Protests fail to deter tourists as Istanbul remains a hotspot
For a brief moment, Turkey might have feared that the nearly two-week-long protests would impact its tourism industry. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Travelers continue to visit Turkey's cities, with Istanbul's attractions remaining at the forefront.
Since March 19, the largest protests in a decade have been taking place in Turkey, sparked by the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. According to the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs, nearly 1,900 people have been detained so far. The politician faces charges of corruption and ties to a terrorist organization. Based on these charges, he was imprisoned on March 23 for further proceedings. On the same day, the CHP chose him as their candidate for the 2028 presidential elections, and on Wednesday, March 26, Nuri Aslan, also a CHP member, was appointed as the new mayor of Istanbul.
The tense situation does not deter tourists
Despite the tense situation and protests in Turkey, tourists continue to flock to Istanbul, where life proceeds normally and tourist attractions draw crowds from around the world.
Tourists visit places like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. Even in light of protests occurring in Sarachane Park, about a 22-minute walk from these attractions, the city's appeal remains strong.
Tourists from Spain who visited Istanbul said in an interview with PAP that they do not feel any inconveniences related to the protests. "We heard about the protests in the news, but we do not feel threatened," they noted.
Although travelers assure that they do not feel unsafe, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement warning tourists. "Protests and demonstrations are still ongoing in Turkish cities due to the political situation. We recommend avoiding gatherings and adhering to local authorities' guidelines. Please exercise particular caution," the statement reads.
Life goes on as normal
Istanbul residents who avoid the protests continue with their daily duties. On Sunday, March 30, they focused on celebrating the end of Ramadan. Communal iftars were organized in the city. Meanwhile, less religious residents spent time in the Kadikoy district, known for its nightlife. Despite the widespread presence of police on city streets, life goes on as usual.
