Galata Bridge Palestine Support March (2026)

Galata Bridge Support for Palestine March is a protest march organized on 1 January 2026 in Istanbul, centered at the Galata Bridge. The march was organized under the slogan “We are not silent, we do not stay quiet, we do not forget Palestine” to draw attention to developments in Palestine. The march is being carried out with the participation of over 400 civil society organizations united under the umbrella of the Alliance for Humanity and the National Will Platform.

Organization and Call Process

The initial call for the march was issued in December 2025 by the National Will Platform and the Alliance for Humanity. At a press conference held at the General Headquarters of the Turkish Youth Foundation (TÜGVA), a joint appeal was made for participants to gather at the Galata Bridge on the morning of 1 January 2026. It was stated that the march is planned as a broad-based initiative involving multiple civil society organizations.

Gathering Points and March Route

On the morning of 1 January 2026, participants gathered after the morning prayer around the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Sultanahmet Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Fatih Mosque, Eminönü New Mosque and Taksim Mosque, and began marching in processions toward the Galata Bridge. The march routes were designed to lead from these gathering points to the Galata Bridge.

Security and Transportation Arrangements

Security measures were implemented around the Galata Bridge and its surroundings during the march. Access to the area was controlled through designated checkpoints at Eminönü and Karaköy. It was noted that pedestrian access to the area was possible via the Marmaray, metro and tramway lines, and that bus services were available from various districts of Istanbul.

Participating Organizations

The march was organized under the coordination of the Alliance for Humanity and the National Will Platform, with over 400 civil society organizations participating, including the Turkish Youth Foundation (TÜGVA) as a leading participant. It was also reported that representatives and leaders from certain trade unions, professional associations, foundations and various sports clubs were present during the march.