Political tensions rise as calls for May 1st celebrations in Taksim clash with official ban

International Workers’ Day will be celebrated across the globe tomorrow (May 1st). However, in Turkey’s metropolis, the ruling central government prohibits the celebration of May 1st in its historic grounds of Taksim Square. The Istanbul Governorship has announced restrictions on road traffic on routes to be closed on May 1st, International Workers’ Day. The restrictions will begin at 4:00 AM, while restrictions on sea and rail transportation networks will begin at 5:30 AM. While the ruling government staunchly defends the ban, opposition parties and unions demand to be allowed to march.

International Workers’ Day in Turkey has historically been a day marked by political protests and occasional outbreaks of violence. Traditionally embraced by the political left, this May Day held special significance as hopes were high among demonstrators that they would finally be able to march in the iconic Taksim Square after the significant electoral gains of the opposition in this year’s local elections. However, the central government, led by President Erdoğan’s AK Party for the past two decades, seems determined to quash any political demonstrations on this May Day, continuing a pattern of suppression.

The statement from the Istanbul Governorship reads:

“The International Workers’ Day will be celebrated in our province with various activities. To maintain a festive atmosphere and ensure the peace, security, and well-being of our city, necessary measures have been implemented by our Governorship. As part of these measures, restrictions on road traffic on closed routes will begin at 4:00 AM, followed by restrictions on sea and rail transportation networks starting at 5:30 AM.”

• Full list of road closures & restrictions

“The Bloody May 1st”

International Workers’ Day on May 1st was first observed in Istanbul in 1912. However, in 1923, the government prohibited large-scale commemorations. Subsequently, celebrations were entirely forbidden following the enactment of the Law of Disruption in 1925.

Infamous as the “Bloody May 1st,” the Confederation of Revolutionary Workers’ Unions (DİSK) marked a significant return to Taksim District, the very heart of the city, for the May 1st rally in 1976 after a prolonged absence. Despite the festive atmosphere, attempts to replicate the same fervor in 1977 were marred by tragedy. Gunfire erupted as DİSK Chairman Kemal Türkler addressed the massive gathering in Taksim. The ensuing chaos resulted in the loss of at least 34 lives and left over 130 individuals injured, due to gunfire originating from then a nearby government building overlooking the square.

Law enforcement responded with force, using flashbangs and armored vehicles to disperse the crowd. Tragically, casualties included individuals who were trampled, asphyxiated, shot, or caught under armored vehicles. Despite investigations, those responsible for the bloodshed were never brought to justice. The events of May 1st, 1977, henceforth became known as the “Bloody May 1st.” Following a military coup September 12, 1980, celebrating May 1st in Taksim became strictly prohibited. However, in 2007, after a decades long hiatus, celebrations returned to Taksim, albeit accompanied by detentions once more.

In 2010, the ruling party AKP permitted the observance of May 1st in Taksim, which continued until 2012. However, in 2013, Taksim was once again off-limits for May 1st commemorations, following the massive Gezi Park Protests that served as the first challenge to President Erdoğan’s power. Police forcefully intervened against those attempting to reach Taksim, resulting in numerous arrests. Trade unions also lodged appeals with the Constitutional Court concerning the decision by the Istanbul Governorate to prohibit May 1st gatherings in Taksim in 2014 and 2015. Following the Ankara Central Station massacre on October 10, 2016, DİSK relocated the May 1st celebrations to other districts.

Ruled unconstitutional 

After commencing deliberations on the application on December 15, 2023, the Turkish Constitutional Court ruled that the closure of Taksim constituted a violation of rights. The court argued the square’s importance as the “shared memory” and “symbolic value” for workers and laborers:

“Considering Taksim Square’s symbolic significance in connection with May 1st Labor and Solidarity Day, it holds profound importance for applicants, other unions, and workers. Thus, Taksim Square, being a cornerstone of labor and union culture, not only represents the solidarity of those present on May 1st but also signifies the collective memory of workers.”

The Constitutional Court affirmed that individuals identifying with this heritage possess the right to gather in Taksim Square on May 1st, directly engaging with its symbolic significance and passing down this tradition to future generations. Emphasizing the profound link between May 1st and Taksim Square, the ruling cautioned that restricting access to Taksim might impede the expression of intended ideas.

