The election of Ekrem İmamoğlu as Mayor of Istanbul in 2019 represented a significant shift in Turkish urban politics, marked by his upset victory over AK Party candidate Binali Yıldırım. Following a contested initial ballot, he secured a decisive win in the repeat election, transitioning from his role as mayor of Beylikdüzü to the leadership of Turkey's largest city.
Background and Education
Born in 1970 in Akçaabat, İmamoğlu moved to Istanbul in 1987. His academic career included studies at Trabzon Science High School, Girne American University, and Istanbul University, where he earned a degree in business administration and a master's in human resource management. Before entering formal politics, he gained professional experience as a real estate developer and served on the board of the sports club Trabzonspor.
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İmamoğlu joined the Republican People's Party (CHP) in 2008, initially serving as the president of the party's local chapter in Beylikdüzü. In 2014, he was elected mayor of Beylikdüzü. By 2017, he emerged as a prominent party figure, receiving a nomination to succeed Kadir Topbaş as mayor of Istanbul, though the assembly eventually selected Mevlüt Uysal for the remainder of that term.
Mayoral Tenure
During his terms starting in 2019, İmamoğlu implemented policies focused on urban welfare and infrastructure. His administration addressed child malnutrition through milk distribution programs, provided tertiary education scholarships, and reduced public transport fares. Environmental efforts included cleaning the Golden Horn and replacing phaetons on the Princes' Islands with electric vehicles. Additionally, he oversaw the restoration of the Esenler Coach Terminal.
Legal Challenges and Transitions
By 2025, İmamoğlu faced significant legal turmoil, including accusations of corruption and bribery. Following the cancellation of his university diploma, he was detained and suspended from his mayoral office. In 2026, he resigned from the CHP to support the newly founded New Party. He remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings involving multiple cases while maintaining his innocence regarding the allegations brought against him.
Fast facts
- Born: 1970, Akçaabat
- Education: Istanbul University
- Party: Republican People's Party (until 2026)
- Positions held: Mayor of Beylikdüzü, Mayor of Istanbul
- Marital status: Married to Dilek Kaya
- Children: Three
- Professional background: Real estate developer
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the 2019 Istanbul mayoral election?
It marked an upset victory for the opposition against the long-standing ruling AK Party candidate, Binali Yıldırım, and required a repeat election.
What is the current status of Ekrem İmamoğlu?
As of 2026, he has resigned from the CHP, supports the New Party, and is facing multiple legal cases following his 2025 suspension from office.
Achievements
- mayor of Beylikdüzü (2014–2019)
- mayor of Istanbul (2019–2019)
- mayor of Istanbul (2019–2024)
- mayor of Istanbul (2024–2025)
- Educated at İstanbul University School of Business and Girne American University