You’ve probably seen the headlines. Ekrem Imamoglu, the man who broke the "unbreakable" grip of the ruling party on Istanbul, is currently sitting in a cell in Marmara Prison. It’s a wild turn for a guy who, just a year ago, was cruising toward a massive reelection victory.
Honestly, the story of Istanbul’s mayor isn't just about local politics or garbage collection. It’s basically a high-stakes drama about whether democracy in Turkey can survive a direct collision with the state.
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The Mayor Who Won Three Times
Most politicians are lucky to win once. Imamoglu had to win three times just to keep his seat.
Back in 2019, he beat the government’s candidate, Binali Yildirim, by a tiny margin. Roughly 13,000 votes. In a city of 16 million people, that’s a rounding error. The government didn't take it well. They claimed "irregularities" and forced a rerun.
Big mistake.
The people of Istanbul weren't just annoyed; they were furious. In the second 2019 vote, Imamoglu didn't just win; he crushed it. His margin jumped from 13,000 to over 800,000. It was a clear message: "Don't mess with our ballots."
Fast forward to March 2024. He did it again. Facing off against Murat Kurum, he won by a staggering 10% margin. He wasn't just a mayor anymore. He was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the Turkish opposition.
Why is Ekrem Imamoglu in Jail Right Now?
If you're looking for a simple answer, you won't find one. It’s a mess of legal jargon and timing that feels a bit too perfect.
On March 19, 2025, security forces raided his home. They arrested him on charges of corruption and "misuse of public office." But here’s the kicker: this happened exactly four days before the Republican People’s Party (CHP) was set to hold a primary to pick their presidential candidate.
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Imamoglu was the only one on the ballot.
Since his arrest, things have spiraled. Just a few days ago, on January 13, 2026, an Istanbul court ordered him to pay 150,000 Turkish Lira to President Erdogan for "moral damages" over social media posts. Then there’s the "diploma case." Istanbul University recently annulled his degree from 30 years ago, alleging "irregularities" in his transfer.
Why does a 30-year-old diploma matter? Because in Turkey, you can't be president without a university degree.
What He Actually Did for Istanbul
People often get distracted by the court cases and forget that the guy actually had a city to run. And it’s a difficult city.
- The Metro Record: Under his watch, Istanbul became the city building the most metro lines simultaneously in the entire world. We're talking 10 lines at once.
- Social Support: He introduced the "Mother Card," giving free public transport to moms with kids under four.
- Preschools: He opened over 100 "Yuvamız Istanbul" centers. Before him, the municipality basically had zero preschools.
- Heritage: He restored Ottoman landmarks like Ataköy Baruthane and turned the Golden Horn Shipyard into a massive art hub.
Critics, of course, say he focused too much on PR and not enough on the looming "Big One"—the massive earthquake experts say is coming. While he did ramp up building inspections and "urban transformation" projects, the scale of Istanbul’s housing crisis is so big that even his supporters admit the progress feels slow.
The Opposition’s Dilemma
With Imamoglu behind bars, the CHP is in a weird spot.
In March 2025, while he was already in prison, over 15 million people voted for him in a "solidarity primary." It was a massive show of support. He is officially their candidate for the 2028 election.
But how do you run a campaign from a cell?
Some party insiders, like Özgür Özel, are trying to keep the momentum alive, but there are whispers of internal friction. There’s a constant debate: do they stick with the jailed hero or look for a "plan B" like Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş?
Actionable Insights for Following the Situation
If you're trying to make sense of what happens next, watch these three things:
- The March 9 Trial: This is the big graft case. If he’s convicted here, his "political ban" could become permanent, effectively ending his 2028 run.
- The Diploma Appeal: Keep an eye on the court’s decision regarding his Istanbul University degree. If that annulment stands, he is legally barred from the presidency regardless of the corruption charges.
- Local Protests: Since his arrest in 2025, protests have ebbed and flowed. If the public energy dies out, the government has less pressure to find a "political solution."
The reality is that Ekrem Imamoglu has become more than a mayor. To his fans, he’s a martyr for democracy. To his haters, he’s a populist who broke the rules. Either way, you can't understand modern Turkey without knowing why he’s currently the most famous resident of Marmara Prison.
Next Steps for You:
Check the official Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) portal for updates on ongoing transit projects that might be stalled due to the current leadership vacuum. You can also monitor the Turkish Court of Accounts (Sayıştay) reports for the specific details of the graft allegations to see if the evidence holds up under scrutiny or appears purely political.