01.05.2025 10:10
Due to May 1st Labor and Solidarity Day, Istiklal Street has been closed to entry and exit. While the area around the Republic Monument is blocked off with barriers, tourists staying in hotels in Taksim and its surroundings had difficulty leaving Taksim with their luggage.
As part of the measures taken by the Istanbul Governorship for May 1st Labor and Solidarity Day, security measures have been increased.
Many streets and squares in Fatih, Beyoğlu, Şişli, and Beşiktaş were closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic as of 05:00 in the morning. Security measures have been heightened on Taksim Istiklal Street. The area around the Taksim Republic Monument has been closed off with barriers.
TOURISTS COULDN'T REACH TAKSIM
Some tourists staying in hotels around Taksim made efforts to go out in Taksim. While all street entrances leading to the avenue were closed with iron barriers, police teams continued their wait at designated checkpoints. Restrictions are also ongoing at some public transport points in Taksim and its surroundings, where water cannons (TOMA) are on standby.
CITIZENS WALKED TO WORK
Citizens wishing to use Taksim Square were redirected to alternative routes. It was observed that citizens wanting to go to work walked in areas where vehicle entry was not allowed.
TOURISTS HAD TO WALK WITH THEIR LUGGAGE
It was observed that tourists staying in hotels in Taksim also walked away from the area with their suitcases as they could not find transportation.