Detained Istanbul Planning Agency President Buğra Gökçe speaks from Silivri: He reveals his greatest dream

Buğra Gökçe, one of the key figures in Istanbul's urban policies, was arrested on March 23, 2025, as part of an investigation into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB). Currently held in a single-person cell at Silivri Prison, Gökçe is staying in the ward previously vacated by Halk TV Editor-in-Chief Suat Toktaş. 

Responding to questions sent in writing from prison, Gökçe evaluates the process not just as a political settling of scores, but as a period in which the social conscience is being tested.

Gökçe emphasizes that the primary reason they are being targeted is that they speak the truth. In this context, referring to Czech leader Václav Havel's definition of a "regime of lies," Gökçe said, "The regime wants to establish a monopoly over the truth. We opposed this monopoly with science and data. Planning efforts tore this veil of lies, and the reaction was born from there."

HOW ARE THE PRISON CONDITIONS?

Speaking about prison conditions, Gökçe summarizes his daily life in three words: "Mopping, laundry, books." Stating that he has read more than 15 books during his time in custody, Gökçe noted that he has focused on the works of figures such as Gramsci, Lefebvre, Niyazi Berkes, and Zülfü Livaneli. Saying, "This is not a place for passive waiting, but a space of intellectual resistance," Gökçe defined Silivri as "a temporary address for those who will clean the rust off this country."

EVERYONE WHO PREPARED ISTANBUL FOR AN EARTHQUAKE IS IN PRISON 

Gökçe argues that his detention is not individual, but part of a systematic purge operation. Reminding that many names such as İBB Earthquake Risk Management Department Head Tayfun Kahraman, his successor Gürkan Akgün, former IPA President Emrah Şahan, and İBB Zoning Manager Ramazan Gülten are still in prison, Gökçe said, "Everyone who defends the right to the city is a target. Because the AKP sees Istanbul as a center for rent production." Recalling President Erdoğan's previous statement, "We have betrayed Istanbul," Gökçe said, "We are the ones standing against this betrayal."

THEY HAVE NOT GIVEN UP ON KANAL ISTANBUL 

Gökçe also criticized the decision to bring the Kanal Istanbul project back onto the agenda. "Since 2019, the public has been asked three times, and all three times the public rejected the project. But they see the public not as sovereign, but as an obstacle. Now they want to accelerate the project while we are inside. But the public will not allow this," he said.

'ONE SIDE STRUGGLES WITH HUNGER, THE OTHER GETS RICH ON RENT'

Drawing attention to the data from the Istanbul Planning Agency, Gökçe summarized the social divide in Istanbul with these words:

"On one side, millions who suffer from hunger, cannot find shelter, and send their children to school hungry; on the other side, a handful of minorities getting rich on urban rents. The gap between the two Istanbuls is widening every day."

Gökçe pointed to the support that has risen across Turkey following the arrests. "They underestimated this people. They thought they owned the title deed to them. But the people have risen up. Young people, farmers, mothers are with us. This is a popular movement, and we will win this struggle," he said.

HE REVEALED HIS DREAM 

Emphasizing that he is hopeful about the future, Gökçe concluded with the following statements:

"My dream is a Turkey where no child goes to bed hungry, where public resources are not plundered, and where science and conscience prevail. This people deserves it. This country will achieve it."

News Source: 12punto