Gezi Park

Protesters light a torch in Istiklal Street, near Taksim Square, during an anti-government demonstration, June 17, 2013. (Photo by: Oren Ziv/ Activestills.org)

From a Palestinian return to Gezi Park protests: A week in photos – June 13-19

This week: Turkey’s protests take new forms, Israelis protest privatization of natural gas and militarization of education, Palestinians return to their land after 10 years, and animal rights activists say ‘non’ to foie gras.

By Activestills June 20, 2013

People stand on 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

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…

By Activestills June 19, 2013

A demonstrator burning from a molotov intended to be thrown toward the police during Turkey's riot police raid on Taksim Square, Istanbul, June 11, 2013.
Photo by: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org

From Taksim protests to Women in Black: A week in photos – June 7 – June 12

This week: anti-government protesters continue to clash with riot police in Gezi Park near Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Israeli police arrest social protesters in Jerusalem and the Angry Grandmothers make a (singing) return to mark the 46th anniversary of the Israeli occupation. …

By Activestills June 14, 2013

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A woman reacts to tear gas, as police evict Taksim Square for the second time on Tuesday. June 11, 2013. (Oren Ziv/Activestills.org)

PHOTOS: Turkish police take over Taksim Square, push back protesters

After nearly two weeks of holding Istanbul’s central square, Turkish police raided and took back Taksim Square from protesters Tuesday, pushing the protest camp back into Gezi Park where the demonstrations began in late May. Photos and text by Oren Ziv ISTANBUL — Turkish police took over Taksim Square Tuesday morning, pushing the anti-government protests…

By Activestills June 12, 2013

A protester throws stones as fire works explode during clashes following an anti-government demonstration on the road between Taksim Square and Bashiktash Stadium, Istanbul, early June 5, 2013. Police used water canons and shot tear gas, arresting over 30 activists, including at least one medic and one photographer. (Photo by: Oren Ziv/ Activestills.org)

From Turkish Spring to Naksa Day: A week in photos – May 30 – June 6

This week: Clashes between Turkish protesters and police in Istanbul’s Taksim Square and the capital Ankara, Israeli soldiers threaten the children of the West Bank, Palestinians commemorate the Naksa and Israelis protest against the occupation in the streets of Tel Aviv.

By Activestills June 7, 2013

A protester wears a gas mask, as youth gather in Taksim square in center Istanbul, Turkey, on early morning of June 3, 2013. Police fired tear gas at activists, after they set up barricades around the square, and tired to march to the direction of the local soccer stadium. Photo by: Oren Ziv/ Activestills.org

Protests in Turkey: How I became a ‘marginal, alcoholic looter’

How did a modest student protest against the destruction of a park in Istanbul turn into one of the biggest protests in Turkey’s recent history? A personal story from Taksim Square. By Anonymous Gezi Park, in the heart of Taksim Square, was one of the last remaining green areas in Istanbul. The decision to demolish it in order…

By +972 Magazine June 7, 2013

Last Metro to Taksim, part 5: The siege of Constantinople

A night that is almost too calm turns violent, then calm again, and then comes the day to make conclusions. Photography by May Castelnuovo. Click here for the full series. It’s 2 a.m. when we arrive back to Istanbul from Bursa. Istiklal Avenue is busier than at noon. Street musicians are everywhere, many playing “Bella Ciao,” the struggle’s…

By Yuval Ben-Ami June 6, 2013

Last Metro to Taksim, part 4: The expedition

It’s time to take a look around and see what’s happening off the square, way off the square. Photography by May Castelnuovo. Click here for the full series. ISTANBUL/BURSA, Turkey — On the day we arrived, the metro station at Taksim Square was closed. The following day was a Monday. We took the train into town expecting to…

By Yuval Ben-Ami June 5, 2013

PHOTOS: Turkey’s protests grow as labor unions join

Photos by: Oren Ziv/Activestills.org Protests continued in Istanbul’s Gezi Park and Taskim Square amid intense use of tear gas and other forms of excessive force by Turkish police forces. Left-wing labor unions on Tuesday joined the protests, which began on May 28 over plans to redevelop Gezi Park but have spread to other cities and…

By Activestills June 4, 2013

Last Metro to Taksim, part 3: Enter night

The Istanbul team heads into the clouds of gas. It starts off pretty well. Photography by May Castelnuovo Click here for the full series. ISTANBUL — On Sunday night, newly reunited after the lost kidney scare, May and I went to dine with two compatriots. One was Or Heller, Channel 10’s man, whom we tried…

By Yuval Ben-Ami June 4, 2013

Last Metro to Taksim, part 2: Day

Two Israelis out to explore Istanbul’s awakening are joined by two locals, or rather by 200,000 locals, and for a dance, no less. Yet they find themselves lost in memories of home, then simply lost. Photography by May Castelnuovo. Click here for the full series. ISTANBUL — We are at “The Kebap” restaurant, near Taksim square, right…

By Yuval Ben-Ami June 3, 2013