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This Photo Does Not Show a Recent Opposition Rally in Istanbul

Wesam Abo Marq Wesam Abo Marq
Politics
8th May 2023
This Photo Does Not Show a Recent Opposition Rally in Istanbul
The photo dates back to March 23, 2014 (Twitter)

The Claim

A recent photo shows a public gathering of the Nation Alliance in Maltepe, Istanbul.

Emerging story

Social media users and pages supporting the Turkish opposition have circulated a photo purporting to show the recent public gathering of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the candidate for the upcoming Turkish presidential elections.

The event was organized by the opposition Nation Alliance and took place on May 6 in the Maltepe area of Istanbul.

A supporting image within the article body
A supporting image within the article body

Misbar’s Analysis

Misbar investigated the circulating photo and found the claim to be misleading.

A reverse image search revealed the photo to be outdated.

Justice and Development Party’s 2014 Rally 

Despite widespread claims, the photo is an old one and does not feature the Turkish opposition gathering in Istanbul for presidential candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu that took place on Saturday.

The photo dates back to March 23, 2014, during a mass gathering of the ruling Justice and Development Party in Yenikapı Square in Istanbul.

A supporting image within the article body
Photo Description: A screenshot of the original photo.

The rally was attended by the current Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was serving as Prime Minister at the time.

The same photo was also included in a 2015 article. The photo’s caption indicated that the photo dates back to March 23, 2014.

A supporting image within the article body
Photo Description: A screenshot of the original photo.

Turkish media outlets also uploaded videos of the full party gathering on the same date.

The Turkish Opposition Held a Big Rally in Istanbul

A significant rally was held in Istanbul on Saturday, May 6, by the Turkish opposition to demonstrate their support for presidential candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. The event aimed to gather a large crowd in Istanbul, as the opposition sees Kılıçdaroğlu as a strong contender against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in what is regarded as the most challenging election during Erdogan's two-decade-long tenure.

Supporters gathered at the rally to express their enthusiasm and belief in Kılıçdaroğlu's ability to bring about political change and provide a viable alternative to the ruling party.

The rally took place at a prominent venue in Istanbul, attracting a diverse group of attendees who were determined to rally behind Kılıçdaroğlu and his vision for the future of Turkey.

The event showcased the growing momentum of the opposition, with participants refusing to waver and exhibiting a sense of unity as they prepare for the upcoming elections.

2023 Turkish Elections Pose a Threat to Erdogan's Rule

With Turkey's presidential and parliamentary elections just a week away, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing unprecedented challenges to his two-decade rule. 

The upcoming elections occur amidst a backdrop of a devastating earthquake, an economic crisis, and concerns about democratic erosion under Erdogan's government. 

Predictions indicate a high voter turnout and a closely contested race between Erdogan and Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the main opposition candidate representing the Republican People's Party. The demographics of the earthquake-affected areas, which were previously Erdogan's strongholds, may also impact the election outcome. However, analysts suggest that even if Kilicdaroglu emerges as the winner, Erdogan may not readily relinquish power.

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Misbar’s Classification

Misleading

Misbar’s Sources

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