Last week, a series of investigations targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) led to the arrest of IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and several of his close associates. Among those detained were two key figures who have significantly shaped the city’s cultural and artistic landscape in recent years: Mahir Polat, Deputy Secretary General of IMM, and Murat Abbas from Kültür A.Ş.
Mahir Polat: A Guardian of Istanbul’s Cultural Heritage
Mahir Polat, who started his tenure as Head of IMM’s Cultural Heritage Department in 2019 and was later appointed Deputy Secretary General, is best known for his leadership in IMM Miras—a project dedicated to preserving Istanbul’s rich historical and cultural legacy.
Since 2019, IMM Miras has:
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Restored 62 monumental and civil architectural structures,
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Established 21 new museums and cultural spaces,
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Preserved 34 public artworks,
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Protected 197 registered fountains and 588 historical graves,
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Renovated 19 historic shrines.
Under his guidance, İMM Miras has worked with the philosophy of “paying respect to a city of history and culture that has been neglected and damaged.”
Restoring Istanbul’s Forgotten Heritage
Through extensive restoration projects carried out during this period, IMM Miras has revitalized many of Istanbul’s neglected historical and industrial structures, transforming them into cultural and artistic spaces for the city.
In a 2023 interview with ArtDog Istanbul, IMM Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat explained the restoration philosophy behind İMM Miras:
“Our approach to restoration is not just about physical repair; it is about reinstating the memory of the city. We do not merely renovate buildings—we bring them back to life with their original spirit, ensuring they continue to serve the public as cultural and artistic spaces. This is not a project of nostalgia but of sustainable urban heritage.”
Social Media Reacts to the Arrest of Mahir Polat
The arrest of Mahir Polat, a key figure in preserving Istanbul’s cultural heritage, has sparked outrage among citizens, artists, politicians, and business leaders. Many took to social media to express their discontent, emphasizing Polat’s contributions to Istanbul’s historical and artistic landscape.
Zeki Demirkubuz – Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Producer
“Mahir Polat is an honest, knowledgeable, and principled administrator—something those in power could never cultivate and would immediately destroy if they did. The only thing preventing him from serving his beloved country even more is enduring this ordeal and waiting for it to end.”
Şirin Payzın – Journalist
“Do you know what Mahir Polat did? He almost became the Mayor of Fatih—that’s his great crime! Then he restored historic buildings that had been turned into cafes, parking lots, and shops by friends of those in power. He opened libraries, repaired fountains, created exhibition spaces, restored madrasahs, and handed them over to the Governor. He protected Istanbul, and in doing so, he angered those who wanted to exploit its historical sites.”
Ezel Akay – Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Producer
“Mahir Polat is one of a kind! One of the most honest politicians of this era! Our hearts are with him (and don’t think I forgot about Demirtaş! 😃)”
Nevzat Aydın – Founder of Yemeksepeti
“With İMM Miras, Mahir Polat not only worked to preserve Istanbul’s historical and cultural treasures but also made efforts to protect our heritage abroad. Now, he too has been arrested—and we failed to protect him.”
Mahir Polat is a notable figure who has made significant contributions to the culture and art scene in Istanbul. Through İMM Miras, he has brought a blend of Istanbul’s historical and cultural heritage with modern artistic approaches, greatly contributing to the city’s artistic landscape. Some of his contributions include important artworks such as the Fatih Portrait, a significant depiction of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the founder of the Ottoman Empire; the Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Portrait, depicting Suleiman the Magnificent, one of the greatest sultans of the Ottoman Empire; and the Fatih Medal, which has become a symbol of the Fatih district in Istanbul. Polat has also organized 196 national and international exhibitions, attracting the attention of art lovers and reflecting the cultural diversity of the city. His initiative with İMM Miras has played a major role in preserving and modernizing cultural and artistic spaces across Istanbul, contributing to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Cultural and Artistic Venues Brought to Istanbul by İMM Miras
Artİstanbul Feshane
The historic Feshane building, after undergoing extensive restoration and repurposing by İMM Miras, reopened in June 2023 as Artİstanbul Feshane. With an area of 8,000 square meters, it became the largest public cultural and artistic space in Istanbul. The venue opened with the exhibition “Ortadan Başlamak”, featuring 400+ works by 19 curators and 300 artists.
