Turkish engineers and architects hold protests over economic hardship

Members of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) held demonstrations in cities including Istanbul and Ankara to mark the 47th anniversary of the September 19, 1979, strike action. Protesters highlighted worsening professional conditions driven by the deepening economic crisis, high cost of living, and unemployment.

Representatives stated that engineers, architects, and city planners are facing significant pressure to work outside their professional fields due to financial instability. In the public sector, workers reported issues with low wages, lack of merit-based appointments, and job insecurity. In the private sector, professionals cited long working hours, lack of job security, and workplace mobbing. The demonstrations aimed to demand better working conditions and an end to the devaluation of technical expertise.