Ekrem Imamoglu: The Modern Face of Turkish Politics

From Local Roots to National Prominence

Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, has emerged as the young leader of the Turkish opposition and a prominent symbol of hope for Turkish democracy. A social democrat leader known for his calm demeanor and inclusive rhetoric, Imamoglu is increasingly seen as Erdogan’s strongest rival and a key contender in Turkey’s political future.

Imamoglu’s Political Career – A Timeline

2014 – Local Success in Beylikdüzü

Imamoglu entered politics as a CHP (Republican People’s Party) candidate and was elected mayor of Beylikdüzü, a district on Istanbul’s western edge.
His administration focused on transparency, urban renewal, and social support — quickly earning public trust.

2019 – Istanbul Mayoral Election

In a bold move, CHP nominated Imamoglu as their candidate for Istanbul mayor, despite him being relatively unknown nationally.
His candidacy energized the base and appealed to moderates across Turkey.

March 31, 2019 – The First Victory

Imamoglu narrowly won the Turkish local elections 2019, defeating the candidate from Erdoğan’s ruling AKP party.
However, under pressure from the government, Turkey’s electoral board annulled the results — triggering widespread criticism of democratic backsliding.

June 23, 2019 – The Historic Rerun

In the 2019 Istanbul election rerun, Imamoglu returned stronger and achieved a landslide win, defeating AKP by over 800,000 votes.
This moment marked a dramatic shift in Istanbul municipal politics and was celebrated as a victory for democratic resistance.
The event cemented his reputation as a pro-democracy Turkish politician and CHP’s rising political figure.

A Popular Turkish Opposition Leader

Imamoglu has since become the most recognizable opposition leader in Turkey.
His leadership style blends calm confidence with practical governance — in contrast to Erdoğan’s polarizing tone.
He enjoys strong public approval ratings, particularly in urban centers and among younger voters.
As the modern face of Turkish politics, he advocates for rule of law, economic reform, and social unity.

Imamoglu vs Erdogan: A Growing Rivalry

With each political move, Imamoglu’s challenge to Erdoğan grows louder.
His potential candidacy in future elections is seen as a major threat to the status quo.
As Turkey heads toward another turning point, many view him as the hope for Turkish democracy and a legitimate presidential contender.

l Onur Morkan