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I'm away in the highlands of Scotland and looking on in horror at the events unfolding in my home country. I have little access to the internet and in the short time I can get on line, I am relying on my fellow bloggers to keep me up to date with the latest developments. It's a horrible feeling to be so far away from Turkey when its brave population finally turns and says "enough is enough".
The following report was emailed by Chris Drum Berkaya on Bodrum Echo:
Bodrum has seen peaceful gatherings in the Bodrum square in front of the Municipality building on Friday and Saturday nights as called for 7pm to support the actions in Gezi Park and Taksim (Istanbul) , however police closed traffic from the main road down past the AKP office building ( near the prison ) and some large groups left the square , at different times – there was certainly one large flow of people at 8:30pm from the square up the road to the offices.
The following report was emailed by Chris Drum Berkaya on Bodrum Echo:
Bodrum has seen peaceful gatherings in the Bodrum square in front of the Municipality building on Friday and Saturday nights as called for 7pm to support the actions in Gezi Park and Taksim (Istanbul) , however police closed traffic from the main road down past the AKP office building ( near the prison ) and some large groups left the square , at different times – there was certainly one large flow of people at 8:30pm from the square up the road to the offices.
Around 10pm reports came back with people that the police and protestors had clashed and some tear gas had been used.
Meanwhile other protestors were cheerful and were asking drivers to blow their car horns while passing through the square, and also marched to the Marina/. As elsewhere in Turkey Saturday night, reports say that later clashes occurred near and above the Bodrum bus station from midnight -2am. (brief reports) plus http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22740506
For an good overall view of the situation read Alan's blog http://archersofokcular.com/solidarity/ and Mark and Jolee's http://seniordogsabroad.blogspot.co.uk/.
For an good overall view of the situation read Alan's blog http://archersofokcular.com/solidarity/ and Mark and Jolee's http://seniordogsabroad.blogspot.co.uk/.
The protest here on Saturday was peaceful, thankfully - and no police! That must have been a conscious decision. There was one last night, too, but not sure how that went, yet.
ReplyDeleteI've emailed my daughter telling her to keep away from the centre of Bodrum at night - The footage of the police batonning protesters even as they were running away was horific.
DeleteB to B, I guess all three of us are out of the action! I just read in the Radikal this morning that there was a demonstration of 15,000 in Bodrum last night which marched to the AK Party headquarters. The police stopped the march about 200 meters from the building and in response to some stone throwing, the nightclubs came out. Result: 16 police and 23 demonstrators injured, 26 people under arrest and Cevat Şakir Boulevard was closed for about 8 hours. This thing has spread all over the country. Even here on Burgazada, we have a sign saying "Burgazada is at Gezi Park's Side."
ReplyDeleteRight now, it's anyone's guess what will happen. The PM is, for the first time that I can remember, showing signs of lack of confidence even though he has said that the project will go forward and on top of that, the Atatürk Cultural Center will be torn down (also in Taksim Square) AND he wants to build a mosque in Taksim - all comments guaranteed to enrage and polarize the public. Oy!
Try to have a nice time in Scotland in spite of this. I think they're going to take a beating on this one.
It's so frustrating not being able to find out what is going on. The news in Scotland didn't mention it until late last night and then only a short piece.
DeleteI am horrified at the police brutality, and can't wait to see the back of Erdogan. Surely he must resign after this. I have never been so proud of the Turkish people as I am now, that they have at last found their voice. It's been a long time coming.
ReplyDeleteI've just read an account of an Irish lecturer who was arrested and beaten in Izmir - just trying to make his way home. Very scarey
DeleteYes I read that too. Awful isn't it?
DeleteThinking of you and your brave Turkish people, Annie. Hardly a word on Spanish news...and I think what I have heard of BBC news has been very limited. When enough is enough, we all should protest and surely enough is already enough! Axxx
ReplyDeleteTurks take an amazing amout of shit -but once they get going , it's going to be hard to stop this ball rolling.
DeleteTrying to find out anything apart from what is happening in the capital is difficult. I have been trying to find out the situation in Bodrum, thinking of you and Ayak. I hope ayak is right, and that the resignation comes soon, without more violence. Thinking of you. Jx
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult to imagine Bodrum , scene of recent dance, cooking, bike races et al, with riot police running through the streets.
DeleteNewspapers here are reporting on events in Istambul and Ankara and Turkish friends in France are getting news from their families.
ReplyDeleteThey think Erdogan won't go until he is pushed....probably by his own party....but all are worried about their families given the violence used by the police.
The deputy prime minister apologized today for the excessive police violence.
DeleteIt has been so difficult to be away from home this time - I am hugely proud of all the folks out there standing out for their rights, it is amazing. How sad is that the freedom of speech is such a luxury; hope it keeps going and strong, without innocent people getting hurt. My Turkish flag is up high in England, my heart is at home
ReplyDeleteI feel I should fly a Turkish flag from the gables here too. Don't think I'll be able to find one in Inverness though
DeleteI saw footage of an overwhelming police presence in riot gear countering a loud but relatively modest demo in Bodrum. It was incredible seeing disturbances in familiar streets. A middle aged man approached a phalanx of police protected by riot shields to remonstrate with them. It felt like a Tiananmen Square moment. I hope it doesn't end the same way.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard any news of further violence in Bodrum so am hoping no news is good news.
DeleteLike you I'm in Scotland, Annie, away from TV and getting my news from the internet. I've read the articles on the BBC website, but of course they are almost entirely about events in Istanbul. It must be very hard to be so far away and worried about your daughter. Like everyone else, I'm hoping for a speedy and positive resolution, but the signs aren't promising. :-(
ReplyDelete