Expat guide during Imamoglu protests: How is life affected in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir?
Police officers stand in a street around the provincial police headquarters where Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is being held after his arrest, on March 19, 2025. (AFP Photo)
As Türkiye navigates political tensions following Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s detention on March 19, expatriates and visitors across the country’s major cities are experiencing varying degrees of disruption to daily life.
While authorities have implemented security measures including road closures, transportation adjustments, and temporary bans on public gatherings, most tourist areas and business districts continue to function with relative normalcy.
In Istanbul, security forces have established checkpoints and closed several metro stations, particularly around protest hotspots, while Ankara has seen targeted transportation adjustments near university areas where demonstrations have intensified.
Izmir, meanwhile, faces a five-day ban on public gatherings with specific exceptions for previously approved events. Despite these measures, all three cities maintain functional transportation networks and commercial activities in most areas.
For the expatriate community and visitors, understanding these localized restrictions is key to navigating urban centers during this period. This guide provides essential information on affected areas, alternative routes, and the status of daily services across Türkiye’s three largest cities as the situation continues to unfold.
Istanbul on high alert following Mayor Imamoglu’s detention
Following the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the Governor’s Office announced a ban on all gatherings, protests, and press statements from March 19 to 23. Authorities have implemented extensive security measures across the city, restricting access to certain streets and avenues.
Restricted areas and police checkpoints
Security forces have blocked entry to several streets leading to Vatan Street, where the Istanbul Police Department is located. Taksim Square, a key public space, has also been barricaded, redirecting both residents and tourists to alternative routes.
As of March 21, 2025, further traffic restrictions have been put in place. On March 21, 2025, from 2:00 P.M. to March 22, 2025, at 2:00 P.M., the following roads closed to traffic:
Closed Roads (From 2:00 PM on Match 21):
- Fevzipasa Street and all connecting streets
- Macar Kardesler Street and all connecting streets
- 15 Temmuz Sehitler Street and all connecting streets
- Sehzadebasi Street and all connecting streets
- Vezneciler Street and all connecting streets
- Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasa Street and all connecting streets
- Ataturk Boulevard and all connecting streets
- Sahil Kennedy Street (Between the Samatya-Sirkeci) and all connecting streets
- Resadiye Street and all connecting streets
- Ragip Gumuspala Street and all connecting streets
- Galata Bridge and all connecting streets
- Ataturk Bridge and all connecting streets
Istanbul Metro Stations temporarily closed
In addition to roadblocks, several metro services have been suspended until further notice. Taksim Station on the Yenikapi-Haciosman metro line and Emniyet-Fatih Station on the Yenikapi-Ataturk Airport and Yenikapi-Kirazli lines are currently out of service. Trains will continue running but will bypass these stations.
Many people gathered outside the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality building in Sarachane to protest Imamoglu’s detention, responding to a call from CHP leader Ozgur Ozel. In light of the ban on demonstrations, authorities have closed multiple roads in the area, allowing only limited vehicle access under strict control. Riot police have been deployed in large numbers to maintain order.
Alternative routes for commuters in Istanbul during Imamoglu protests
Despite heightened security, the situation in Istanbul remains peaceful, with no significant impact on tourists. Visitors can still access Istiklal Street via Sishane Station, as Taksim Metro Station remains closed. In Kadikoy, demonstrations have not affected the vibrant cafe and restaurant scene in Moda. Likewise, daily life in Bagdat Street and coastal park of Caddebostan continues uninterrupted.
Life goes on in key areas
Major districts such as Bebek and Nisantasi are unaffected by restrictions, allowing both locals and tourists to move freely.
Similarly, the Grand Bazaar and the historic Vefa neighborhood near Sarachane remain open, with businesses operating as usual.
Ankara maintains order despite transit disruptions during Imamoglu protests
Türkiye’s capital city has experienced a series of calculated transportation adjustments this week as authorities work to maintain public order following protests that erupted after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Despite temporary service interruptions around protest hotspots, officials insist the broader transit network remains operational and the city stable.
Transit authority responds to developing situation
The EGO General Directorate, which manages Ankara’s public transportation system, implemented targeted service suspensions on Wednesday and Thursday, primarily affecting areas near Middle East Technical University (ODTU), where demonstrations had intensified.
“In accordance with the decision taken by the Ankara Governorship, Ankara Metro ODTU station has been temporarily closed, and bus services in the ODTU area have been suspended,” EGO officials announced through their social media channels. “Citizens are strongly advised to use alternative routes.”
The measured approach to service disruptions reflects authorities’ efforts to isolate protest activities while minimizing impact on daily commuters. Within hours of the initial closures, transit officials announced a partial restoration of services.
“In accordance with the decision of the Ankara Governorship, Metro and bus services that were temporarily closed have been restarted by the Governorship’s decision,” read a subsequent EGO statement. “Six buses from ODTU station and ODTU A1-A3-A4-A7 gates to Kizilay and Ulus have been made available to our citizens. Additional services from ODTU have been planned for metro services.”