Interior Minister announced ban despite court ruling

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on April 29th that Taksim would remain off-limits despite the ruling by the constitutional court. Ignoring rulings by the constitutional court has been a hallmark of the AKP and Erdoğan administration, most notable instances of which have been refusing the release of political prisoners as declared by the European Court of Human Rights. Despite the bans Minister Yerlikaya noted that celebrations could occur in 40 different designated locations and routes and stated: 

“Terrorist organizations are also calling for gatherings in Taksim Square. Taksim Square is not part of the designated areas and routes. Taksim Square and its surroundings are not suitable for meetings and demonstrations.”

Opposition dissents

Main opposition party CHP’s Chairman Özgür Özel called Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya to request a review of the decision banning the march in Taksim District. Özel emphasized the symbolic importance of Taksim and May 1st, assuring that the celebrations could proceed smoothly, and even offered the participation of CHP members if necessary. Özel reiterated the request for a reconsideration of the decision. Following Yerlikaya’s statement, DİSK stressed the ruling by the Constitutional Court and announced their intention to gather in Taksim on May 1st despite the bans:

“‘Everyone who considers themselves a part of this culture has the right to be there on May 1st to directly experience the significance of Taksim Square and pass on that experience for generations!’ With carnations in one hand and the text of the decision in the other, we will be in Taksim on May 1st.”

List of road closures & restrictions

Wednesday, May 1, 2024, starting from 05:30:

• The M2 Yenikapı – Seyrantepe – Hacıosman metro line will cease operations at Vezneciler, Haliç, Taksim Square, Şişhane, Osmanbey, Mecidiyeköy, Gayrettepe, and Zincirlikuyu stations (including all entry and exit points).
• Services on the Kabataş-Taksim Square Funicular line will be suspended.
• Nostalgic Tram services on İstiklal Avenue will be suspended.
• Services on the Funicular line between Tünel Square and Karaköy will be suspended.
• İETT Bus stops at Taksim, Tarlabaşı, Ömer Hayyam, and Tepebaşı (both directions towards Şişli and Fatih) will be closed.
• The M11 Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport Metro line will cease operations at Gayrettepe station.
• The M7 İstoç – Yıldız Metro line between Kağıthane and Yıldız (including all entry and exit points) will cease operations.
• The tram line operating between Bağcılar and Kabataş, with Topkapı station designated as the terminal, will not carry passengers between Topkapı and Kabataş.
• The T5 Eminönü – Alibeyköy tram line, with Cibali station designated as the terminal, will not carry passengers between Cibali and Eminönü.
• The T6 Tram line, with Yenikapı station designated as the terminal, will not carry passengers between Yenikapı and Kazlıçeşme.
• Both directions of the Çağlayan, Mecidiyeköy, and Zincirlikuyu Metrobus stops will be closed.”

Restrictions have also been imposed on İDO (Istanbul Sea Buses) and City Lines:

Due to May 1st, passenger and vehicle transportation from the European side to the Anatolian side will only be allowed from the Anatolian side to the European side, specifically using the “Beşiktaş-Kabataş-Karaköy-Eminönü piers” and between Harem-Sirkeci. Cross-straits voyages to the Islands will continue, as well as trips to Eyüpsultan; however, services to the Balat, Beyoğlu, Sütlüce, and Hasköy coastal areas will be canceled.

Sirkeci station will be closed on the Marmaray line:

Sirkeci station on the Marmaray line will be closed for both directions starting from 05:30.

Many roads will be closed in Fatih, Beyoğlu, Şişli, and Beşiktaş:

According to the governorate’s decision, numerous roads will be closed in Istanbul’s Fatih, Beyoğlu, Şişli, and Beşiktaş districts.

In Fatih, Fevzi Paşa Caddesi (intersection with Yavuz Selim Caddesi), Macar Kardeşler Caddesi, 15 Temmuz Şehitleri Caddesi, Vezneciler Caddesi, Sahil Kennedy Caddesi (between Kumkapı turns and Sirkeci), Ragıp Gümüşpala Caddesi, Reşadiye Caddesi, Kadir Has Caddesi (between Demir Kilise and Unkapanı), Cemil Birsel Caddesi, Ankara Caddesi (between Ebu Suud Caddesi and Sirkeci), Atatürk Bulvarı, Unkapanı Bridge, and Galata Bridge, as well as Gazi Mustafa Kemal Caddesi (from Sahil Kennedy Caddesi to Mudurnu and Aksaray), will be closed to traffic.

