** Istanbul’s coup de force: a reflection on Turkish politics and democratic resilience **
The recent arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and emblematic figure of the Turkish opposition, for accusations of “corruption” and “terrorism”, caused a shock wave both in Turkey and internationally. This event, which could only be an isolated incident in the Turkish political landscape, is nevertheless part of a larger dynamic, reflecting tensions between the power in place and a population eager for change.
The supporters of Imamoglu qualified this arrest as “coup d’etat”, an assertion which, in the light of the previous politicians in Türkiye, deserves an in -depth analysis. To better understand the impact of this situation on the Turkish political landscape, we must examine not only the arrest itself, but also the climate that surrounds it.
** A tradition of political oppression **
It is essential to emphasize that the arrest of Imamoglu is not an isolated incident. Since the accession of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the presidency, Turkish governments have often used accusations of corruption and terrorism to neutralize the opposition. According to data compiled by human rights organizations, the number of arrests of journalists, political opponents and activists increased considerably since the failure of the coup in 2016, which raised concerns about the health of democracy in Turkey.
The arrest of Imamoglu can be compared to other significant events in recent history, such as the arrest of Selahattin Demirtinaş, leader of the Democratic Party of Peoples (HDP), or the closure of several critical media towards the government. This regularity in the attacks on the opposition suggests that Erdoğan’s tactics is based on a system of systemic deletion of dissent.
** The mobilization of the electoral base **
The dynamics in Istanbul must also be observed from the angle of popular mobilization. Supporters of Imamoglu, by organizing demonstrations to denounce his arrest, say not only their solidarity but also their desire to defend fundamental democratic values. According to recent polls, a significant part of conservative Muslim voters as well as liberals is increasingly disturbed by the current political climate. This feeling of anger and disillusionment could galvanize a broader coalition of opposition, transcendent of previous cleavages.
It is interesting to note that, during the previous municipal election of Istanbul in 2019, Imamoglu had won the ballot with a historic margin. This result was not simply the fruit of an effective campaign, but rather the reflection of a populace tired by Erdoğan’s policies, which were perceived as authoritarian and not representative of the needs and aspirations of citizens.
** The resilience of democracy and the vision of the future **
What is at stake in this situation goes beyond the arrest of a single man. It is a test of the resilience of Turkish democracy in the face of systematic attacks of authoritarianism. The reaction of the supporters of Imamoglu shows that, despite an increasing repression, the desire for change remains alive in many Turks.
Political observers, like Dorothée Schmid de l’Ifri, stress that the evolution of this episode could influence the management of Turkish politics for the years to come. If the mobilization against this arrest manages to organize around clear claims and a common political vision, Ankara could face a significant opposition movement in the coming landscape.
In a Turkey where the line between reason of state and individual freedom has become increasingly vague, the arrest of a popular elected official as Ekrem Imamoglu appears not only as an attempt to core the opposition but also as an opportunity for civil society to reaffirm its democratic values. In the ultimate analysis, the real challenge is whether this dynamic can catalyze an overhaul of current political structures, encouraging a new democratic dialogue in Türkiye.
** Conclusion: a crucial moment for Turkey **
Through the prism of the arrest of Imamoglu, Turkey seems to a critical crossroads. The repercussions of this situation operate as a revealer of internal struggles and future challenges. What emerges is not only a confrontation between a man and the institutions that surround him, but a reflection of the hopes, fears and struggles of a population in search of his voice in a political landscape often obscured by authoritarianism. The country’s ability to sail these troubled waters will determine its political and societal future in the years to come.