}} Agence France Presse called for the photographer's release. The court's decision was called “scandalous” by Reporters Without Borders, while Turkish Photojournalists Union called it “unlawful, unconscionable and unacceptable”.{{Cite news |last=Michaelson |first=Ruth |date=25 March 2025 |title=Eight journalists covering anti-government protests held in Turkey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/25/eight-journalists-covering-anti-government-protests-held-in-turkey |access-date=25 March 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

Protesters said they will continue protesting against the government despite arrests. Yerlikaya said in a post on X: "No concessions will be made to those who attempt to terrorise the streets, to attack our national and moral values, and our police officers”.

The local governorate extended the ban on gatherings in Ankara until 1 April.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-25 |title=Contestation en Turquie : l'interdiction des rassemblements à Ankara prolongée jusqu'au 1er avril, sept journalistes incarcérés |url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/monde/turquie/contestation-en-turquie-l-interdiction-de-rassemblement-a-ankara-prolongee-jusqu-au-1er-avril_7150827.html |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Franceinfo |language=fr-FR}}

CHP leader Özgür Özel held a meeting with Ekrem İmamoğlu at Marmara Prison, located west of Istanbul. He described İmamoğlu and two other jailed politicians as “three lions inside, standing tall, with their heads held high … proud of themselves, their families, their colleagues, not afraid”. Afterwards Özel said he was planning to appoint an acting mayor in İmamoğlu’s place.{{Cite web |date=26 March 2025 |title=Turkey's opposition leader visits jailed Erdogan challenger Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu |url=https://apnews.com/article/turkey-imamoglu-ozel-prison-protests-journalists-erdogan-09b7acd5a4c3d71eb07d6a9956a219fd |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=AP News|first=Andrew|last=Wilks |language=en}} Istanbul's municipal council later elected Nuri Aslan, a CHP member who won 177 votes in the 314-member council.{{Cite web |date=26 March 2025 |title=Turkey's opposition elects interim Istanbul mayor after Imamoglu's jailing |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-opposition-elects-interim-istanbul-mayor-after-jailing-2025-03-26/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250326134557/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-opposition-elects-interim-istanbul-mayor-after-jailing-2025-03-26/ |archive-date=26 March 2025 |website=Reuters}}{{Cite web |title=Istanbul elects Aslan interim mayor amid ongoing protests over Imamoglu |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/26/istanbul-elects-aslan-interim-mayor-amid-ongoing-protests-over-imamoglu |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

President Erdoğan continued speaking against the protests and labelled them as "street terror”. He said: “Those who spread terror in the streets and want to set fire to this country have nowhere to go. The path they have taken is a dead end”.{{Cite web |date=26 March 2025 |title=Turkey detains nearly 1,500 in a week of protests over İstanbul mayor's detention |url=https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/03/26/turkey-detains-nearly-1500-in-a-week-of-protests-over-istanbul-mayors-detention/ |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=Turkish Minute |language=en-US}} He also accused the opposition of harming the economy.{{Cite web |date=26 March 2025 |title=Erdogan accuses the opposition of wrecking Turkey's economy during protests over mayor's jailing |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/erdogan-accuses-the-opposition-of-wrecking-turkeys-economy-during-protests-over-mayors-jailing |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=PBS News |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |last=Wilks |first=Andrew |title=Erdogan accuses the opposition of wrecking Turkey's economy during protests over mayor's jailing |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/erdogan-accuses-opposition-wrecking-turkeys-economy-protests-mayors-120168707 |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=ABC News |language=en}}

The BBC said its correspondent, Mark Lowen, had been expelled from Turkey after being detained while covering the protests.{{Cite web |date=27 March 2025 |title=BBC's Mark Lowen deported from Turkey after covering protests |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly34rg5ee5o |website=BBC|first=Laura|last=Gozzi|access-date=27 March 2025}} A court released Yasin Akgül and six other journalists who had been detained while covering the protests.{{Cite web |date=27 March 2025 |title=Le photographe de l'AFP incarcéré après avoir couvert les manifs contre Erdogan libéré |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/international/article/turquie-le-photographe-de-l-afp-incarcere-apres-les-manifestations-contre-erdogan-a-ete-libere_248046.html |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=Le HuffPost |language=fr}} The RTUK imposed a 10-day broadcasting ban on Sözcü TV, accusing it of incitement in its coverage.{{Cite web |date=27 March 2025 |title=Turkish court frees AFP journalist as police crack down on protests |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250327-turkish-court-frees-afp-journalist-as-police-break-up-campus-protest |website=France 24}}{{Cite web |title=Turquie: le pouvoir tente d'éteindre la contestation |url=https://www.courrierinternational.com/depeche/turquie-le-pouvoir-tente-d-eteindre-la-contestation.afp.com.20250327.doc.382z3cp.xml |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=Courrier international |language=fr}}

