March
01.03.2025
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Saturday
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Day Mountains Echo Peace While CEO Falls

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PKK announced a unilateral ceasefire in response to Öcalan's call, with DEM Party welcoming the move as "satisfactory." By afternoon, both Erdoğan and Bahçeli issued calculated responses, with Erdoğan warning of keeping the "iron fist ready" while Bahçeli described İmralı's statement as "valuable throughout."

The day was marked by parallel crackdowns: Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal was detained following controversy over his Ramadan message, while authorities issued arrest warrants for influencers Dilan and Engin Polat on narcotics charges. Interior Minister announced a major cocaine seizure in Istanbul.

In the background, Foreign Minister Fidan prepared for London talks on Ukraine, while municipal "Kent" restaurants reported unprecedented Ramadan iftar queues, highlighting economic pressures despite the political focus on peace initiatives.
02.03.2025
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Sunday
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Day Peace Talks Dance With Mountains' Echo

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The morning began with municipalities announcing free Ramadan meals, while media continued coverage of PKK's ceasefire response to Öcalan's call. By afternoon, MHP leader Bahçeli made an unexpected phone call to imprisoned Selahattin Demirtaş, signaling potential shifts in Turkish politics.

Former Zorlu CEO Cem Köksal was released under judicial control following his Ramadan controversy, while social media influencers Dilan and Engin Polat were briefly detained on drug charges. Foreign Minister Fidan attended Ukraine talks in London, expressing concerns about Trump's recent statements.

The evening brought news of folk artist Edip Akbayram's death, while Çayırhan miners locked themselves underground to protest privatization. Media coverage showed careful positioning around the peace process, with state outlets emphasizing "iron fist" readiness while allowing space for dialogue.
03.03.2025
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Monday
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Day Peace Whispers Meet Prison Letters

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Turkish state media reported on letters from İmralı prison, with officials emphasizing "no negotiations" while allowing dialogue space. MHP leader Bahçeli expanded contact attempts, calling DEM Party's Pervin Buldan after previous communications with Demirtaş.

By afternoon, parallel developments emerged: CHP's Istanbul Provincial Chair faced investigation while IBB Media offices underwent police search. The Beykoz mayor corruption case concluded with arrest, marking intensified pressure on opposition municipalities.

TÜİK announced inflation dropping below 40%, while ENAG provided alternate figures. Foreign Minister Fidan positioned Turkey as essential to European security, particularly regarding Trump statements. Evening brought confirmation of Demirtaş's authorized hospital visit, while Defense Minister Güler warned against "sabotaging the process" while addressing military families.
04.03.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Law Binds Press While Mountains Wait

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The morning began with raids on drugs operations across 76 provinces, resulting in 2,365 arrests. By early afternoon, the Halk TV "bilirkişi" trial concluded with acquittals for all journalists and Suat Toktaş's release after 34 days in detention.

Istanbul prosecutors launched an investigation into CHP's provincial congress, while Beykoz Mayor Alaattin Köseler was dismissed following his arrest. DEM Party representatives discussed conditions for dialogue, emphasizing "no preconditions" for laying down arms.

Evening brought news of indictments against media figures Acun Ilıcalı and Sadettin Saran over illegal betting allegations, while President Erdoğan spoke with Greek PM Mitsotakis. The Arab League accepted Egypt's Gaza plan, as Israel's military launched Turkish-language communications, signaling regional realignments.
05.03.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Imrali's Call Meets Mountains' Echo

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Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu testified regarding diploma allegations, spending an hour at Çağlayan courthouse while media attention focused on procedure details rather than substance. The event marked intensified pressure on opposition figures following recent municipal investigations.

Erdoğan and Aliyev inaugurated the Iğdır-Nakhchivan gas pipeline, strengthening regional energy cooperation amid broader geopolitical shifts. DEM Party sought dialogue with both government and opposition, scheduling meetings while carefully positioning responses to Öcalan's recent call.

