Newsletters
Istanbul authorities have announced comprehensive traffic and transportation restrictions for the May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day celebrations on Thursday, affecting major areas of the city as part of security measures.
According to an official statement from the governor's office, the city's major labor unions will hold separate rallies, with the Confederation of Revolutionary Trade Unions (DISK) gathering at Kadikoy Waterfront Square on the Asian side, while the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TURK-IS) will assemble at Kartal Square.
"Any unauthorized demonstrations by marginal groups attempting to organize illegal gatherings through social media will not be permitted," the statement said. "Authorities are closely monitoring these activities."
To manage the flow of people and ensure security during the events, Istanbul has developed an extensive plan that will affect transportation throughout the city beginning at 5:30 a.m. on May 1.
The restrictions include closure of key metro stations, suspension of ferry services between European and Asian sides, and blockage of major roads in central districts.
Several metro stations, including Vezneciler, Halic, Taksim Square, Sishane, Osmanbey, Mecidiyekoy, Gayrettepe and Zincirlikuyu will be closed. The Kabatas-Taksim funicular line, the nostalgic Istiklal Street tram, and the Tunel-Karakoy funicular will all suspend operations.
Ferry services from the European side to the Asian side will be halted, except for services to Uskudar. Service to the Princes' Islands will continue but trips to Kadikoy will be suspended.
Multiple major roads in the districts of Fatih, Beyoglu, Sisli, Besiktas, Kadikoy, and Kartal will be closed from 5:00 a.m., including Taksim Square and its surroundings, Galata Bridge, and Unkapani Bridge.
The city has mobilized emergency services with medical teams and ambulances positioned at strategic locations. Hospitals around Mecidiyekoy, Sisli, Taksim, Fatih, Kadikoy, and Kartal will maintain heightened readiness with additional medical personnel.
The fire department will station vehicles and water tankers to respond to potential incidents, and municipal cleaning crews will remove trash containers and potential projectiles from demonstration areas the night before.
Parking areas in central districts will be emptied, and street vendors will be cleared from affected areas.
Authorities have designated alternative routes for commuters, including the D-100 highway, Halic Bridge, Avrasya Tunnel, and various secondary roads throughout affected districts.
Motorists are advised to use Fahrettin Kerim Gokay Avenue (Minibus Road) in Kadikoy, Barbaros Boulevard exit direction in Besiktas, and Buyukdere Avenue toward Sariyer from Sisli.
1 min read
