Controversial map in Istanbul depicts foreign territories as Turkish

A map displayed in an underground pedestrian tunnel in the Karaköy district of Istanbul has sparked significant controversy. The installation depicts Cyprus, Rhodes, Western Thrace, and parts of Syria and Georgia within the borders of Turkey. Featuring a large crescent and star, the map is labeled "Ahd-i Millî," referencing the "Misak-ı Millî" or "National Oath" of 1920, which outlined the territorial claims of the final Ottoman Parliament.

Local reports indicate the map was installed as part of a renovation project overseen by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, situated alongside an image of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and nationalistic inscriptions. The visual presentation includes the Turkish name "Kıbrıs" for Cyprus, explicitly placing these regions within a unified Turkish territory. The design and location have led to concerns regarding the promotion of historical expansionist narratives in public spaces.

In response to the map, the ELAM party in Cyprus has publicly condemned the display, labeling it as evidence of Turkey's systematic revisionist policy. The party has demanded that the Republic of Cyprus formally denounce the incident and has announced its intention to escalate the matter to the European level, urging an end to what they describe as tolerance toward violations of international law.