Politics · Turkey · 3 hrs ago
Nine candidates contest Istanbul Bar Association election
Istanbul Bar Association members voted on October 25 to choose their president and governing bodies.
Nine candidates are running, including current president İbrahim Özden Kaboğlu, who is seeking another term.
Some 68,220 lawyers were eligible to vote, with ballots cast at Haliç Congress Center.
Members also voted for the association’s management, disciplinary and audit boards, and delegates to the Union of Turkish Bar Associations.
The election comes amid legal proceedings over the bar’s statement about journalists killed in Syria; the bar’s acquittal in the criminal case was upheld on appeal shortly before the vote.
The assembly saw clashes after political slogans and an LGBT+ flag prompted tensions between groups of lawyers.
Counting began after polls closed at 5 p.m., and the new president and governing bodies will be confirmed once the results are final.
Nine candidates are contesting the Istanbul Bar Association presidency in elections held at Haliç Congress Center on 25 October.
The vote also determines the bar’s governing, disciplinary and supervisory boards and its delegates to the Union of Turkish Bar Associations.
A total of 68,220 lawyers are eligible to vote, according to Bianet.
Voting began at 09:00 and ended at 17:00, after which ballot counting began.
The election followed a tense general assembly, where opposing slogans after an LGBT flag was raised led to a physical altercation.
- Who
- Nine candidates, including incumbent president İbrahim Özden Kaboğlu, are contesting the presidency. Eligible voters are Istanbul Bar Association lawyers.
- What
- The bar is electing its president and other governing bodies, as well as delegates to the Union of Turkish Bar Associations.
- When
- 25 October 2026. Voting ran from 09:00 to 17:00.
- Where
- Haliç Congress Center in Istanbul, Türkiye.
- Why
- To choose the bar’s president and governing bodies for the 2026–2028 term.
Supporters of the LGBT flag
Lawyers who opposed the flag
Aspect
Supporters of the LGBT flag
Some lawyers raised an LGBT flag and chanted “Defy hatred, long live life.
Lawyers who opposed the flag
Another group of lawyers responded with the slogan “Down with the PKK.
Aspect
Supporters of the LGBT flag
Their actions prompted a reaction from other participants.
Lawyers who opposed the flag
Their response contributed to rising tension and a physical altercation.
The bar’s general assembly began, and arguments over slogans and an LGBT flag led to a physical altercation and a 15-minute recess.
Voting began at Haliç Congress Center.
Voting ended and ballot counting began.
- Candidates
- Nine
- Eligible voters
- 68,220 lawyers
- Voting hours
- 09:00–17:00
- Venue
- Haliç Congress Center, Istanbul
- Term
- 2026–2028
4 sources
What people are saying
We will work day and night to make the law effective and valid, which Türkiye needs, by advancing the experience we have gained so far.
The bar was sought to be left without administration through the judiciary.
Law for everyone