Swedish journalist Joakim Medin was detained on arrival in Turkey, where he was due to cover the protests. On 28 March, the editor-in-chief of his newspaper ({{Interlanguage link|Dagens ETC|sv}}),{{Cite web |date=28 March 2025 |title=Swedish Journalist's Arrest in Turkey Sparks Global Outcry |url=https://swedenherald.com/article/swedish-journalists-arrest-in-turkey-sparks-global-outcry |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=Sweden Herald |language=en}} reported Medin had been taken into custody.{{Cite web |date=28 March 2025 |title=Le journaliste suédois arrêté en Turquie est en prison |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/en-bref/20250328-le-journaliste-su%C3%A9dois-arr%C3%AAt%C3%A9-en-turquie-est-en-prison |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=RFI |language=fr}} He has been jailed pending trial on charges of “insulting the president” and “membership in a terrorist organization,” according to Ankara's Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. His arrest is linked to a 2023 protest in Stockholm, where a mannequin resembling Erdogan was hung outside city hall.{{Cite news |date=28 March 2025 |title=Swedish journalist jailed in Turkey on terrorism, insult charges |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/swedish-journalist-jailed-turkey-terrorism-insult-charges-2025-03-28/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250328231432/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/swedish-journalist-jailed-turkey-terrorism-insult-charges-2025-03-28/#selection-1317.0-1385.237 |archive-date=28 March 2025 |work=Reuters}}{{Cite web | date=28 March 2025 |title=İsveçli gazeteci Joakim Medin Türkiye'de tutuklandı |url=https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/c0mwm81nx0wo |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=BBC News Türkçe |language=tr}} Press freedom organizations condemned the arrest. Reporters Without Borders Sweden called it "indefensible," while Amnesty Sweden warned it was a threat to freedom of expression. The Swedish Newspaper Publishers' Association urged the Swedish government to act "sharply and swiftly" for Medin's release, calling Turkey’s media restrictions alarming.

1,879 people were detained and 260 people were arrested since the beginning of the protests.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-27 |title=Police use force to break up protests at a university in Turkey's capital |url=https://apnews.com/article/turkey-recep-tayyip-erdogan-ekrem-imamoglu-istanbul-protests-362e0b6f4a80f3b1f4051ae0147c9e46 |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=AP News |language=en}}

İmamoğlu's lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, was detained.{{cite news |title=Tutuklu İBB Başkanı İmamoğlu'nun avukatı Pehlivan gözaltına alındı |url=https://tr.euronews.com/2025/03/27/tutuklu-ibb-baskani-imamoglunun-avukati-pehlivan-gozaltina-alindi |access-date=27 March 2025 |work=euronews |date=27 March 2025 |language=tr}} Halk TV claimed his detainment was linked with allegations of "laundering assets originating from a crime".{{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Hazel |date=28 March 2025 |title=More Arrests As Turkey Escalates Crackdown Over Protests |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/more-arrests-as-turkey-escalates-crackdown-over-protests-462c8e3b |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=Barrons |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |date=28 March 2025 |title=Imamoğlu lawyer detained on asset laundering charges |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/legislation/imamoglu-lawyer-detained-on-asset-laundering-charges |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=Daily Sabah |language=en-US}} He was released from detention under judicial supervision.{{Cite web |date=28 March 2025 |title=UPDATE: Jailed mayor's lawyer released from detention under judicial supervision |url=https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/03/28/turkish-police-detain-jailed-istanbul-mayors-lawyer4/ |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=Turkish Minute |language=en-US}} İmamoğlu tweeted: "As if the coup on democracy wasn't enough, they can't stand the victims of this coup defending themselves".{{Cite news |date=28 March 2025 |title=Turkey detains lawyer of jailed Istanbul mayor, main opposition party says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-detains-lawyer-jailed-istanbul-mayor-main-opposition-party-says-2025-03-28/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250328080713/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-detains-lawyer-jailed-istanbul-mayor-main-opposition-party-says-2025-03-28/#selection-995.0-995.14 |archive-date=28 March 2025 |work=Reuters}}

Two more journalists covering the protests, Elif Bayburt, who works for the Etkin News Agency, and Nisa Suda Demirel, from the Evrensel news website, were detained, according to the Journalists union of Turkey.{{Cite news |date=28 March 2025 |title=En Turquie, l'avocat du maire d'Istanbul Ekrem Imamoglu a été libéré |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2025/03/28/en-turquie-l-avocat-du-maire-d-istanbul-ekrem-imamoglu-a-ete-libere_6587094_3211.html?_staled_=1 |access-date=28 March 2025 |language=fr}}{{Cite web |title=Turquie : l'avocat du maire d'Istanbul à son tour arrêté |url=https://www.liberation.fr/international/turquie-lavocat-du-maire-distanbul-a-ete-arrete-20250328_FCO5N4CZONCFHMZ5RMM7MVQZUY/ |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=Libération |language=fr}}{{Cite web |date=28 March 2025 |title=Two journalists detained as protests over İmamoğlu's arrest continue |url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/03/28/two-turkish-journalists-detained-as-protests-over-imamoglus-arrest-continue |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=Euronews |language=en}} The CHP's boycott website; 'boykotyap.com' was blocked by the Ankara 4th Criminal Judgeship of Peace.{{Cite web |last=Gök |first=Fazlı |date=27 March 2025 |title=Boykot sitesine erişim engellendi - Diken |url=https://www.diken.com.tr/boykot-sitesine-erisim-engellendi/ |access-date=30 March 2025 |language=tr}}

