Turkey’s anti-government protesters are weighing their options amid calls for weekly rallies, an economic boycott, and a groundswell of student demonstrators determined to stay on the streets. The main opposition leader, Özgür Özel, has expanded a call to boycott goods and services from companies perceived as close to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The Doğuş Group, a Turkish conglomerate owned by Erdoğan, is at the center of the boycott efforts. The group owns numerous construction companies, media outlets, energy companies, real estate, and popular entertainment spots. One of its restaurants, Nusret Gökçe’s eponymous chain, which charges up to £700 for a steak, has also been targeted.
The CHP leader, Özgür Özel, has called on Turkish companies not to advertise on pro-government media channels that have broadcast limited news of the protests. The protest movement has grown to include demands beyond Erdoğan’s rule, including an end to democratic backsliding and the liberation of Kurdish former presidential candidate Selahattin Demirtaş.
Small pockets of protest have continued across Istanbul despite Özel calling a halt to demonstrations at city hall. Demonstrators have gathered outside the headquarters of Turkey’s broadcasting watchdog, RTÜK, in Ankara, furious at live broadcast bans handed down to channels aligned to the opposition.
The government has declared an extended public holiday for the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr, but protesters believe this move will only fuel further demonstrations. Many students, who have been detained in recent days, are determined to continue protesting despite the risks.
As the protests enter their second week, organizers say the boycotts are gaining momentum and could lead to a general strike. Trade unions and the Turkish labor movement are joining forces with protesters, making it clear that they will not back down. The government’s efforts to crack down on protests have had little impact, and protesters remain undeterred.
“We’ve seen these absurd scenes where riot police are protecting branches of Espressolab,” said Talya Aydın, a protester. “It is not a deterrent. There is no atmosphere of fear.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/30/turkish-opposition-leader-calls-for-weekly-rallies-and-deeper-economic-boycott