Protests in Turkey’s Izmir after mayor switches to Erdogan’s AK Party

Updated: 08/10/2026 - 9:56 GMT+2 Protesters gathered in Izmir after Mayor Cemil Tugay joined President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party, with demonstrators calling for his resignation. More than 1,000 people gathered in Izmir on Wednesday to protest Mayor Cemil Tugay’s decision to join President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling AK Party. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Protesters carried a coffin bearing Tugay’s photograph and signs calling for his resignation, while police blocked access to Republic Square and monitored the demonstration. Tugay joined the AK Party on Wednesday after previously serving as an independent following his resignation from the opposition CHP in June. His move gives the ruling party control of the mayor’s office in Turkey’s third-largest city, although opposition parties still hold a majority on the municipal council.