A mass rally was organized by CHP in Maltepe, Istanbul. Ozgur Özel claimed 2.2 million people joined, newspapers put the figure in the hundreds of thousands.{{Cite web |date=29 March 2025 |title=Turkey protests: Pro-democracy demonstrators return to Istanbul's streets for huge rally |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g3eer4737o |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |last=Michaelson |first=Ruth |date=30 March 2025 |title=Turkish opposition leader calls for weekly rallies and deeper economic boycott |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/30/turkish-opposition-leader-calls-for-weekly-rallies-and-deeper-economic-boycott |access-date=30 March 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} A letter from İmamoğlu was read out at the rally:{{Cite news |date=29 March 2025 |title=Large crowds rally in Istanbul over jailing of Erdogan's main rival |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/large-crowds-rally-istanbul-over-jailing-citys-mayor-2025-03-29/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250329125625/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/large-crowds-rally-istanbul-over-jailing-citys-mayor-2025-03-29/ |archive-date=29 March 2025 |work=Reuters}}{{Cite web |title=Turkey: Hundreds of thousands join growing Istanbul protest |date=29 March 2025 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-hundreds-of-thousands-join-growing-istanbul-protest/a-72082321 |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Deutsche Welle |language=en}}

I have no fear, you are behind me and by my side. I have no fear because the nation is united. The nation is united against the oppressor. They can put me in jail and try me as much as they want, the nation has shown that it will crush all traps and plots.

File:Turkish_protester_holding_Turkish_flag_in_Maltepe_rally.jpg

A protester wearing a Pikachu costume was chased by police in Antalya,{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Nandini |date=29 March 2025 |title=Pikachu joins Turkey protests, flees as riot police crack down |url=https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/pikachu-joins-turkey-protests-flees-as-riot-police-crack-down-watch-125032900243_1.html |website=Business Standard}} leading to the Pokémon mascot becoming a symbol of anti-Erdogan protests.{{Cite web |date=28 March 2025 |title=Pikachu electrifies Turkey protests, makes the world take note |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pokemon-pikachu-electrifies-turkey-protests-erdogan-istanbul-antalya-makes-world-take-note-turkiye-imamgolu-2700546-2025-03-28 |access-date=2 April 2025 |website=India Today |language=en}} Since then, Pikachu posters and costumes have appeared at protests.{{Cite web |date=30 March 2025 |title=WATCH: Pikachu goes viral fleeing Turkish police at anti-Erdogan protest |url=https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-848119 |access-date=2 April 2025 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}} President Erdogan called the protests a "show" and warned CHP to stop "provoking" the Turks.{{Cite web |last=Uanick |first=Ayhan |date=29 March 2025 |title=Large crowds rally in Istanbul over jailing of city's mayor |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/large-crowds-rally-istanbul-over-jailing-citys-mayor-2025-03-29/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250329125625/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/large-crowds-rally-istanbul-over-jailing-citys-mayor-2025-03-29/ |archive-date=29 March 2025 |website=Reuters}}

Özgür Özel called people to boycott goods and services from companies perceived as close to president Erdoğan.{{Cite web |last=Michaelson |first=Ruth |date=30 March 2025 |title=Turkish opposition leader calls for weekly rallies and deeper economic boycott |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/30/turkish-opposition-leader-calls-for-weekly-rallies-and-deeper-economic-boycott |website=The Guardian}}

Leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahçeli, a close ally of President Erdoğan, said that if protests continue, they could be counter-protested by government loyalists, raising the risk of nationwide clashes. He also accused the CHP of "using unrest to destabilize the government".{{Cite web |date=1 April 2025 |title=Protesters risk clash with gov't loyalists: Erdoğan ally |url=https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/04/01/protesters-risk-clash-with-govt-loyalists-erdogan-ally/ |website=Turkish Minute}} The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into those who made a "boycott call" on social media for incitement to hatred and hostility.{{cite news |title=2 Nisan boykot çağrılarının etkisi ne olabilir? |url=https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/c934yeyx7d9o |access-date=1 April 2025 |work=BBC News Türkçe |date=1 April 2025 |language=tr}}

Eleven people were detained for supporting the economic boycott, including actor Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu.{{Cite web |date=3 April 2025 |title=Turkey makes 11 arrests over shopping-boycott campaign in support of Istanbul's imprisoned mayor |url=https://apnews.com/article/boycott-detained-uzumoglu-imamoglu-protests-0a1070b1d302781f8aecb2a73bb95a0e |website=AP News}}

