04 Jan 2022 | 03:16 PM UTC
Turkey: Activists to protest near Istanbul's Kadikoy ferry terminal Jan. 4 /update 1
Activist groups to protest in Istanbul's Kadikoy district, Turkey, from 19:00 Jan. 4. Tight security likely; clashes possible.
Event
Several student organizations and left-wing activist groups plan to demonstrate in Istanbul's Kadikoy district Jan 4. Activists will gather at Rihtim Square near the Kadikoy ferry wharf beginning at 19:00. The purpose of the rally is to mark the first anniversary of a series of actions staged by students of Bosphorus University (Bogazici Universitesi) during early 2021 to protest the government's appointment of a new president of that institution. It remains unclear how many participants the event may draw.
Authorities will almost certainly deploy a heavy police presence in the vicinity of the protest. Clashes between activists and security personnel are possible; police in Turkey can be quick to resort to forceful methods to disperse demonstrations.
Context
Students associated with the group Bosphorus Solidarity (Bogazici Dayanismasi) began a campaign of protests Jan. 3, 2021, to condemn the appointment of Dr. Melih Bulu as the president of Bosphorus University. Many students were opposed to Bulu's serving as the institute's president since he was appointed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) rather than being selected internally. Bulu had also been a candidate for parliament on the AKP ticket during Turkey's 2015 elections. Critics asserted that his appointment was a political move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, rather than a decision based on the interests of academia. Students and faculty at other academic institutions, as well as members of labor organizations and leftist political groups, later joined the action, staging a number of separate demonstrations of varying sizes as shows of support for activists at Bosphorus University. Police resorted to the use of tear gas, water cannon, and rubber bullets to disperse several of the gatherings; dozens of protesters were arrested. Erdogan ultimately removed Bulu as the university's president in July 2021.
Advice
Avoid the announced demonstration venue as a precaution the evening of Jan. 4. Allow extra time to reach nearby destinations. Heed the instructions of local security personnel and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.
