Thousands of people gathered in Istanbul on Thursday to stage a New Year rally in solidarity with Gaza, calling for an end to the ongoing bloodshed in the Palestinian territory.
Despite freezing temperatures, demonstrators assembled under clear skies before marching towards the city’s historic Galata Bridge. Participants waved Palestinian and Turkish flags and chanted slogans expressing support for Palestinians, with the rally held under the banner: “We won’t remain silent, we won’t forget Palestine”.
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Organisers said more than 400 civil society organisations took part in the event, which was among the largest pro-Gaza demonstrations held in Turkiye in recent months. Police sources and the state-run Anadolu news agency estimated that around 500,000 people attended the march and rally.
More than half a million demonstrators gathered on the Galata Bridge in Istanbul in a massive march, reaffirming solidarity with Palestine and full support for its cause. pic.twitter.com/81V8w9zg0r
— TIMES OF GAZA (@Timesofgaza) January 1, 2026
Bilal Erdogan, the youngest son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and chairman of the Ilim Yayma Foundation, was among the organisers. Addressing the crowd, he said participants were hoping the new year would bring relief to Palestinians enduring months of conflict.
“We are praying that 2026 will bring goodness for our entire nation and for the oppressed Palestinians,” he said.
The rally featured speeches by activists and religious figures, as well as a musical performance by Lebanese-born singer Maher Zain, who performed his song Free Palestine, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Turkiye has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, with President Erdogan repeatedly condemning the campaign and accusing Israel of committing grave violations of international law. Ankara also played a role in brokering a ceasefire agreement in October.
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However, the truce has remained fragile. According to Palestinian officials, more than 400 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, highlighting the continuing volatility of the situation.
The Istanbul rally underscored strong public support in Turkiye for the Palestinian cause and reflected growing international pressure for a lasting ceasefire and humanitarian relief in Gaza.