Istanbul’s new mayor is ready to open a new page for the city – a metropolis that is home to people from all backgrounds and walks of life. As the city straddles continents, Ekrem Imamoglu wants to bridge divides between the 15 million people who live there.
“I want to be the most democratic and innovative mayor of Istanbul,” he said in an interview with Rudaw’s Rawin Sterk on Tuesday.
Imamoglu, candidate for the opposition Republic People’s Party (CHP) won a slim majority over the ruling and incumbent Justice and Development Party (AKP), which fielded former prime minister Binali Yildirim in the March 31 municipal elections. After recounts, his victory was officially confirmed on April 17. Turkey’s electoral body is still considering a request from AKP for a re-run of the election in the city.
The following is a translation of his interview that has been edited for length and clarity.
Rawin Sterk: With your election victory, you not only defeated your rival for the mayor of Istanbul, but also Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Can we say that your success is the start of a stronger opposition? Do you think this will go all the way to the leadership of Turkey?
Ekrem Imamoglu: I will not make such a declaration. Let’s look at the situation in this way. First of all, politics is not a profession. What we are seeking is the mayoralty and this is a duty. People elect you and I am a believer of democracy. I concentrate on the duty I have been elected for from the moment they elect me. What do I think? How to become a person who can do this job in the best way is my objective. Can I be the best? I can if I work hard. I have ideals. I want to be the most democratic and innovative mayor of Istanbul and be the best example for the new generation’s local administration in this province. I can add much more to the concepts of democracy, like encouraging a sense of belonging.
Therefore, I never make a plan in the name of this career in the start of the process by saying ‘Can I also become this?’ The most important elements – especially when it comes to serving people – that can carry people forward are these: You are the one to make
decisions, you are on the right path. Society makes decisions. Therefore, from now on, after each success in my political career, it’s the people who will make decisions. Leadership is not when you say ‘I am the leader.’
Now your name is being discussed all over Turkey. People in Hakkari are curious about Istanbul. Does this give you a sense of responsibility?
It gives an incredible sense of responsibility. People who live here are not only those from the 81 provinces of Turkey, but there are people from around the world who live in Istanbul. Additionally, it is a province visited by people from around the world. Governing a place like Istanbul is a universal desire. Of course, you have to communicate with all parts of Turkey and people shall know you. Of course, this experience is not new to me.
Governing such a province without understanding Turkey and the globe is a big mistake. I trust myself very much in this regard because I think I have an empathetic spirit. First of all, I never have prejudice. I can connect with intellectuals and artists. I can also make connections with a labourer who works at a restaurant, a dishwasher, an academic, and a vendor because I have lived in diversity, which is my best advantage. In this regard, by understanding Turkey I aim to govern Istanbul and I will succeed.
When the election campaign kicked off, what was your priority? What should have you done during the campaign to increase your votes?
I think that the biggest issue in Istanbul and Turkey is partisanship. I mean those who currently govern Istanbul work for their parties or even for their party’s officials. They work for themselves. I think this understanding has to change. Parties are service tools in the political process. From the moment you come to power, you have to think about the people who put you there and you should serve them, not deceive them. You cannot say that all paths to victory are permissible. Winning people and ensuring them comfort are the most important things. So, I chose this as a basis from the beginning. I said that I will eradicate partisanship and embrace everyone.
It is not easy to utter certain things. It requires courage. My party has an alliance with IYI Party and I said on the first day “I want to play the Istanbul alliance game.” This was purely my personal belief. There was everyone in the Istanbul alliance. I want to live in a better province with a stronger social environment, no matter what beliefs it holds. I also want to be in a province with high tolerance, where everyone respects one another and their freedom and happiness. I want to live in a city where children receive a good
education and everyone is equal. Provinces are usually the birthplace of equality.
According to available figures, there are about six million Kurds in Istanbul. It seems that a great number of Kurds voted for you. Of course building bridges and infrastructure serves the general public. But Kurds – as an ethnic group – have expectations of you. What promises can you make?
Everyone has different figures regarding Istanbul’s population, but this does not interest me. What interests me are the feelings of 16 million people. I cannot design separate futures for fellow Kurdish and Turkish citizens or other ethnic groups. You cannot go ahead with such an understanding in this city.
There could be sociological needs, which is a reality. Typically, some of those people who moved [to Istanbul] for various reasons were Kurdish citizens. There is an adaptation issue and we have to overcome it. In this matter, women and children are suffering most. Regarding those who suffer, we have to take steps towards speeding up the adaptation process, such as ensuring the participation of women in the workplace or providing better education opportunities to children. According to research we have done, the lowest enrolment in pre-school is in the suburbs. I don’t want such places in Istanbul. Therefore, we have to bring life to them as well. By overcoming these sorts of problems, it means that I serve my fellow Kurdish citizens as well.
