Istanbul Gaza Solidarity March 2026: Thousands Defy Cold on New Year's Day
Thousands gathered in Istanbul on Jan 1, 2026, for the Istanbul Gaza Solidarity March. Defying the cold, protesters demanded an end to the war in Gaza on the Galata Bridge.
They didn't choose a typical New Year celebration; they chose to take a stand. On January 1, 2026, thousands of protesters filled the streets of Istanbul, Turkiye, in a massive show of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Despite freezing temperatures, the wave of protesters marched through the city's historic heart, demanding an immediate end to the military operations in Gaza.
Istanbul Gaza Solidarity March 2026: A Unified Global Message
According to reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera, the event was organized by the Humanitarian Alliance and the National Will Platform, uniting more than 400 civil society organizations. Demonstrators gathered before dawn at iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and Sultanahmet, before beginning their trek toward the Galata Bridge.
The march official program commenced at 8:30 am local time (05:30 GMT), featuring high-ranking ministers and senior state officials alongside ordinary citizens.
Cultural Resistance and Political Unity
The event highlighted the broad political consensus in Turkiye regarding the issue. Protesters displayed banners of 'Hanzala,' a symbol of Palestinian resistance, and unveiled an art installation titled 'Roots' on the Galata Bridge. This installation aimed to draw attention to the systematic targeting of cultural heritage and art in Gaza.
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