The 2026 Istanbul Newroz rally took place today (Sunday, 22 March) at İstanbul Yenikapı Square under the slogan “Newroz of Freedom and Democracy”. People started gathering early in the morning, and the rally brought together hundreds of thousands in the square.
Our Co-Chair, Tülay Hatimoğulları, addressed the rally. In her speech, Hatimoğulları briefly stated the following:
The February 27 Call represents a profoundly significant step toward a shared future of peoples on the path to Democratic Republic. We are making a new beginning on these lands. The time has come not to speak of wounds any longer, but to heal and mend them.
We stand for a genuine peace strengthened by democracy and justice. The future of this country will be shaped not by enmity, but by the will to live together. True rule of law will prevail in this country, and justice will serve everyone. The authoritarian language must now fall silent, and the language of democratic politics must be spoken. In the peace process, words and well-wishes are no longer enough; concrete steps must be taken.
Amed’s demand for peace is Istanbul’s demand for democracy. Amed is Istanbul’s twin; they are the two halves of the same apple. The place for Amed’s peace and Istanbul’s democracy cannot be the courtrooms. Amed will attain peace, and Istanbul will attain democracy, through justice. As citizens of Istanbul -as Kurds, Turks, and all peoples- do you accept that Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Figen Yüksekdağ, and Selahattin Demirtaş remain imprisoned? Ankara must hear the voice of the people, and these unlawful practices must end now. Trustees must be removed, mayors must return to their duties, and politicians must be reunited with the people they represent. Those in prison must be released immediately.
From the Newroz squares, in the presence and witness of millions, we once again call out to the state and the government: Ankara must listen to the voice of peace and take the necessary legal steps. Mr. Abdullah Öcalan must be placed in a position where he can live and work freely. Millions in the Newroz squares have made it a common slogan: "Freedom for Mr. Abdullah Öcalan!"
Despite everything, we stand tall. We were denied, yet we persisted. At every cost, we have preserved our dignity. We did not abandon the struggle, we did not bow down, and we will not. Today, the great victory of those who have resisted so steadfastly is at the door. In 2025, the weapons were burned. In 2026, together with millions, we will light the torch of peace and democracy.
22 March 2026