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Demonstrations in Istanbul for the Taksim Gezi Park

In May 2013 a wave of demonstrations sparkled in Istanbul, Turkey as a result of urban development plans for the Taksim Gezi Park.

Demonstrations in Istanbul’s Taksim Gezi Park became violent as anger unfolded into a wider range of civil concerns freedom of the press, of expression, assembly, and the government’s encroachment on Turkey’s secularism.

I happened to be in Istanbul for a couple of weeks for business, for which I didn’t hesitate to join the protests, talk to people, and take a few shots of the events. The following are images captured by me during that time.

TAKSIM SQUARE

June 9th, 2013: Protests had begun since May 31st and Gezi Park was occupied since June 3rd

Taksim Metro
Street art

Protesters observing the crowds from above

Crowds
Monument in Taksim Square
Kapitalism
Inspiration
Occupied Vehicle
Protestors
View of the Stage
Protestors
Taksim Underground
Closer shot of the stage

TAKSIM SURROUNDINGS

June 13th, 2013: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan issues a “final warning” to protesters to leave Gezi Park

Anonymous

TAKSIM SQUARE

June 13th, 2013

Memorial
Car

GEZI PARK

June 13th, 2013: Prime Minister Erdogan had alerted the protesters to clear the Park, else “Police will know how to clear it…”

Inside Gezi, June 13th
Inside Gezi
The Requests

TAKSIM SQUARE SURROUNDINGS

June 16th: Police had cleared Gezi Park the night before, people were expected to show up

Police marching to Taksin Square
Marching
Closed Metro in Taksim surrounding stations
People protesting to a military officer
Police Water Cannon
Loading Rifle
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