Mac Urata Photography © 2010 – 13 All rights reserved.m.urata@btinternet.com
Posts Tagged ‘Tekel’
One step forward, two steps back
In 2008, repression towards the May Day demonstrators in Istanbul was far too excessive. Riot police attacked protesters with batons and fired pepper spray and water cannon at them as they demanded reopening of Taksim Square. This historic site has been banned from labour events before, during and after the military coup of 1980. I [...]
Sitting on the fence (not!)
“Wow, things have really taken a step forward in Turkey”. This was the comment by my friend Jeff who saw my photos of May Day this year in Istanbul (see below). He and I were there in 2009 when a small number of unionists could enter the Taksim Square. It has been closed on May [...]
Mic check! Mic check! – echoing voices of outcasts
It is only a small park of 3,100 square meters. If the place is empty, you can walk across the concrete ground in 2 minutes. Today, the Liberty Square or Zuccotti Park is crammed with people. I’d say 40% of the premises is taken by the occupiers and their tents. A people’s library was recently [...]
Taksim May Day
In 2009, a handful of trade unionists were allowed to enter Taksim Square in Istanbul on the International Workers’ Day for the first time in 32 years. I was with my colleagues from TUMTIS on that historic moment (left photo). The place has been banned from any May Day celebration after unidentified gunmen shot at [...]