Özgür Özel called for anticipated national elections to be held by November at the latest. Speaking at an extraordinary party congress in Ankara, Özel challenged Erdoğan to face the electorate, declaring the protests a powerful act of public dissent.{{Cite web |date=6 April 2025 |title=Turkey's main opposition calls for elections by November amid unrest |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250406-turkey-main-opposition-calls-elections-november-unrest-imamoglu-erdogan-istanbul |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=France 24 |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=6 April 2025 |title=En Turquie, l'opposition réclame une élection présidentielle anticipée |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2025/04/06/turquie-le-chp-premier-parti-d-opposition-avance-sur-une-ligne-de-crete_6592124_3210.html |access-date=7 April 2025 |work=Le Monde |language=fr}}

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) approved the bill calling for the release of Ekrem İmamoğlu and other mayors with 90 votes in favor and eight against.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-09 |title=AKPM'den Ekrem İmamoğlu çağrısı: Derhal serbest bırakılsın |url=https://www.indyturk.com/node/756617/siyaset/akpm%E2%80%99den-ekrem-i%CC%87mamo%C4%9Flu-%C3%A7a%C4%9Fr%C4%B1s%C4%B1-derhal-serbest-b%C4%B1rak%C4%B1ls%C4%B1n |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=Independent Türkçe |language=tr}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-09 |title=AKPM'de acil Türkiye oturumu: İmamoğlu için hangi çağrılar yapıldı? |url=https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/c14xxj8g7r4o |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=BBC News Türkçe |language=tr}}

On 11 April, Imamoglu appeared in court for the first time since his arrest, not for the corruption case, but in connection with three other legal proceedings: one for allegedly threatening remarks made in January against Istanbul’s chief prosecutor, Akin Gürlek, and two others concerning suspected irregularities in public procurement and donations during the municipal election campaign. The hearing, normally held at the Caglayan Courthouse, took place instead within the Silivri prison complex, which is closed to the public. The CHP accused the government of weaponizing the judiciary to prevent him from running in the 2028 presidential election. Meanwhile, police conducted aggressive raids on the homes of Imamoglu’s relatives, including that of his father, further heightening tensions. Shortly before the hearing, two investigative journalists, Murat Agirel and Timur Soykan, who had reported on alleged irregularities in the investigations targeting Imamoglu, were also arrested, while 107 students detained during the protests were released.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-11 |title=En Turquie, le maire d'Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, convoqué à la barre |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/en-turquie-le-maire-d-istanbul-ekrem-imamoglu-convoque-a-la-barre-20250411 |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=Le Figaro |language=fr}}{{Cite web |last=Kirby |first=Paul |title=Erdogan's main rival in Turkey makes first court appearance since arrest |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgexjkx3v3o |work=BBC|date=11 April 2025 }}

After some teachers in the well-established high schools in Istanbul were suspended for participating in the protests or opposing the government, protests were held in some high schools.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-11 |title=Kadıköy Anadolu Lisesi'nde öğrenciler öğretmenleri için ayakta |url=https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/turkiye/kadikoy-anadolu-lisesinde-ogrenciler-ogretmenleri-icin-ayakta-2317874 |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Cumhuriyet |language=tr}}{{Cite web|url=https://halktv.com.tr/egitim/istanbulun-koklu-liselerinde-ogretmen-kadro-disinda-kaldi-siyasal-atama-tepkisi-928776h|title=İstanbul'un köklü liselerinde öğretmenler kadro dışında kaldı: Siyasal 'atama' tepkisi!|access-date=2025-04-11|date=2025-04-11|language=tr|website=Halk TV}}

The trial of nearly 200 people arrested in the protests began. Most of the 189 defendants in the trial, which was held at the Caglayan courthouse, were students, while eight were journalists.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-18 |title=Trial of nearly 200 people opens after Turkey protests |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz01xgnzv5jo |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

Joakim Medin was convicted by a court in Ankara on charges of insulting President Erdoğan and sentenced to a suspended 11-month prison term.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-30 |title=Swedish journalist gets 11-month suspended prison term in Turkey for insulting Erdogan |url=https://apnews.com/article/turkey-swedish-journalist-trial-insulting-erdogan-cd19827c6e12e190df671587388b38dd |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=AP News |language=en-US}}

1 May

Since the protests coincided with May 1st Labor Day, all groups participating in the protest celebrated Labor Day. 407 people were detained during the May 1st celebrations

Esila Ayık, who had been arrested and kept in prison for over a month even despite several doctor reports about her being unsuitable for prison conditions, was released, along with two other students.{{Cite web |date=16 May 2025 |title=Student protester Esila Ayık freed after 36 days

|url=https://bianet.org/haber/student-protester-esila-ayik-freed-after-36-days-307501|access-date=24 May 2025 |website=Bianet}}

Joakim Medin was released and returned to Sweden following lobbying by the Swedish and other European foreign ministries.

