The Istanbul protests

ita eng
5 June 2013

The mobilization to preserve Gezi Park, one of Istanbul's few green areas, has sparked a wave of protests against the government of Turkey's Prime Minister Erdoğan. Arzu Geybullayeva shows in her photos the time line of the protests

Istanbul, running away from tear gas
May 31st, the day police violence intensified. Standing in the middle of Taksim square, surrounded by peaceful protesters on one side, media in the middle and police on the other, the air was burning. There was so much tear gas that it was impossible not to get affected. Protesters were hiding where they could. Starbucks, right on the Square, was one of those places. The Divan Hotel closed its shutters instead, and refused to help. The rest of the protesters was hiding on the side streets leading to the square.
Tear gas
Tear gas canisters as they were fired to scare away protesters hiding on the side streets
Gezi Park from above
Gezi Park from above on May 31st. The area was cleared of all protesters who were camping out the day before. Their tents were burned. Many were harshly treated and subject to tear gas and pressurized water.
"Tayyip Resign"
May 31st, 22.30-23.00pm Siraselviler Street. One of the main side streets leading to Taksim Square. Hundreds of protesters stood side by side, wearing gas masks and chanting slogans. "Tayyip Istifa" (Tayyip Resign) was one of the most common ones.
Baghdad Avenue
Back on the Asian Side, Baghdad Avenue. The main street on the Asian side of Istanbul. People took to the streets either driving or walking, to support those in Taksim. People inside the houses were using pots and pans making noise in solidarity with those outside.
Beşiktaş
June 2nd, Besiktas Pier. Scores of people march towards Taksim Square.
Taksim Square
Taksim Square, June 2nd. Thousands gather in Taksim Square to show support to protests, spreading to other Turkish cities, and continue calling for government's resignation. Guy Fawkes masks become popular.
Dance and chant in Taksim
Gezi Park, Taksim Square. Thousands celebrate, sing, dance and chant, unaware of what awaits for them later that night.
Resistance
Osmanbey. The mood to resist is everywhere. Even with this fruit salesman.
Cumhuriyet Avenue
Cumhuriyet Avenue- main road leading to Taksim Square. There are heavy construction works in this neighbourhood, with an underground tunnel to ease traffic but also turn this place into a completely pedestrian area.
Barbaros Avenue
The night of June 2nd to June 3rd- Barbaros Avenue. Protesters block the street with self made barricades, but the police is quickly approaching.
"Taksim is everywhere, resistance is everywhere"
June 3rd, Baghdad Avenue. People continue to protest in solidarity with Taksim. One of the popular chants is "Taksim is everywhere, resistance is everywhere" (Her yer Taksim, her yer direnish)
Turkish flags
Man selling Turkish flags. Flags became a popular symbol in the protests
Everywhere Taksim
A sign on Baghdad Avenue reading "taksim". This went with the slogan "Everywhere Taksim, Everywhere is Resistance"
Night of protest
Baghdad Avenue, people continue to protest in solidarity. Honking, chants, slogans are some of the most popular means
Police strikes back
June 3rd-4th- Inonu Stadium. Police is using more tear gas and water cannons, and moving towards Taksim square and Gezi Park.