Istanbul Governorate announces road closures, alternative routes for March 22-23

The Istanbul Governorate announced temporary road closures in various parts of the city starting Saturday, March 22, at 4 p.m. until Sunday, March 23, at 8 a.m.

The decision comes as a precautionary measure, as detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and others are expected to be transferred to the Caglayan Courthouse at 9 p.m. local time this evening.

The detailed list of affected roads, shared by the Istanbul Governorate, includes major intersections and routes such as Abide-i Hurriyet Street from Merkez Street, Caglayan Tunnel, and Darulaceze Street. Roads connecting to these locations will also remain closed during the specified time frame.

Officials have recommended alternative routes for drivers, including Ciftecevizler Street, Halaskargazi Street, and Vatan Avenue, among others, to minimize disruption.

Roads to be closed starting at 4 p.m. on March 22:

• From the intersection of Abide-i Hurriyet Street and Merkez Street towards Caglayan and all roads connecting to the street
• From the intersection of Darulaceze Street and Ciftecevizler Street towards Hurriyettepe
• From the intersection of Tas Ocagi Street and Kursun Street towards the Courthouse and all roads connecting to the street
• From the intersection of Egitim Street and Esin-Manolya Streets and all roads connecting to Sevket Pasa Street
• Piyalepasa Boulevard D-100 North Exits towards the Courthouse
• The intersection of Vatan Street and Sevket Pasa Street
• The intersection of Kagithane Street and Sevket Pasa Street
• The intersection of Abide-i Hurriyet Street and Sevket Pasa Street
• The intersection of Akgul Street and Engin Street
• The intersection of Dr. Cemil Bengu Street and Funda Street
• The intersection of Tas Ocagi Street and Yurt Street
• The Caglayan Tunnel Inner Junction towards the Courthouse
• Yeniyol Street
• D100 North Caglayan Service Road Exits
• D100 South Caglayan Service Road Exits

Alternative routes:

• Ciftecevizler Street
• Siracevizler Street
• Silahsor Street
• Abide-i Hurriyet Street towards Sisli
• Halaskargazi Street
• Sisli Buyukdere Street
• Darulaceze Street
• Vatan Street
• Kagithane Street
• D-100

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu of the main opposition CHP was detained on March 19 in connection with two major investigations, including corruption and terrorism. Four days later, Imamoglu and 95 other suspects were brought to Istanbul’s Caglayan Courthouse to give their testimonies. Despite the ban, protests broke out in Istanbul and Ankara as the testimony process continued. Meanwhile, authorities implemented security measures, including road closures, transportation adjustments, and temporary bans on public gatherings.