My fellow Kurdish citizens have other needs as well. They say “We want to learn our language.” This is very natural. There is no problem with such demands from people in our areas to have courses and education, let alone my fellow Kurdish citizens. They say that they have wanted to learn this language for years. Let me give you an example. I joined three to four groups during my visits in Beylikduzu. They were not even those people who would vote for us. They told me “We need Arabic courses.” I asked why and they said they were studying religion. Actually I didn’t know there were religious studies in open education, but there has been an Arabic course in Beylikduzu for three years. You are obliged to meet all the needs of society.
Will we see cultural programs of the mayoralty in Kurdish?
Why not? Who will prevent a Kurdish singing group from performing in a cultural program? They sing in Kurdish, Laz, or Armenian.
Why should I oppose cultural activities of our own citizens’ languages in this province while people from around the world come here and display their culture? We have to get through this. If this community gets through this, I believe we will have the biggest brotherhood and unity.
I have my basics. I love my nation and people so much. I am a fan of the people of this country. I am a fan of Diyarbakir, Mus, Erzurum, Rize, Sinop, and Kastamonu. Each place has its own colour and heat. We cannot forge brotherhood through restriction. To forge that brotherhood, we have to feel these people’s freedom. As a matter of fact, we have neglected and injured parties. Mistakes were made in the past…
We are in 2019 and we cannot return to the 1700s. If we live in 2019, we have pick the most perfect experiences and it is our duty to create a better future for Turkey. I have to keep the indivisible unity and national unity of this country. By national unity, I mean the unity of people who live here.
CHP removed the resolution of the Kurdish question from its agenda. As the mayor of Istanbul, what do you think about the Kurdish question?
Actually when approaching what you called “the issue” with an ethnic definition, I get the sense that our Kurdish citizens are being treated unfairly. In fact, we have to see it in a humanitarian eye, rather than seeing it as the “Kurdish question.” There are some
issues that are related to all of us. Is there injustice in this country? Yes. This is one of the issues. This issue is associated with the economy and education. Therefore, when we say the “Kurdish question,” we create discrimination. When we say equality we must talk about fellow citizenship equality. Otherwise you begin to divide this country as you introduce ethnic concepts… The sense of equality is very valuable. This will reflect the universal democracy of this city and this country.
Before the election, Selahattin Demirtas in a tweet recommended Kurds to vote for you. What did you feel when you heard this?
I’m a believer in the rule of law. I believe that if the implementation of law is slow or if there is a double-standard in law, the process will not be to the advantage of society. I have examined and researched Mr. Demirtas’ case step-by-step and if I say that I have an opinion on this matter I would be misleading you. This country has suffered a lot in the past, accusing people of vague crimes, ideology, or their speech. One of the examples is Mr. President. Therefore, I was one of those who liked the line drawn by Mr. Demirtas in his active period in politics. Indeed, he had a language that was peaceful, conciliatory, and universal. I was very happy with this. I even said this could be an opportunity for Turkey and it could break down many walls. I still hold the same stance.
If this language is valid in this country then we could be much happier. In this context, the fact that a person with such a political line said something positive about me, of course it made me happy. Regarding how effective it was during the election, I cannot say. However, it made me happy.
Turkey’s relations with both Baghdad and Erbil improved after 2003, especially in economics, trade, and politically. However, relations with Erbil were harmed after the Kurdistan Region held an independence referendum in 2017. There were some Erbil-based companies in Istanbul prior to the referendum, but they withdrew. What can you do to return Erbil-based companies to Istanbul and restore relations?
Turkey has a very important position in the Middle East and Europe. Turkey has duties in this regard. For instance it has to become the cradle of democracy, be the centre of good urban practices, be the guarantor of peace for neighbors, and a peaceful political pioneer. Therefore, our policy with neighbors shall be based on peace. I know that strengthening relations and developing trade are in the interest of this country. Our country cannot develop by turning its back to other countries. In this sense, one of the driving
forces should be the province of Istanbul, because Istanbul is the engine of Turkey.
I want to have peace not only with Erbil but with all nearby capitals, such as Syria. I want our relations with Damascus to be restored. When peace returns to Turkey’s neighbours, it means the return of millions of people to their homeland. In this respect, we are ready to build relations with any city that uses peaceful language, trade, and practices tourism.
Can Erbil and Istanbul be brotherly cities?
