In 2025, Turkey finds itself at a political juncture, with widespread protests ignited by the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure to President Erdoğan who has been in power for over 20 years.These demonstrations have not only begun to create global awareness of the delicate situation in Turkey but have also underscored the pivotal role of art in resistance.
The arrest of Ekrem Imamoğlu on March 19, 2025, on charges of corruption and alleged ties to an outlawed group, served as a catalyst for the largest anti-government protests Turkey has witnessed in over a decade. Citizens from a range of backgrounds from students to retirees united in opposition to what they perceive as an erosion of democratic values under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration. Despite forceful and violent state-led crackdowns resulting in over 2,000 detentions, the protests have persisted, asserting the public’s demand for democratic reforms and accountability.
Amidst the political turmoil, art has emerged as a powerful medium for dissent and expression. During the Gezi Park protests of 2013, artists utilized graffiti, installation and performances to peacefully make known their disdain towards government policies.More recently, the video installation “Time to Sing a New Song” by Işıl Eğrikavuk, projected on a hotel rooftop in Istanbul, was abruptly shut down by municipal authorities citing concerns over religious sensibilities.
Similarly, painter Timur Çelik’s “Painting the Decade” mural, made in honour of the 10-year anniversary of the Gezi protests, chronicles a decade of political struggle and repression in Turkey. These artistic endeavors not only document the nation’s socio-political landscape but also serve as acts of defiance against authoritarianism.
During the protests this year a particularly striking image emerged from one of the photographers documenting the protests; it depicts a peaceful protester dressed as a Whirling Dervish being pepper sprayed by the police. A whirling dervish is defined as being a member of the Sufi Muslims and in search of reaching spiritual connection. Therefore the image of this man in ceremonial clothing being barricaded and pepper sprayed by the police is a particularly poignant and yet soberingly accurate representation of the state and actions of the government.
In response to the art-driven resistance, the Turkish government has intensified efforts to suppress artistic expression. Notably, the arrest of cultural figure Mahir Polat exemplifies the regime’s broader assault on democratic ideals.
The accusations being that Polat donated 120 Turkish Liras (the equivalent of £2) to a poor individual who was then arrested under a ‘terrorist investigation’ 10 years later, this has been used as justification for his arrest. Unfortunately, such actions have led to self-censorship within the artistic community with many revising their works to avoid potential repercussions.
The ongoing protests in Turkey highlight a defining moment in the nation’s political landscape. While the government’s crackdown on any form of opposition poses significant challenges, the resilience of the Turkish people, bolstered by the creative expressions of artists, offers a beacon of hope for the preservation and advancement of democratic values.
As the struggle continues, the interplay between political unrest and artistic expression remains testament to the enduring power of culture and art in shaping societal change.
