ISTANBUL – A march has begun ahead of the May Day rally in Istanbul.

 

Crowds gathered in Istanbul for the May Day of Unity, Struggle and Solidarity and began assembling for the rally to be held at Rıhtım Square in the Kadıköy district. The rally is being organized under the slogan “Let’s unite and change for labor, justice, peace and democracy” with the leadership of the Confederation of Revolutionary Trade Unions (DISK), the Confederation of Public Employees’ Trade Unions (KESK), the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) and the Turkish Medical Association (TTB).

 

GATHERING POINTS

 

Söğütlüçeşme Station and the front of Haydarpaşa Numune Hospital were designated as assembly points. Tens of thousands gathered at the two locations and then began marching toward the square.

 

Marching under the theme of “Labor, peace and justice,” the crowd carried banners and placards while frequently chanting slogans such as “Long live May Day/Bijî 1 Gulan,” “Jin, jiyan, azadi (Woman, life, freedom),” “Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo),” and “Long live the resistance of workers.”

 

The march toward the rally area is ongoing.