Hundreds of Thousands Rally for Palestine in Istanbul on New Year's Day
Istanbul witnessed a massive show of solidarity with Palestine on the first morning of the new year, as hundreds of thousands gathered for a large-scale march on Galata Bridge. Around 520,000 people took part in the demonstration, organised under the coordination of the Turkish Youth Foundation (TUGVA) with the support of the Humanity Alliance and the National Will Platform.
Istanbul witnessed a massive show of solidarity with Palestine on the first morning of the new year, as hundreds of thousands gathered for a large-scale march on Galata Bridge. Around 520,000 people took part in the demonstration, organised under the coordination of the Turkish Youth Foundation (TUGVA) with the support of the Humanity Alliance and the National Will Platform.
More than 400 civil society organisations backed the march, during which participants stressed that the ongoing violence in Gaza would not be ignored. Demonstrators called for an end to the attacks and expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Gathering after dawn prayers
Before the march, residents of Istanbul came together for dawn prayers at the city’s historic mosques, including Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Suleymaniye and the Yeni Mosque in Eminonu. Following the prayers, crowds carrying Turkish and Palestinian flags walked toward Galata Bridge.
Despite freezing temperatures, turnout remained high. Security measures were increased across the area, particularly around Sultanahmet Square, and hot drinks were distributed to participants. Ministers, senior officials and figures listed in the state protocol also joined the march, which officially began at 8.30 am local time.
Symbols of Palestine on Galata Bridge
A large image of “Hanzala,” the iconic character created by late Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali, was displayed on a building behind the main stage. The programme also featured performances by well-known artists, including Maher Zain, Esat Kabakli and the band Grup Yuruyus, who voiced their support for Palestine.
Emphasis on unity and prayer
Speaking to the press, Bilal Erdogan, chair of the Ilim Yayma Foundation’s Board of Trustees and a member of TUGVA’s High Advisory Board, said the new year had begun with prayers for Palestine. He highlighted the spiritual significance of gathering in mosques at dawn on the first day of the year, noting that the growing participation each year reflected the strength of social unity.
Strong messages from TUGVA leadership
Addressing the crowd, TUGVA Chair Ibrahim Besinci described Galata Bridge as a “platform of conscience,” bringing together people from different backgrounds in a shared moral stance. He drew attention to the scale of destruction in Gaza, stating that tens of thousands of civilians had been killed and thousands of families wiped out.
Besinci also commemorated three police officers who were killed days earlier during an operation against the Daesh terrorist organisation in northwestern Türkiye.
Support from the sports community
Ahead of the march, leading figures from major Turkish football clubs publicly expressed their support and encouraged public participation. Statements highlighted the heavy civilian toll in Gaza since October 2023, including the deaths of thousands of children.
“Roots” installation highlights cultural resistance
An art installation titled “Roots” was unveiled on Galata Bridge as part of the programme. Featuring an olive tree rising from rubble alongside scattered books, musical instruments and a camera, the installation symbolised memory, resilience and resistance to cultural erasure. The message “We Will Stay Here,” written in three languages, underscored the determination of the Palestinian people.