On the Road With Protesters Marching Across Turkey to Condemn Erdogan’s Purge – New York Times
As Mr. Erdogdu and his colleagues have found, there is little romance in the physical act of plodding for so long in heat that has often approached 100 degrees. But for some, the march has huge metaphorical meaning, prompting comparisons with the Salt March, the walk Mohandas K. Gandhi took to the Indian coast in 1930 to protest British colonial rule, which thousands of others joined.
Turkeys marchers, led by the C.H.P.s mild-mannered leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, are demonstrating against a more Turkish form of injustice. After a failed military coup last summer, President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government declared a state of emergency to allow the authorities to quickly round up people accused of plotting the coup. But the state of emergency has since been expanded to stifle most forms of legitimate opposition, in what Mr. Kilicdaroglu described in a roadside interview as a civilian coup.
And it is this crackdown that Mr. Kilicdaroglu and his fellow marchers are protesting: the arrest of 50,000 people including, by several counts, more than 170 journalists and over a dozen lawmakers and the dismissal or suspension of more than 140,000 Turkish workers, including several thousand academics as well as tens of thousands of teachers, prosecutors and civil servants who were believed to be critical of Turkeys authoritarian, religiously conservative government.
As the first act of mass defiance against this purge, the march is currently the biggest event in Turkish political life, said one marcher, Sukru Kucuksahin. Once a prominent Turkish journalist, Mr. Kucuksahin has been jobless since being fired from a leading newspaper for writing columns critical of the government.
The leader of the opposition, Mr. Kucuksahin added with a hint of amazement, as if he could not quite believe what he was saying, is marching from Ankara to Istanbul.
The march is all the more surprising because Mr. Kilicdaroglu had previously been wary of unconventional forms of political opposition. Some have even argued that Mr. Erdogans continued electoral success is in part the result of Mr. Kilicdaroglus lack of dynamism and creativity.
But unusual times call for unusual measures. A recent referendum measure that gave Mr. Erdogan sweeping new powers highlighted the futility of following the conventional tactics of opposition. The vote was marred by voting irregularities, and the campaign that preceded it was not contested on a level playing field. Mr. Erdogan has also ruled by decree since the failed coup, undermining the role of Parliament and Mr. Kilicdaroglus role within it.
With the current changes it is impossible for the opposition to talk in Parliament, Mr. Kilicdaroglu said during a roadside interview. The opposition has to look for other places to do its work, and in this case, its the march.
As the C.H.P. is often criticized for failing to connect with citizens, the march is also an attempt to reach out beyond its traditional secularist base and build a broader coalition against Mr. Erdogan.
The route takes marchers through Turkeys conservative heartlands that, as one C.H.P. official, Yurter Ozcan, said, I would never in million years have even thought Id drive through.
As they walk, the marchers have eschewed all party branding in an effort to attract citizens of all political stripes. The real test of this approach will come toward the end of this week, when the marchers hope that tens of thousands of people will join them for the final stretch.
For the moment, the tactic seems to have had promising results. One of Mr. Erdogans former deputy prime ministers, Abdullatif Sener, joined the marchers for a day last week. A prominent right-wing nationalist leader, Meral Aksener, has voiced her support, as has the countrys main pro-Kurdish party. And while a majority of the marchers appear to hail from the C.H.P.s base, they also include a number of conservative Turks.
On a recent sweltering day, the man puffing along at the front of the march was Prof. Cihangir Islam, a veteran of two Islamist parties and the former husband of Turkeys first veiled lawmaker. Mr. Islam was purged from his university position this year after he signed a letter condemning a military campaign in several Kurdish cities.
I had no connection with the C.H.P. before, said Mr. Islam as he explained the varied backgrounds of the marchers. You can observe many different kinds of social classes.
Reaction from local residents, who voted heavily for Mr. Erdogans party the Justice and Development Party, or A.K.P. in the most recent elections, was more mixed. Well-wishers regularly flashed victory signs from their cars or stood on their balconies to applaud. One man, a nut farmer who said he usually voted for a rival opposition party, even bought lunch for several C.H.P. lawmakers.
But others also lined the route to hurl abuse at Mr. Kilicdaroglu and his supporters, who politely responded to the provocations with a round of applause. In a sign of disrespect, someone left a truckload of manure outside the site where the marchers pitched camp, and a bullet was left in the road.
Many flashed a four-fingered salute, known as the Rabia sign, that has become a symbol of support for Mr. Erdogan. Every few minutes cars would screech past horns blaring with a hand extending from the sunroof or window, flashing the Rabia sign.
For many residents here, Mr. Erdogan has enshrined the freedom that they care most about: the freedom to worship and express ones faith in public. They also appreciate the improvements his party has made to Turkeys infrastructure, health care system and social services, said one disapproving bystander, Ergun Keles, 22, a textile worker.
