Istanbul, January 17 – AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir announced that the party successfully recruited 150,000 new members in 2025 through extensive fieldwork and organizational efforts. He also stated that the 2026 winter fieldwork has begun across all regions of Istanbul with the participation of 130,000 street volunteers.
AK Party Istanbul’s Membership Drive and Fieldwork
Özdemir made the announcement during a joint press conference, joined by several Istanbul deputies, including Süleyman Soylu and Seyithan İssiz. He highlighted the completion of the 2025 fieldwork, emphasizing the party’s success in reorganizing its structure and strengthening its ties with the public.
“We are delighted to have brought 150,000 new members into the AK Party Istanbul family through our membership drives,” Özdemir stated. He added that market, bazaar, and artisan meetings, along with collaborations with non-governmental organizations and sports clubs, were significant achievements of 2025.
Sharing the plans for 2026, Özdemir confirmed the launch of the first quarter winter fieldwork across all districts of Istanbul. “Today, we are in Bayrampaşa, Maltepe, and Esenyurt. We will continue to meet with citizens door-to-door with our 130,000 organization members,” he affirmed.
“It’s Taking From Your Life” Campaign and Cemetery Land Controversy
Özdemir also addressed the “It’s Taking From Your Life” campaign, stating, “We closely followed attempts to suppress this campaign.” He further raised concerns about the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) management’s decision to open a cemetery area for construction.
“The decision, numbered 415, dated March 13, 2025, opened approximately 180 decares of cemetery land in Avcılar for construction. This decision was taken despite the objection of the People’s Alliance,” Özdemir stated, criticizing the İBB’s actions.
The AK Party continues its efforts to engage with the public and expand its membership base while also scrutinizing the actions of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
