A new generation of young Turks is at the forefront of mass protests against President Tayyip Erdogan’s government, demanding a change in a country that they consider more and more authoritarian.
The demonstrations broke out after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a popular opposition figure, was imprisoned pending the trial for corruption charges. Unlike the older generations that remember the heavy repression of the 2013 Gezi Park anti-government protests, today’s young protesters say they are undoubtedly dangerous.
“I think growing up under a single regime makes us a generation we are looking for a change, looking for a proof we live in a democracy,” said Yezan Atesyan, a 20 -year -old student at the Middle East Technical University (Metu).
“The idea of a force that lasts forever scares us.”
Hundreds of thousands of Turks at national level have taken into account opposition calls for protest after Imamoglu was held last week.
The protests were mainly peaceful, but more than 2,000 people have been held.
The main Republican People’s Party of the Opposition (CHP), other opposition parties, groups of rights and some Western forces said the case against Imamoglu is a politicized effort to eliminate a possible electoral threat to Erdogan.
The government denies any influence on the judiciary and says the courts are independent.
Students from all over Turkey have been mobilized, face police exclusions and water cannon trucks. Metu’s drone footage has conflict between protesters and state security forces.
A generation aside
In addition to political frustration, economic difficulties fueled the turmoil. High inflation and unemployment have made young people feel that their future is slipping away.
“I graduated in 2024, but I can’t find a job and my family is fighting financially,” the 25 -year -old demonstrator Duygu said in an opposition match in Istanbul.
She is scared of her safety, but also worries about her friends. “Some of them have already been held.”
Concerns about state response are increasing. “I don’t want to show my face because the police could come for me,” said Duygu, who is wearing a mask in protests. “If that happens, he’ll destroy my family.”
Despite the dangers, the protesters remain determined.
“This feels like our last opportunity,” Atesyan said.
“If we do not succeed, many of us will have to leave Turkey.”
The government rejects protests as political motives, but the upheaval driven by youth marks a growing gap.
“Imamoglu represents hope,” Atesyan said. “The probability of real change.”
As protests continue, the young Turks insist that their demands are simple: democracy, accountability and the future that are worth remaining.
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