Turkey Ends Another Turbulent Year Amid Protests, Crackdowns and Uncertain Peace Efforts

Summary:

Turkey closed the year under mounting political tension, marked by mass protests, an intensified crackdown on opposition figures and journalists, fragile peace efforts with the Kurds, and renewed security and foreign policy challenges. While moments of national unity briefly emerged, deep political polarisation continued to define the country’s trajectory.

Protests After Imamoglu’s Arrest

The arrest and imprisonment of Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul’s mayor and a leading presidential challenger, triggered widespread protests across Turkey, particularly in Istanbul. Tens of thousands took to the streets demanding his release, prompting heavy police intervention, including the use of tear gas and mass detentions.

İmamoğlu, seen as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s strongest electoral rival, remains behind bars, reinforcing domestic and international concerns over democratic backsliding and the politicisation of the judiciary.

Fragile Kurdish Peace Process

In a rare development, imprisoned Kurdistan Workers’ Party founder Abdullah Öcalan issued a call for militants to lay down their arms as part of renewed peace talks with Ankara. In response, members of the PKK staged a symbolic weapons-burning ceremony, signalling willingness to pursue negotiations and potentially end the four-decade conflict.

Despite this gesture, the talks face major obstacles, including the absence of an amnesty framework and limited public support among both Turkish and Kurdish communities. For many Kurds, expectations centre on cultural rights, equal citizenship and an end to political repression — outcomes that remain uncertain.

Pressure on the Opposition

Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), held multiple extraordinary congresses amid legal scrutiny from courts widely viewed as aligned with the government. Authorities alleged irregularities in internal party elections, claims the CHP strongly denies.

Party leader Özgür Özel has accused the government of using judicial pressure to weaken the opposition at a time of rising political volatility.

Military Modernisation and Setbacks

Following its removal from the F-35 programme and stalled efforts to procure F-16 jets from the United States, Turkey turned to Europe to modernise its air force. Ankara signed an agreement with the UK, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets.

Analysts caution that the deal offers only a temporary fix to Turkey’s long-term air power challenges. Concerns over military readiness were heightened after a Turkish military aircraft crashed in Georgia in November, killing all 20 personnel onboard and prompting a period of national mourning.

Press Freedom Under Strain

The year also saw a sharp escalation in pressure on independent media. Veteran journalist Fatih Altaylı was sentenced to four years and two months in prison on charges of “threatening the president” over comments made on his YouTube channel.

The verdict drew condemnation from rights groups, media organisations and opposition figures, who said it highlighted the shrinking space for free expression and growing restrictions on digital platforms.

A Rare Sporting Bright Spot

Amid the political and social strain, Turkey briefly united around sport. The national basketball team reached the final of EuroBasket 2025, securing a silver medal after a closely fought loss to Germany. The achievement offered a rare moment of shared national pride in an otherwise deeply polarised year.

Outlook

As Turkey enters the new year, unresolved political disputes, fragile peace initiatives and persistent concerns over rule of law continue to cloud the outlook. While the government maintains firm control, rising social tension and economic uncertainty suggest that stability remains elusive.

Source: Balkan Insight

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