Internal CHP tensions surfaced as Mansur Yavaş contradicted Özgür Özel regarding Adnan Beker's party membership, while Özel addressed the European Parliament positioning Turkey's democratic credentials. Evening coverage focused on three Kurdish authors' detention over a 2010 language textbook, highlighting ongoing tensions between democratization claims and state practices.
06.03.2025
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Thursday
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Day Mountains Lower Their Guns

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The Defense Ministry issued its first official response to Öcalan's disarmament call, demanding unconditional surrender and immediate dissolution of all PKK-affiliated groups. Public support for disarmament reached 57.5% according to Areda Research.

Missing architect Ece Gürel was found alive in Belgrad Forest after four days, experiencing cardiac arrest but being successfully revived - media coverage focused extensively on her survival story while avoiding speculation about her disappearance.

İmamoğlu formally announced his presidential candidacy, while extending a Ramadan iftar invitation to Erdoğan. The Ministry of Culture advanced a 40-year pending copyright law reform.

Foreign Minister Fidan emphasized Turkey's essential role in European security architecture, while Baykar signed a drone production agreement with Italy's Leonardo. Evening brought a 3.9 magnitude earthquake in Hatay, followed by reports of armed attacks in Çorum leaving five wounded.
07.03.2025
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Friday
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Day Of Architect's Death While Mountains Consider Surrender

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The morning brought news of architect Ece Gürel's death, days after her discovery in Belgrad Forest, with hypothermia confirmed as cause. Media coverage shifted from survival narrative to retrospective coverage of her life and career.

Defense Minister Güler issued formal response to recent peace overtures, demanding PKK's unconditional surrender and dissolution. Beyoğlu authorities banned Women's Day gatherings in Taksim area, while protests against the decision emerged across social media.

Evening brought confirmation of Syria's return to Organization of Islamic Cooperation after 13 years, following Turkish diplomatic initiative. Trump's consideration of new Russia sanctions received coverage, while domestic focus remained on economic measures as Erdoğan announced increased credit limits for small businesses during Ramadan iftar with merchants.
08.03.2025
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Saturday
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Women's Circular Meets Street Protests

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International Women's Day transformed Turkish streets into sites of contested meaning, with the government publishing a "Women's Empowerment Circular" in the Official Gazette while police blocked demonstrations in Taksim, citing "family values." Women gathered in Kadıköy despite restrictions. The 23rd Feminist Night March proceeded despite bans, culminating in numerous detentions of women and LGBTI+ individuals in Cihangir.

President Erdoğan hosted a Women's Day iftar where he labeled CHP "woman-hating," while opposition leader Özel redirected the accusation back at the President. Interior Minister Yerlikaya addressed the fatal dog attack in Konya that killed 2-year-old Rana, assigning inspectors and criticizing local authorities' handling of stray animals.

In foreign affairs, reports indicated escalating casualties in Syria's Latakia and Tartus attacks on Alevi communities, with numbers rising to 532 dead. DEM Party announced plans to visit MHP on March 17, continuing cross-party dialogue efforts.
09.03.2025
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Sunday
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Syrian Bloodbath Amid Constitutional Maneuvers

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Violence against Alawites in Syria dominates Turkish media, with reports of 745 civilians killed in Latakia and Tartus regions. Foreign Minister Fidan called these "provocations" at a Jordan counterterrorism summit, warning they aim to derail Syrian government policy. A joint five-country statement emphasized Syria's territorial integrity.

MHP leader Bahçeli rejected PKK's ceasefire announcement as "not correct, balanced or appropriate," demanding unconditional surrender. DEM Party's Pervin Buldan responded they would "firmly embrace" peace initiatives.

Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu challenged President Erdoğan during campaign speeches in Adana, stating "we will not lose to you." New election polls showed AK Party in "free fall."

The Ece Gürel case continued developing with the architect's witchcraft instructor Hale Nur Özen detained and later released. Media published the deceased architect's final images before her disappearance.
10.03.2025
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Monday
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Day YPG Makes Peace With Damascus

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The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDG/YPG) reached agreement with Damascus to integrate into the Syrian Army, a significant turning point after years of autonomy. This follows sectarian violence that has killed nearly 1,000 civilians in coastal regions.

President Erdoğan addressed the Syrian crisis during his cabinet meeting, condemning "former regime remnants" for provoking sectarian tensions. MHP leader Bahçeli warned against "Sionist barbarity" in Syria, while both leaders criticized opposition parties for their stance.

Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş made cryptic statements about "fulfilling responsibilities when necessary" when questioned about meetings with Abdullah Öcalan, suggesting continued political process with PKK despite formal rejection last week.

In domestic news, the Deniz Baykal tape case saw a breakthrough with the arrest of a key FETÖ operative. The government announced retiree holiday bonuses would increase to 4,000 lira, criticized by opposition as inadequate. A high-speed train construction collapse in Kayseri caused casualties.
11.03.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Turkey Welcomes Damascus-SDG Marriage

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The agreement between Syrian Democratic Forces (SDG/YPG) and Damascus gained President Erdoğan's cautious support, marking a significant shift in Turkey's position. "Kazanan Suriye olacak" (Syria will be the winner), Erdoğan stated, while Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş commented he "liked article 5" of the agreement, likely referencing provisions addressing Turkey's security concerns.

Opposition CHP municipalities faced coordinated police operations, with 32 people detained in Sarıyer, Şişli, Ataşehir, and Maltepe districts over alleged terror links involving support for Kazova factory workers since 2017. CHP Istanbul Chair Özgür Çelik appeared before prosecutors.

Justice Minister Tunç announced an investigation into stray dog attacks following multiple incidents where children were injured or killed, triggering media debates on animal control legislation.

Internal CHP politics intensified with İmamoğlu facing venue restrictions while campaigning, stating "candidacy is not anyone's title deed property" regarding presidential ambitions.
12.03.2025
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Wednesday
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Palace Politics Day As İmralı Delegation Gets Green Light

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President Erdoğan signaled openness to meeting with the DEM Party delegation that visited imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, marking a significant shift after previously rejecting PKK's ceasefire announcement. "If they request a meeting, I'll give it," Erdoğan stated, while DEM Party promptly submitted their formal request.

In foreign policy, Erdoğan and Polish PM Tusk emphasized Turkey's EU candidacy, with both agreeing the "EU would gain power through Turkey's membership."

Syria developments continued dominating headlines, with Erdoğan warning against "sectarian strife" while casualties in Alawite regions reportedly reached 1,383. Kurdish PYD leader Salih Muslim publicly supported the Damascus-SDG agreement.

Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu faced a third venue denial while campaigning, this time in Kastamonu, as tensions with fellow CHP mayor Mansur Yavaş surfaced, with Yavaş stating he would "evaluate candidacy based on polls when elections approach."

Parliament passed the controversial Cyber Security Law despite opposition concerns about potential censorship.
13.03.2025
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Thursday
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Day Terror-Free Turkey Declarations Meet Syria Delegation

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Foreign Minister Fidan, Defense Minister Güler, and intelligence chief Kalın visited Syria for discussions with Damascus and HTS leader Colani regarding the Damascus-SDG agreement, marking escalating Turkish engagement following previous days' cautious support.

President Erdoğan emphasized a "Terror-Free Turkey" goal while meeting with DEM Party member Sırrı Süreyya Önder in Parliament, signaling continued dialogue after yesterday's openness to meeting the İmralı delegation. Interior Minister Yerlikaya referenced ending the "40-year separatist terror vortex."

Google's "destructive embargo" faced protest from independent media outlets through coordinated open letters. The TurkNet data breach exposed millions of customers' information.

Social tensions emerged with incidents of a dog attacking a child in an AVM and reports of Ece Gürel possibly paying $4,000 for a "screaming therapy" before her forest death. CHP councilor Özcan resigned after video showed him assaulting a woman.
14.03.2025
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Friday
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Day Flash Media Empire Falls While Authorities Seek Iranian Spies

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Turkish authorities seized Flash TV, Pozitifbank and Payfix payment service in a massive illegal gambling operation with 59 arrest warrants, including owner Erkan Kork. Assets worth 6.9 billion TL were seized.

Former Sarıyer Mayor Şükrü Genç was arrested alongside 26 others in the ongoing DHKP-C investigation targeting CHP-run municipalities, continuing the pressure campaign observed in previous days.

The National Intelligence Organization (MİT) captured five individuals accused of spying for Iran in Istanbul, Mersin, and Antalya, highlighting regional tensions.

