Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Türkiye to demand an immediate end to Israel’s genocidal blockade of Gaza and to declare their unwavering support for the Global Sumud Flotilla – a historic fleet of humanitarian ships sailing to break the siege.

From Istanbul’s Saraçhane Park to the squares of Kocaeli, from Malatya’s Kernek Square to the vigil tents of Bursa, Turkish citizens filled public spaces with chants of resistance, Quranic recitations, fiery speeches, and heartfelt prayers. Vehicle convoys, marches, awareness campaigns, and candlelit vigils became the language of resistance as participants rallied behind Palestine’s besieged people and the flotilla that now sails the Mediterranean under the shadow of Israeli drones and warships.

Organizers described the mobilizations as “a moral uprising” against Israel’s brutality, calling Gaza’s plight the central test of humanity’s conscience.

The Sumud Flotilla: A Global Armada of Defiance

At the heart of these nationwide rallies lies the Global Sumud Flotilla – its name derived from the Arabic word for steadfastness, the defining quality of Palestinian resistance. Composed of more than 50 vessels and carrying over 500 activists from dozens of nations, the flotilla represents the largest nonviolent maritime challenge to Israel’s blockade since the Mavi Marmara in 2010.

On board are human rights defenders, parliamentarians, doctors, faith leaders, and activists – including climate icon Greta Thunberg – united in a singular mission: to deliver food, medicine, and hope to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, half of them children, who face enforced starvation and relentless bombardment.

Despite recent drone harassment, mysterious explosions, and electronic jamming in international waters near Greece and Crete, the flotilla presses forward. Organizers have accused Israel of covert sabotage, recalling the deadly assault on the Mavi Marmara in which nine Turkish activists were martyred by Israeli commandos. The memory of that massacre looms large in Türkiye, adding gravity to today’s solidarity actions.

Istanbul: Prayers and Defiance in Saraçhane

In Istanbul’s historic Fatih district, thousands gathered at Saraçhane Park under the banner of the Islamic Solidarity Platform. After evening prayers, Quranic recitations set the tone for a mass supplication for Gaza’s liberation.

Renowned writer Necmettin Irmak delivered a fiery address: “The Sumud Flotilla is a major triumph of Gaza’s resistance and a beacon of hope sailing across the Mediterranean. Gaza has resisted for two years under genocide. We cannot leave our squares empty while our brothers and sisters face bombs and hunger. This is our stand against oppression, and our prayer is our weapon.”

The crowd erupted into chants of “Free Palestine!” and “Down with the occupation!” before joining in a kunut supplication for the victory of the resistance and the liberation of all occupied lands.

Kocaeli: A Living Map of Palestine

In Kocaeli, demonstrators staged one of the most striking symbolic acts of the day. Marching from İstasyon Street to Kent Square, participants waved Palestinian flags while donning black, red, green, and white hats to form a vast human map of historic Palestine.

After recitations from the Holy Quran, Kartepe Social Sciences High School student Özkan Işıksoy spoke on behalf of the organizers. His youthful but resolute voice carried through the crowd:

“This is our pledge to stand with Gaza’s resilient souls. While Israel bombs hospitals and starves children, we stand here to say: Gaza will never be alone.”

The square then connected live by phone with journalists aboard the Sumud Flotilla, receiving updates about the fleet’s progress. Each message was greeted with cheers, reinforcing the sense that Türkiye’s streets were spiritually linked with the ships braving the Mediterranean.

Malatya: Cries of Resistance and Genocide Denunciation

In Malatya, the streets shook with defiant chants as protesters marched to Kernek Square: “Salute to Hamas, resistance continues!” and “Do not bow to occupation – we will go to Gaza!”

At the square, prayers were offered for Gaza’s martyrs before Muhammad Malik Çiftçi of the Jerusalem Brotherhood Platform delivered a searing statement:

“Israel’s unlawful blockade, occupation, and displacement policies have escalated into outright genocide. Children, women, and the elderly are perishing not only from bombs but from hunger, thirst, and cold. This is not a war – it is extermination. The Sumud Flotilla is humanity’s conscience at sea, demanding that this genocide must end.”

The crowd responded with thunderous applause, raising their fists and chanting for freedom.

Bursa: A Vigil of Memory and Mobilization

In Bursa’s Osmangazi district, 15 July Democracy Square has been transformed into a Gaza solidarity camp. The Bursa Volunteer Organizations Platform, İnsan Vakfı, and allied NGOs erected tents where nightly vigils will continue until October 2.

From 19:00 to 23:00 each night, the program features screenings of harrowing documentaries on Gaza, photo exhibitions capturing the devastation, and fundraising drives to support the flotilla. Organizers have stressed that the vigil is not only about mourning but also about action: “We light candles for the fallen and fuel the fight for the living. Every coin, every voice, every prayer matters in this struggle.”

Alanya, Fethiye, and Trabzon: Grassroots Solidarity

In Alanya, a massive vehicle convoy rolled through the city from the Hacet neighborhood, horns blaring and flags waving, greeted by residents cheering from balconies. In Fethiye and Trabzon, local NGOs and ordinary citizens organized smaller but deeply heartfelt marches and vigils, proving that solidarity with Palestine extends far beyond Türkiye’s major cities.

Across every city, the message was clear and consistent: protesters demanded the immediate opening of a safe and uninterrupted humanitarian corridor to Gaza, along with guaranteed maritime access for the Sumud Flotilla and other aid vessels. They called for firm protection against Israeli aggression and sabotage targeting relief ships, an end to the criminal blockade that has starved 2.3 million people, the release of all Palestinian hostages and detainees, and the establishment of an immediate ceasefire with lasting international protection for Gaza’s civilians.

A Struggle for Humanity

Türkiye’s demonstrations form part of a wider global movement, with rallies in dozens of cities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas demanding safe passage for the flotilla. International observers have increasingly described Israel’s Gaza policies as genocide, with UN officials warning of famine deaths surpassing those from bombs.

For many in Türkiye, solidarity with Palestine is not merely political but spiritual and historical. The memory of the Mavi Marmara martyrs of 2010 still inspires the masses, while Quranic recitations at every rally underscore the Islamic duty to stand against injustice.

As the Sumud Flotilla presses through the Mediterranean, Türkiye’s masses have amplified the call: “The Palestinian cause is humanity’s cause. Israel’s siege must crumble under the weight of global solidarity. In the face of cruelty, the people of Türkiye stand with Gaza – resilient, righteous, and resolute.” (ILKHA)