PRO-PALESTINE MARCH DRAWS AROUND 520,000 TO ISTANBUL’S GALATA BRIDGE ON NEW YEAR’S DAY

ISTANBUL, Jan 1 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Around 520,000 people gathered early Thursday on New Year’s Day at Istanbul’s Galata Bridge for a massive march in support of Palestine, organised under the umbrella of the Humanity Alliance and the National Will Platform, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

The demonstration, held with the participation of more than 400 civil society organisations and led by the Turkish Youth Foundation (TUGVA), was carried out under the slogan “We won’t cower, we won’t keep quiet, we won’t forget Palestine.”

Participants called for an end to the genocide in Gaza.

Ahead of the event, citizens convened before dawn prayers at major mosques across Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Suleymaniye and Eminonu New Mosque. Many carried Turkish and Palestinian flags as they gathered in mosque courtyards to show solidarity with Palestine.

Despite freezing temperatures, turnout was high. Extensive security measures were implemented, particularly around Sultanahmet Square, where participants were also offered hot refreshments.

Following the morning prayer, demonstrators marched on foot toward Galata Bridge, joined by ministers, senior officials and figures listed in the official state protocol. The programme officially began at 8.30 am local time (0530 GMT).

A large banner depicting “Hanzala,” the iconic figure created by late Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali and closely associated with the Palestinian cause, was hung on a building behind the main press platform.

The event also featured performances by internationally known artists and musicians, including Lebanese-Swedish singer Maher Zain, Turkish artist Esat Kabakli, and the band Grup Yuruyus.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU