Youth-Led Protests Signal Growing Resistance in Türkiye After Imamoglu’s Detention

Following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, university students have emerged at the forefront of Türkiye’s largest protests in over a decade, challenging President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government amid accusations of political repression and a deepening economic crisis.

“We are fed up with the oppression,” said an Istanbul university student, reflecting widespread frustration over the perceived politicization of the judiciary and the broader erosion of democratic freedoms.

“It’s not just about Imamoglu. It’s about justice, the economy, inflation, femicide — everything,” another student emphasized, highlighting the breadth of dissatisfaction fueling the demonstrations.

Youth Defy Fear Amid Harsh Crackdowns

Despite fear of arrest, young protesters continue to mobilize. Sezin Oney, a political commentator with Halk TV, noted that the youth acted as the vanguard of the protests, driven by anger over corruption, nepotism, and the lack of meritocracy.

“Even if you get the best education, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have connections,” Oney said. “They are fighting for justice and democracy — values they feel the current government no longer represents.”

The movement has even spread to high schools, where students protested after mass redeployments of teachers across the country, signaling a wider youth rebellion.

Economic Collapse Unites a Divided Generation

According to Can Selcuki of Istanbul Economics Research, shared economic hardship is dissolving traditional divides between secular and religious youth.

“As the economy spirals down, identity politics lose power. Economic despair is uniting young people from all backgrounds,” Selcuki explained.

Facing double-digit inflation and sky-high youth unemployment, Türkiye’s young generation — once a key demographic targeted for political loyalty — is increasingly demanding systemic change.

Government Response: Crackdowns and New Laws

In response to the unrest, authorities have launched mass arrests, with prosecutors seeking up to three-year prison sentences for hundreds of mostly student protesters. Allegations of mistreatment in custody have surfaced, though the government denies them.

Additionally, new legislation is reportedly being drafted to criminalize “disturbing public order,” potentially enabling broader crackdowns on dissent.

“The youth feel they have nothing to lose now,” said Oney. “Even with more arrests, the protests are unlikely to stop.”

Türkiye at a Crossroads: Resistance or Exodus?

While Türkiye is already witnessing a record exodus of educated youth, many protesters insist that staying and resisting is their only viable option. For them, the fight is no longer just political — it is about securing their future within their own country.