{{Cite web |date=18 May 2025 |title=Turkey frees a Swedish journalist who was convicted for insulting President Erdogan |url=https://apnews.com/article/sweden-turkey-arrested-journalist-back-home-ddbfbf31983c5e3bcbf6554378131810 |access-date=18 May 2025 |website=AP News |language=en-US}}

28 May

While the protests continued, 23 thousand municipal workers working in Izmir went on strike because they found the wages given by the municipality inadequate. All municipal operations were disrupted for days.

31 May

A commemoration was held in Beyoğlu on the 12th anniversary of the Gezi Park protests, Turkey's largest civil disobedience action. Representatives of political parties, unions, civil society organizations and citizens gathered on Mis Sokak upon the call of Taksim Solidarity.

İmamoğlu, previously anticipated to run for president in 2028, was nominated by the CHP as its presidential candidate on March 23, despite his imprisonment and the annulment of his university degree, which would technically disqualify him from the race.{{cite web | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/6/how-much-support-is-there-for-ekrem-imamoglu-istanbuls-imprisoned-mayor | title=How much support is there for Imamoglu, Istanbul's jailed mayor? }} The protests are perceived as a response to the perceived injustice of incarcerating a democratically elected mayor who has been characterized as a "man of the people," reflecting broader concerns about democratic backsliding in Turkey.

Despite his detention, İmamoğlu managed to post a social media statement in defiance, stating that he would "not give up" and would "continue standing up against the pressure" as a significant opposition figure against the current Turkish administration.

Some politicians from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) and Kurdish voters worry that the arrest could stymie the chances of the effort to end the Kurdish-Turkish conflict. DEM deputy leader Ebru Gunay said "What happened in Istanbul showed once again that this country needs a real democracy".{{cite news |title=Istanbul mayor's arrest throws Turkey's Kurdish peace bid into doubt |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/istanbul-mayors-arrest-throws-turkeys-kurdish-peace-bid-into-doubt-2025-03-21/ |access-date=22 March 2025 |work=Reuters}} However, recent talks between the PKK and the government suggest that Dem Party has been hesitant to fully back the opposition. While Imamoglu’s supporters gathered in protest near Istanbul, many Kurdish and Dem Party members instead participated in their Nowruz celebrations in the city, not confronting with the government.{{Cite web |last=Soylu |first=Ragib |date=24 March 2025 |title=What's Erdogan's end game with Imamoglu's arrest? |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/whats-erdogans-end-game-imamoglus-arrest |website=Middle East Eye}}

Following Imamoglu's detention and during subsequent protests, the Istanbul Governor's Office prohibited all public gatherings and demonstrations throughout the city for a four-day period. The office also closed major roads and rail networks located in central Istanbul. Access to various social media platforms including X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok was restricted, according to reports from internet monitoring organizations.

The Turkish government denied allegations from protesters and opposition parties, maintaining that the judiciary operated independently from political influence. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that “courts held those accountable who committed treason against the national will and will do so in the future,” adding that the judiciary would also act against those attempting to sabotage the Turkish economy and the well-being of the nation. When specifically questioned about claims that the detention was politically motivated, representatives from President Erdogan's office did not provide immediate comments. Days later, Erdogan spoke in favor of judicial independence and said the protests were a "disruption of public order".

Subway lines and bus transportation were shut down in Ankara's Middle East Technical University Station during student protests.{{Cite web |date=21 March 2025 |title=Ankara Metro's ODTU station temporarily closed, bus services suspended |url=https://www.turkiyetoday.com/turkiye/ankara-metros-odtu-station-temporarily-closed-bus-services-suspended-134147/ |access-date=21 March 2025 |work=Türkiye Today}}

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç defended the judiciary against accusations of political interference, stating that the decision to arrest İmamoğlu was not influenced by President Erdoğan and reaffirming the independence of the courts.

The Republican People's Party (CHP) criticized the charges against İmamoğlu as politically motivated, stating that the government aims to prevent him from running in the upcoming presidential elections.

CHP leader Özgür Özel not only encouraged nationwide protests but also called for boycotts of products and services linked to companies perceived to be close to the ruling AK Party, a move President Erdoğan denounced as economic sabotage.

On 2 April, Özel supported grassroots calls for a one-day shopping boycott. In a social media post, he wrote, “We all saw what state the junta alliance against us fell into in panic. Those who could not go out for years had to go out in a hurry and see the state of the poor nation.”

Speaking to protestors in Istanbul, Özel stated, “They’ve detained hundreds of our children, thousands of our youths. They only had one goal in mind: to intimidate them … make sure they never go out again.”

Dilek İmamoğlu, the mayor’s wife, stated in a podcast that her husband’s arrest was due to his repeated electoral success, claiming, “The real reason Ekrem İmamoğlu is in custody … [is] because he’s already managed to thrash his opponents at the ballot box four different times.”

