Written by Dante Uzel on 25 March 2025 15:17

In the midst of escalating protests in Turkey, many demonstrators have adopted the image and quotes of League of Legends champion Sylas as a symbol of resistance. Known for his rebellious nature in the game, Sylas’s in-game phrases, such as "break the chains," have appeared on protest posters and social media profiles, resonating deeply with those rallying against the Turkish government.
Over the past several days, more than 1,100 individuals—including journalists and left-wing leaders—have been arrested and detained by the Turkish authorities. This crackdown follows the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, an opposition leader, on charges of corruption. The arrests have fueled a mass movement across the country, with many people turning to Sylas as a figure of defiance. Protesters have shared Sylas-themed posters and messages on X (formerly Twitter) in solidarity with the ongoing demonstrations.
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In League of Legends, Sylas is known for his quest for freedom, declaring war on the oppressive kingdom of Demacia. His rallying cries such as “Time to take what’s ours,” “Rise up, brothers and sisters,” and “They can’t hang us all” have been echoed by protesters who see the champion’s fight for justice as a metaphor for their own struggle. Several of these lines have gained prominence during the protests, with Sylas’s character becoming synonymous with the fight against perceived government oppression in Turkey.
In addition to the protests, Turkish League of Legends players have also embraced Sylas, picking him more frequently in both ranked and normal matches. The champion’s popularity has surged in the current patch 15.6, with Sylas already appearing in 3,389 matches across all ranks in Turkey. This surge in Sylas picks further underscores his status as a symbol of resistance, both on and off the screen.
Tags: League of Legends