Subsequent exhibitions included:
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“Ben Başka Bir Sen, Sen Başka Bir Ben”: The 10th Asia-Europe Mediations Biennale, with 17 curators and 154 artists from 4 countries.
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“Dinamik Göz: Op ve Kinetik Sanatın Ötesi”: Featuring works from the Tate collection.
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“Ne Senden Rükû Ne Benden Kıyam” by Prof. Emin Barın, a tribute to his mastery in Turkish graphic arts and calligraphy.
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“Bir Koleksiyoner Hikâyesi: Mustafa Taviloğlu”: An exhibition showcasing Taviloğlu’s collection dating back to 1972.
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“Kayıp Alfabe” by Ahmet Güneştekin, a personal exhibition highlighting his artistic vision.
Casa Botter
The Botter Apartment, after its comprehensive restoration by İMM Miras, reopened in 2023 as Casa Botter Art and Design Center on Istanbul’s iconic Istiklal Street. It became the city’s first Art Nouveau building and has since hosted numerous important exhibitions.
Some of the key exhibitions:
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“Düşler ve Hakikatler” (Dreams and Realities) at the opening.
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“Lozan 1923 ve Yüz Yıl Önceki Başlangıç” (Lausanne 1923 and the Beginning 100 Years Ago).
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“Sen Potansiyellerle Doğdun” (You Were Born with Potentials).
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“Solo Botter” series featuring exhibitions by renowned artists like Selma Gürbüz, Nuri İyem, Komet, and Burhan Uygur.
Metrohan
Another historical building restored by İMM Heritage is Metrohan, which now hosts a variety of cultural events, including exhibitions, concerts, talks, and theater performances. Some notable exhibitions include:
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MetrRAKTAL.
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Kolektif İyileşme/Mina’nın Çocukları (Collective Healing/Children of Mina).
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Yer.Antakya.Hafıza (Place.Antakya.Memory).
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Köklerin Göçü (Migration of Roots).
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Saraybosna’yı Hatırlıyor Musun? (Do You Remember Sarajevo?).
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Zamanlar ve Katmanlar Arasında (Between Times and Layers) by Gülseren Südor.
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Zaman Ötesi ‘Sır Kapısı’ (Timeless ‘Gate of Secrets’).
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Avusturya Liseliler Sanatçılar Sergisi: Anılar İçinde Bir Yürüyüş (Austrian High School Artists Exhibition: A Walk Through Memories).
These venues have transformed Istanbul’s cultural landscape, contributing to the city’s growing reputation as a center for the arts and historical preservation.
Müze Gazhane
The historic Hasanpaşa Gasworks in Kadıköy was opened as Müze Gazhane in 2021 after comprehensive restoration and repurposing efforts. This significant part of Istanbul’s industrial cultural heritage now houses multiple functions such as the Climate Museum, Cartoon and Humor Museum, Children’s Science Center, Afife Batur Library, Galeri Gazhane, soundproof work areas, İMM City Theatres Prof. Dr. Sevda Şener Stage, and Meydan Stage. Among its exhibitions, visitors can enjoy:
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“Bir Kendilik Öyküsü: Naile Akıncı”
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Zeki Demirkubuz “Hayat”
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50th Anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation with the İMM Collection
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“Tiyatro Bana Gülümsedi”
- Kemal Sunal Film Costumes, Film Posters
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Anatolia’s 4 Seasons Photography Competition VR
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“Bir Koleksiyoner Hikâyesi: Mustafa Taviloğlu”
Haliç Sanat 1, 2, 3
İMM Miras has also revitalized the Fener Houses, which are original examples of 18th-century Istanbul civil architecture. These have been transformed into contemporary art galleries and living spaces, now known as Haliç Sanat 1, Haliç Sanat 2, and Haliç Sanat 3. These venues have been designed to meet modern needs while enriching the cultural infrastructure along the Golden Horn. They regularly host a variety of exhibitions and events.
İstanbul Sanat
The İstanbul Sanat Museum, located within the Haliç Shipyard area, was also revitalized by İMM Miras. The venue not only retains its historic shipyard function but now includes museum spaces, performing arts venues, exhibition areas, and children’s workshops. Since its opening, it has hosted significant exhibitions like:
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Ah Güzel İstanbul
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Bir Koleksiyoner Hikâyesi: Mustafa Taviloğlu
Bulgur Palas
Bulgur Palas, which has become a cultural hub in the Historic Peninsula, reopened with the “Magnum İstanbul”exhibition, celebrating the 77th anniversary of the famous Magnum Photos agency. The opening exhibition showcased over 200 photos by 70 artists. In addition to its exhibition space, the venue offers a library, multi-purpose event areas, and an observation terrace, making it a multifaceted cultural space.