President Erdoğan announced 37,000 new healthcare personnel positions for 2025 during Medical Professionals Day, when healthcare workers were striking over working conditions.

Foreign Minister Fidan returned from Syria with cautious statements about the Damascus-SDG agreement, emphasizing Turkish "advice" to the new Syrian administration while reports indicated Druze dissatisfaction with the arrangement.
15.03.2025
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Saturday
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Peace Signals Day as İmamoğlu Travels East

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The Defense Minister's statements indicating terrorists should "unconditionally surrender weapons" were met with Bianet reporting Öcalan's peace proposals could "contribute to peace among peoples." DEM Party leader Pervin Buldan announced a meeting date with President Erdoğan, advancing the İmralı dialogue initiated days earlier.

İstanbul Mayor İmamoğlu traveled to Trabzon receiving a "enthusiastic welcome" amid continuing tensions with Ankara Mayor Yavaş, who stated "no one is indispensable" and emphasized his "own political roadmap." Their morning meeting appeared to temporarily stabilize the situation.

Extreme weather fluctuations saw temperatures in Adana jumping from -7°C to 36°C while İzmir broke a 87-year March temperature record at 31.1°C. The cargo ship MSC Rhiannon ran aground near Istanbul's Bakırköy coast.

Late evening headlines focused on US and UK airstrikes against Yemen, marking Trump's first military action since taking office.
16.03.2025
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Sunday
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Day Bombs Fall On Yemen While Transport Revolution Promised

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The US-UK bombing campaign against Yemen dominated international headlines, with Houthi officials vowing retaliation and calling the attacks "war crimes." Late reports indicated Houthis may have struck a US aircraft carrier.

Domestically, state media emphasized transportation developments with repeated headlines about reducing Istanbul-Ankara travel time to under 90 minutes, while regional tensions continued with reports of Armenian forces firing on Azerbaijani soldiers.

A significant fire in North Macedonia caused at least 50 casualties, with Turkey actively responding by transporting injured victims for treatment and offering condolences.

Erdoğan and Trump held a Sunday call, continuing diplomatic engagement amid regional tensions. The Varank-İmamoğlu "turnip polemic" extended the previous day's tension between the Istanbul mayor and government officials following his trip to Trabzon.
17.03.2025
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Monday
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Day DEM Party Crosses Political Lines

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Early morning earthquake fears in Istanbul proved unfounded as DEM Party began unprecedented talks with both MHP and AKP, marking a significant political development following earlier peace signals. The meetings represent a concrete step in the dialogue process initiated days earlier involving Öcalan.

Interior Ministry announced 145,639 Syrians had returned home, while OdTV reported Israeli airstrikes on Syria killed 2 and wounded 19, reflecting ongoing regional instability.

Cultural stories emerged with celebrations of St. Patrick's Day alongside a piece on "hero mules and divisive horses," examining animal roles in conflict narratives. Daily Sabah highlighted Gazan children returning to school despite trauma.

Domestic news included record fines for a street-racing driver, illegal gambling arrests with 21 suspects detained, and Culture Minister Ersoy filing a symbolic 5 kuruş lawsuit against a CHP member, continuing government-opposition tensions.
18.03.2025
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Tuesday
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Diploma Revocation Day Amid Gaza Bombardment

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Morning headlines focused on Israel breaking the ceasefire in Gaza, with death tolls reported between 322 (Bianet) and 413 (Daily Sabah). Turkish officials, including President Erdoğan, strongly condemned the attacks as "genocide" and "state terrorism."

The day marked the 110th anniversary of the Çanakkale Naval Victory, with commemorations across Turkey including special messages from President Erdoğan and Defense Minister Güler.

By afternoon, Turkish media abruptly pivoted to Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu's university diploma being revoked by Istanbul University - a decision made 31 years after its issuance. İmamoğlu responded defiantly at an iftar dinner, stating "I entrust myself to my nation" and "I will run a millionfold."

