01.05.2026 06:40
Extensive security measures were taken in Istanbul for May 1st. Roads were closed in many locations, especially Taksim, parking lots were evacuated, and vehicle parking was not allowed. Significant restrictions were imposed on metro, tram, and maritime transportation, with some lines completely suspended. Celebrations were allowed in Kadıköy and Kartal. Police teams directed citizens to alternative routes.
The Istanbul Governorship shared with the public the security measures, closed roads, and alternative routes to be implemented across the city for May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day. The statement noted that all units are working on a 24/7 basis to ensure the day passes peacefully and safely in Istanbul.
The Governorship announced that during 'Virtual Patrol' activities, they detected some marginal groups making illegal action calls on social media using May 1 as an excuse. The statement emphasized that a series of measures were taken under Law No. 5442 on Provincial Administration to protect Istanbul's peace, ensure the safety of citizens' lives and property, and prevent illegal actions.
In this context, as of 05:00, garbage containers were removed the night before in areas secured by police units in Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Şişli, Fatih, Kadıköy, and Kartal by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and district municipalities, and stones and similar materials on walking routes were cleaned. No municipal vehicles or personnel were stationed in these areas. Additionally, it was decided to temporarily relocate IETT stops and make arrangements regarding glass stops. It was reported that the sanitation department parking lot next to İnönü Stadium in Beşiktaş was left empty for use by security units if needed.
COMPREHENSIVE TRAFFIC REGULATION IN KADIKÖY AND BEYOĞLU
In Kadıköy, the tramway line between Rıhtım Sokak and Söğütlüçeşme Caddesi was closed to traffic. From Kavak İskele Caddesi, Tıbbiye, Rıhtım, Söğütlüçeşme, and Kurbağalıdere caddeleri were closed to public transport and minibus traffic. İSPARK areas on the pier and surroundings were evacuated, and no civilian vehicle entry was allowed.
In Beyoğlu, a parking ban was imposed starting from 20:00 on April 30 until 07:00 on May 2 across a wide area covering Meclis-i Mebusan, İnönü, Tersane, Tarlabaşı, Refik Saydam, and Mete caddeleri, as well as Taşkışla, Cumhuriyet, Halaskargazi, and Büyükdere caddeleri in Şişli.
RESTRICTIONS ON METRO, TRAM, AND MARITIME TRANSPORT
As part of the measures, restrictions were also imposed on some public transportation lines. The Taksim, Şişhane, and Osmanbey stations of the M2 Yenikapı-Seyrantepe-Hacıosman metro line were closed. Only the square exit of Mecidiyeköy Metro Station was left open. The Kabataş-Taksim funicular line and the nostalgic tram services on İstiklal Caddesi were suspended. The Tünel-Karaköy funicular line and the T3 Kadıköy-Moda tram also did not operate.
Bus platforms at Kadıköy İskele Meydanı were emptied, and glass stops were removed. Passenger and vehicle transport between the European and Asian sides to Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, and Fatih docks was stopped. Services toward Eyüp continued, but the Balat, Beyoğlu, Sütlüce, and Hasköy coastal lines were canceled.
STRICT MEASURES IN TAKSİM AND SURROUNDINGS
Parking lots around Taksim, as well as Şişhane, Kabataş, Mecidiyeköy, Şişli, Saraçhane, Beşiktaş Meydan, Dolmabahçe, and Kadıköy İskele, were evacuated and vehicle parking was prohibited. Additionally, main arteries and all roads leading to Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, Şişli, Fatih, Kadıköy, and Kartal were closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Police teams directed citizens wishing to go to Taksim Meydanı to alternative routes.
CLOSED ROADS AND ALTERNATIVE ROUTES BY DISTRICT
In Beyoğlu, İstiklal, Sıraselviler, İnönü, Mete, Tarlabaşı Bulvarı, Refik Saydam, Meşrutiyet, Cihangir, and numerous surrounding streets were closed to traffic. Tarlabaşı Bulvarı, Barbaros Bulvarı, Cumhuriyet Caddesi, and Piyalepaşa Bulvarı were recommended as alternatives.
In Kadıköy, Tıbbiye, Rıhtım, Söğütlüçeşme, and Kurbağalıdere caddeleri, along with all roads leading to these streets, were closed. The D-100 Highway, Bağdat Caddesi, and Minibüs Yolu were used as alternative routes.
In Kartal, some sections of Savarona and Hükümet caddeleri were closed, and drivers were directed to Turgut Özal Bulvarı and ring roads.
In Şişli, Büyükdere, Halaskargazi, 19 Mayıs, and surrounding streets were closed to traffic; Abide-i Hürriyet, Dolapdere, and Darülaceze caddeleri could be used as alternatives.
In Beşiktaş, it was stated that some streets could be partially or fully closed to traffic if necessary.
MAY 1 CELEBRATION ADDRESSES ALSO ANNOUNCED
The Istanbul Governorship announced that May 1 celebrations will be held by DİSK, KESK, TMMOB, and TTB at Kadıköy Rıhtım Meydanı between 10:00-17:00, and by the Communist Party of Turkey at Kartal Meydanı between 12:00-19:00.