Of course, it can happen. We will talk about it. Surely, brotherly policies have to be maintained. We researched making this possible on a districts level, because sometimes you make a quick decision that does not work out. We will first analyze the status of a brotherly policy and what has been done in this regard. Now Erbil is an important province of that [Kurdistan] region and a centre of trade. I have many friends working there and the expectations are very high. I also know that Erbil is developing rapidly. In this context, we are surely thinking about it. We will establish, discuss and collectively decide about a mutual dialogue.
“I want to be the most democratic and innovative mayor of Istanbul,” he said in an interview with Rudaw’s Rawin Sterk on Tuesday.
Imamoglu, candidate for the opposition Republic People’s Party (CHP) won a slim majority over the ruling and incumbent Justice and Development Party (AKP), which fielded former prime minister Binali Yildirim in the March 31 municipal elections. After recounts, his victory was officially confirmed on April 17. Turkey’s electoral body is still considering a request from AKP for a re-run of the election in the city.
The following is a translation of his interview that has been edited for length and clarity.
Rawin Sterk: With your election victory, you not only defeated your rival for the mayor of Istanbul, but also Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Can we say that your success is the start of a stronger opposition? Do you think this will go all the way to the leadership of Turkey?
Ekrem Imamoglu: I will not make such a declaration. Let’s look at the situation in this way. First of all, politics is not a profession. What we are seeking is the mayoralty and this is a duty. People elect you and I am a believer of democracy. I concentrate on the duty I have been elected for from the moment they elect me. What do I think? How to become a person who can do this job in the best way is my objective. Can I be the best? I can if I work hard. I have ideals. I want to be the most democratic and innovative mayor of Istanbul and be the best example for the new generation’s local administration in this province. I can add much more to the concepts of democracy, like encouraging a sense of belonging.
Therefore, I never make a plan in the name of this career in the start of the process by saying ‘Can I also become this?’ The most important elements – especially when it comes to serving people – that can carry people forward are these: You are the one to make
I think that the biggest issue in Istanbul and Turkey is partisanship 
Now your name is being discussed all over Turkey. People in Hakkari are curious about Istanbul. Does this give you a sense of responsibility?
It gives an incredible sense of responsibility. People who live here are not only those from the 81 provinces of Turkey, but there are people from around the world who live in Istanbul. Additionally, it is a province visited by people from around the world. Governing a place like Istanbul is a universal desire. Of course, you have to communicate with all parts of Turkey and people shall know you. Of course, this experience is not new to me.
Governing such a province without understanding Turkey and the globe is a big mistake. I trust myself very much in this regard because I think I have an empathetic spirit. First of all, I never have prejudice. I can connect with intellectuals and artists. I can also make connections with a labourer who works at a restaurant, a dishwasher, an academic, and a vendor because I have lived in diversity, which is my best advantage. In this regard, by understanding Turkey I aim to govern Istanbul and I will succeed.
When the election campaign kicked off, what was your priority? What should have you done during the campaign to increase your votes?
I think that the biggest issue in Istanbul and Turkey is partisanship. I mean those who currently govern Istanbul work for their parties or even for their party’s officials. They work for themselves. I think this understanding has to change. Parties are service tools in the political process. From the moment you come to power, you have to think about the people who put you there and you should serve them, not deceive them. You cannot say that all paths to victory are permissible. Winning people and ensuring them comfort are the most important things. So, I chose this as a basis from the beginning. I said that I will eradicate partisanship and embrace everyone.
It is not easy to utter certain things. It requires courage. My party has an alliance with IYI Party and I said on the first day “I want to play the Istanbul alliance game.” This was purely my personal belief. There was everyone in the Istanbul alliance. I want to live in a better province with a stronger social environment, no matter what beliefs it holds. I also want to be in a province with high tolerance, where everyone respects one another and their freedom and happiness. I want to live in a city where children receive a good
Kurds want to study their language - 'This is very natural. There is no problem'
According to available figures, there are about six million Kurds in Istanbul. It seems that a great number of Kurds voted for you. Of course building bridges and infrastructure serves the general public. But Kurds – as an ethnic group – have expectations of you. What promises can you make?
Everyone has different figures regarding Istanbul’s population, but this does not interest me. What interests me are the feelings of 16 million people. I cannot design separate futures for fellow Kurdish and Turkish citizens or other ethnic groups. You cannot go ahead with such an understanding in this city.
There could be sociological needs, which is a reality. Typically, some of those people who moved [to Istanbul] for various reasons were Kurdish citizens. There is an adaptation issue and we have to overcome it. In this matter, women and children are suffering most. Regarding those who suffer, we have to take steps towards speeding up the adaptation process, such as ensuring the participation of women in the workplace or providing better education opportunities to children. According to research we have done, the lowest enrolment in pre-school is in the suburbs. I don’t want such places in Istanbul. Therefore, we have to bring life to them as well. By overcoming these sorts of problems, it means that I serve my fellow Kurdish citizens as well.
