The Global Story Turkey: Erdogan's political deja vu
Mar 21, 2025
Elcin Poyrazlar, a seasoned journalist and author, joins Dilay Yalcin, a Turkey expert at BBC Monitoring, to delve into the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. They explore its striking parallels to Erdogan's own past arrest, reflecting on the political climate in Turkey. The discussion includes the rise of Imamoglu as a formidable opponent to Erdogan, the implications of authoritarianism, and the ongoing protests fueled by discontent among citizens. Their insights shed light on a nation grappling with its political future.
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Erdoğan's Arrest
- When Istanbul's mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was arrested, it reminded some of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's arrest.
- Erdoğan's arrest, when he was Istanbul's mayor, is considered a catalyst for his rise to national power.
İmamoğlu's Arrest
- Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul's mayor and a potential presidential candidate, was arrested.
- This followed the annulment of his university diploma, raising questions about his eligibility.
Déjà Vu
- Erdoğan's past arrest shaped his political journey and fueled his rise to national prominence.
- Similar attempts to hinder İmamoğlu through diploma revocation and arrest echo Erdoğan's experience.