File:2025-03-21 METU NCC - 2025 Turkish anti-government protests 06 (cropped) (cropped).jpg on 21 March 2025|upright=1.3]]

The detention of İmamoğlu and the ensuing protests attracted international attention, with various governments and human rights organizations expressing concern about democratic backsliding in Turkey. Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for Europe Dinushika Dissanayake described the Turkish government actions as "draconian" and an escalated "crackdown on peaceful dissent" to limit freedom of assembly and speech.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said that Turkey would need to maintain its democratic values to avoid potentially losing its European Union candidate country status, stating that the EU wished to stay closely tied to Turkey. A joint statement released by the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Marta Kos remarked that the European Union held Turkey to a higher standard in implementing democratic values due to its candidate status and Council of Europe membership.{{Cite web |date=19 March 2025 |title=Ekrem İmamoğlu gözaltına alındı: Avrupa ve dünya nasıl yorumladı? |url=https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/cj0qg8zy2qlo |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=BBC News Türkçe |language=tr}}

Despite public statements of concern, EU officials acknowledged that Ankara's strategic importance in areas such as migration, energy, and defense makes a strong diplomatic or financial backlash unlikely.{{cite web | url=https://www.politico.eu/article/turkey-crisis-recep-tayyip-erdogan-ekrem-imamoglu-arrest-eu-accession-funds/ | title=EU faces billion-euro dilemma over Turkey crisis | date=27 March 2025 }} EU accession funds and other financial mechanisms continue to benefit Turkey. The country has received around €9 billion to host refugees and remains eligible for billions more under defense-related programs like "Readiness 2030", allowing access to joint procurements worth up to €800 billion.

Two anonymous EU officials admitted recent developments in Turkey "go against the very logic of EU accession," referencing the detention of over 1,000 people including journalists since the protests began. However, no concrete action has been taken due to Turkey’s critical geopolitical role.

Greece and Cyprus have reportedly pushed for restrictions on Turkey’s access to EU defense funds following İmamoğlu’s arrest, amid broader concerns over rule of law and ongoing regional tensions.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-27 |title=EU faces billion-euro dilemma over Turkey crisis |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/turkey-crisis-recep-tayyip-erdogan-ekrem-imamoglu-arrest-eu-accession-funds/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=POLITICO |language=en-GB}}

Political analyst Dimitar Bechev commented that “whatever Erdoğan does, the EU will have to tag along with it,” suggesting that the EU tolerates democratic backsliding so long as Turkey remains strategically cooperative.

In response to the widespread protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Turkish government intensified its control over social media platforms.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-07 |title=Musk slammed for 'double standard' in Turkey as X shuts down dissidents' accounts |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/elon-musk-x-appeal-turkish-government-court-over-dissidents-account-suspensions/ |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=POLITICO |language=en-GB}} Interior Minister of Turkey Ali Yerlikaya announced on the morning of 20 March that law enforcement had identified 261 "suspect account managers" who allegedly shared content "inciting the public to hatred and hostility" and "incitement to commit a crime." Authorities detained thirty-seven individuals in connection with these allegations, with efforts continuing to apprehend additional suspects.

Despite the platform's refusal statements,{{Cite web |date=23 March 2025 |title=Turquie : le réseau social X refuse le blocage de plus de 700 comptes demandé par les autorités |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/turquie-le-reseau-social-x-refuse-le-blocage-de-plus-de-700-comptes-demande-par-les-autorites-20250323 |access-date=24 March 2025 |website=Le Figaro |language=fr}}{{Cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=En Turquie, une marée humaine contre l'arrestation du maire d'Istanbul, principal opposant d'Erdogan |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/en-turquie-une-maree-humaine-contre-l-arrestation-du-maire-d-istanbul-principal-opposant-d-erdogan-20250324 |access-date=24 March 2025 |website=Le Figaro |language=fr}}{{Cite web |title=Turquie : le maire emprisonné d'Istanbul désigné candidat à la présidentielle, plus de 1 130 manifestants arrêtés |url=https://www.liberation.fr/international/moyen-orient/emprisonne-le-maire-distanbul-designe-candidat-a-la-presidentielle-par-son-parti-20250324_MHTTFO5VOJDIRHUUQSNUNOOYV4/ |access-date=24 March 2025 |website=Libération |language=fr |agency=AFP}}{{Cite web |last=Bohannon |first=Molly |title=What We Know About Reported X Bans In Turkey—As Musk's Company Says It Won't Comply With Government Requests |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2025/03/24/what-we-know-about-reported-x-bans-in-turkey-as-musks-company-says-it-wont-comply-with-government-requests/ |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=Forbes |language=en}} X (formerly Twitter), owned by Elon Musk, complied with government orders to suspend approximately 700 accounts, including those of journalists, activists, and opposition figures. The majority of which were "university-associated activist accounts, basically sharing protest information, locations for students to go," according to Yusuf Can, coordinator and analyst at the Wilson Center's Middle East Program, who also noted that many of them are "grassroots activists" with their followings in the low tens of thousands.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2025 |title=Musk's X suspends opposition accounts in Turkey amid civil unrest |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/musks-x-suspends-opposition-accounts-turkey-protest-civil-unrest-erdogan-imamoglu-istanbul-mayor/ |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=POLITICO |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=21 March 2025 |title=X blocks access to Turkish university students' solidarity accounts amid protests |url=https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/03/21/x-block-access-turkish-university-students-solidarity-accounts-amid-protests7/ |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=Turkish Minute |language=en-US}} This action drew significant criticism from free speech advocates, who accused Musk of a double standard, given his self-proclaimed stance as a "free speech absolutist."

