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Authorities have announced the closure of key transit links in Taksim, disrupting access to one of the busiest hubs in central Istanbul.
The Istanbul Governor’s Office has suspended operations at the Taksim station on the M2 Yenikapi-Haciosman metro line, along with the F1 Taksim-Kabatas funicular line, effective immediately and until further notice.
In a statement, Metro Istanbul said the decision was taken “in line with the Istanbul Governor’s Office’s directive,” adding that trains will continue running on the M2 line but “will not stop at the Taksim station.”
The move comes as labor groups and political organizations had called for a gathering at Kazanci Yokusu in Taksim to commemorate those who lost their lives during past May Day events.
According to organizers under the banner of the 1 Mayis Taksim Initiative, participants were invited to assemble at 12 p.m. on Monday to mark the anniversary of the workers who died in Taksim in 1977, 1989, and other years.
The group framed the gathering as an act of collective remembrance, stating: “We are meeting shoulder to shoulder at Kazanci Yokusu on Monday, April 27 at 12:00 to commemorate those we lost on May Day.”
The decision followed an application by the Beyoglu District Governor’s Office, citing the planned gathering as the basis.
Local reports indicated that free IETT bus services may be introduced between nearby stops, although no official details were included in the initial statement.
The closures affect a central interchange point for residents, commuters, and visitors, particularly those traveling between the metro network and the Kabatas waterfront.
No timeline has been provided for when normal operations will resume.
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