The roads to be closed to traffic in Beyoğlu are as follows:

• Tarlabaşı Bulvarı Refik Saydam Caddesi Şişli and Unkapanı Köprüsü direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Şişhane Traffic Lights closure point and Taksim Divan Junction closure point)
• Turabi Baba Caddesi and Evliya Çelebi Caddesi Tarlabaşı Bulvarı direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Kasımpaşa Square and Refik Saydam Caddesi)
• Kasımpaşa Bahriye Caddesi Piyalepaşa Bulvarı direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Turabi Baba Cadde intersection and İplikçi Variant)
• Halıcıoğlu Okmeydanı Caddesi will be closed to traffic from Tokaç Sokak Junction. Traffic will not be allowed towards Darülaceze Caddesi.
• Aslan Gazi Caddesi intersection with Alakoç Sokak and Aylin Sokak will be closed towards Darülaceze Caddesi.
• Piyalepaşa Bulvarı Fişekhane Deresi and Irmak Caddesi Dolapdere direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Piyalepaşa Bulvarı Bp Gas Station Front and Dolapdere Junction)
• Ömer Hayyam Caddesi Tarlabaşı Bulvarı direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Kurtuluş Caddesi intersection and Tarlabaşı Bulvarı)
• Turabi Baba Caddesi and Evliya Çelebi Caddesi Tarlabaşı Bulvarı direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Kasımpaşa Square and Refik Saydam Caddesi)
• Sazlıdere and Yedikuyular Caddesi Divan Junction direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Dolapdere Junction and Divan Junction)
• Mete Caddesi Taksim Akm direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Askerocağı Cadde intersection and Lights Closure Point in front of Akm)
• Bedri Karafakihoğlu Sok. Şehitler Tepesi direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Mete Junction closure point and Şehitler Tepesi)
• İnönü Caddesi Taksim Akm and Dolmabahçe Gazhane Caddesi direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Akm Junction and Lights Closure Point at Şehitler Tepesi)
• Tak-ı Zafer Caddesi will be closed to traffic. (Between Akm Junction and Lights Closure Point at Kazancı Yokuşu)
• Sıraselviler Caddesi Taksim Square and Cihangir direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Kazancı Yokuşu Closure Point and Beginning of Akarsu Yokuşu Closure Point)
• İstiklal Caddesi and all roads connected to İstiklal Caddesi will be closed to traffic. (Between Taksim Square and Closure Point of İlk Belediye Caddesi)
• Meşrutiyet Caddesi İlk Belediye Cadde direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Tepebaşı Lights Intersection and Beyoğlu Municipality)
• İlk Belediye Caddesi will be closed to traffic. (Between Meşrutiyet Caddesi Beyoğlu Municipality Front Closure Point and İstiklal Caddesi Tunnel – Square)
• Perşembe Pazarı Tersane Caddesi Karaköy Square and Unkapanı Köprü direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Karaköy Square)
• Karaköy Kemraltı Caddesi Galata Bridge Eminönü direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Karaköy Square)
• Kemeraltı Caddesi Dolmabahçe and Karaköy Square direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Karaköy Square Closure Point and Boğazkesen Caddesi Closure Point)
• Necati Bey Caddesi Dolmabahçe direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Karaköy Square and Tophane Lights)
• Boğazkesen Caddesi İstiklal Caddesi direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Defterdar Yokuşu Entrance Closure Point and Yeni Çarşı Cadde Entrance Closure Point)
• Defterdar Yokuşu Caddesi Cihangir direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Boğazkesen Cadde intersection and Sıraselviler Caddesi)
• Meclisi Mebusan Caddesi Dolmabahçe and Karaköy direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Kadırgalar Caddesi Closure Point and Tophane Lights Closure Point)
• Mebusan Yokuşu Caddesi Akyol Sokak direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Akyol Taxi Stand Front and Bolahenk Sokak intersection with Cihangir Caddesi)

The following roads will be closed to traffic in Şişli on May 1st:

