A collective of youthful individuals in Istanbul, driven by the desire to address the city's transportation challenges and uplift the spirits of weary commuters stuck in traffic, showcased a lively brass band performance in the bustling Şişli district last Thursday. 
Dubbed the "Stars of Istanbul," this group, known for their diverse initiatives across the city, staged their vibrant display in front of a popular shopping center along Büyükdere Avenue. Their aim was to alleviate the stress experienced by drivers navigating through gridlocked streets.
As traffic lights halted the flow of vehicles, members of the group unfurled a banner bearing the message, "We're here for those weary of traffic," before proceeding to captivate the halted audience with their brass band spectacle. Alongside their musical performance, they distributed stress-relief balls and cheerful daisies to both drivers and passengers.
Emrullah Kavak, serving as the spokesperson for the collective, described the Stars of Istanbul as primarily composed of university students aged 18-30, residing in Istanbul, portraying themselves as a "movement of joy" in an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA).
Kavak emphasized that their intervention in Şişli served as a response to Istanbul's tumultuous traffic conditions. "Previously, we voiced our concerns through similar demonstrations in Mecidiyeköy, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy. Today, it's a brass band performance. Our aim is to highlight the issue of traffic congestion," he articulated.
Acknowledging their endorsement of Murat Kurum, the People's Alliance candidate for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, in tackling the city's traffic woes, Kavak expressed confidence in Kurum's potential to address these challenges effectively. "We believe he holds the solution to Istanbul's traffic problems. Hence, our endeavors persist," he affirmed.
Kurum's electoral campaign, pitted against the incumbent Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, revolves around resolving Istanbul's persistent traffic issues, which have long irked residents.
Kavak extended an invitation to engage with anyone willing to contribute to alleviating Istanbul's traffic woes, stating, "The congestion on Istanbul's roads is palpable. The state of public transportation and traffic leaves much to be desired. We share these grievances and seek solutions. We are open to dialogue with interested parties."
Highlighting the positive reception from drivers, Kavak remarked, "Citizens have responded positively to our initiatives. Amidst our protests against traffic woes, we strive to entertain. Our goal is to leave a lasting impression, bringing smiles to faces and offering tokens of goodwill through flowers and stress-relief aids."
Dubbed the "Stars of Istanbul," this group, known for their diverse initiatives across the city, staged their vibrant display in front of a popular shopping center along Büyükdere Avenue. Their aim was to alleviate the stress experienced by drivers navigating through gridlocked streets.
As traffic lights halted the flow of vehicles, members of the group unfurled a banner bearing the message, "We're here for those weary of traffic," before proceeding to captivate the halted audience with their brass band spectacle. Alongside their musical performance, they distributed stress-relief balls and cheerful daisies to both drivers and passengers.
Emrullah Kavak, serving as the spokesperson for the collective, described the Stars of Istanbul as primarily composed of university students aged 18-30, residing in Istanbul, portraying themselves as a "movement of joy" in an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA).
Kavak emphasized that their intervention in Şişli served as a response to Istanbul's tumultuous traffic conditions. "Previously, we voiced our concerns through similar demonstrations in Mecidiyeköy, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy. Today, it's a brass band performance. Our aim is to highlight the issue of traffic congestion," he articulated.
Acknowledging their endorsement of Murat Kurum, the People's Alliance candidate for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, in tackling the city's traffic woes, Kavak expressed confidence in Kurum's potential to address these challenges effectively. "We believe he holds the solution to Istanbul's traffic problems. Hence, our endeavors persist," he affirmed.
Kurum's electoral campaign, pitted against the incumbent Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, revolves around resolving Istanbul's persistent traffic issues, which have long irked residents.
Kavak extended an invitation to engage with anyone willing to contribute to alleviating Istanbul's traffic woes, stating, "The congestion on Istanbul's roads is palpable. The state of public transportation and traffic leaves much to be desired. We share these grievances and seek solutions. We are open to dialogue with interested parties."
Highlighting the positive reception from drivers, Kavak remarked, "Citizens have responded positively to our initiatives. Amidst our protests against traffic woes, we strive to entertain. Our goal is to leave a lasting impression, bringing smiles to faces and offering tokens of goodwill through flowers and stress-relief aids."