Evening coverage included Putin agreeing with Trump to halt attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure for 30 days, signaling a temporary ceasefire. Turkish-Greek cooperation on new Cyprus crossing points was also reported.
19.03.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day Istanbul's Mayor Fell

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Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was detained in a pre-dawn police raid, facing dual charges of corruption and terrorism in what appears to be an escalation following yesterday's revocation of his university diploma. Police surrounded his home while simultaneously detaining his press advisor Murat Ongun and dozens of others in what prosecutors described as investigations into "aiding PKK/KCK terrorist organization" and financial impropriety.

The operation triggered immediate political turmoil, with CHP MPs occupying parliament's podium, mass protests erupting in Saraçhane and across Istanbul, and authorities implementing a four-day ban on public gatherings. Social media platforms experienced access issues as demonstrations spread.

By evening, authorities had seized İmamoğlu's construction company while CHP leader Özgür Özel directly challenged President Erdoğan from Saraçhane, where thousands gathered despite police presence. Pro-government media emphasized alleged corruption findings, while opposition sources framed the detention as political persecution of a potential presidential candidate.
20.03.2025
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Thursday
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Day Bahçeli Sets PKK's End Date

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Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu's detention continued for a second day with 87 individuals beginning testimonies after facing dual corruption and terrorism charges. Opposition rallies gathered at Saraçhane Square with CHP leader Özgür Özel declaring they would move from "salon politics" to "street politics." Police reported six officers injured during protests.

MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli dramatically gave the PKK a May 4th deadline to dissolve itself in a "Terror-Free Turkey" declaration, later supported by the National Security Council (MGK) in its own statement.

President Erdoğan finally broke his silence regarding İmamoğlu's detention, accusing the opposition of "theatrics" rather than addressing corruption allegations. Authorities seized all assets belonging to İmamoğlu's press advisor Murat Ongun, reportedly finding "bundles of cash" during searches.

By evening, protests had spread to universities, with harsh police interventions reported at ODTÜ (Middle East Technical University), leading authorities to close the campus.
21.03.2025
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Friday
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Day Newroz Flames Amid Democracy Protests

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Newroz celebrations coincided with expanding nationwide protests over İmamoğlu's detention. President Erdoğan lit the Newroz fire and proposed declaring March 21 an official "brotherhood festival," submitting this to parliament while simultaneously warning against "street disorder."

The Istanbul Bar Association's management was removed from office by court order. CHP announced an extraordinary congress to preempt potential government intervention in the party. Protest bans were implemented in multiple cities including Ankara and İzmir.

İmamoğlu completed his testimony, reportedly rejecting all charges while telling municipal employees he would continue fighting against "those violating people's rights." Thousands of university students marched from Beyazıt to Saraçhane despite road closures.

By evening, Interior Minister Yerlikaya announced 97 protesters had been detained nationwide. An armed attack on the Iraqi Consulate in Istanbul resulted in two arrests.
22.03.2025
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Saturday
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Day of Opposition Testimony Under Media Crossfire

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İmamoğlu's investigation intensified as he gave testimony twice in one day, with prosecutors questioning him on both corruption charges involving 4 billion lira in advertising tenders and "terror" accusations. His testimony was leaked and publicized by pro-government media.

Dawn raids targeted protestors in nine cities, with Interior Minister Yerlikaya announcing 343 detentions. Protests continued despite authorities extending the ban on demonstrations in Istanbul until March 27.

CHP leader Özel directly challenged mainstream media, threatening consequences for those not covering the protests, while referencing "penguin documentaries" - alluding to media censorship during the 2013 Gezi protests.

By evening, President Erdoğan responded to Özel's threats against media, stating "you cannot threaten media by naming specific outlets," as protests spread internationally.

Turkish cinema icon Filiz Akın's death briefly united political figures in expressions of condolence amid the political storm.
23.03.2025
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Sunday
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Day Mayor Enters Silivri Prison

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Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu was officially arrested and sent to Silivri prison following overnight court proceedings. His detention sparked widespread protests, with CHP leader Özel declaring İmamoğlu "both on the path to Silivri and the presidency."

By early afternoon, the Interior Ministry removed İmamoğlu from office along with Beylikdüzü Mayor Çalık and Şişli Mayor Şahan. The Istanbul Governor's office announced deputy mayor elections would be held March 26.

