Occupy Gezi

Occupy Gezi was a series of protests in Turkey beginning in May 2013, sparked by the government’s plans to demolish Istanbul’s Gezi Park for redevelopment. The movement quickly grew into a broader movement against authoritarianism, censorship, and lack of public participation in decision-making. Demonstrators occupied public spaces, especially in Istanbul, advocating for freedoms, democracy, and environmental preservation. The protests attracted diverse participants, drew national and international attention, and resulted in clashes with police. Occupy Gezi became a symbol of resistance against government overreach and a call for civic rights and social justice in Turkey.