Anti-NATO Protests in Fındıklı: "Today Iran and Palestine, Tomorrow Turkey"

Ahead of the official NATO summit scheduled for July 7 and 8, 2026, in Ankara, a wave of anti-imperialist protests has swept through various Turkish cities. In one of the most prominent gatherings, residents of Fındıklı in Rize province, along with representatives of political parties, labor unions, and civil society organizations, protested against NATO's military policies [1].

Details of the Protest Rally in Fındıklı This demonstration, held in the late hours of July 6, 2026, saw active participation from members of left-wing parties and trade unions. Protesters carried banners reading "Today Iran and Palestine, Tomorrow Turkey," emphasizing the shared destiny of regional countries [2]. Osman Kaya, a board member of the Teachers' Union (Eğitim Sen) in the Rize region, stated in a press release that NATO is nothing but a "war machine" serving United States interests, and its presence in the region only fuels bloodshed and instability [3].

Linking Turkey's Security to the Region's Fate The main slogan of the rally, "Today Iran and Palestine, Tomorrow Turkey," reflects the deep concern of protesters regarding the expansion of conflicts in the Middle East. Speakers at the event emphasized that the attacks and pressures by NATO and its allies on Iran and Palestine are a prelude to targeting Turkey's independence and territorial integrity in the near future [1]. They believe that NATO uses Turkish soil as a launchpad for its imperialist goals, which endangers the country's national security.

The 2026 NATO Summit and the Security Atmosphere in Turkey These protests come as Ankara prepares to host leaders from 32 NATO member states, including US President Donald Trump, under heavy security measures [4]. Reports indicate that similar gatherings were held in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, which in some cases led to clashes with police and the detention of over 100 people [4]. Protesters in Fındıklı demanded Turkey's immediate withdrawal from NATO and the closure of all foreign military bases, especially those held by American forces [3].

Final Demands of the Protesters At the end of the rally, a resolution was read emphasizing the need for an independent and peaceful foreign policy. Protesters declared that the Turkish people would not allow their country to become a tool for NATO's proxy wars against neighbors. They also called for an end to military cooperation with the Zionist regime and genuine support for the Palestinian cause [2].