Celebration of International Workers’ Day in Turkey
Across Turkey, International Workers’ Day celebrations on May 1 were held with enthusiasm. From Istanbul to Ankara, Izmir, Diyarbakir, and other cities, workers, unions, and social activists organized marches and gatherings to voice their demands for labor rights, social justice, and wage increases.
Istanbul: Commemoration of the victims of the May 1, 1977 events
In Istanbul, representatives of various unions, including HAK-İŞ, DİSK, TÜRK-İŞ, and HAK-SEN, gathered at Taksim Square and laid wreaths beside the Republic Monument. During the ceremony, some groups carried the Palestinian flag in support of the rights of the oppressed people of Gaza.
Ankara: Large-scale march with the participation of political parties and civil organizations
In the capital, labor unions and civil society organizations gathered at Atatürk Cultural Square. The march started from Kazım Karabekir Boulevard and continued with various speeches at Anatolia Square. Ali Yalçın, the president of Memur-Sen, called for labor law reforms and salary increases for employees.
Diyarbakir and other southeastern cities: Emphasis on workers’ rights and social justice
Similar events were held in Diyarbakir, Mardin, Batman, Şırnak, Siirt, and Bingöl. In Diyarbakir, a march was conducted towards Station Square, where social activists highlighted the negative impacts of war on the lives of local residents.
Izmir, Bursa, and other western regions: Large presence of workers and social activists
In Izmir, Bursa, Eskisehir, and Canakkale, various groups gathered in the central streets of the cities. The marches were accompanied by musical performances and numerous speeches. In Balikesir, labor activists emphasized professional rights and condemned war crimes in Gaza.
Thrace and northern regions: Message of unity and solidarity
In Edirne, Kırklareli, Tekirdağ, Samsun, Çorum, and Sinop, International Workers’ Day events were held with marches and gatherings in the main streets of the cities. Representatives of labor unions in these regions emphasized the importance of social justice and improving working conditions.
Broad support for workers’ rights in the political and economic sphere
Officials and prominent economic figures also supported workers. The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) and Turkish sports federations issued statements appreciating workers’ efforts. Numerous messages emphasized the importance of preserving labor rights and improving economic conditions.
