In a significant political shift for Turkey's largest city, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) council elected Nuri Aslan as the interim mayor on March 26, 2025. His appointment follows the arrest of the previous mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, who was detained on corruption charges and subsequently dismissed from his position by the Turkish Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The council's decision came after a tumultuous week that saw Imamoglu, a member of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), facing serious allegations of corruption, bribery, and abuse of office. His arrest on March 23 sparked widespread protests across Turkey, marking the largest anti-government demonstrations seen in over a decade. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets, expressing outrage over what many view as a politically motivated attack on a prominent political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
During the council meeting, Aslan secured 177 votes out of 314, defeating Zeynel Abidin Okul, the candidate from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), who garnered 125 votes. The voting process spanned more than four hours and included three rounds, as the initial rounds did not achieve the required majority.
Aslan, who had been serving as acting mayor since March 20 based on a handwritten authorization from Imamoglu, will now officially govern the city for the remainder of Imamoglu's term while the former mayor awaits trial. The council's decision to appoint an interim mayor is significant as it prevents the government from installing a trustee, which has been a common practice in other municipalities following the arrests of opposition mayors.
The backdrop to Aslan's election is a series of events that have raised concerns about the independence of the judiciary in Turkey. Following Imamoglu's detention, the Turkish government has faced international scrutiny, particularly from Western leaders and human rights organizations, who have condemned the actions as anti-democratic. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, expressed concern regarding the arrests and the protests during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, emphasizing the need for respect for human rights.
Despite the government's assertions that the judiciary operates independently, many critics argue that the timing of Imamoglu's arrest is politically charged. Imamoglu had been a formidable opponent to Erdogan, having won a second term as mayor in local elections the previous year. His candidacy for the presidential elections of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) further solidified his status as a significant political figure.
In the wake of Imamoglu's arrest, protests erupted in major cities, leading to the detention of over 1,400 individuals. Demonstrators have called for an end to what they perceive as government repression. The CHP has vowed to continue its protests and has called for a boycott of media outlets and businesses it deems supportive of Erdogan.
Aslan's election as interim mayor comes at a time when the city grapples with not only political unrest but also economic challenges. Following Imamoglu's detention, Turkish financial markets reacted negatively, with the lira experiencing significant fluctuations. The central bank has intervened to stabilize the currency, but concerns remain about the long-term economic implications of the political turmoil.
In addition to Aslan's appointment, the Beylikduzu district of Istanbul is also set to elect an interim mayor to replace Mehmet Murat Çalık, who was arrested on similar corruption charges. The municipal council meeting for Beylikduzu is scheduled for the same day, highlighting the widespread impact of the ongoing anti-corruption investigations.
As the political landscape in Turkey continues to evolve, the implications of Imamoglu's arrest and Aslan's appointment will likely resonate beyond Istanbul. The opposition's response and the government's actions in the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future of Turkish politics.
With the backdrop of the holy month of Ramadan, Imamoglu has reportedly been observing the fast while in custody, a detail that underscores the personal toll of the political upheaval. Mayor Mansur Yavas of Ankara is scheduled to visit Imamoglu in prison, reflecting the solidarity among opposition leaders during this challenging period.
The international community's reaction to these developments will also be closely watched, as Turkey navigates its complex relationship with Western nations amid rising tensions and calls for democratic reforms. The outcome of this political crisis could have far-reaching effects on Turkey's governance and its position on the global stage.
