Taksim Gezi Park protests

The Taksim Gezi Park protests began in 2013 in Istanbul as a peaceful demonstration against plans to redevelop Gezi Park, a green space in the city’s center. Initially sparked by environmental concerns, the protests quickly grew to include wider issues like government authority, freedom of expression, and urban development policies. Excessive police force and censorship intensified public outrage, leading to widespread demonstrations across Turkey. The movement reflected broader discontent with political repression, and although focused on Gezi Park, it became a symbol for broader social and political grievances in Turkey.