Turkey Tactical: DEM party protest slated on February 1 at 15:00 at Kadikoy Bull Statue; avoid nonessential travel to vicinity of protest

Jan 2026

6:34 UTC

The People’s Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party has called for a protest at the Bull Statue in Istanbul’s Kadikoy on February 1 at 15:00 (local time).
The protest is called in solidarity with Rojava’s Kurdish population, denouncing the “war and occupation policies” amid the Syrian government’s perceived offensive against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The slated demonstration comes amid an uptick in protests by Turkey’s Kurdish community in solidarity with the SDF in Syria. This includes a protest on January 28 in Kadikoy, which drew participation in the high dozens and concluded peacefully. However, previous demonstrations linked to the same issue have at times escalated into clashes with security forces, underscoring the heightened sensitivity surrounding Kurdish-related mobilization in Turkey.
FORECAST: Based on recent precedent, turnout is likely to range from the high dozens to the low hundreds. Given the emotive nature of the issue, security forces are expected to maintain a firm posture toward any signs of unrest, in line with authorities’ long-standing position that such demonstrations risk legitimizing proscribed groups such as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The risk of unrest will increase if security services assess participant behavior as disorderly or non-compliant. Localized traffic disruptions around the Bull Statue are likely during the afternoon hours of February 1.

Those operating or residing in Istanbul on February 1 are advised to avoid nonessential travel to the vicinity of the DEM protest near the Kadikoy Bull Statue, given the elevated risk of unrest.
Those operating in Turkey are advised to remain cognizant of ongoing pro-Kurdish protests and the risk of associated violence.

Medium

Kadikoy, Istanbul; Turkey

High

Confirmed

The People’s Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party has called for a protest at the Bull Statue in Istanbul’s Kadikoy on February 1 at 15:00 (local time).
The protest is called in solidarity with Rojava’s Kurdish population, denouncing the “war and occupation policies” amid the Syrian government’s perceived offensive against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The slated demonstration comes amid an uptick in protests by Turkey’s Kurdish community in solidarity with the SDF in Syria. This includes a protest on January 28 in Kadikoy, which drew participation in the high dozens and concluded peacefully. However, previous demonstrations linked to the same issue have at times escalated into clashes with security forces, underscoring the heightened sensitivity surrounding Kurdish-related mobilization in Turkey.
FORECAST: Based on recent precedent, turnout is likely to range from the high dozens to the low hundreds. Given the emotive nature of the issue, security forces are expected to maintain a firm posture toward any signs of unrest, in line with authorities’ long-standing position that such demonstrations risk legitimizing proscribed groups such as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The risk of unrest will increase if security services assess participant behavior as disorderly or non-compliant. Localized traffic disruptions around the Bull Statue are likely during the afternoon hours of February 1.

Those operating or residing in Istanbul on February 1 are advised to avoid nonessential travel to the vicinity of the DEM protest near the Kadikoy Bull Statue, given the elevated risk of unrest.
Those operating in Turkey are advised to remain cognizant of ongoing pro-Kurdish protests and the risk of associated violence.

Medium

Kadikoy, Istanbul; Turkey

High

Confirmed

Protest