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The writer is the mayor of Istanbul. Writes from Silivri Prison
Europe and Asia and Asia and Asia and Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey, cultures and conflict zones are seated. North, Russia’s war in Ukraine. South, to the Middle East. After all this, Turkey remains a key player of global trade, security and diplomacy. Our direction is important – not only us, but to the stability of the international order.
Since the autumn of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey offered a mandatory model: Muslims, most of the Muslim, worldly, the modernity of democratic republic. However, Under Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 22nd rule, this model was opened, he said. Democratic institutions were eroded, the opposition was criminalized and the court system was armed. This democratic decay has deepened the economic crisis and spreads social despair.
In 2019, I looked for an alternative since being the mayor of Istanbul. In comparison with Erdogan’s authoritarian populism – promises, delivery in a short time – we presented what I said Net Larm: A civil model based on human dignity, practical solutions and public trust. This vision was confirmed in 2024 when 16 million inhabitants of Istanbul were elected a resident for the third time. The victory was part of the National Success of the Broadgy for the People’s Party (CHP). The message became clear: the people of Turkey are ready to change.
As folk support, I declared my candidacy for the presidency. However, instead of respecting this momentum, the government increased his raid. To prevent municipal services, our leadership was flooded with research and threats. My university diploma – required and arbitrarily required for three decades ago and for the presidential office. Then, on March 19, my candidacy should be officially approved four days ago, hundreds of police surrounded my homes. I was informed about terrorism, including terrorism, including terrorism, including terrorism and municipal colleagues.
I write these words from a cell in Silivri prison, many other chosen officials, scientists, journalists and activists are held. I have not been arrested on a handful of words “confidential witnesses” based on several hearing. There is no confidence against me. I am a political prisoner.
It is not a victory for Erdogan to place me behind the iron bars. On the contrary, causing awakening. The students took the streets for the first time. Hundreds of thousands of thousands of participated – Otroots were closed to organizing rallies and launched against boycotting against boycotts Erdogan’s protection networks. More than 15 million citizens participated in the open premarity of the CHP as a presidential candidate. This is a collective stand for our democratic future.
An attempt to remove from me, the Central Bank created a binding crisis to burn the Turkish lira to burn the spare tools. After the close deputation of 2023, the estimated thing as a refund of “rational” economic policy was abandoned quickly to live politically.
Turkey’s stability has never focused only on its citizens. NATO’s second largest army is signed and our political orientation has been a long-term European, transplantic alliance and the Caucasus region for a long time to join the EU. The war in Ukraine showed how important the rapidly strategic coordination in this geopolitical arc. Developments in Syria and the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, show how soon the borders will begin.
In each of these theaters, a democratic, secular Turkey is simply useful – it is important. The EU is necessary to have a democratic Turkey as they try to strengthen against the growing difficulties. A regime that silenced youth, a fearless regime will deepen the regional variability.
Our geography and industrial database are a natural partner as the reinstatement of global supply chains. However, this potential can be carried out only if the country is managed by reliable, transparent and economic policy based on rules. Otherwise, the investor does not have a trust, but another place.
For more than the two centuries, the Turkish people fought for the Constitution, civil representation and justice – the authoritarianism rejected the Naturous Mihthi in Turkey. Democratic solidarity in the world is already important to build our common future. A democratic rear support wave can start in Turkey. I believe that the push will start here.
