Political Purge in Istanbul: Erdogan’s Crackdown Threatens Turkey’s Democratic Future

In a deeply troubling sign of Turkey’s political trajectory, Turkish authorities have detained Inan Guney, mayor of the vital Beyoglu district in Istanbul, along with some 40 officials associated with opposition ranks. This latest sweep is not merely about alleged corruption; it signals a clear intent by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's regime to silence dissent and consolidate power at the expense of democratic norms and national sovereignty. Beyoglu, a district steadfastly controlled by the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has become ground zero for an authoritarian crackdown that began months ago with the targeting of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoglu. İmamoglu, a...