They say justice, Mr. Keles said as he waited for a bus that had been delayed by the marchers. But Ive been waiting half an hour in the sun. Is that justice?
In another nearby town, Ahmet Buyukkara, a 27-year-old waiter, dismissed the march as so much posturing. We call Kilicdaroglu the fake Gandhi, he said. The Chinese-made Gandhi.
Part of this animosity has been stoked by Mr. Erdogans party. His allies have implied that the march put Mr. Kilicdaroglu and his colleagues in an alliance with terrorists and the plotters of last summers coup. Mr. Erdogan has even hinted that Mr. Kilicdaroglu may be arrested because of his role in the march.
But for now the state is allowing the march to proceed, and even granted it the protection of a group of police officers and members of the military police. As much as Mr. Erdogan would wince at the sight of thousands of antigovernment protesters marching into Istanbul, some analysts contend that he may feel he has more to lose by rounding them up and making a hero out of Mr. Kilicdaroglu.
Even some A.K.P. supporters recognize that Kilicdaroglu has the right to march, said Howard Eissenstat, a Turkey expert at St. Lawrence University and a nonresident senior fellow at the Project on Middle East Democracy, a think tank.
A showdown in which thats prevented really plays badly for a lot of Erdogan supporters, who believe in Erdogan and believe in the A.K.P. mission but expect it to be democratic, Mr. Eissenstat added.
Mr. Kilicdaroglu is not taking anything for granted. He said he was ready to be arrested.
If we have to pay a price, he said as he prepared for the final stretch of the days marching, we will pay for it.
Excerpt from:
On the Road With Protesters Marching Across Turkey to Condemn Erdogan's Purge - New York Times
- Ukraine Proposes Leaders' Meeting With Erdogan and Trump, Agrees on Prisoner Exchange With Russia - UNITED24 Media - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Ukraine proposes meeting of leaders with participation of Erdogan and Trump and declares readiness for - ukranews.com - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Germany, Britain positive on Eurofighter jets sale to Turkey - Reuters - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- We will not leave Sharaa alone: Erdogan vows to stand by Damascus, rejects 'fragmentation of Syria - thecradle.co - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Spotify threatens to pull out of Turkey over rows on playlists targeting Erdogan's spending - The Jerusalem Post - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan, Starmer discuss progress on Eurofighter jets sale to Turkey - MarketScreener - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan says Germany, Britain positive on Eurofighter jets sale to Turkey - AL-Monitor - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan says Germany, Britain positive on Eurofighter jets sale to Turkey - MSN - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan Family Shipping Scandal: Behind the Curtain of Turkeys Trade With Israel - Greatreporter - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan says Germany, Britain positive on Eurofighter jets sale to Turkey - Yahoo Home - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan: world must accept reality of two states on Cyprus - eKathimerini.com - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Erdogan visits Turkish-occupied north Cyprus on 51st anniversary of 1974 invasion - eKathimerini.com - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Erdogan honours martyrs on 51st anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operation - TRT Global - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Turkey's Erdogan condemns 'pampered and desparate' Israel after its military actions in Syria - Yahoo Home - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Terror state Israel using Druze as pretext to expand into Syria - The Times of Israel - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Erdogan claims Israels Syria strikes unacceptable and a threat to the entire region - The Times of Israel - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Turkey Opposition Accuses Erdogan of Political Witch-Hunt - Bloomberg - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Israels aggression against Syria poses the biggest problem in the region Syrian Arab News Agency - - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Israeli strikes threat to entire region: Erdogan tells al-Sharaa - Al Arabiya English - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Erdogan calls for unity against terrorism on anniversary of failed coup - Trkiye Today - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- 'Century of Trkiye' vision turning into reality: President Erdogan - Trkiye Today - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Outdated Video of Erdogan in Traditional Clothing Resurfaces After PKK Disarmament - - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- President Erdogan frames emerging 'Jerusalem Alliance' of Turks, Kurds, and Arabs - Trkiye Today - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Erdogan to Iraqi PM: We aim to uproot terrorism for good - Shafaq News - - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Trkiye committed to wiping out terrorism across region: Erdogan - Trkiye Today - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Erdogan, Aliyev discuss ties and security across South Caucasus - AnewZ - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Erdogan blocks Musks AI bot after it insults his mother - telegraph.co.uk - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Turkish Police Detain Three More Mayors From Party Opposed to Erdogan - The Wall Street Journal - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Terrorism-free Trkiye will bring about positive results - Latest news from Azerbaijan - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Terrorism-free Trkiye 'will bring about positive results': Erdogan - TRT Global - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Erdogan draws parallels between Srebrenica Genocide and Gaza in 30th anniversary message - Trkiye Today - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Erdogan's top economy advisor Yigit Bulut dies after prolonged illness - Trkiye Today - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Turkey detains hundreds of Erdogan opponents in pursuit of 'octopus' of corruption - Reuters - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- President Erdogan will 'deliver a historic speech' on July 12: Spokesperson - Trkiye Today - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Turkish