- The demonstrations exploded after the arrest of the mayor of Imamoglu.
- The protests remained peaceful, but more than 2,000 people detained.
- Drones images captured clashes between protesters, security forces.
A new generation of young Turks is at the forefront of mass protests against the government of President Tayyip Erdogan, demanding a change in a country that they consider increasingly authoritarian.
The demonstrations exploded after the mayor of Istanbul Ekrem Imamoglu, a popular opposition figure, was imprisoned waiting for trial for corruption charges. Unlike the major generations that remember the great repression of Gezi Park 2013 anti -government protests, today’s young manifesters say they are not affected by risks.
“I think that growing under a single regime makes us a generation in search of changes, looking for evidence that we live in a democracy,” said Yezan Astesyan, a 20 -year -old student at the Technical University of the Middle East (Metu).
“The idea of a power that lasts forever scares us.”
Hundreds of thousands of Turks throughout the country have paid attention to the calls of opposition to protest since Imamoglu was arrested last week.
The protests have been mostly peaceful, but more than 2,000 people have been arrested.
The Republican Popular Party (CHP) of the main opposition, other opposition parties, rights groups and some Western powers have said that the case against Imamogl is a politicized effort to eliminate a possible electoral threat to Erdogan.
The government denies any influence on the Judiciary and says that the courts are independent.
Students from all over Türkiye have mobilized, facing police blockages and water cannon trucks. Meu drones images captured clashes between protesters and state security forces.
A generation on the edge
Beyond political frustration, economic difficulties have fed disturbances. High inflation and unemployment have made young people feel that their future is escaping.
“I graduated in 2024, but I can’t find a job, and my family fights financially,” said the 25 -year -old protester Duygu in an opposition rally in Istanbul.
She fears for her safety, but also cares about her friends. “Some of them have already been arrested.”
Concerns about the state’s response are growing. “I don’t want to show my face because the police could come for me,” said Duygu, who uses a mask in the protests. “If that happens, I would devastate my family.”
Despite the risks, protesters are still resolved.
“This feels like our last chance,” Astesyan said.
“If we are not successful, many of us will have to leave Turkey.”
The government rules out protests as politically motivated, but young people’s disturbances indicate a growing division.
“Imamoglu represents hope,” Astesyan said. “The possibility of a real change.”
As protests continue, young Turks insist that their demands are simple: democracy, responsibility and a future for which it is worth staying.