• Cumhuriyet Avenue Şişli and Taksim Square direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Divan Hotel intersection and Harbiye Military Museum)
• Halaskargazi Avenue Şişli and Taksim Square direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Harbiye Military Museum and 19 Mayıs Avenue intersection)
• Rumeli Avenue Halaskargazi Avenue direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Nişantaşı junction and Osmanbey junction)
• Abide-i Hürriyet Avenue Çağlayan Underpass will be closed to traffic starting from Çağlayan Courthouse traffic lights.
• Büyükdere Avenue Taksim Square and Şişli direction will be closed to traffic. (Between 19 Mayıs Avenue intersection and Mecidiyeköy Square)
• Büyükdere Avenue Esentepe variant and Mecidiyeköy direction will be closed to vehicular traffic.
• Merkez Avenue Geçit Sokak Abide-i Hürriyet Avenue direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Kuştepe Bridge Underpass and Abide-i Hürriyet Avenue)
• Darülaceze Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic.
• Abide-i Hürriyet Avenue Feriköy direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Hürriyet Tepe traffic lights and Ergenekon Avenue)
• İzzetpaşa Avenue Halaskargazi Avenue direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Abide-i Hürriyet Avenue intersection and Halaskargazi Avenue)
• Ergenekon Avenue Pangaltı direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Kurtuluş Avenue intersection and Halaskargazi Avenue)
• Dolapdere Avenue Pangaltı underpass direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Poyraz Sokak intersection and Ergenekon Avenue)
• Mahmut Ağa Slope Kurtuluş direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Piyalepaşa Boulevard intersection and Yay Meydanı Street)
• Sıracevizler Avenue Dolmabahçe Tunnel direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Varyant Altı Kağıthane Tunnel Turn)
• Akar Avenue Dolmabahçe Tunnel direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Varyant Altı Dolmabahçe Taksim turn)
• Darülaceze Yolu Avenue Feriköy direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Akar Avenue intersection)
• İncirli Dede Avenue Feriköy direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Akar Avenue intersection)
• Dolmabahçe Tunnel Dolmabahçe Square direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Akar Avenue Tunnel entrance)
• Duçi Sokak and Huzur Sokak Sıracevizler Avenue direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Bomonti Junction entrances)
• Esen Sokak and Hasat Sokak Şişli Mosque direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Çiftecevizler Avenue entrances)
• Darülaceze Avenue Abide-i Hürriyet Avenue direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Şişli Municipality intersection)
• Piyalepaşa Boulevard Çağlayan arrival Uzay Otomotiv direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Tunnel Operations Directorate back to Odese Boulevard junction)
• Odese Boulevard Piyalepaşa Uzay Otomotiv direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Fevzi Çakmak Avenue in front of Muradiye Mosque)
• İmrahor Avenue Kağıthane Tunnel Bomonti direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from İmrahor Kağıthane and Sütlüce entrances)

The roads to be closed in Beşiktaş are as follows:

• Barbaros Boulevard will be closed to traffic in the direction of Beşiktaş Square. (Between Balmumcu Junction and Zincirlikuyu Balmumcu underpass entrance to the Central Command traffic lights)
• Barbaros Boulevard will be closed to traffic in the direction of Beşiktaş Square. (Between Central Command traffic lights and Beşiktaş Square)
• Sait Çiftçi Yıldız Junction Street Barbaros Boulevard Access will be closed to traffic. (Starting from D-100 South Barbaros Boulevard access)
• Barbaros Boulevard Saray Street, Yıldız Street, and Eski Yıldız Street Beşiktaş Square turn will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Yıldız, Serencebey, and Eski Ortaköy Turn traffic lights)
• Çiğdem Sokak and Barbaros Hayrettin İskelesi Sokak will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Çırağan Avenue intersection)
• Beşiktaş Avenue Dolmabahçe direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Beşiktaş Square and the beginning of Süleyman Seba Avenue traffic lights)
• Dolmabahçe Avenue Karaköy direction will be closed to traffic. (Between the beginning of Süleyman Seba Avenue and Kadırgalar traffic lights)
• Vişneli Tekke Sokak Dolmabahçe direction will be closed to traffic. (Starting from Prof. Alaeddin Yavaşça Sokak intersection)
• Dolmabahçe Gazhane Avenue Karaköy direction will be closed to traffic. (Between Asker Ocağı Avenue intersection and Süzer Plaza front to Dolmabahçe Square)

The roads to be closed on the D-100 are as follows:

• D-100 North Mecidiyeköy junction
• D-100 North Kasımpaşa Taksim junctions
• D-100 North Okmeydanı Yanyol Kasımpaşa Taksim junctions
• Hasdal Okmeydanı Connection Road Okmeydanı Bridge Underpass
• D-100 South Okmeydanı Piyalepaşa junction
• D-100 South Çağlayan Yanyol Mecidiyeköy junction
• D-100 South Beşiktaş Balmumcu junction