Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Labor unions including DISK, KESK, the Union of Turkish Engineers and Architects, and the Turkish Sabancı Union will hold May Day celebrations in Istanbul. Events are scheduled to take place at Kadıköy Rıhtım Square between 10:00 and 17:00. Additional celebrations are planned for Kartal Square and in Bursa. Workers affiliated with the Mine Workers' Union and the General Mine Workers' Union are participating in May Day activities in Istanbul. Despite bans on celebrations, crowds have gathered in Taksim. A press statement is being issued at the Republic Monument by representatives from Hak-İş and Türk-İş confederations. The event includes a procession of participants. The group is expressing demands for improved workers' rights and addressing economic hardships faced by employees.

The Hizmet Is Union has become the largest labor union in Turkey with 276,000 members. It surpassed the previous leader, the Türk Metal union, which has 271,000 members. The Öz Sağlık union follows in third place with 215,000 members.

The number of workers in Turkey has decreased by 100,000 compared to the previous year, according to released data. The largest workforce sector includes 4,175,000 workers in trade, office, education, and fine arts.

Turkish labor groups are highlighting policies targeting women and youth during May Day celebrations. The groups are using slogans focused on bread, peace, and freedom. The broadcast noted that these themes are central to the current labor movement's demands.

Authorities in Istanbul have implemented several security measures ahead of May Day celebrations. These measures include the removal of glass from specific locations and the collection of trash containers a day in advance to prevent issues. Thousands of people are expected to gather at Kadıköy Rıhtım Square and Kartal Square between 12:00 and 19:00. Civil society organizations including DISK, KESK, and the Chamber of Architects have applied to the governorate for these gatherings.

The Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into a woman in Atashehir for allegedly threatening a citizen using fake judge and prosecutor credentials. The Ministry said that protecting the integrity of judicial roles is essential to the rule of law. Additionally, the institution allegedly demanded high commissions from customers attempting to settle debts early to generate unfair profits. Authorities are investigating the firm for suspected usury activities. The investigation, coordinated by the Istanbul Cumhuriyet Prosecutor's Office, follows allegations of usury. Anti-crime teams are currently conducting technical and local inspections. A woman was detained in Istanbul's Atasehir district following a dispute over a parking space. Authorities have confirmed the identification card was counterfeit.

Authorities in Istanbul have closed several main arteries to vehicle traffic due to May Day activity. Access to Mecidiye Köyü via the E5 toward Gayrettepe is also restricted to vehicles. Pedestrian movement remains active in these areas. Several roads in Istanbul have been closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The closures affect the districts of Şişli, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Kartal. Istanbul has closed metro services and various roads as part of security measures for May Day celebrations. Security measures remain in place throughout the day, including at the Kazancı monument where carnations are being laid. Authorities stated that transportation restrictions will continue until the evening hours. Protesters are marching in Istanbul and shouting slogans. Demonstrators are attempting to walk toward Taksim Square.

Security measures have been implemented in several areas of Istanbul, including Taksim Square, for May Day. Closed roads include Merkez Caddesi, Halaskar Gazi Caddesi, Onluk Uzma His Caddesi, and the entrances to Mecidiye Köyü. Authorities have taken preventative measures in Istanbul to avoid problems during May Day, including the removal of glass from specific areas and the collection of trash containers at designated addresses one day in advance. Side streets, squares, and avenues leading to Taksim are closed with iron barriers to manage traffic and security. The broadcaster reported that most secondary roads are currently inaccessible due to these controls. Thousands of people are expected to gather at specific locations for celebration programs.

YTT buses recorded a total of 65,527 breakdowns within the year. The malfunctions include non-functioning engines, doors that fail to open, and signal failures.

Social media street interviewer Arif Kocabayik has joined the Republican People's Party (CHP). CHP Chairman Özgür Özel personally presented the party badge to Kocabayik. The decision has reportedly met with discomfort within the party. Kocabayik previously ran as an IYI Party candidate for Antalya deputy in the last general election and has faced allegations of being a 'bankamatik memuru' in Konya Altı Municipality. CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel personally presented Kocabayik with his party badge. The decision has faced internal criticism, including from former CHP lawmaker Levent Gokte, who criticized the move on social media. Former CHP Party Assembly member Ali Haydar Firat stated on social media that Kocabayik will not remain in the party. The decision follows reactions within the party regarding the preservation of its principles and ideology.