Local elections are being held in Turkey on Sunday, and the votes could decide the future of Turkish politics.
Polls will be held in all 81 provinces, but the real battle will be over Istanbul, a city of 16 million people and the only city on two continents.

There is a saying in Turkish politics: “Whoever controls Istanbul controls Turkey.” That’s why this vote is a test for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s AK Party. It lost Istanbul to the opposition five years ago.

Money is a big factor. Those who control a metropolis also control its budget, development projects, and perhaps the lifespan of political parties.

There is a lot at stake in this campaign, with high inflation, political divisions and international pressure all playing a role.

So how might that outcome change the country’s prospects for years to come? And what direction might Turkey move forward?

Presenter: james bayes

guest:

Ahmet Qasim Khan – Professor of Political Science and International Relations, Beykoz University

Vehbi Beysan – Assistant Professor, Ibn Khaldun University

Mehmet Çelik – Editorial Coordinator of Daily Sabah