Explained: What ‘radish’ symbolizes for Türkiye’s political landscape

Main opposition party Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Ozgur Ozel visited Bakirkoy prison to meet with figures jailed over the Gezi Park case on Saturday.

Following his visit, Ozel criticized the recent arrest of Besiktas Mayor Riza Akpolat, describing it as a “judicially backed political coup attempt,” which made headlines in Turkiye.

Highlighting broader concerns, Ozel stated, “Efforts are underway to impose a trustee on the Istanbul Bar Association while simultaneously subverting Besiktas’s democratic mandate. The state of democracy in the country has reached a critical point.”

Erdogan’s remark

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statement that “the biggest of the radish is still in the sack” has sparked debate. The Turkish idiom suggests that more substantial revelations or actions are yet to come as “they are still kept in a sack”. Ozel interpreted the comment as a thinly veiled threat and accused Erdogan of fostering political intimidation.

“Erdogan is signaling that he holds information he plans to reveal in the next two years,” Ozel said. “This is mafia-like rhetoric. If he is confident, let him come to the ballot box and allow the people to decide who the ‘big radish’ truly is.”

Speculation surrounding ‘big radish’

A debate is unfolding in political circles regarding the meaning behind Erdogan’s “big radish” remark, with some suggesting it was directed at Imamoglu. While certain prominent opposition media figures have voiced support for the charges against detained Akpolat, the broader opposition has characterized the move as “a declaration of war.”

Imamoglu, asserting that he is being singled out, issued a defiant statement: “I challenge those attempting to turn my life into a dartboard. If I am your target, then act with integrity. Finalize my sentence and stop subjecting the public to this ordeal.”

The controversy comes amid Imamoglu’s ongoing legal battles. The case, publicly known as the “foolish case,” dates back to 2019, when he allegedly insulted Türkiye’s Supreme Electoral Council (YSK).

In 2024, he was handed a two-year, seven-month prison sentence and a political ban. Whether the ruling is upheld could have far-reaching consequences for Türkiye’s political future.

Crucial juncture for Turkish democracy

The arrest of Besiktas Mayor Akpolat has added another layer to the political tension. While opposition figures have described the move as part of a broader crackdown on dissent, Erdogan aimed the CHP during a party congress in Konya.

“Rather than searching for scapegoats, Ozel should look within his own ranks,” the president said. “Their panic stems from the undeniable evidence in their files. They know the ‘big secret’ is still in the sack.”

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has been investigating allegations that a criminal organization allegedly led by Aziz Ihsan Aktas, bribed mayors and senior municipal officials to manipulate tenders. As part of the investigation, 23 individuals have been arrested, including the main opposition party’s Besiktas Mayor.

The main opposition party, in answer, held a closed-door meeting in Istanbul with the participation of around 40 MPs on Saturday.

During the meeting, lawmakers were asked for their suggestions on potential moves forward. In the coming days, the party is expected to make a decision, including the announcement of a presidential candidate, and develop a comprehensive strategy for the process ahead.