Over 450,000 rally in Istanbul for Gaza, calling for justice, end to Israeli occupation
On Jan. 1, 2025, over 450,000 people gathered at Istanbul’s iconic Galata Bridge to protest the ongoing violence in Gaza and show solidarity with the Palestinian people. The demonstration, organized by the National Will Platform—a coalition of about 400 nongovernment organizations (NGO)s—called for an end to the Israeli occupation and the mass killings in Gaza.
Marching for Gaza: From mosques to the bridge
The protest began with participants gathering at major mosques around Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, Fatih, and Eminonu, for morning prayers. Afterward, the crowd—comprising people of all ages, including children, older adults and young adults—marched to the bridge, waving Turkish and Palestinian flags, showing sympathy and support for Gaza, and chanting slogans like “We are waking up the world,” “Yesterday Ayasofya, today Umayyad, tomorrow Al-Aqsa,” and “A sun is rising.”
With some roads leading to the bridge closed, many participants walked or arrived by boat, waving flags and torches along the way.
The event was closely monitored by security, with several safety measures in place. Charity organizations distributed food and beverages such as simit (Turkish bread rings), tea, and soup to the participants.
Yürüyüşe, TBMM Milli Savunma Komisyonu Başkanı ve AK Parti Kayseri Milletvekili Hulusi Akar da katıldı. ( Bünyamin Çelik – Anadolu Ajansı )
Yürüyüşe, Sanayi ve Teknoloji Bakanı Mehmet Fatih Kacır (sağ 2), Ticaret Bakanı Ömer Bolat (sağda), eski TBMM Başkanı Mustafa Şentop (solda), TBMM Milli Savunma Komisyonu Başkanı ve AK Parti Kayseri Milletvekili Hulusi Akar (sol 2) da katıldı. ( Bünyamin Çelik – Anadolu Ajansı )
Yürüyüşe, Sanayi ve Teknoloji Bakanı Mehmet Fatih Kacır (sağ 2), eski TBMM Başkanı Mustafa Şentop (sağ 4), TBMM Milli Savunma Komisyonu Başkanı ve AK Parti Kayseri Milletvekili Hulusi Akar (sağ 3) Esenler Belediye Başkanı Mehmet Tevfik Göksu (sağ 5) da katıldı. ( Bünyamin Çelik – Anadolu Ajansı )
Yürüyüşe, İlim Yayma Vakfı Mütevelli Heyeti Başkanı ve TÜGVA Yüksek İstişare Kurulu Üyesi Bilal Erdoğan da katıldı. ( Bünyamin Çelik – Anadolu Ajansı )
Prominent figures in attendance
The rally saw the participation of several key Turkish officials, including Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir, and former Parliament Speaker Mustafa Sentop.
Other notable figures, such as Hur Dava Partisi (HUDA PAR) leader Zekeriya Yapıcıoglu, AK Party Group Deputy Chair Ozlem Zengin, and various members of the Turkish Parliament, were also present.
Bilal Erdogan, Vice President of Ilim Yayma Vakfi and a member of TUGVA’s High Advisory Board, as well as other leaders from NGOs, including Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar from KADEM, also addressed the crowd.
Symbols of resistance, solidarity
The demonstrators carried powerful messages of unity in their opposition to the violence in Gaza. A large banner reading “Stop Genocide in Gaza” in both Turkish and English was prominently displayed on the bridge, flanked by Turkish and Palestinian flags.
Other signs featured slogans such as “Gaza, where children do not grow” and “Jerusalem (al-Quds) is ours,” reflecting the protesters’ strong emotions and calls for justice.
Some protesters displayed powerful symbols, such as a headless mannequin, representing the brutality of the ongoing violence.
Another participant held a “Baby Killer” placard while carrying a toy baby in a crib, symbolizing the tragic toll on innocent lives. These visual elements resonated deeply with the crowd, underscoring the demand for international intervention and justice for Palestinians.
Speeches of solidarity
Throughout the event, several key figures delivered impassioned speeches condemning the violence in Gaza. Bilal Erdogan addressed the crowd, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Gaza, Palestine, and the liberation of Al-Aqsa. He denounced Israel’s actions and made it clear that Türkiye would continue to stand by Palestine.
Ali Yalcin, chairman of Memur-Sen, spoke on behalf of the Palestine Support Platform. He called for the international community to take a stand against genocide and support the Palestinian cause. Yalcin expressed confidence that despite the current hardships, Gazans would ultimately achieve their freedom.
Security, support for participants
Authorities implemented extensive security measures, with police checkpoints and close monitoring of the event area.
Despite the large turnout, the demonstration proceeded peacefully, with charity organizations providing food and beverages, creating a sense of community and solidarity throughout the day.
Global call for action: “Stop the genocide in Gaza”
As the demonstration continued, speakers urged the international community to take immediate action to end the violence in Gaza. Protesters, many visibly emotional, expressed frustration over the international silence and called for urgent interventions, including a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a political solution that respects Palestinian rights.
Event ends with prayer, solidarity
The demonstration concluded with a prayer led by Huseyin Kader, General Secretary of the National Will Platform. Afterward, participants began to disperse, with many either taking public transport or visiting charity booths set up on-site to contribute to Gaza relief efforts.
The rally served as a powerful reminder of the strength of solidarity and the collective voice of those calling for justice for Palestine and drawing focus to Gaza and Gazans.
Despite the immense challenges faced by the Gazans, the demonstrators sent a clear message that their fight for freedom will continue, urging the international community to act and stop the violence and suffering.
