On the first morning of 2026, Istanbul witnessed one of the largest pro-Palestine demonstrations in recent years. The rally sent a strong message that Palestine is not merely a regional issue but a cause deeply embedded in the conscience of the Turkish people.
Despite freezing temperatures, more than 520,000 people took to the streets. They protested against the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis. The protest highlighted the solidarity of ordinary citizens, civil society groups, and political and religious leaders with the Palestinian people.
The event was held under the banner “We Will Not Be Silenced, We Will Not Forget Palestine.” Over 400 organizations participated, including civil society groups, trade unions, social platforms, and sports clubs. The march was organized by the Turkey Youth Foundation (TÜGVA) and supported by the Milli Irade Platform and the Humanity Union.
The protest began with the Fajr (dawn) prayer at several of Istanbul’s historic mosques. These included Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmed, Suleymaniye, Fatih, Eminönü, Yeni Mosque, and others. After the prayer, thousands of worshippers formed processions and began marching toward Galata Bridge. Human chains from different parts of the city merged at the bridge, creating a sea of demonstrators.
Participants carried Turkish and Palestinian flags. They chanted slogans in support of Gaza. Many demonstrators took boats and lit torches while waving flags. This symbolic display amplified the protest across the waterways. Political, religious, and social leaders of Turkey marched alongside ordinary citizens.
Bilal Erdogan, chairman of the Ilm Yayma Foundation and senior advisory board member of TÜGVA, addressed the crowd. He said the crisis in Gaza is not a conventional war. It is a deliberate campaign of violence against civilians. Women, children, and the elderly are the main targets. He emphasized that this is a form of genocide carried out not only with bombs but also through deliberate deprivation of food, water, shelter, and humanitarian aid.
Erdogan strongly criticized Israeli leadership for violating international law, the Geneva Conventions, and human rights. He warned that, under international law, responsibility lies not only with the perpetrators but also with those failing to prevent the atrocities. He added that Gaza’s reconstruction should be funded by Israel as war reparations, not by the Palestinian people or other countries.
The protest ended with a vow of continued support. Erdogan said that the millions gathered at Galata Bridge had made history. They showed that the Turkish people would neither forget Palestine nor allow it to be forgotten. The struggle for Gaza, Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa Mosque will continue until freedom and justice are secured.