Justice Minister Tunç warned against "politicizing" the case, insisting the charges were legitimate, not political. İmamoğlu's wife Dilek declared "he defeated you four times, he'll defeat you a fifth time."

CHP held its planned voting event despite the crisis, with Mansur Yavaş casting his ballot for İmamoğlu. Opposition figures gathered at Saraçhane amid police interventions, while international reactions began emerging, including criticism from the German government.
24.03.2025
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Monday
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Day Protestors Crowd Saraçhane While İmamoğlu Messages From Prison

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Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu sent his first messages from Silivri prison, calling for hope and asking youth to avoid confrontation with police. CHP leader Özgür Özel visited the Istanbul Governor while thousands of university students marched from Beşiktaş to Saraçhane despite transportation restrictions.

President Erdoğan addressed the nation after a cabinet meeting, blaming Özel for the unrest and claiming protesters had "turned mosques into taverns," referring to incidents at Şehzadebaşı Mosque. The Interior Minister reported 123 police officers injured in demonstrations.

In a provocative escalation, Özel announced a boycott list targeting specific companies, naming Espressolab as the first business to avoid. Authorities continued arresting opposition figures and journalists in dawn raids across multiple cities, with 71 people detained in Istanbul alone. The EU called on Turkey to "uphold democratic values" amid the expanding crackdown.

By evening, police used tear gas as crowds dispersed from Saraçhane.
25.03.2025
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Tuesday
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Day of Saraçhane Farewell While Journalists Face Bars

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Thousands gathered at Saraçhane for a "closing rally" of protests against İmamoğlu's detention, with CHP leader Özel calling it a "Democracy Revolution." Meanwhile, seven journalists covering the demonstrations were arrested, adding to 1,418 total detentions reported by Interior Minister Yerlikaya.

University students mobilized in massive numbers, marching from Maçka Park to Şişli Municipality to protest the appointed trustee who had allegedly closed municipal services. The trustee administration denied these claims.

Authorities continued pursuing suspected protesters, with prosecutors requesting the arrest of 206 demonstration participants. By afternoon, 172 had been formally arrested, including the creator of the "Everything will be beautiful" slogan.

President Erdoğan, addressing university students at an iftar dinner, warned against "surrendering the homeland to street terror," while the government seized three more construction companies linked to İBB corruption investigations.

Özel ended the day with a defiant speech promising to mobilize "500,000 people" if needed, and announced new protest locations.
26.03.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Turproot Metaphor Battles New İBB Deputy Mayor

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Erdoğan's cryptic "big turp" comments dominated political discourse, with implications that greater corruption revelations await in CHP municipalities. When directly questioned if this referenced potential CHP trustee appointments, Erdoğan deflected. Meanwhile, CHP's Nuri Aslan was elected as İBB deputy mayor while former mayor İmamoğlu communicated from prison, criticizing pro-government media and treatment of detained protesters.

Government pressure intensified with 106 new arrests from İmamoğlu protests, while protests continued at universities. Two CHP deputies were implicated in the expanding İBB corruption investigation. Filmmaker İlker Canikligil was arrested for alleged incitement against AKP supporters.

Erdoğan announced a 9-day Eid al-Fitr holiday while evaluating the economic impact of CHP's boycott calls. Opposition leader Özel visited Şehzadebaşı Mosque, demonstrating sensitivity to government accusations about protest behavior near religious sites.
27.03.2025
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Thursday
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Day Media Restrictions Intensify Amid İmamoğlu's Rising Profile

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The government intensified media restrictions with RTÜK imposing a 10-day broadcast suspension on Sözcü TV and additional penalties for other opposition channels covering the İmamoğlu protests. BBC reporter Mark Lowen was detained for 17 hours and deported for "threatening public order." Seven journalists were released, while protests continued at universities with new detentions.

A KONDA survey revealed 73% of citizens support İmamoğlu protests, even as police closed Taksim metro station and detained more demonstrators. Government criticism focused on "social tensions" with Erdoğan hosting religious minority representatives at an iftar dinner where he emphasized national unity.

