Has the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan miscalculated?

The political landscape in Turkey is facing upheaval following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the Mayor of Istanbul and prominent political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Thousands have rallied in the streets, protesting what is widely perceived as a politically motivated arrest aimed at eliminating a key opposition figure. Imamoglu, who had been seen as a strong contender for the presidency in 2028, faces charges that his supporters label as 'unimaginable accusations and slanders,' suggesting a campaign to undermine his political influence. His detention, and now the arrest of his lawyer Mehmet Pehlivan, has been a flashpoint, catalyzing protests across major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. As these events unfold, Dilek Imamoglu, Ekrem's wife, emerges as a figure of resilience, rallying support and maintaining a strong public stance against the government's actions. This drama is unfolding as Erdogan's administration grapples with both internal dissent and international scrutiny. With looming elections and mounting pressure, the political stakes have never been higher, and the unfolding scenario could indeed signify a miscalculation by Erdogan, potentially strengthening opposition forces. Artificial intelligence was used to review and analyze this news piece to ensure a comprehensive journalistic approach.