March for Palestine begins in Istanbul

Istanbul hosted a massive march organized to support Palestine. The event, led by the Humanity Alliance and the National Will Platform, began at the Galata Bridge. Hundreds of thousands of citizens gathered at mosques before the morning prayer and marched toward the Galata Bridge, chanting, "We do not cower, we do not remain silent, we do not forget Palestine." The event was held with the participation of approximately 400 non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Citizens gathered in front of the Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, Fatih, and Süleymaniye mosques, as well as the Eminönü New Mosque in Istanbul, and began their demonstration with Turkish and Palestinian flags in their hands. Participants met in front of the mosques before the morning prayer to join the march. Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç, AKP Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir, İlim Yayma Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Bilal Erdoğan, and several members of parliament, who gathered at the Karaköy Arap Mosque for the morning prayer, also marched toward the Galata Bridge alongside the citizens. Galatasaray Manager Okan Buruk and Deputy Chairman Abdullah Kavukcu were also among those who participated in the march.

NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM BİLAL ERDOĞAN

Speaking to members of the press during the march, Bilal Erdoğan stated that they welcomed the first morning of the new year by praying for the oppressed in Palestine. Erdoğan said, "On one hand, we are praying for the oppressed in Palestine, and on the other, we wish for the year 2026 to bring goodness to both our nation and the oppressed Palestinians." Thanking the participants, Erdoğan noted how strongly such spiritual gatherings make the public's common values felt. Erdoğan said, "May the Almighty grant the stance of this nation as a source of joy, and may He grant freedom to our Palestinian brothers," while praying for the freedom of Jerusalem in 2026.

Abdullah Ceylan, President of the ÖNDER Imam Hatip Alumni Association, also made statements regarding the march. Emphasizing that the voice of the Palestinian people must be heard, Ceylan said, "Israel's oppression has now moved every person with a conscience to stand up. 2026 will hopefully be a year when Zionism comes to an end. The cries of the oppressed in Gaza have now reached the heavens." Ceylan expressed the strength of the struggle for the freedom of the oppressed Palestinians and their shared faith. He also stated that this march would resonate not only in Turkey but all around the world. "It will be the beginning of a new year based on justice and mercy in the world," he said.

MARCH TO GALATA BRIDGE WITH CORTÈGES

Throughout the march, participants benefited from refreshments provided by various aid organizations. During the event, where bagels, tea, and soup were served, the crowd reaching the Galata Bridge was admitted to the area after passing through police checkpoints. Security measures were kept at the highest level during the event; it was observed that police teams took intensive security precautions on the bridge and in the surrounding area.

The cortèges and individual marchers who reached the Galata Bridge gathered there to voice their messages of support for Palestine strongly. The police admitted participants to the areas within the framework of security measures. Throughout the event, expectations were also expressed that similar activities would take place around the world.