The detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has led to thousands of citizens taking to the streets across Türkiye. Street demonstrations took place especially in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, and Adana, with police intervention resulting in numerous arrests.

Despite the government imposing a four-day assembly ban, protesters continued their demonstrations, viewing İmamoğlu’s arrest as “a blow to the democratic electoral process.” In Istanbul, crowds gathered in front of the municipal building, where clashes erupted as they attempted to break through police barricades. In Ankara, students at the Middle East Technical University were met with water cannon intervention by the police.

Who is Ekrem İmamoğlu?

Ekrem İmamoğlu, who has served as the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality since 2019, was born in Trabzon in 1970. He graduated from Istanbul University Faculty of Business Administration in 1994 and later worked in his family’s construction business. He began his political career by joining the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in 2008 and was elected Mayor of Beylikdüzü in 2014. He won the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayorship against Justice and Development Party (AKP) candidate Binali Yıldırım in the 2019 local elections, but the Supreme Electoral Council annulled the elections. İmamoğlu won again in the renewed election by significantly increasing his vote margin. He was re-elected in the 2024 local elections with 51.1% of the vote as one of the main opposition figures. As his political influence within the CHP has increased, his chances of becoming a presidential candidate have strengthened. However, on March 19, 2025, just a few days before the CHP’s primary elections on March 23, in which he was expected to participate as the sole candidate, his diploma was revoked and he was detained as part of two separate investigations opened on charges of corruption and terrorism. While the opposition argues that this move is aimed at preventing İmamoğlu’s candidacy, the government states that the investigations are being conducted by an independent judiciary.

Why Was Ekrem İmamoğlu’s Diploma Canceled?

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office continues its investigation into Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu over allegations that his university diploma is fake. On March 18, Istanbul University announced that İmamoğlu’s diploma had been annulled. The investigation, which carries significant political implications, has sparked intense debate in Türkiye’s political landscape.

The main justifications for this decision were explained as follows:

1. Legal Uncertainty in Lateral Transfer: The Higher Education Council (YÖK) Inspection Board’s report dated February 17, 2025, stated that Girne American University, from which İmamoğlu transferred laterally in 1990, was not recognized by YÖK. Therefore, the legal basis for İmamoğlu’s lateral transfer was deemed controversial.

2. Regulatory Changes: Since the 1993-1994 academic year, YÖK has not granted equivalency to the diplomas of Turkish citizens from GAÜ who did not pass the ÖSYM (Student Selection and Placement Examination). There are legal debates regarding whether this rule can be applied retroactively.

3. Prosecutor’s Investigation: The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation against Ekrem İmamoğlu on February 22, 2025, on charges of “forgery of official documents.”

Background of the Diploma Controversy

Allegations regarding İmamoğlu’s diploma first emerged after he was elected mayor of Istanbul in 2019. A petition submitted to the Presidential Communication Center (CİMER) on February 15, 2020, claimed that İmamoğlu had transferred from Girne American University (GAÜ) to Istanbul University unlawfully in 1990. In response, Istanbul University stated that İmamoğlu had applied for an officially announced international transfer quota and had been accepted according to the relevant regulations.

The controversy resurfaced in September 2024, when another petition to CİMER was forwarded to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and then to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). The core argument in the investigation is that GAÜ was not recognized by YÖK in 1990; therefore, İmamoğlu’s transfer and subsequent diploma are alleged to be invalid.

Investigation Process

On February 22, 2025, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation against İmamoğlu for “forgery of official documents.” The primary basis for this probe was a February 17 report from YÖK’s Supervisory Board, which stated that although İmamoğlu met the necessary academic requirements for a transfer, GAÜ’s lack of recognition at the time cast doubts on the legitimacy of his degree.

İmamoğlu’s lawyers refute these claims, arguing that YÖK’s non-recognition of GAÜ in 1990 was irrelevant to student transfers and that there was no legal framework preventing such transfers at that time. They also point out that individuals who graduated from GAÜ in 1991 and 1992 were granted diploma equivalencies by Turkish authorities.

Reactions from Political Figures

İmamoğlu and the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) view the investigation as a politically motivated move by the ruling government to prevent İmamoğlu’s potential presidential candidacy. İmamoğlu has claimed that the case is an attempt to eliminate him from the political scene before the CHP primary election on March 23. CHP leader Özgür Özel described the situation as evidence of the government’s fear of İmamoğlu’s electoral potential.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have remained largely silent on the issue.

Implications of Diploma Annulment

Under the Turkish Constitution, a university degree is a prerequisite for running for the presidency. If İmamoğlu’s diploma annulment is upheld, he may be disqualified from candidacy. However, İmamoğlu has legal recourse, including filing lawsuits with the Administrative Court, appealing to the regional administrative court, and ultimately taking the case to the Council of State (Danıştay).

The final outcome of this case could have profound political consequences, potentially reshaping Türkiye’s political landscape ahead of the next presidential election.

İmamoğlu’s Arrest Sparks Protests Across Türkiye

The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has led to thousands of citizens taking to the streets across Türkiye. Street demonstrations have taken place in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Adana, with numerous arrests following police interventions.

Despite the government’s four-day ban on gatherings, protesters continued their demonstrations, viewing İmamoğlu’s detention as a “blow to the democratic election process.” In Istanbul, clashes erupted as crowds attempted to break through police barricades outside the municipal headquarters. In Ankara, students at the Middle East Technical University faced water cannon attacks by the police.

The Arrest and Charges

The 54-year-old mayor was taken into custody on charges of corruption and aiding a terrorist organization. The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and other opposition groups unanimously condemned the arrest as a political move. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel stated, “If İmamoğlu’s candidacy is blocked, it will only increase support for the opposition.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed criticism of the arrest, saying, “We have no time for this theater.” Meanwhile, ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) spokesperson Omer Celik defended the legal process, arguing, “What a politician should do is follow the judicial proceedings.”

Reactions on Social Media and Economic Impact

Following İmamoğlu’s detention, social media saw an outpouring of reactions. According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, 18.6 million posts were shared within 24 hours, and 261 accounts were investigated for allegedly “inciting public unrest.” Additionally, 37 social media users were detained.

The economic impact was also swift. The lira dropped from 36.67 to 38 per dollar by Thursday. Bank shares plummeted, prompting the Central Bank to raise interest rates. Furthermore, a construction company co-owned by İmamoğlu was nationalized by court order.

Political Consequences and Future Elections

The 2028 presidential elections have entered a new phase with these developments. Polls indicate that İmamoğlu was one of Erdogan’s strongest rivals. Many believe the government is attempting to weaken İmamoğlu’s position, but the opposition insists that this strategy will backfire.

As protests are expected to continue throughout the weekend, CHP leader Ozel urged supporters to remain peaceful. “Yes, I am calling the people to the streets, but they must not resort to violence,” he stated.

The future of İmamoğlu and the opposition’s response to these events will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s political landscape.

• https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-seizes-detained-istanbul-mayors-construction-company-2025-03-20/
• https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/21/second-night-of-protests-in-turkiye-after-istanbul-mayor-detained
• https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/cvg1j7vx5gjo
• https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/ce98pke01zko
• https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/03/20/thousands-rally-in-istanbul-for-second-night-to-protest-against-mayor-imamoglus-arrest