Istanbul Celebrates 103rd Anniversary of Liberation Without Mayor İmamoğlu

Istanbul marked the 103rd anniversary of its liberation with an official ceremony held at the Taksim Republic Monument. Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan represented the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, expressing pride in serving the city. In a heartfelt entry in the Monument's Special Book, Aslan stated, "We take pride in safeguarding Istanbul and serving this revered city." The commemorative event was notable for the absence of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the city's elected mayor, who is currently detained in Silivri. His ongoing imprisonment has sparked significant discussion and concern regarding political freedom and governance in the city. Despite the challenges, the ceremony proceeded with a solemn atmosphere, emphasizing the historical significance of the day. The liberation of Istanbul from occupation is a pivotal moment in the city's history, and this year's celebrations were intended to honor that legacy while advocating for unity and resilience among its citizens.