Ekrem İmamoğlu was born on 4 April 1970 in Cevizli Village of Akçaabat district in Trabzon. His father, Hasan İmamoğlu, and mother, Hava İmamoğlu, are from local families of Trabzon. İmamoğlu completed his primary and secondary education in Trabzon and moved to Istanbul for higher education. After completing his undergraduate studies in bachelor's degree at the Faculty of Business Administration of Istanbul University^【1】, he pursued a master’s degree in Human Resources Management at Istanbul University. Throughout his education, he participated in social activities and sports initiatives.

Personal Life

Ekrem İmamoğlu married Dilek İmamoğlu in 1995. The couple has three children named Semih, Selim and Beren. İmamoğlu has repeatedly emphasized the importance he places on family life and has shared family photographs on his social media accounts.

Among İmamoğlu’s hobbies are following and playing football and taking place. A supporter of Trabzonspor, İmamoğlu is known to attend matches during time. Additionally, history and politics on reading to do are also among his areas of interest.

Professional Life

After completing his higher education, İmamoğlu began working in the construction sector at his family business. The family company, known as İmamoğlu İnşaat, has developed residence projects across various regions of Türkiye, primarily in Istanbul.

İmamoğlu’s business activities were not limited to the construction sector; over time he made investments in other industries as well. He played an active role in real estate development projects and participated in various initiatives during Istanbul’s urban transformation process.

In addition to his business activities, İmamoğlu has also gained experience in sports management. Between 2006 and 2011, he held managerial positions at Trabzonspor.

Beginning of Political Career

Ekrem İmamoğlu’s active entry into politics began in 2009 when he joined the Republican People’s Party (CHP). In the 2014 local elections, İmamoğlu ran as the CHP candidate for mayor of Beylikdüzü district in Istanbul and won the election, assuming his first political important position. Beylikdüzü is one of Istanbul’s rapidly developing and growing districts.

During his tenure as Mayor of Beylikdüzü, İmamoğlu implemented urban transformation projects, green area studies and infrastructure investments. Under the “Green Beylikdüzü” project, he undertook efforts to increase the amount of green space in the district.

Ekrem İmamoğlu greets supporters from his campaign vehicle. -Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

Candidacy for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

Prior to the 2019 local elections, the CHP nominated İmamoğlu as its candidate for Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. His candidacy was also supported by the İYİ Party, the other component of the Nation Alliance.

During his election campaign, İmamoğlu used the slogan “Every Thing Will Be Beautiful”. He utilized social media in a active manner throughout his campaign efforts.

2019 Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Elections

In the local elections held on 31 March 2019, İmamoğlu entered a closely contested race against Binali Yıldırım, the candidate of the Republic Alliance. According to the initial results, İmamoğlu led by approximately 13 thousand game. However, the election results were challenged by the ruling party and the Development Party (AK Party), and based on the evaluation by the Supreme Election Council (YSK), the election was annulled and ordered to be repeated on 6 May 2019 due to the finding that certain ballot box board members were not officially appointed public.

In the repeat Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality elections held on 23 June 2019, İmamoğlu won by a margin of approximately 806 thousand votes.

Term as Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

İmamoğlu officially assumed office as Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality on 30 June 2019. One of the most prominent initiatives during his tenure has been his work addressing Istanbul’s transportation challenges. Projects in this area include the construction of metro lines, renewal of the public transport fleet and transportation discounts for university students.

İmamoğlu has also undertaken initiatives concerning green spaces and environment. Under the “Green Istanbul” vision, he launched projects aimed at expanding city forests and parks. Additionally, various projects have been implemented to protect Istanbul’s water basins and prevent environmental pollution.

Social assistance programs were also carried out during İmamoğlu’s mayoralty. Examples include aid provided to low-income families during the pandemic period, the “People’s Milk” project and the expansion of daycare centers.

Criticism and Controversies

The primary criticism directed at İmamoğlu concerns alleged inadequacies in resolving certain infrastructure issues in Istanbul. Particularly during winter months, water interruptions and hello floods after rain have been cited by opponents as points of criticism.

Another criticism is the allegation that İmamoğlu has used municipal resources for political propaganda purposes. Critics have raised concerns about his frequent out-of-town trips and claims that he uses these visits for party propaganda.

İmamoğlu’s background as a businessman and the status of his family’s companies have occasionally become a subject of discussion. In particular, questions have been raised regarding whether these companies have won public tenders and the nature of their relationship with the municipality.

Another criticism concerns alleged violations of merit-based principles and partisanship in certain appointments within the municipality.

Diploma Controversy and Revocation

Istanbul University revoked İmamoğlu’s diploma on grounds of irregularity. The university administration stated that in 1990, irregularities were detected in the lateral transfer applications of 38 students, including İmamoğlu, to the English-language program of the Faculty of Business Administration, which violated regulations of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK)^【2】

Legal Case Regarding Tenders During Beylikdüzü Mayoralty

An investigation was initiated alleging irregularities in certain tenders during İmamoğlu’s tenure as Mayor of Beylikdüzü. In the case opened in 2023, İmamoğlu was tried on charges of “corruption in tendering” and sentenced to a prison term of 3 to 7 years. This legal proceeding is still ongoing.

Arrest on Allegations of Supporting a Terrorist Organization

Under two separate investigations conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, An arrest warrant was issued for İmamoğlu and more than 100 others.. The first investigation was based on allegations that under İmamoğlu’s leadership, a crime organization was established, which pressured businesspeople to provide money, received bribery and engaged in corruption in municipal tenders. The second investigation accused İmamoğlu of aiding a terrorist organization by allegedly enhancing the PKK’s influence in urban areas.

Among those arrested were İmamoğlu’s press advisor Murat Ongun, mayors of Istanbul’s Şişli and Beylikdüzü districts, several journalists and businesspeople. During the investigation, a search was conducted at İmamoğlu’s residence in Sarıyer, after which he was taken for a medical examination.

According to documents prepared by the prosecutor’s office, the criminal organization allegedly led by İmamoğlu engaged in corruption and bribery in municipal tenders and coerced businesspeople into paying money. Furthermore, it was claimed that the electoral alliance with the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in the 2024 local elections increased the PKK’s influence in urban areas, thereby constituting support for a terrorist organization.