Yerebatan Sarnıcı
The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), which is nearly 1,600 years old, was opened for public visits in 2022 after extensive restoration. It was reinforced to withstand potential future earthquakes and underwent a cleanup of its floor, revealing the original 1,500-year-old brickwork. The cistern now hosts temporary exhibitions, contemporary art performances, and cultural events in line with modern museology practices. The Yerebatan Sarnıcı Museum also presents exhibitions such as “Daha Derine” and “Yeraltının Kapıları”, the latter curated by Mahir Polat.
Yedikule Gazhanesi
The Yedikule Gasworks, a 150-year-old building, has been transformed by İMM Miras into a venue for contemporary events such as concerts, exhibitions, talks, film screenings, and workshops. The Hangar Building has been repurposed for these activities, and restoration and revitalization efforts continue in other parts of the historical site.
Çubuklu Silolar
Located in Beykoz, Çubuklu Silos is one of the most significant examples of Istanbul’s industrial heritage and a key cultural and artistic venue on the Bosphorus. Spanning 20,000 square meters, the area has been designed to cater to various needs, including a museum, performance space, library, workshops, children’s play areas, and outdoor event spaces. The museum opened its doors with the exhibition “Bilinci Yeniden Kurmak: Gerçek Nedir?” (Rebuilding Awareness: What Is Real?), and features exhibitions like Boşluk (Space), which explores the infinite tension between light, space, and void.
Anadolu Hisarı
For many years abandoned and left to deteriorate, the Anadolu Hisarı (Anadolu Fortress) has regained its former strength following restoration work. In time for the 100th anniversary of the Republic, the fortress was transformed into the Anadolu Hisarı Museum, offering space for a variety of cultural and artistic events. It has become a vital historical landmark for both locals and visitors.
Taksim Maksemi
The Taksim Maksemi, one of the iconic structures of Taksim Cumhuriyet Meydanı (Republic Square), has undergone comprehensive restoration and reopened as the İMM Cumhuriyet Müzesi (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Republic Museum). The museum’s collection spans the national struggle period to the foundation of the Turkish Republic, featuring personal items of Atatürk and a range of exhibitions and events that embody the spirit of the Republic.
Baruthane
Another venue transformed by İMM Heritage is the Bakırköy Baruthânesi (Bakırköy Gunpowder Factory). With a history dating back to the 18th century, the building has been converted into a public cultural space after restoration efforts. The historical site now serves as a library, museum, cultural event space, and includes multifunctional areas such as a café. Among its exhibitions, it hosted Zamanın Kapısını Açanlar (Those Who Open the Door of Time) and Rastlantı ve Zorunluluk (Chance and Necessity).
Gülhane Sanat
After meticulous conservation and restoration, the Gülhane Park Cistern reopened as Gülhane Sanat, a space for exhibitions and cultural events. It has hosted exhibitions like Polen and Metalist: Vahdet, showcasing both contemporary art and significant cultural movements.
Taş Mektep
Located on the Princes’ Islands, Taş Mektep has become the new cultural and artistic hub of the area. This historical building now hosts a variety of activities, including exhibition halls, a book café, workshops, and event spaces. Among the exhibitions held here, Yok Olmadan (Before It’s Gone) and Yüzleşme (Confrontation) stand out as contemporary art showcases.
Cendere Art Museum
The Cendere Pompa İstasyonu (Cendere Station), another significant industrial structure in the city, has been transformed into the Cendere Sanat Müzesi (Cendere Art Museum). This space serves as a public living area, featuring exhibition spaces, cultural events, workshops, and reading areas. After the exhibition Akışın Tanığı (Witness to the Flow), it hosted the exhibition Ağaçlar Konuşunca (When Trees Speak), offering an artistic perspective on environmental themes.
