A New Year’s Day march for solidarity with Gaza that drew hundreds of thousands to central İstanbul is fueling a wave of criticism claiming that the event functioned as a public relations showcase for Bilal Erdoğan, the younger son of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, while sidelining voices targeting Turkey-linked commerce that benefits Israel.
Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency put turnout at about 520,000 as crowds moved toward İstanbul’s Galata Bridge after dawn prayers at major mosques.
Organizers linked to the Turkey Youth Foundation (TÜGVA) promoted Bilal Erdoğan as a leading figure at the rally. He chairs the board of trustees of the İlim Yayma Foundation, a pro-government education charity.
Critics described the march as a state-backed display presented as civic activism, arguing that it served as a tool of mobilization for the government’s base rather than independent pressure over Gaza.
The sharpest backlash appeared on X, framing the event as image-building for Bilal Erdoğan amid opposition speculation about whether President Erdoğan’s allies are grooming his son for Turkey’s leadership.
Many Turks criticized the march as “Bilal’s PR campaign” and a “show” staged under the banner of Gaza. The criticism was especially common in Turkish-language posts, with fewer English-language accounts using that description.
The rally also drew criticism after some participants said they were blocked from entering the area with signs naming companies they accuse of supporting Israel’s operations in Gaza. A group carrying a placard listing Maersk, ZIM, BP and SOCAR was not allowed into the rally area.
Those company names point to a broader, long-running argument inside Turkey that pro-government Gaza rhetoric contradicts commerce and logistics links that activists say help Israel.
Turkey says halted all export and import transactions with Israel as of May 2, 2024.
Critics dispute the “zero trade” claim, arguing that shipments can still reach Israel indirectly through third countries.
The İstanbul rally took place as Gaza remains in crisis after Israel’s military campaign that followed the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Local health authorities have reported more than 70,000 deaths in Gaza.
A ceasefire that took effect on October 10 has not ended Israel’s deadly strikes in Gaza.