Istanbul LGBT Pride Week
عن هذه الفعالية
Istanbul Pride Week traces its first events to 1993, and its closing march on İstiklal Avenue began in 2003 with about 30 people. By 2014 it was the largest LGBT gathering in Turkey's history, with crowds Amnesty estimated in the tens of thousands.
In 2015 police broke up the march for the first time, and the governor's office or district governors have banned it every year since, citing security and public order. Organisers still call a march each June and try to hold it. In 2022 police detained 373 people. In 2025, under the theme "Yaşamda Israr" (insisting on life), 54 people including journalists were detained in Beşiktaş.
On 28 June 2026 the 24th march took place in Kadıköy's Caferağa neighbourhood after the Kadıköy and Beyoğlu district governors banned all events that weekend. Bianet counted at least 65 detentions, journalists among them; all were released that night after giving statements.
There is no parade to watch. It is a protest under a ban, metro stations around Taksim are usually closed, and anyone present can be detained. The Pride Week committee's channels carry the week's talks and events. The 2027 dates hadn't been announced when we checked.
Where to stay during Istanbul LGBT Pride Week
via Stay22Our three picks · Istanbul
via Stay22Experience Istanbul's charm at Mataracı Konak, an LGBTQ+ friendly guesthouse in historic Fatih.
Experience Istanbul's charm at this LGBTQ+ friendly hotel, offering a welcoming stay in the heart of the city.
مقاطع الفيديو
Turkey Cracks Down on Istanbul Pride, Detains Dozens
