IZMIR, TURKEY, OCTOBER 7, 2026: Supporters of the opposition YENI Parti protest after Izmir Metropolitan Mayor Cemil Tugay joined President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AKP. Tugay was elected mayor as a CHP candidate in the 2024 local elections before leaving the party earlier this year. Protesters attempted to march toward Izmir City Hall carrying a black wreath, black carnations and a symbolic coffin while chanting for Tugay to resign. Police blocked parts of the march with barricades, riot police and water cannon vehicles, with protesters leaving flowers and the wreath near police barriers. Photo by Turgay Kilic / JNA PRESS (Photo by Turgay Kilic/JNA Press via Nexpher Images)

Protesters rally after Izmir mayor joins AKP (15 images)