İstanbul Design Museum
One of the most important additions by IMM Heritage to the city’s cultural scene is the İstanbul Tasarım Müzesi (Istanbul Design Museum), located in the historical Sıra Dükkânlar building of the Süleymaniye Mosque and Complex. This museum aims to contribute to Istanbul’s status as a “design city,” providing a sustainable approach to design. It gathers craftsmen, designers, and artists, fostering creativity and innovation in the fields of design and craftsmanship.
Murat Abbas: A Key Figure in Istanbul’s Cultural Landscape
Murat Abbas, who has been the General Manager of Culture Inc. since 2020, is another prominent figure whose arrest has sparked considerable reaction. Known for making culture and art accessible to everyone in Istanbul through various initiatives, Murat Abbas has been pivotal in expanding cultural engagement across the city. His arrest has been met with strong opposition, with many in the cultural sector expressing disbelief and support for him.
Background: Murat Abbas is a graduate of İstanbul University Business Faculty and has held financial control and management roles in several prominent companies, including PWC, Bosch, Siemens, and Profilo. In 1999, he entered the music industry and became involved in radio editing. Abbas became the General Manager of Pera Museum (PSM) in 2015, and during his tenure, he was responsible for the institution’s creative, administrative, organizational, and financial operations. His expertise in the cultural and arts field, along with his reputation as a collector of vinyl records and old books, has made him a well-respected figure.
Social Media Reactions to Murat Abbas’ Arrest
Görgün Taner, General Manager of the İstanbul Kültür Sanat Vakfı (IKSV), expressed strong disapproval of Abbas’s arrest, stating:
“This is unacceptable. There is no reasonable or logical explanation for the arrest of our friend Murat Abbas. We vouch for him. Murat’s integrity is beyond question.”
This sentiment reflects the broader dismay in the cultural community over the treatment of individuals like Abbas, who have dedicated their careers to enriching Istanbul’s cultural landscape.
Reactions to the Arrest of Murat Abbas
The arrest of Murat Abbas, General Manager of Kültür AŞ, has sparked outrage among many in Istanbul’s cultural community. Prominent figures in theater, cinema, and music have shared their support for him, expressing disbelief over his arrest and highlighting his significant contributions to the cultural scene.
Hülya Karakaş – Theater and Cinema Artist and Director:
Hülya Karakaş, a well-known figure in Turkish theater and cinema, expressed her strong emotions on Twitter, recalling the cultural moments that Murat Abbas helped facilitate, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s. She referenced the iconic Asmalımescit Babylon years, a cultural hotspot that Murat Abbas was instrumental in shaping. Her tweet expressed both personal frustration and anger over the arrest:
“You arrested the man who made it possible for us to live the 90s and 2000s to the fullest. Do you not remember our Babylon years in Asmalımescit? What crime could Murat Abbas have committed? I will remember you with hatred for the rest of my life.”
Emrah Kolukısa – Actor and Film Critic:
Emrah Kolukısa, a well-known actor and film critic, also voiced his disapproval of Murat Abbas’s arrest. He took to Twitter to share his thoughts, offering words of encouragement to Abbas and noting that the cultural community was well familiar with him:
“They’ve taken Murat Abbas (Mabbas), whom we meet at almost every event and who is well-known to cultural and arts journalists, into custody. This arrest is a badge of honor, my friend. Don’t worry, these days will pass.”
Kerem Gorsev – Jazz Musician, Pianist, and Composer:
Kerem Gorsev, a renowned jazz musician, pianist, and composer, also expressed his support for Murat Abbas, recalling his long-standing relationship with him. Gorsev highlighted Abbas’s deep ties to music, books, and vinyl records and his significant role in shaping Istanbul’s cultural scene through his work at Babylon and Zorlu PSM:
“Murat Abbas, General Manager of İMM Culture Inc, has been arrested. I’ve known Murat for over 20 years; his life has revolved around records, books, and music. He was the GM of Babylon and Zorlu PSM for many years. Now, he holds a position that greatly contributes to Istanbul’s cultural life.”
These reactions reflect the broad admiration for Murat Abbas’s contributions to Istanbul’s cultural landscape and the deep sense of injustice felt by many within the arts community.
Kültür AŞ Events and Contributions
Under the leadership of Murat Abbas, İMM Culture Inc has played a pivotal role in revitalizing and modernizing Istanbul’s cultural scene. The organization has worked to blend contemporary museology with technology, ensuring that historic sites are both preserved and reimagined for future generations.
