Analysts say a convergence of international factors gave Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the opportunity to try to neutralize Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the main threat to him in elections due to be held in 2028.

The combination of election success and legal battles has cemented Ekrem Imamoglu's status as Tayyip Erdogan's main rival and biggest threat to the president's more than 22-year reign.

Turkey is in turmoil after Istanbul mayor and candidate for president Ekrem Imamoglu was charged with offences of bribery and corruption, which sparked sustained protests against the rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.