Tens of thousands march in Istanbul in solidarity with Palestine

Tens of thousands of people have gathered across Istanbul to march in solidarity with Palestine, calling for an end to war on Palestinians.

The “We Do Not Remain Silent, We Do Not Forget Palestine” rally, organised by the Humanitarian Alliance and the National Will Platform, brought together more than 400 civil society organisations.

Participants began their day on Thursday by performing the Fajr (dawn) prayer at major mosques including Ayasofya Grand Mosque, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Suleymaniye, and Eminonu Yeni Cami. From there, groups set off toward Galata Bridge, waving Turkish and Palestinian flags, wearing keffiyehs, and chanting slogans such as “From Istanbul to Gaza, a thousand greetings to the resistance” and “Free Palestine.”

Bilal Erdogan, chairman of the İlim Yayma Foundation, addressed the crowds, emphasising the growing solidarity among citizens. “Every year, participation expands, and today we feel the strength of our shared values as a nation,” he said, adding prayers for freedom for Palestinians and for Jerusalem.

Other civic and religious leaders, including Abdullah Ozdemir, AK Party Istanbul branch head, and ONDER İmam Hatipliler Association President Abdullah Ceylan, joined the march.

Participants carried banners reading “Justice for Palestine, Conscience for the World” and frequently raised voices with chants condemning Israeli brutal actions. Volunteers provided tea, soup, and simit along the route.

Police maintained tight security along the march route, but organisers described the rally as a peaceful demonstration of public support for Palestinians.

Many participants expressed hope that 2026 would bring justice, peace, and an end to the suffering in Gaza, calling the demonstration a “powerful message of solidarity” from Istanbul to the world.