Gezi Park Opens to "People"!

Gezi Park reopened to public after a long period of waiting since the latest police raid on June 15. For several days, even press representatives with credentials were not allowed to enter the park. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality officials reopened the park this afternoon. 

From early hours of the morning, a group assembled on the steps of the park for the opening. Loud arguments broke out among those who were waiting for the opening. 

While a faction of the group argued that they were grandchildren of Ottomans and the park could be transformed into a barracks, others said they could only support a museum in the barracks and opposed shopping mall projects. The latter also accused Gezi Park resisters to have blocked the park to public access. 

Tension between two groups cut across its context and turned into an argument between pro-government and anti-government supporters. The topics at stake were not solely limited to Gezi Park: Even issues on paid burial ceremony services have been discussed. Loud discussions resumed without a major fight. 

Governor spoke along with protest shouts 

Around 1:30pm local time, Istanbul Governor Avni Mutlu, Istanbul mayor Kadir Topbaş, Beyoğlu district mayor Misbah Demircan, Fatih district mayor Mustafa Demir and Istanbul Police Commissioner Hüseyin Çapkın arrived to the park for the opening ceremony. Istanbul’s top officials posed in front press while touring the park. Following the tour, Governor Mutlu made a press statement as some people chanted slogans including “Everywhere is Taksim, everywhere is resistance”, “This is just the beginning. The struggle will continue”. 

During the protests, riot police forces encircled a group holding an Atatürk poster. The group dispersed from the steps of the park. Tensions calmed down as police forces withdrew from the scene. 

No tents, Ramadan activities scheduled 

Governor Mutlu said the park reopened to public after a series of renovation efforts by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality: 

“With all its trees, flowers and fountains, this park is a new corner to our heavenly city of Istanbul. Families will visit here with their children. Parks are for children, families, elderly and youth. It is time for this park to belong to its owners - Isntabulites. We invite all Istanbulites here.” 

Mutlu also added that Beyoğlu Municipality had no plans to establish Ramadan tents in the park but activities will be held in the park during the month of Ramadan. 

He said the following on Taksim Solidarity’s plans to organize a forum in the park tonight: 

"We will not permit any efforts to block the park by turning into a public demonstration space. We consider applications and give the related permissions. We will show the law to those who say that they don’t recognize the law. 

"Will I be able to kiss my wife in the park?” 

In the meanwhile, a pedestrian asked the governor whether “he could kiss wife in the park”. Surprised, Governor Mutlu replied: “Is it really what you are most curious about?”. 

Then Governor Mutlu went on to explain that even law states have some traditions and values. 

“If there is such tendency in your society and people wouldn’t protest to such act, you can do whatever you want. But being vigilant on issues that contradict with our national values is a matter of respect as well as a citizenship duty.” 

Forum spirit with little tension 

Following the statement, Istanbul’s top officials left the scene and police forces cleared all the yellow strips to reopen the park to public. A crowd of elderly and youngster rushed into the park. 

A faction of the crowd entered the scenes with slogans “Everywhere is Taksim, everywhere is resistance”. However, previous tension between groups continued inside the park as well. 

Disagreements on whether or not people can walk on the grass broke into arguments where parties accused each other of “throwing molotov cocktails or being an AKP supporter”. 

“We understand you,” a veiled woman told the pro-Gezi group, alleviating the tensions. However, tensions resumed with no actual fighting. Tensions maintain in the park, but there is already forum spirit in the air.” (NV/BM)