Key Contributions:
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Restoration and Modernization of Museums:
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Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Basilica Cistern), Şerefiye Sarnıcı, Miniatürk, Panorama 1453 History Museum, and Topkapı Türk Dünyası Kültür Mahallesi have all been renewed with a contemporary museological approach. These sites now incorporate modern technologies to enhance the visitor experience, blending the old with the new.
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Taksim Sanat:
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Taksim Sanat, a public cultural and art space located in the heart of Istanbul, has hosted various exhibitions, bringing art to the public in one of the city’s most iconic locations. The venue is a testament to the city’s vibrant cultural life and serves as a hub for both contemporary and classical art forms.
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İstanbul Bookstore:
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The İstanbul Kitapçısı (Istanbul Bookstore) has expanded its reach by adding new branches in the city’s most central locations, making books more accessible to Istanbul residents and visitors alike.
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Festival Park Kadıköy:
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Festival Park Kadıköy was established as a multidisciplinary outdoor event space that reflects the dynamism and excitement of the city. This venue hosts a wide range of cultural events, from concerts to art exhibitions, contributing to the city’s lively atmosphere.
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Radar İstanbul Mobile App:
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To provide a comprehensive platform for all cultural and artistic events in Istanbul, Radar İstanbul was launched as a mobile application. This tool allows users to discover events happening across the city, making it easier for residents and tourists to stay connected with Istanbul’s cultural pulse.
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These initiatives by İMM (Culture Inc) Kültür AŞ have significantly enriched Istanbul’s cultural landscape, ensuring that the city’s history and modern artistic expression coexist seamlessly.
İMM Heritage and Culture Inc: Cultural Contributions and Free Events
Under the comprehensive restoration efforts led by IMM Heritage, Istanbul’s cultural and artistic spaces have been revitalized and made accessible to people of all ages. The organization has brought a wide range of free cultural events to the city, ensuring that every corner of Istanbul hosts opportunities for its residents to engage with the arts.
Key Activities:
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Free Events Across the City:
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With the support of IMM Heritage , various cultural and artistic spaces have been created, offering a variety of events ranging from performances to exhibitions. These events are designed to cater to diverse age groups, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all Istanbulites.
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Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theater:
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Kültür AŞ has also organized a rich selection of concerts and theater performances at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theater, contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape and offering diverse entertainment options to the public.
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University and High School Cultural Programs:
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Focused on the younger generation, Kültür AŞ has organized cultural center events aimed at university and high school students. One of the most significant events is the Gençlere Alan Açık competition, which provides young artists under the age of 30 across Turkey a platform to submit their original works and express themselves.
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Murat Abbas and Mahir Polat’s Arrests
In a separate and highly controversial development, Murat Abbas (General Manager of Kültür AŞ) and Mahir Polat(Deputy Secretary-General of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality) were arrested under separate investigations.
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Mahir Polat’s Arrest:
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Polat was arrested as part of the “city consensus” investigation. He vehemently denied all accusations, particularly those claiming connections to the PKK/KCK terrorist organization, which he described as defamatory and false. Polat shared his thoughts on social media, expressing his commitment to justice and the truth, despite the unjust accusations he faced. He also reaffirmed his dedication to working alongside Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, with integrity and honor.
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Murat Abbas’s Arrest:
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Murat Abbas was arrested in connection with an alleged corruption investigation, which shocked many who know him for his deep involvement in Istanbul’s cultural scene. Abbas has contributed significantly to the city’s art and culture through initiatives like the Radar İstanbul app and Festival Park Kadıköy.
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Both arrests have sparked considerable debate, with many defending Abbas and Polat, emphasizing their significant contributions to Istanbul’s cultural development.
Mahir Polat’s Social Media Statement: Polat expressed his commitment to truth, justice, and public service, standing firm with Ekrem İmamoğlu and rejecting the baseless accusations:
“We will never abandon our responsibility to truth, justice, and serving our people in the face of unjust and unfounded accusations. Together with our Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, we stand tall, with clear consciences and unshaken. We will fight against this dark propaganda, slander, and injustice. We know that the truth will emerge, and justice will prevail. Better days are ahead…”
This statement reflects Polat’s resolve to continue fighting for what he believes is right despite the challenges posed by the accusations against him.