My fellow Kurdish citizens have other needs as well. They say “We want to learn our language.” This is very natural. There is no problem with such demands from people in our areas to have courses and education, let alone my fellow Kurdish citizens. They say that they have wanted to learn this language for years. Let me give you an example. I joined three to four groups during my visits in Beylikduzu. They were not even those people who would vote for us. They told me “We need Arabic courses.” I asked why and they said they were studying religion. Actually I didn’t know there were religious studies in open education, but there has been an Arabic course in Beylikduzu for three years. You are obliged to meet all the needs of society.
Will we see cultural programs of the mayoralty in Kurdish?
Why not? Who will prevent a Kurdish singing group from performing in a cultural program? They sing in Kurdish, Laz, or Armenian.
Is there injustice in this country? Yes
I have my basics. I love my nation and people so much. I am a fan of the people of this country. I am a fan of Diyarbakir, Mus, Erzurum, Rize, Sinop, and Kastamonu. Each place has its own colour and heat. We cannot forge brotherhood through restriction. To forge that brotherhood, we have to feel these people’s freedom. As a matter of fact, we have neglected and injured parties. Mistakes were made in the past…
We are in 2019 and we cannot return to the 1700s. If we live in 2019, we have pick the most perfect experiences and it is our duty to create a better future for Turkey. I have to keep the indivisible unity and national unity of this country. By national unity, I mean the unity of people who live here.
CHP removed the resolution of the Kurdish question from its agenda. As the mayor of Istanbul, what do you think about the Kurdish question?
Actually when approaching what you called “the issue” with an ethnic definition, I get the sense that our Kurdish citizens are being treated unfairly. In fact, we have to see it in a humanitarian eye, rather than seeing it as the “Kurdish question.” There are some
When we say the “Kurdish question,” we create discrimination
Before the election, Selahattin Demirtas in a tweet recommended Kurds to vote for you. What did you feel when you heard this?
I’m a believer in the rule of law. I believe that if the implementation of law is slow or if there is a double-standard in law, the process will not be to the advantage of society. I have examined and researched Mr. Demirtas’ case step-by-step and if I say that I have an opinion on this matter I would be misleading you. This country has suffered a lot in the past, accusing people of vague crimes, ideology, or their speech. One of the examples is Mr. President. Therefore, I was one of those who liked the line drawn by Mr. Demirtas in his active period in politics. Indeed, he had a language that was peaceful, conciliatory, and universal. I was very happy with this. I even said this could be an opportunity for Turkey and it could break down many walls. I still hold the same stance.
If this language is valid in this country then we could be much happier. In this context, the fact that a person with such a political line said something positive about me, of course it made me happy. Regarding how effective it was during the election, I cannot say. However, it made me happy.
Turkey’s relations with both Baghdad and Erbil improved after 2003, especially in economics, trade, and politically. However, relations with Erbil were harmed after the Kurdistan Region held an independence referendum in 2017. There were some Erbil-based companies in Istanbul prior to the referendum, but they withdrew. What can you do to return Erbil-based companies to Istanbul and restore relations?
Turkey has a very important position in the Middle East and Europe. Turkey has duties in this regard. For instance it has to become the cradle of democracy, be the centre of good urban practices, be the guarantor of peace for neighbors, and a peaceful political pioneer. Therefore, our policy with neighbors shall be based on peace. I know that strengthening relations and developing trade are in the interest of this country. Our country cannot develop by turning its back to other countries. In this sense, one of the driving
Can Erbil and Istanbul be brotherly cities? Of course, it can happen
I want to have peace not only with Erbil but with all nearby capitals, such as Syria. I want our relations with Damascus to be restored. When peace returns to Turkey’s neighbours, it means the return of millions of people to their homeland. In this respect, we are ready to build relations with any city that uses peaceful language, trade, and practices tourism.
Can Erbil and Istanbul be brotherly cities?
Of course, it can happen. We will talk about it. Surely, brotherly policies have to be maintained. We researched making this possible on a districts level, because sometimes you make a quick decision that does not work out. We will first analyze the status of a brotherly policy and what has been done in this regard. Now Erbil is an important province of that [Kurdistan] region and a centre of trade. I have many friends working there and the expectations are very high. I also know that Erbil is developing rapidly. In this context, we are surely thinking about it. We will establish, discuss and collectively decide about a mutual dialogue.
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