ALBAWABA - Galata Bridge in Istanbul witnessed an extraordinary gathering as tens of thousands of people assembled for the "In Remembrance of their Martyrs, Support for Palestine, and Condemnation of Israel" march. Organized under the leadership of Turkey Youth Foundation (TÜGVA) and with the participation of 308 NGOs as part of the National Will Platform, the event aimed to express solidarity with Palestine and denounce Israel's actions.
The day started with the morning prayers at Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, New Mosque in Eminönü, Sultanahmet Mosque, and Süleymaniye Mosque. After the prayers, participants congregated in the areas around the mosques.
Following the morning prayers, a massive crowd gathered in Ayasofya Square, chanting slogans such as "Martyrs are immortal, the homeland is indivisible," "Collaborators will be held accountable, killer Israel will be held accountable," and "Get out of Palestine, killer Israel." The group, carrying Turkish, Arabic, and English banners, walked towards Galata Bridge along the tramway route.
Notable figures, including Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, former Parliament Speaker Mustafa Şentop, and Bilal Erdoğan, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the İlim Yayma Foundation and a member of the High Advisory Board of TÜGVA, were present in the procession.
The march was joined by individuals carrying Turkish and Palestinian flags, some wearing Palestinian scarves. A group reached the New Mosque in Eminönü, where, due to the crowd, some individuals prayed outside the mosque.
Before the prayer, the Fetih Surah was recited, followed by collective morning prayers. After the prayers, participants expressed their support for the ongoing struggle in Palestine.
The march continued towards Galata Bridge, with some participants carrying banners that read "Greetings to Hamas, continue the resistance," and "Israel, the murderer of children." The procession also paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Pençe-Kilit Operation area.
Upon reaching Galata Bridge, the crowd grew, with around 250,000 people estimated to have participated. The event featured speeches, live performances, and prayers for both the martyrs and the people of Palestine.
In addition to Istanbul, similar gatherings and prayers were held in various cities across Turkey, including Van, Siirt, and Hatay, to express solidarity with Palestine and remember the victims of Israeli attacks.