Companies such as Twitter{{cite web |date=22 March 2025 |title=Sokak eylemleriyle ilgili bilgi ve içerik paylaşan X hesapları erişime engellendi |url=https://ifade.org.tr/engelliweb/sokak-eylemleriyle-ilgili-bilgi-ve-icerik-paylasan-x-hesaplari-erisime-engellendi/ |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=İfade Özgürlüğü Derneği |language=tr}}{{cite news |title=X restricts access to activist accounts in Turkey amid İmamoğlu protests |url=https://bianet.org/haber/x-restricts-access-to-activist-accounts-in-turkey-amid-imamoglu-protests-305721 |access-date=27 March 2025 |work=bianet.org |language=en}} and Meta{{cite web |date=24 March 2025 |title=Mezopotamya Ajansı'nın Instagram hesabı erişime engellendi |url=https://ifade.org.tr/engelliweb/mezopotamya-ajansinin-instagram-hesabi-erisime-engellendi/ |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=İfade Özgürlüğü Derneği |language=tr}} censored social media posts related to the protests at the government's request.

Nearly 2,000 people{{Cite web |last1=Arikan |first1=Erkan |last2=Ünker |first2=Pelin |date=30 March 2025 |title=Turkey's mass protests target Erdogan's grip on power |url=https://www.dw.com/en/turkeys-mass-protests-target-erdogans-grip-on-power/a-72088299 |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=dw.com |publisher=DW |language=en}} have been arrested since the protests began, including several journalists.{{Cite news |last=Michaelson |first=Ruth |date=25 March 2025 |title=Eight journalists covering anti-government protests held in Turkey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/25/eight-journalists-covering-anti-government-protests-held-in-turkey |access-date=25 March 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |last1=Hubbard |first1=Ben |last2=Timur |first2=Safak |date=26 March 2025 |title=Turkey's Opposition Calls for Boycott and Mass Protests After Arrest of Istanbul Mayor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/world/europe/turkey-istanbul-mayor-protests.html |access-date=26 March 2025 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Following Ekrem İmamoğlu's arrest, the Turkish lira dropped by 12.7%, reaching a record low of 42 lira per US dollar.{{Cite web |date=19 March 2025 |title=Istanbul mayor Imamoglu is arrested. Turkish lira plunges to record low |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/turkish-lira-plunges-record-low-after-erdogan-rival-detained-2025-03-19/ |website=Reuters}}{{Cite web |last=Buyuk |first=Hamdi Firat |date=19 March 2025 |title=Turkish Economy Takes Hit After Istanbul Mayor's Detention |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2025/03/19/turkish-economy-takes-hit-after-istanbul-mayors-detention/ |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=Balkan Insight |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Turak |first=Natasha |date=24 March 2025 |title=Political and financial turmoil set to dominate Turkey, risking economic stabilization plans |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/24/political-and-financial-turmoil-set-to-dominate-turkey-risking-economic-stabilization-plans.html |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=CNBC |language=en}} While the lira has since settled around 38 to the dollar, foreign investors remain cautious. In response to the turmoil, approximately $16 billion was pulled from Turkish markets, significantly impacting the country’s foreign reserves, which had previously been rebuilt to $65 billion.{{Cite news |last1=Cotterill |first1=Joseph |last2=Mourselas |first2=Costas |date=28 March 2025 |title=Foreign investors wary of Turkey despite $25bn lira intervention |url=https://www.ft.com/content/ffb003be-afd1-4070-aa22-eee2588af510 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250328051349/https://www.ft.com/content/ffb003be-afd1-4070-aa22-eee2588af510 |archive-date=28 March 2025 |access-date=29 March 2025 |work=Financial Times}} Meanwhile, the BIST 100 index of the Istanbul Stock Exchange plunged by 8.72%, falling from 10,802 to 9,860 points.{{Cite web |title=Turkish stocks plunge 7%, triggering circuit breaker twice |work=Türkiye Today |url=https://www.turkiyetoday.com/business/turkish-stocks-plunge-7-triggering-circuit-breaker-twice-134236/ |access-date=26 March 2025 |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Samson |first=Adam |date=21 March 2025 |title=Turkey spends record $12bn defending lira after Erdoğan rival's arrest |url=https://www.ft.com/content/5794ed2c-6296-4f04-876e-bbaaa3d1cc30 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250322081555/https://www.ft.com/content/5794ed2c-6296-4f04-876e-bbaaa3d1cc30 |archive-date=22 March 2025 |access-date=26 March 2025 |work=Financial Times}}{{Cite web |last=Rahman |first=Fareed |title=Turkey bans short selling and eases buyback rules amid market rout |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2025/03/24/turkey-bans-short-selling-and-eases-buyback-rules-amid-market-rout/ |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=The National |language=en}} In response, the Turkish Central Bank sold $25 billion in foreign currency in an attempt to stabilize the national currency.{{Cite web |date=25 March 2025 |title=Merkez Bankası'nın ne kadar döviz sattığı ortaya çıktı! Fatih Karahan gün gün açıkladı|work=Sözcü Gazetesi |url=https://www.sozcu.com.tr/merkez-bankasi-nin-ne-kadar-doviz-sattigi-belli-oldu-fatih-karahan-gun-gun-acikladi-p155500 |access-date=26 March 2025 |language=tr}}{{Cite web |date=26 March 2025 |title=Turkey Opposition Slams Central Bank Over Turmoil Intervention |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-26/turkey-opposition-slams-central-bank-over-turmoil-intervention |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250326142724/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-26/turkey-opposition-slams-central-bank-over-turmoil-intervention#selection-1421.0-1421.62 |archive-date=26 March 2025 |website=Bloomberg}}{{Cite web |title=Turkish central bank sells $25B in reserves to stabilize lira, governor confirms |work=Türkiye Today |url=https://www.turkiyetoday.com/business/turkish-central-bank-sells-25b-in-reserves-to-stabilize-lira-governor-confirms-136584/ |access-date=26 March 2025 |language=en-US}} This massive intervention also led to an increase in interest rates and an upward revision of inflation forecasts, with an estimated 29.75% by the end of the year.{{Cite web |date=26 March 2025 |title=Turkish inflation expectations tick up after market turmoil: Reuters poll |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkish-inflation-expectations-tick-up-after-market-turmoil-2025-03-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |website=Reuters}} These events have shaken foreign investors' confidence, undermining Economy Minister Mehmet Şimşek’s efforts to restore the country’s economic stability.{{Cite web |date=25 March 2025 |title=Turkey's Simsek seeks to calm investors, says market strains will be managed, sources say |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-simsek-cenbank-governor-hold-call-with-international-investors-2025-03-25/ |website=Reuters|first1=Jonathan|last1=Spicer|first2=Marc|last2=Jones|first3=Libby|last3= George|access-date=3 April 2025}}{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Mark |date=24 March 2025 |title=Ratings firm S&P warns Turkey's tensions risk a setback for reforms |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/ratings-firm-sp-warns-turkeys-tensions-risk-setback-reforms-2025-03-24/ |website=Reuters}}{{Cite web |date=25 March 2025 |title=Erdoğan says Türkiye won't allow economic gains to be undermined |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/business/economy/erdogan-says-turkiye-wont-allow-economic-gains-to-be-undermined |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Daily Sabah |language=en-US}}