CHP officially declared İmamoğlu as its presidential candidate, consolidating opposition around the detained mayor. Economic consequences emerged with authorities seizing assets of 14 more individuals and 12 companies linked to corruption allegations, while the government banned the opposition's "boykotyap" boycott website.
28.03.2025
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Friday
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Day İmamoğlu's Lawyer Released While Swedish Journalist Detained

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İmamoğlu's lawyer Mehmet Pehlivan was detained overnight and released by evening with a travel ban, while İmamoğlu called for a rally in Maltepe through a handwritten note from detention. An indictment was swiftly prepared against 74 protesters, seeking prison sentences for participating in "unauthorized demonstrations."

Swedish journalist Joakim Medin was reported missing in Istanbul in the morning and confirmed detained by evening, while the Interior Ministry announced 53 more protesters were arrested. İmamoğlu wrote to The New York Times that Erdoğan "turned to the judiciary" after failing to defeat him electorally.

President Erdoğan labeled opposition leader Özel a "mandacı" (seeking foreign mandate) during a Milli İrade İftarı speech, while MHP leader Bahçeli stated "law is supreme in Turkey," implicitly supporting the İmamoğlu detention. The US expressed concern about "instability" in Turkey, as Ramazan Bayram holiday traffic intensified with toll roads made free until Wednesday.
29.03.2025
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Saturday
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Day Hundreds of Thousands Rally in Maltepe for İmamoğlu

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The CHP's "Freedom Rally" in Maltepe dominated Turkey's news cycle, with hundreds of thousands gathering in support of detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The rally featured his wife Dilek İmamoğlu declaring "you'll lose because you've wronged us," while Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş called for Silivri prison's closure. A letter from İmamoğlu was read to the crowd.

Government officials responded forcefully, with Communications Director Altun calling Özel's boycott calls "political incompetence" and AK Party Spokesperson Çelik labeling them "political fanaticism." Following the rally, four people were detained for attacking an Espressolab coffee shop.

In diplomatic news, Erdoğan engaged in "Bayram diplomacy" through calls with Palestinian leader Abbas and Qatar's Emir Al Thani, while Defense Minister announced Turkey would begin Ankara-Damascus flights. Military authorities reported the death of a non-commissioned officer, while Harvard University's dismissal of Professor Cemal Kafadar elicited criticism from education officials.
30.03.2025
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Sunday
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Bayram Day of Angiographies and Traffic Deaths

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The first day of Ramazan Bayram was marked by the ongoing İmamoğlu detention case evolving in multiple directions. İBB Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat, detained in the "kent uzlaşısı" investigation, underwent angiography after reporting high blood pressure. The Istanbul Governor visited police officers while İBB issued updates on Polat's condition throughout the day.

President Erdoğan characterized recent protests as "street terrorism attempting to cover up embezzlement" in a video message, as his administration engaged in Bayram diplomacy with international leaders. Interior Minister Yerlikaya reported a grim traffic toll with 5 deaths and 1,219 injuries in 766 accidents during the holiday's first day.

The Turkey-Israel diplomatic crisis escalated with the Foreign Ministry rejecting "insolent statements" from Israeli officials, while AK Party Spokesman Çelik declared Israeli criticism of Erdoğan "null and void." After a weekend of mass protests, authorities detained those suspected of vandalizing an Espressolab coffee shop following the Maltepe rally.
31.03.2025
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Monday
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Day of Historic MHP-DEM Handshake Amid Bayram Death Toll

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The ultranationalist MHP and pro-Kurdish DEM parties exchanged historic first-ever holiday visits, signaling potential shifts in Turkey's political landscape amid ongoing İmamoğlu detention crisis. CHP leader Özgür Özel claimed to know which ruling party official sent messages about İmamoğlu's impending arrest, calling it "the world's largest signature campaign."

Interior Minister Yerlikaya announced the grim holiday toll: 19 deaths and 2,499 injuries from traffic accidents during the first two days of Bayram. PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan received a family visit at İmralı prison.

Popular musician Volkan Konak's sudden death after collapsing on stage prompted tributes from across the political spectrum, including MHP leader Bahçeli. CHP maintained its lead over AKP in the latest opinion poll, while Vice President Yılmaz criticized Israel's continued attacks on Gaza during the holiday, which killed 53 Palestinians in two days.
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