Why are there protests?
First, a little background:
More than half the country really doesn’t like the president. And when I say “doesn’t like,” I mean seriously hates. (Sound familiar?) He’s been in power since the early 2000s.
The latest wave kicked off because the government arrested Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a popular opposition figure. But people aren’t just angry about one arrest—they’re frustrated by economic struggles, censorship, and increasing authoritarianism. Artists and students who openly support protests have faced detentions, blocked social media accounts, and even arrests for calling peaceful boycotts. Citizens are holding regular “No Spending Days” to protest economically, and international musicians have canceled concerts in solidarity.
Is it dangerous?
Yes… and no. It’s still 100% safe to travel to Turkey. That hasn’t changed, and I don’t see it changing anytime soon. But since protests are happening daily in some areas, it’s smart to stay aware and avoid those specific spots. (Fish in Water can help you know where to go and how to avoid the protests – just send us a text and we’ll give you the latest updates).
Why the news is misleading
Most people watching the news see the protests and think, “Why are they being so aggressive? Just listen to the police.” Yeah… no. There’s so much you need to know before judging folks living under a dictatorship. So if you’re watching from afar, please keep an open mind. These protests aren’t all violent, and it’s important to know that the police involved in brutality are in support of the current regime. But for the most part, the people of Turkey are professionals when it comes to a protest. They organize safely, they help each other out, they’re prepared.
The media just shows the chaos. What they don’t show: people dancing, families marching together, and peaceful crowds where police don’t interfere at all.
I’m not saying you should join one. But I’ll be honest — I was part of the 2013 protests, and I don’t regret it. Yeah, I was scared sometimes, but I never feared for my life. Maybe I was young and naive. Still, I know I’d do it again. People living in Turkey deserve so much better than what they’ve got right now.
Sitting around and waiting for the next guy to win the next election? That’s cute. Sounds like an American Democrat strategy.
Stay safe and we’re here when you need us,
Joy & the Fish in Water team
