Gezi Park protests
The Gezi Park protests began in 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey, when plans to replace the park with a shopping mall sparked public outcry. Initially focused on environmental concerns, the protests quickly escalated into a broader movement against government repression and authoritarianism under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Demonstrators advocated for civil rights, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the press. The government's violent response drew international attention and condemnation, highlighting tensions between citizens seeking democracy and a government increasingly willing to use force to maintain control. The protests symbolized growing dissent and the demand for social change in Turkey.
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The Gezi Park Protests were a series of demonstrations that began in May 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. Initially sparked by plans to turn Gezi Park into a shopping mall, the protests quickly grew into a larger movement against the government led by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Protesters expressed concerns over authoritarianism, urban development, and restrictions on freedoms. The demonstrations drew widespread public support and highlighted social and political tensions in Turkey. The government's heavy-handed response led to international criticism and a significant impact on civil society in the country. The protests marked a pivotal moment in Turkey's recent history.