President Erdogan Cracks Down on the Opposition Party - The National Interest - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Turkey Blocks Grok AI on X for Alleged Insults to Erdogan, Atatrk, and Religious Values - Greek City Times - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Turkey Blocks Grok Content For Alleged Humiliation Of Erdogan And Religious Values - VOI.ID - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Trkiye bans Elon Musks AI chatbot Grok over insults to Erdogan, Ataturk - Trkiye Today - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- As Erdogan cracks down on opposition, is Turkey headed to early election? - Firstpost - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Erdogan Says Yerevan is More Flexible on So-Called Zangezur Corridor - Asbarez - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- 3 mayors arrested in southern Turkey as part of crackdown on opposition to Erdogan - The Times of Israel - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Erdogan expects F-35 deliveries during Trump presidency, rejects Greek concerns - Defence Industry Europe - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Erdogan meets with pro-Kurdish party delegation in 'historic' peace talks - Trkiye Today - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Turkeys pro-Kurdish party will meet with President Erdogan By Reuters - Investing.com - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Erdogan says asked Trump to intervene over shootings at Gaza aid centers - The Times of Israel - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan confident Turkey to be readmitted to F-35 programme - The New Arab - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Turkish Police Detain Three More Mayors From Party Opposed to Erdogan - WSJ - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan confident Turkey will receive F-35 jets under deal with Trump - eKathimerini.com - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Peace with Kurds to gain momentum as PKK starts laying down arms - kurdistan24.net - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan says PKK arms decision will accelerate peace process - Trkiye Today - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- PKK disarmament to boost peace with Kurds: Erdogan - New Age BD - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan and Sharif discuss trade expansion and Gaza crisis at Azerbaijan summit - Trkiye Today - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Armenias vision of unblocking anchored on sovereignty and national jurisdiction: Foreign Ministry responds to Erdogan - Armenpress - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan: I truly believe Khankendi will become a center of peace - Latest news from Azerbaijan - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- As Trump Pushes Syria Toward Israel, Erdogan Asks What's in It for Him - Haaretz - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Erdogan vows action against magazine over alleged religious insult - rudaw.net - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Erdogan pushes for F-35 deal with US in bid to strengthen Turkey's Air Force, expert says - The Jerusalem Post - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Turkey agrees to increase water flow to Iraq after meeting between Al-Mashhadani and Erdogan - Iraqi News - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- President Erdogan to visit Azerbaijan for Economic Cooperation Organization Summit - Trkiye Today - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- U.S. envoy expects Trump, Erdogan to resolve arms sanctions on Turkey this year -Anadolu - Reuters - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Erdogan reiterates gratitude to Azerbaijan for earthquake relief support - Latest news from Azerbaijan - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Erdogan hails 2024 as record year for exports, pledges continued growth in 2025 - TRT Global - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- US envoy expects Trump, Erdogan to resolve arms sanctions on Turkiye this year - Arab News - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- EUs aid to Turkey diverted to spying operations in Europe by Erdogan govt - Nordic Monitor - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Trump, Erdogan hold first meeting at NATO as ties warm: What to know - AL-Monitor - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- President Erdogan condemns terrorist attack in Pakistan near Afghan border - Trkiye Today - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Erdogan Claims Progress in Bid to Secure F-35 Fighter Jet From United States - Foundation for Defense of Democracies - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Turkey hopes for progress on F-35 jets after Trump meeting, Erdogan says - The Times of Israel - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Trump would join Ukraine peace talks in Turkey if Putin attends - Reuters - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- World Juniors Qualifier Talya Erdogan is Headed to George Washington University for 2025 - SwimSwam - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Turkeys Erdogan says positive developments on Eurofighter jets - eKathimerini.com - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan with Trump after five years: why can they get along better now? - Yetkin Report - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Trkiye in talks with the US to rejoin F-35 programme, says Erdogan - TRT Global - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Turkey hopes for progress on F-35s after Trump meeting - Investing.com - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan said that the Russian S-400 air defense systems are not enough to protect Turkey - EADaily - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan says wont let terror drag Syria back to instability - arabnews.jp - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Erdogan to attend June 2425 NATO summit in The Hague as allies mull defense spending hike - Trkiye Today - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Israel-Iran war near point of no return, vows to boost missile production - The Times of Israel - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Armenian prime minister discusses reconciliation with Erdogan in landmark Turkey visit - AP News - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Armenian prime minister to meet Erdogan in rare visit to Turkey aimed at mending ties - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]