Turkish police detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a leading political opponent to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on Wednesday. This move is part of an ongoing investigation into his alleged links to terrorism, particularly regarding support from a pro-Kurdish group during his 2024 mayoral campaign. İmamoğlu, one of Turkey’s most prominent political figures, had been expected to announce his candidacy for the presidency through his party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), which now faces challenges as Erdoğan’s government intensifies its crackdown on opposition figures.
The Detention of Ekrem İmamoğlu: A Political Move?
Ekrem İmamoğlu’s detention comes amid a series of investigations into the mayor, who has frequently criticized Erdoğan’s administration. The accusations focus on alleged ties to terrorism due to his support from the pro-Kurdish political group HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party). İmamoğlu’s popular standing and leadership have made him a significant rival to Erdoğan, leading many to view his detention as a politically motivated move.
İmamoğlu was poised to be named as CHP’s presidential candidate in a primary set for Sunday. While Turkey’s next presidential elections are scheduled for 2028, the CHP’s early candidate announcement was seen as a strategy to pressure the Turkish parliament into calling for a snap election.
CHP’s Response and Political Ramifications
In response to İmamoğlu’s detention, CHP chair Özgür Özel strongly condemned the action, describing it as an “attempt at a coup” against the party’s potential future president. The crackdown on opposition figures, journalists, and activists has intensified under Erdoğan’s leadership, leading to concerns over Turkey’s democratic future.
The political consequences of İmamoğlu’s arrest have already begun to be felt. Following his detention, the Turkish lira dropped as much as 10% against the dollar, and the Istanbul Stock Exchange’s benchmark BIST 100 index saw a significant decline, down nearly 7% in early morning trading. This economic reaction underscores the broader instability in Turkey, which has been grappling with high inflation and a cost-of-living crisis under Erdoğan’s government.
Erdoğan’s Growing Authoritarian Grip
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has led Turkey for over two decades, steering the country down an increasingly authoritarian path, particularly since surviving a coup attempt in 2016. His government has systematically silenced dissent, cracking down on opposition politicians, journalists, academics, and even individuals like astrologers who have crossed certain political boundaries.
Ekrem İmamoğlu, who had previously been investigated for his speeches, has long been viewed as one of the strongest contenders to challenge Erdoğan’s rule. His detention represents the latest phase of Erdoğan’s strategy to suppress any credible opposition ahead of future elections.
Details of the Detention and Public Reaction
According to sources, İmamoğlu was detained early on Wednesday, during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. His wife, Dilek İmamoğlu, shared that police arrived at their home around 7:30 a.m. as they were finishing their pre-dawn meal of sahur. İmamoğlu was subsequently taken to the central police station in Istanbul. His office released a voice message from him, where he condemned the “immoral and tyrannical approach,” promising that such actions would ultimately be overturned by the resilience of the Turkish people.
In addition to İmamoğlu’s detention, Turkish authorities issued arrest warrants for 99 other individuals as part of a broader operation. The Istanbul governor, appointed by Erdoğan, imposed a temporary ban on public demonstrations in the city for four days. Additionally, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube faced access restrictions, further tightening control over public discourse.
Higher Education Controversy and Presidential Hopes
The day before his detention, İmamoğlu faced another blow when Istanbul University, a state-run institution, canceled his higher education degree. If this decision is not overturned on appeal, it could disqualify him from running for president in the future. This move, following the detention, suggests an increasingly coordinated effort to eliminate political opponents.
Despite these setbacks, İmamoğlu remains a significant figure in Turkish politics. His re-election as mayor in 2024, by more than 11 percentage points, came as a clear rebuke to Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which has dominated Turkish politics since 2002. İmamoğlu’s success was particularly symbolic of voter dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the country’s economic crisis.
As Turkey faces growing political and economic turmoil, the future of its democratic institutions is in question. The detention of Ekrem İmamoğlu is just the latest in a series of efforts by Erdoğan’s government to stifle opposition voices. While the situation remains fluid, one thing is clear: the political landscape in Turkey is shifting rapidly, and the resilience of its citizens will likely determine the direction of the country in the coming years.
