PHOTOS: ‘Stand-still’ protests quietly take over Taksim Square

Text and photos by Oren Ziv/Activestills.org

Turkish choreographer Erdem Gunduz stood unnoticed in Taksim Square for several hours on Tuesday before his presence at Istanbul’s flashpoint was announced on the social network Twitter and went viral. Hundreds soon joined his protest in solidarity. Later, Turkish police intervened, clearing the square and arresting several demonstrators. On Wednesday, hundreds came back, standing still in protest from morning until late at night.

PHOTOS: 'Stand-still' protests quietly take over Taksim Square
People stand in Taksim Square in Istanbul during a wave of new alternative protests, June 18, 2013. Photo by: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org
PHOTOS: 'Stand-still' protests quietly take over Taksim Square
People stand in Taksim Square in Istanbul during a wave of new alternative protests, June 18, 2013. Photo by: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org
PHOTOS: 'Stand-still' protests quietly take over Taksim Square
People stand in Taksim Square in Istanbul during a wave of new alternative protests, June 18, 2013. Photo by: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org
PHOTOS: 'Stand-still' protests quietly take over Taksim Square
A woman stands in Taksim Square in Istanbul during a wave of new alternative protests, June 18, 2013. Photo by: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org
PHOTOS: 'Stand-still' protests quietly take over Taksim Square
A doctor stands in Taksim Square in Istanbul during a wave of new alternative protests, June 18, 2013. Photo by: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org
PHOTOS: 'Stand-still' protests quietly take over Taksim Square
Students stand and read in Taksim Square in Istanbul during a wave of new alternative protests, June 18, 2013. Photo by: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org
PHOTOS: 'Stand-still' protests quietly take over Taksim Square
A couple kiss during a standing protest on Taksim Square, Istanbul, June 18, 2013. Photo by: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org
PHOTOS: 'Stand-still' protests quietly take over Taksim Square
People help a man who fainted after long hours of standing in Taksim Square, Istanbul, June 18, 2013. Photo by: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org
PHOTOS: 'Stand-still' protests quietly take over Taksim Square
People stand in Taksim Square in Istanbul during a wave of new alternative protests, June 18, 2013. Photo by: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org
PHOTOS: 'Stand-still' protests quietly take over Taksim Square
People stand in Taksim Square in Istanbul during a wave of new alternative protests, June 18, 2013. Photo by: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org