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Istanbul Governor’s Office announced a wide set of measures for May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, shortly after midnight, for the closure of many roads, metro stops, bus areas, parking lots and ferry routes from 5:00 a.m. on May 1, 2026.
The governor’s office stated that the measures were implemented after "virtual patrol" monitoring identified "social media calls for illegal actions by various marginal groups." Issued under Türkiye’s Provincial Administration Law, the decision will remain in effect until further notice.
The restrictions mainly affect Beyoglu, Besiktas, Sisli, Fatih, Kadikoy and Kartal, with Taksim and surrounding areas placed under heavy transport controls.
On the M2 Yenikapi-Seyrantepe-Haciosman metro line, Taksim, Sishane and Osmanbey stations were closed, including all entrances and exits. Mecidiyekoy station remained partly open, with only its square exit operating.
The Kabatas-Taksim funicular, the Nostalgic Tram on the Istiklal Avenue, the Tunel-Karakoy funicular and the T3 Kadikoy-Moda tram line were also suspended.
The governor’s office also ordered restrictions on sea transport. City Lines, IDO, and private sea motor operators were told not to carry passengers or vehicles from the Asian side to European-side piers in Besiktas, Beyoglu and Fatih.
Services toward Eyup were allowed to continue, while routes to Balat, Beyoglu, Sutluce and Haskoy coastal areas were canceled.
Many roads in Beyoglu, Kadikoy, Sisli, and Kartal were closed to traffic from early morning, while some streets in Besiktas could be partially or fully closed if deemed necessary.
Parking lots around Taksim, Sishane, Kabatas, Mecidiyekoy, Sisli, Sarachane, Besiktas Square, Dolmabahce and Kadikoy Pier were ordered to be emptied. Vehicles were not allowed to park on streets leading to Taksim or in nearby areas.
Municipalities were also instructed to remove garbage containers, clear stones and similar materials from possible march routes, move some bus stops and remove glass bus shelters in certain areas.
The governor’s office ordered ambulances, fire crews and municipal police teams to be stationed at designated points. Hospitals and emergency services across Istanbul, especially around Mecidiyekoy, Sisli, Taksim, Fatih, Kadikoy and Kartal, were told to keep enough medical personnel on standby.
Health teams were also requested to be available at Istanbul police detention facilities in Vatan and Gayrettepe if needed.
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