System-wide operations continue
While media attention has focused on the service interruptions, EGO has emphasized that the vast majority of Ankara’s transportation network continues to function normally. In a reassuring message to residents and visitors alike, the transit authority stated, “Our metro vehicles serving throughout Ankara continue their journeys to serve all stations. We wish our passengers a good journey.”
This statement underscores the government’s narrative that the protests remain contained and have not significantly disrupted daily life in the capital, despite the high-profile nature of Imamoglu’s arrest on March 19 on charges of corruption and alleged ties to the PKK terror group.
Transportation experts note that Ankara’s metro system, which serves hundreds of thousands of daily riders, has maintained regular operations on most lines throughout the week, with disruptions largely limited to areas directly affected by demonstrations.
Preventative security measures implemented in Ankara
The Ankara Governorship has taken preemptive steps to prevent further escalation of protests, announcing a comprehensive five-day ban on public demonstrations throughout the city.
The restrictions, which began Friday afternoon and continue until Tuesday night, prohibit “indoor and outdoor meetings, demonstrations, press releases, setting up tents, opening stands, sit-ins, signature campaigns and similar types of actions and activities, as well as distributing leaflets and hanging banners/posters.”
In justifying these measures, provincial authorities cited intelligence suggesting potential for “illegal meetings and demonstration marches, followed by acts of violence” and noted “provocative posts made on social media and similar platforms” following Imamoglu’s detention.
“In order to ensure peace and security, personal inviolability, the security of property, public welfare, national security, public order, prevention of crime, general health and general morality, or to protect the rights and freedoms of others, these temporary restrictions have become necessary,” the governorship stated.
Law enforcement presence has been visibly increased around key government buildings, transportation hubs, and university areas, particularly near ODTU where student activism has historically been strong.
Economic and daily life impacts
While the demonstrations have sent ripples through Türkiye’s financial markets, with the lira hitting a record low against the U.S. dollar on Thursday, Ankara’s commercial districts have largely continued normal operations.
Banks, markets, and most businesses remain open during regular hours, though some establishments near protest areas have adjusted their schedules.
For residents and the expatriate community, the government’s measured approach to transportation management has meant that while certain routes may require alternative planning, the overall ability to navigate the city remains intact.
The temporary nature of service interruptions, followed by prompt restoration of transit options, has helped maintain a sense of normalcy despite the political tensions.
Government messaging emphasizes control
Official communications have consistently emphasized that the situation remains under control, with disruptions characterized as brief and limited. This messaging aligns with the government’s broader position that the charges against Imamoglu represent a legitimate legal process rather than a political maneuver against a prominent opposition figure.
The careful management of transportation services—closing specific stations temporarily while maintaining system-wide operations—mirrors this narrative of targeted, proportional response to isolated incidents rather than widespread unrest requiring major intervention.
Looking forward
As the five-day demonstration ban continues through Tuesday, transportation officials have indicated they will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary. The EGO General Directorate has advised residents to stay informed through official channels for any updates to service schedules.
For now, the capital city presents a picture of resilience and controlled management amid political tensions. While the protests following Imamoglu’s arrest represent a significant moment in Türkiye’s ongoing political narrative, Ankara’s day-to-day functioning—particularly its transportation infrastructure—demonstrates the government’s determination to project stability and continuity regardless of the challenges at hand.
Restrictions and daily life in Izmir during Imamoglu protests
In Izmir, local authorities responded by introducing restrictions affecting public gatherings and transportation, while certain events are still allowed to proceed under prior permissions.
Public demonstrations banned across Izmir for 5 days
Izmir’s Governor’s Office has announced a citywide ban on all public gatherings, marches, and press statements from March 21 to 25, in response to protests over the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The restriction applies to all districts and is intended to prevent potential disruptions to public order.
Newroz rally on March 22 in Izmir allowed under prior permit
Events planned by the Republican People’s Party (CHP), student groups, and civil society organizations are included in the ban.
However, the Newroz rally organized by the DEM Party will proceed on March 22 at Gundogdu Square.
According to DEM officials, permission for the event was secured before the ban was announced, allowing it to move forward without restrictions.
Alsancak Ferry Terminal closed temporarily due to safety measures
IZDENIZ has confirmed that ferry services at Alsancak Terminal will be suspended throughout March 22 due to security measures surrounding the Newroz rally.
Services will operate instead from Pasaport Terminal during the same hours. Passengers are advised to plan ahead and use alternate piers for travel.
Central Izmir remains calm and accessible for residents and tourists
Despite the restrictions, demonstrations have taken place in several areas including Bornova, Buca, Narlidere, Torbali, and Foca.
Nonetheless, central Izmir areas such as Konak, Kordon, and Alsancak (excluding the closed ferry terminal) remain calm and accessible.
Public transport continues to operate normally in most parts of the city. Visitors can still explore key locations such as the Izmir Clock Tower, Kemeralti Bazaar, and the coastal promenade.
Businesses, restaurants, and cafes remain open, and daily routines have not been significantly affected in the city center.
