Heightened Turkey Political Unrest
As of Thursday, 25 September 2025, Turkey political unrest has escalated following the extraordinary Istanbul Provincial Congress of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) on 21 September, where Özgür Çelik was re-elected as provincial head.
The re-election came despite a prior court ruling in September that removed him over alleged irregularities during the 2023 CHP provincial congress. The court had claimed possible undue influence on delegate votes and temporarily appointed former deputy chair Gürsel Tekin as interim head.
What’s the Context?
The CHP, Turkey’s main opposition party, is facing ongoing legal and political pressure amid what many view as a judicial crackdown.
- A nearly year-long pattern of arrests and removals of CHP officials, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a central political rival of President Erdoğan.
- Allegations by the government that CHP members were involved in corruption, which the party denies, asserting that the judiciary is being politicized.
- Despite requests from the Istanbul 45th Criminal Court of First Instance to suspend the congress, the CHP went ahead, backed by the Supreme Election Council (YSK), which cited constitutional and electoral law protections.
- On 24 September, opposition lawmakers staged barricade protests outside CHP Istanbul headquarters, stacking furniture in a standoff with police.
This sequence of events has become a flashpoint, intensifying Turkey political unrest in Istanbul.
Impact
The situation has led to a rise in political tension across Istanbul, with likely consequences including:
- Spontaneous protests and clashes between opposition supporters and law enforcement.
- Disruptions to commercial activity in Beşiktaş and surrounding districts due to barricades, restricted access, or safety concerns.
- Traffic congestion, road closures, and public transport interruptions near the CHP headquarters and central Istanbul protest sites.
- Increased uncertainty in governance due to ongoing legal disputes, complicating operational and security planning.
Recommendations
- Stay updated through announcements from the Istanbul Governor’s Office and Istanbul Police regarding movement restrictions.
- Enhance security protocols at offices, commercial facilities, and public-facing premises, particularly in Beşiktaş and central Istanbul.
- Review business continuity plans to mitigate risks from civil unrest and transport disruptions.
- Avoid demonstration areas, remain alert to sudden gatherings, and monitor public transport updates for possible service interruptions.
Outlook
The Turkey political unrest linked to the CHP re-election reflects deeper fractures between the opposition and the judiciary. With both sides unwilling to concede ground, the potential for further demonstrations and state intervention remains high.
Conclusion
The Turkey political unrest on 25 September 2025 underscores how legal disputes within the CHP have become flashpoints in Istanbul’s political landscape. While most activities are localized, ongoing protests, traffic disruptions, and heightened security measures are expected to continue until greater legal and political clarity is achieved.Stay ahead of operational risks with real-time alerts, scenario modeling, and expert advisories with datasurfr’s Predict. Start your 14-day free trial of Datasurfr’s Risk Intelligence Platform today.
