Istanbul Gaza March Unites Thousands for a Free Palestine

On August 9, the historic Istanbul Gaza March brought thousands together to call for a Free Palestine and Free Gaza. Walking the iconic route from Beyazıt Square to the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (Ayasofya-i Kebir Camii), TÜRGEV carried thousands of lanterns- turning the night into a beacon of solidarity with Gaza and the Palestinian people.

A Historic Walk from Beyazıt to Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Responding to the call of the Palestine Solidarity Platform, thousands gathered in Istanbul for the “Be a Light of Hope for Gaza” march. The route from Beyazıt Square to Hagia Sophia glowed with lanterns-a symbolic act of bringing light to Gaza’s darkness and a clear message of solidarity with Palestine.

We at TÜRGEV proudly joined this Palestine rally in Istanbul, walking shoulder to shoulder with civil society groups, volunteers, and members of our Güzel İşler Fabrikası (GİF) Camp. Together we carried a simple promise: no darkness can silence the hope for a Free Palestine.

Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz’s Message for Gaza and Jerusalem

Among the marchers was TÜRGEV Chairwoman, Attorney Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz, who described every step as “a prayer reaching Gaza.” Her message challenged both the injustice in Gaza and the world’s silence:

“Tonight, with our lanterns, we challenge the darkness over Gaza and the ummah. True power lies neither in tanks nor bombs, but in the hearts of those who trust in God and resist oppression with patience and faith.”

She affirmed that the march was also a vow for Jerusalem’s freedom:

“Every step is to wipe away the tears of Gaza’s children, defend the honor of the ummah, and break humanity’s silence. Until Jerusalem is free and the call to prayer echoes in Gaza under peace, we will not rest.”

Closing with a stirring Arabic pledge, she proclaimed: “Bi’r-Ruh Bi’d-Dem Nefdike Ya Aksa!” (With our soul and blood, we devote ourselves to you, O Aqsa!)

Prominent Figures Joining the Istanbul Gaza March

Bilal Erdoğan - High Advisory Board Member, TÜGVA

Selçuk Bayraktar -  Chairman, BAYKAR

Civil society representatives and volunteers

The march concluded with a heartfelt prayer led by Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, President of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.

TÜRGEV’s Ongoing Support for Gaza and Palestine

Since the first day of the attacks on Gaza, TÜRGEV has stood firmly with the Palestinian people:

Donated 100% of proceeds from the SADAKAT Exhibition directly to Palestine.

Connected Turkish and Palestinian youth for human rights and cultural diplomacy through the Pusula Talent Management Center.

Provided dormitories, scholarships, and educational support to Palestinian students.

Raised awareness via the “5N1KUDÜS” and “Gaza Literacy” projects.