Tens of Thousands March in Istanbul to Show Solidarity with Palestine

Tens of thousands marched across Istanbul in a peaceful demonstration of solidarity with Palestine, calling for an end to the war and expressing support for Palestinians. Organised by the Humanitarian Alliance and National Will Platform, the rally included prayers at major mosques, chants, banners, and civic participation, with volunteers providing refreshments. Leaders and participants highlighted growing national solidarity and hope for justice and peace in Gaza in 2026.

Tens of thousands of people converged across Istanbul on Thursday to participate in a massive march held in solidarity with Palestine, sending a resounding message against the ongoing war and calling for an end to the suffering of Palestinians. The demonstration, which attracted citizens from all walks of life, highlighted the growing concern and empathy among the Turkish public for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and other Palestinian territories affected by conflict.
The event, named “We Do Not Remain Silent, We Do Not Forget Palestine,” was organised jointly by the Humanitarian Alliance and the National Will Platform. More than 400 civil society organisations came together to coordinate the march, reflecting the widespread commitment of non-governmental groups, religious institutions, and civic bodies in expressing support for Palestinians. The rally served not only as a show of solidarity but also as a platform for raising awareness about the ongoing hardships faced by Palestinian families, including displacement, casualties, and restrictions on basic freedoms.
Participants began their day in the early morning hours by performing the Fajr (dawn) prayer at some of Istanbul’s most prominent mosques. Key locations included the Ayasofya Grand Mosque, Sultanahmet Mosque, Fatih Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, and the Eminonu Yeni Cami. The prayers provided a solemn and unifying start to the day’s activities, reinforcing the spiritual dimension of the march for many attendees. Following the prayers, groups of participants set off in long processions toward Galata Bridge, creating a striking visual display of flags, banners, and traditional keffiyehs worn in solidarity with Palestinians.
Marchers waved both Turkish and Palestinian flags, chanting slogans such as “From Istanbul to Gaza, a thousand greetings to the resistance” and “Free Palestine.” The chants reverberated across the streets of the city, drawing attention from residents and visitors alike, and conveying a strong message of unity and unwavering support for Palestinian rights. Organisers emphasised that the march was intended to be a peaceful demonstration, focused on raising awareness and calling for justice rather than provoking violence.
Among those addressing the crowds was Bilal Erdogan, chairman of the İlim Yayma Foundation, who spoke about the increasing strength of civic solidarity in Turkey. He highlighted that participation in the annual event had been growing each year, saying, “Every year, participation expands, and today we feel the strength of our shared values as a nation.” Erdogan also offered prayers for the freedom of Palestinians and for the city of Jerusalem, underscoring the moral and religious significance of the gathering for many participants.
Other civic and religious leaders also joined the march, including Abdullah Ozdemir, head of the AK Party’s Istanbul branch, and Abdullah Ceylan, president of the ONDER İmam Hatipliler Association. Their presence reflected a cross-section of support for the Palestinian cause that extended beyond grassroots activism to institutional and political endorsement. Participants carried large banners with messages such as “Justice for Palestine, Conscience for the World,” which drew attention to what they described as the ongoing injustice and human rights violations in the region.
Volunteers played a key role in sustaining the marchers, providing tea, soup, and simit along the route to ensure participants could continue the long walk without disruption. The event was meticulously organised to maintain both the symbolic and practical aspects of solidarity, ensuring that the march remained orderly and peaceful.
Police maintained a significant security presence throughout the march route to safeguard participants and bystanders, yet organisers consistently emphasised that the demonstration was a peaceful, nonviolent expression of public sentiment. The focus remained on raising awareness, showing solidarity with Palestinians, and calling for international attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Many participants expressed hope that the year 2026 would bring tangible change, justice, and peace for the people of Gaza and other Palestinian regions affected by conflict. The rally was described by attendees as a “powerful message of solidarity,” projecting the voices of Istanbul’s citizens to the global community and reinforcing Turkey’s position as a supporter of Palestinian rights. For those involved, the demonstration represented not only political and social advocacy but also a moral and spiritual commitment to standing with Palestinians in their struggle for freedom, dignity, and justice.
The scale, organisation, and sustained energy of the march underscored the deep resonance of the Palestinian cause among ordinary citizens and civic leaders alike. It reflected both a growing awareness of international humanitarian issues and a desire to actively participate in expressing solidarity in a visible, collective manner. As the day concluded, participants dispersed with renewed determination, carrying the message of support from Istanbul to the wider world, reaffirming that public voices and civic action continue to play a vital role in advocating for peace and justice in Palestine.