May 1st in Istanbul: Full Lockdown in Taksim, Labor and Democracy March in Kadıköy

As part of May 1st Labor and Solidarity Day in Istanbul, Taksim Square and its surroundings were closed by the police and a curfew was imposed. Hundreds of people were detained, while events continued with marches and rallies held in Kadıköy.

Scraper SystemMay 03, 2026, 02:45 PM

May 1st in Istanbul: Full Lockdown in Taksim, Labor and Democracy March in Kadıköy

The May 1st Labor and Solidarity Day events in Istanbul presented a different appearance due to comprehensive security measures implemented by the police around Taksim Square. The Istanbul Governorship banned all mass events especially in Beyoğlu, as well as in Beşiktaş, Şişli, and Fatih districts. From early morning, Taksim and its surroundings were closed off with police barriers, metro stations and ferry services were suspended. Taksim has been closed to May 1st events since 2012.

Hundreds of people attempting to walk to Taksim faced police intervention, and some groups were detained. The police also took extensive security measures in Mecidiyeköy and Şişli, closing off walking routes with water cannon vehicles and barriers. The police blocked the area with shields to prevent filming of those detained.

Despite the bans in Taksim, May 1st events mostly took place in Kadıköy. Marches and rallies organized under the leadership of unions and professional organizations such as DİSK, KESK, TMMOB, and TTB voiced demands for workers' rights, justice, democracy, and peace. Participants also chanted slogans supporting imprisoned journalists.

During the march in Kadıköy, the carrying of some banners and flags led to police intervention. Pro-Kurdish DEM Party deputy Cengiz Çiçek criticized the police attitude, stating it contradicted the peace process.

DİSK General President Arzu Çerkezoğlu emphasized that May 1st is the day of unity, struggle, and solidarity of the working class, calling for change against increasing inequality and injustice in Turkey. The events were also supported by CHP, SOL Party, EMEP, DEM Party, and various democratic mass organizations.

Due to police barriers, there were difficulties in accessing the march routes, and participants criticized this situation. The events in Kadıköy became an important platform where demands for labor and democracy were expressed despite the bans in Taksim.

May 1st in Istanbul: Full Lockdown in Taksim, Labor and Democracy March in Kadıköy