1 May 1977, Turkey: 34 people were killed during Labour Day celebrations at Taksim Square, which is the most famous square of Istanbul. While after 1977 many events were held at this square, the Labour Day celebration was forbidden. This was a painful decision for political Left in Turkey. Despite the prohibition, every year some stubborn leftist groups attempt to go to the square, but every time they are being blocked by a strong police force.
Thirty years after the incident, several leftist groups decided to go to Taksim Square once again, even if they would not get a permission. Their desire was decreasing the pain of thirty years and commemorating the 34 killed people. Unfortunately, going to Taksim Square was not allowed. Actually, the Interior Minister was responsible for this decision, but Istanbul's governor held a prominent place. However, for leftist groups, it was not possible anymore to change their decision; they had to go to Taksim Square.
1 May 2007, Turkey: between 600 and 900 people were arrested and kept in custody. Every street that led to Taksim Square was closed by the police. A police force of 17,000 was raised. Ferries couldn't cross to Istanbul's European side. Many people who came from outside Istanbul were not allowed to enter the big city. The disordered traffic became more chaotic. Finally, 5,000 people arrived with difficulty at Taksim Square, made their press statement, laid a carnation to commemorate the victims of the ‘77 May Day incident. A little victory for socialists.
Unexpectedly, according to the governor, people were allowed to commemorate the 34 killed people, but they were not allowed to go to Taksim Square with ten or hundred thousands of people. According to the Law, it is allowed to hold a commemoration at Taksim Square, but it doesn't say anything about the number of the people attending it.
Why was it forbidden to celebrate May Day at Taksim Square? The answer is very simple: because it is not allowed to be a socialist in Turkey. A small group, consisting of leftist-nationalist supporters of the state, celebrated May Day at another place, without any problems. This was a trump for the governor to say “the troubled 1 May was not our fault”.
What will happen now? The governor and the police chief will be charged. They will be punished or dismissed. The next national elections, the next presidential candidate will be the main subject. The headlines of almost every newspaper on the second of May was about the Constitutional Court's decision on the question whether the parliament needs two thirds of the votes for choosing a new president. The struggle between seculars and Islamists will be the most important topic of the country. What won't happen? Socialists still won't get any place in Turkey.
2 comments:
What do you think is needed to change this situation?
In Turkey, to participate into the parliament a political party has to get at least ten percent of the votes. A first step is to abolish this political treshold. Owing to this more political parties will participate into the parliament. It won't change the situation, but it is a concrete step.
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