The protest also has caused several cancellation or postponement to some scheduled concerts in Istanbul. English rock band Muse postponed its scheduled gig in Istanbul to 2026 due to pressure from the anti-government protesters not to perform, after the concert promoter, Abdulkadir Ozkan, made controversial remarks regarding the protests. Norwegian singer Ane Brun also cancelled her scheduled gig in Istanbul.{{Cite web |last=Oc |first=Efe |date=3 April 2025 |title=Muse cancel Turkish gig after pressure from anti-government protesters |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3wxq8nw89qo |access-date=3 April 2025 |website=BBC News |language=en-UK}}

• Anti-Erdoğanism
• Gezi Park protests
• 2021 Boğaziçi University protests
• Next Turkish presidential election
• 2025 in Turkey
• List of arrested mayors in Turkey
• List of protests in the 21st century

2025 protests

• 2025 Serbian anti-corruption protests
• 2025 Georgian protests
• 2025 Romanian protests
• 2025 Indonesian student protests
• 2025 Balochistan protests

{{Reflist}}

• {{Commons-inline}}

{{Protests in Turkey}}

{{Recep Tayyip Erdoğan}}

{{Portal bar|Turkey|Politics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Turkish anti-government protests, 2025}}

Category:2025 controversies

Category:2025 in Istanbul

Category:2025 protests

Category:2020s in Ankara

Category:2020s political riots

Anti-government protests

Anti-government protests

Anti-government protests

2025

Category:Internet censorship in Turkey

Category:Human rights abuses in Turkey

Category:Police brutality in Turkey

Category:Protests against police brutality

Category:Political repression in Turkey

Category:Political violence in Turkey

Category:Riots and civil disorder in Turkey

Category:Student protests in Asia

Category:Student protests in Europe

2025

Category:Violence against protesters

Category:Recep Tayyip Erdoğan controversies