ISTANBUL

Members of Türkiye’s sports community joined a large-scale rally on Thursday on Istanbul’s Galata Bridge to express solidarity with Palestine, calling for an end to the ongoing violence in the occupied territories.

The demonstration was organized by the Alliance of Humanity and the National Will Platform under the slogan: “We won't cower, we won't keep quiet, we won't forget Palestine.”

Led by the Türkiye Youth Foundation (TUGVA), the event drew widespread participation from athletes, sports officials, and club representatives.

Among those attending were Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak, Turkish Wrestling Federation President Taha Akgul, Turkish Karate Federation President Ercument Tasdemir, Besiktas President Serdal Adali, Fenerbahce board members Ertan Torunogullari, Adem Koz, Ilker Alkun, and Taner Sonmezer, Galatasaray Sportif AS Deputy Chairman Abdullah Kavukcu, Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk, national wrestler Riza Kayaalp, as well as numerous executives and athletes from sports federations and clubs.

‘Our youth taking ownership’

Speaking at the rally, Minister Bak said Türkiye has consistently stood by oppressed peoples, noting that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has raised the situation in Gaza at the UN and other international platforms.

“The sensitivity shown by our people toward Gaza is extremely important,” Bak said. “Citizens from across the country are gathering here to make their voices heard.”

Emphasizing the unifying role of sports, Bak thanked clubs and athletes for their participation. “Our youth taking ownership of this cause matters greatly,” he said.

‘This is a moral responsibility’

Taha Akgul said the rally reflected a shared sense of moral duty.

“All of Türkiye is coming together for Palestine, and the sports community is part of this,” he said. “This is not only a test for the world, but also a test of conscience. Even if we can do nothing else, we must at least raise our voices.”

Turkish Karate Federation President Tasdemir said sport represents values beyond competition. “Standing against injustice and standing with the innocent is a human responsibility,” he said.

National wrestler Kayaalp said witnessing the suffering in Palestine weighs heavily on his conscience.

“While we sleep comfortably, children there are left out in the cold,” Kayaalp said. “Everyone is trying to help, but more must be done. We came here to support them so they can see better days as soon as possible.”

‘We share their pain’

Galatasaray head coach Buruk said the Turkish people have always stood with Palestine.

“We share their pain,” Buruk said. “It is meaningful to see supporters of different teams gathered here to show solidarity.”

Representing Galatasaray, Kavukcu said the club joined the rally to draw attention to the ongoing injustice. “We are here to call for this oppression to come to an end,” he said.