Turkey Blocks Instagram Access Amid Ongoing Political Tensions

August 5, 2024

On August 2, 2024, Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority announced a block on Instagram, affecting about 85 million people. More than 50 million users in Turkey actively use Instagram. The Turkish government has not disclosed the reason for the ban.

Underlying Causes

The ban seems to be a response to Instagram removing posts related to the death of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas’s political wing. Haniyeh was killed in an explosion in Tehran, with Iranian officials and Hamas blaming Israel. Israel has not commented on these accusations.

Government Stance

Turkey does not consider Hamas a terrorist organization, unlike the United States and many Western countries. The Turkish government has been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza and its treatment of Palestinians. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has described Hamas members as “liberation fighters.”

Censorship and Free Speech

Critics of the ban, including some Turkish officials, see it as censorship. Fahrettin Altun, a government spokesperson, highlighted the need to protect freedom of speech from what he views as a global system of injustice. This move underscores ongoing tensions between Turkey and Israel and the broader geopolitical issues related to Palestine. It also shows Turkey’s unique role in the Middle East, where it advocates for Palestinian rights while maintaining complex relationships with both Palestinian groups and Israel.

About Turkey

Turkey lies between Europe and Asia and is home to Göbekli Tepe, the world’s earliest known human settlement.
Mount Ararat, thought to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark, is in Turkey.
Turkey produces 70% of the world’s hazelnuts.
The ancient city of Troy, famous from Homer’s epics, is located in Turkey.
Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey, is also found here.
Turkish is one of the most widely spoken languages, featuring unique vowel harmony rules.
Tulip cultivation began in the Ottoman Empire.

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