A large crowd gathered on Galata Bridge early Jan. 1 for a march in support of Palestinians, organized under the Humanity Alliance and the National Will Platform, chaired by Bilal Erdoğan, son of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
According to organizers, representatives from about 400 civil society groups took part in the march, which followed morning prayers at major mosques including Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, Süleymaniye, Fatih and the New Mosque in Eminönü. Participants carried Turkish and Palestinian flags and chanted, “We do not bow, we do not stay silent, we do not forget Palestine.”
Anadolu Agency reported attendance at more than half a million people. Some participants wore keffiyehs in solidarity with Gaza, while banners reading “Justice for Gaza” in Turkish and English were displayed on the bridge.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç and Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak were among the officials who joined the march, along with lawmakers, mayors and representatives of civic and religious organizations.
Bilal Erdoğan said participants marked the start of the new year with prayers for Palestinians and peace. He also said Turkey had halted trade with Israel and that the effort would continue until Gaza, Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque were free.
Police imposed tight security measures around the bridge and nearby mosques, while aid groups distributed food and hot drinks to those attending.
