There is a saying in Turkish politics: Whoever wins Istanbul wins Turkey. And that is why this vote is a test for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party. It lost Istanbul to the opposition five years ago.

Money is a major factor. Whoever controls big cities also controls their budgets, development projects – and quite possibly the parties’ longevity.

There’s a lot at stake in this race – high inflation, political divisions and international pressures all play a role.

So, how could the outcome alter the country’s prospects for years to come? And what direction could Turkey take?

Presenter: James Bays

Guests:

Ahmet Kasim Han – Professor of political science and international relations at Beykoz University

Vehbi Baysan – Assistant professor at Ibn Haldun University

Mehmet Celik – Editorial co-ordinator at Daily Sabah newspaper