On the first morning of the new year, TÜRGEV joined the march on Galata Bridge with its youth and volunteers to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and to raise a collective call for justice and humanity
02 January 2026
On the first day of the new year, we joined thousands of participants gathered at Galata Bridge to draw attention to the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine and express our solidarity with the Palestinian people. Together with our youth, volunteers, and administrators, we stood shoulder to shoulder in this meaningful march, delivering a strong message of conscience despite the cold and snowy weather in Istanbul.
Istanbul Gathered for Palestine
Before the march, mosques across Istanbul filled for the morning prayer. Following the prayer, large crowds walked toward Galata Bridge with prayers and chants, carrying both Turkish and Palestinian flags. Despite the cold weather, thousands filled the area and made it clear that we will not remain silent in the face of injustice in Palestine.
Our Young Volunteers Took Active Roles
Throughout the march, our TÜRGEV youth and volunteers not only joined the procession, but also took responsibility in various areas of the event. They accompanied elderly participants, women and children, supported the distribution of hot refreshments, and shared informative materials about the ongoing humanitarian situation in Palestine. In doing so, our youth once again demonstrated their strong sense of moral and social responsibility.
“We Are Here for Gaza, Because Our Hearts Are There”
Following the march, our Chairwoman Av. Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz described the scene at Galata Bridge as “a gathering of conscience,” and shared the following remarks:
“There is a profound meaning in being here on the very first morning of the new year, despite the cold. Mothers, fathers, and children in Gaza are striving to survive under extremely difficult conditions, deprived even of the most basic necessities. Our presence here today is a declaration that we have not forgotten Palestine and that we will continue to stand by this just cause.”
Our Chairwoman also emphasized the importance of the strong moral voice rising from Türkiye at a time when global silence on Palestine continues to deepen.
Our Solidarity Will Continue
After the speeches and prayers, the march concluded, and we once again expressed our solidarity with the people of Palestine. The message delivered on the first day of the year revealed how deeply the sense of human responsibility continues to live within our society.
As TÜRGEV, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our youth and volunteers who stand for justice and conscience, and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting humanitarian values and global solidarity.
