A new generation of young Turks is at the forefront of large -scale protests against President Tayyip Erdogan’s government, seeking changes in a country that they look fast as ruling.
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, after a popular opposition, demonstrations were demonstrated, corruption allegations were prosecuted. Unlike the older generations, which recalls a huge rift on the Government’s Government Gazy Park protests, today’s young protesters say they are unaffected by risks.
Yizan Atasian, a 20 -year -old student at the Middle East Technical University (Metu), said, “I think that only grows us under one rule that makes us a generation that is looking for change, we live in a democracy, we live in a democracy.”
“The idea of a power that scares us forever.”
Thousands of nationwide Turks have protested to protest against protests since Imamoglu was detained last week.
Protests have been mostly peaceful, but over 2,000 people have been detained.
The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), other opposition parties, rights groups and some Western powers have stated that the case against Imamoglu is a political effort to eliminate the possible electoral threat to Erdogan.
The government denies any impact on the judiciary and says that the courts are independent.
Students from all over Türkiye have gathered, police are facing blockade and water cannon trucks. Drone footage from Metu captured clashes between protesters and state security forces.
Shore on a generation
Beyond political frustration, economic difficulty has promoted unrest. High inflation and unemployment have felt young people that their future is slipping.
“I graduated in 2024, but I am not getting a job, and my family struggles financially,” said 25 -year -old guards at a opposition rally in Istanbul.
She is afraid of her safety but also worries about her friends. “Some of them have already been detained.”
Concerns on the state’s response are increasing. “I don’t want to show my face because the police may come to me,” Dugug said, who wears a mask in the protest. “If this happens, it will destroy my family.”
Despite the risks, protesters remain firm.
“It sounds like our last chance,” said Atis.
“If we do not succeed, many of us have to leave Turkey.”
The government dismisses protests as politically motivated, but young-managed disturbance indicates a growing division.
“Imamoglu represents Asha,” Etiison said. “Possibility of real change.”
As the opposition continues, the youth emphasize that their demands are simple: democracy, accountability, and living for the future.
