'Gaza' rally on Galata Bridge: Strong message of support from Bilal Erdoğan

While the words of AKP Chairman and President Erdoğan, who said that 'Taksim Square is not a rally venue' regarding the repeated demands for "May 1st in Taksim", are still fresh in memory, a 'Gaza' rally was held today by TÜGVA on the Galata Bridge, which is also not a 'rally area'.

Speaking at the rally, Bilal Erdoğan said, "Let no one think that Turkey is sleeping. Gaza is not alone, Palestine is not without a protector, and Syria is not on its own. We are here, Turkey is here."

On the first day of the new year in Istanbul, a march for Palestine titled "Yesterday Hagia Sophia, Today Umayyad, Tomorrow Al-Aqsa" was held with the participation of 400 non-governmental organizations.

Groups gathered at Hagia Sophia and various other mosques marched in a procession to the Galata Bridge, which is 'not a rally area'.

BILAL ERDOĞAN DELIVERED A SPEECH

President Erdoğan’s son, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the İlim Yayma Foundation and member of the TÜGVA High Advisory Board, Bilal Erdoğan, condemned the genocide in Gaza and said, "Let no one think that Turkey is sleeping. We are here with our anger, our protests, and our prayers. Gaza is not alone, Palestine is not without a protector, and Syria is not on its own. We are here, Turkey is here."

THEY GATHERED AT HAGIA SOPHIA IN THE MORNING

At the call of the Turkey Youth Foundation (TÜGVA), which is close to the AKP, participants gathered in front of the Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, Eminönü New Mosque, Fatih, and Süleymaniye mosques for the demonstration held under the slogans "We are waking up the world," "Yesterday Hagia Sophia, today Umayyad, tomorrow Al-Aqsa," and "A sun is rising," and marched to the Galata Bridge in processions.

"LET NO ONE THINK THAT TURKEY IS SLEEPING"

AKP Chairman and President Erdoğan's son, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the İlim Yayma Foundation and member of the TÜGVA High Advisory Board, Bilal Erdoğan, condemned the genocide in Gaza.

"Let no one think that Turkey is sleeping. We are standing tall. We are here with our anger, our protests, and our prayers," he said.

Emphasizing that Gaza is not alone, Palestine is not without a protector, and Syria is not on its own, Erdoğan used the expressions, "We are here, Turkey is here."

Adding that Turkey is always by their side, Erdoğan reminded that it is the 453rd day of the genocide in Gaza and said, "Zionist Nazi Israel is slaughtering everyone. It is destroying hospitals, targeting mosques and churches. It is basely attacking the places where the oppressed take refuge."

"WE ARE ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE"

Stating that more than 50 thousand people have lost their lives, Erdoğan said, "Humanity is dying in Gaza, conscience is dying. Just as Hagia Sophia freed itself from its chains, and just as the Umayyad Mosque was saved from a bloodthirsty dictator, I hope the sun of freedom and justice will also rise in Al-Aqsa Mosque."

Adding that Gaza will emerge from the siege victorious, Erdoğan said, "We will stand by the oppressed people of Gaza. I am calling out to Gaza, Palestine, and Syria. We are here. We are always by your side, and we will always remain by your side. We will always be with them with more than we can do."

BRIDGE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC

Since the roads leading to the bridge were closed to traffic, participants arrived at the area by walking from designated points and by boats. Citizens on the boats accompanied the demonstration by lighting torches and waving Turkish and Palestinian flags.

In the middle of the bridge, where extensive security measures were taken, a giant banner with the words "Stop the Genocide in Gaza" written in Turkish and English, along with Turkish and Palestinian flags, were displayed.

Some participants carried placards reading "Even if my hands and feet are tied, my heart is not" and "A sun is rising."

Those who chanted slogans and recited takbirs accompanied the music by waving the flags in their hands.

Some of those who participated in the march drew "Free Palestine" graffiti in the area.

Many people who came from the Sirkeci station of the Marmaray joined the procession from Eminönü. Congestion occurred in public transport vehicles and at stops due to those coming to the bridge.

WHO ATTENDED THE MARCH?

The march was attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, former Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Mustafa Şentop, Chairman of the Free Cause Party (HÜDA PAR) Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu, AKP Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK) member Mahir Ünal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the İlim Yayma Foundation and member of the TÜGVA High Advisory Board Bilal Erdoğan, TÜGVA Chairman İbrahim Beşinci, Chairwoman of the Women and Democracy Foundation (KADEM) Assoc. Prof. Saliha Okur Gümrükçüoğlu, Memur-Sen Chairman Ali Yalçın, HAK-İş Chairman Mahmut Arslan, many members of parliament, and district mayors.