A demonstrator dressed as a whirling dervish confronted riot police in Istanbul during a protest supporting Ekrem Imamoglu, the city's arrested mayor. On March 24, 2025, this unique scene unfolded amid escalating tensions, as police deployed pepper spray to disperse the crowd, which had gathered in response to Imamoglu's controversial detainment.
Imamoglu's arrest came just one day earlier, when a Turkish court upheld his detention on corruption charges, which critics argue are politically motivated. Opposition groups have consistently claimed that the charges—linked to alleged connections with criminal and terrorist organizations—are part of a broader effort by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to consolidate power. The startling images of the dervish, seemingly unfazed by the police's aggressive measures, quickly went viral, capturing the attention of not only local but global audiences.
Thousands of protesters remained on the streets for the fifth consecutive day, despite assembly bans imposed in numerous cities throughout Turkey. The protests have spread dramatically, reportedly occurring in over 55 of Turkey's 81 provinces according to figures from the AFP news agency. This level of civil unrest has not been witnessed since the Gezi Park protests of 2013, which stemmed from a government plan to demolish the park in Istanbul.
The demonstrator dressed as a dervish greeted the anti-riot police by performing traditional dance moves, clad in typical dervish attire, replete with a long skirt and a conical hat. Eyewitness accounts describe his demeanor as peaceful, emphasizing how he maintained his calm in a heated atmosphere filled with tear gas and water cannons being deployed against the crowd. Standing defiantly, he appeared to embody the rich spiritual heritage associated with the dervishes, who are often connected to Sufi mysticism.
In striking contrast to the peaceful dance of the demonstrator, police responded with aggression. According to the Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, authorities have arrested a staggering 1,133 people since the onset of the protests. This heavy-handed approach reflects a sharp crackdown on dissent and highlights the increasingly tense atmosphere in Turkey.
The recent unrest surrounding Imamoglu's arrest has reignited longstanding frustrations among the public, a sentiment exacerbated by Turkey's economic struggles and growing authoritarianism under Erdoğan. The situation has drawn condemnation globally, with various human rights organizations criticizing the arrest and the harsh measures taken against protesters.
In a statement reported by Reuters, President Erdoğan labeled the protests as violent, a characterization contested by many who viewed the rallies as a legitimate expression of discontent against a political regime perceived to be oppressive. Through social media platforms, images and videos from the protests, such as the viral clip of the whirling dervish challenge, have painted a vivid picture of the clash between the spirit of the demonstrators and the force of the state.
According to experts on the region, the dervishes are emblematic not only of the rich cultural fabric of Turkey but also of its ongoing struggles for freedom and justice. Their tradition—as members of Sufi mystical orders—symbolizes a yearning for spiritual connection while reflecting contemporary issues such as the fight against political oppression.
The dervish's challenge personifies the depth of the protests, encapsulating both the peaceful resistance of the demonstrators and their call for justice in the face of escalating authoritarianism. This peaceful yet powerful form of protest stands in stark contrast to the heavy-handed tactics deployed by security forces, raising questions about the state of democracy and human rights in Turkey.
As the situation evolves, observers continue to monitor developments closely, aware that the presence of large-scale protests could signify a pivotal moment in Turkey’s political landscape, potentially influencing future elections and governmental policies. The insistence on continuing protests despite police pushbacks appears to reinforce the determination of the Turkish people to stand up against perceived injustices and seek accountability from their leaders.
