Two Saturdays in Paris, Same Place Same Time
“Paris will be Paris”. This sentence is written on light board installed by local administration at Paris Republique Square. Reuters correspondent to Paris, Michel Rose was drawing attention to this sentence in his article about how daily life continues in the first week of Paris attacks. The board was used for traffic and weather forecast warnings.
This sentence has been formed as a symbol of belief that Paris and Parisians would return to their normal lives again despite the attacks. Just as the expression “We are not even scared” on a banner in a demonstration; or the graffiti “It didn’t even hurt” nearby Bataclan Concert Hall where 100 people killed by attackers.
The graffiti has been written by bullet marks made by red paint on reproduction of the photo named “Le baiser de l’Hotel de ville” (Kiss by the Town Hall) taken by French photographer Rober Doisneau. This graffiti represents Paris life style, according to the ones who did it. Its message is; the attacks will not change it, just as in the apothegm “Fluctuat nec mergitur” (Tossed but not sunk).
Seine River, in front of MK movie theater, walking trail, November 15 at 11:35 a.m. Photo: Mehmet Selami Şakiroğlu
Seine River, in front of MK movie theater, walking trail, November 22 at 11:35 a.m. Photo: Mehmet Selami Şakiroğlu
M. Selami Şakiroğlu photographed from the same point the walking trail in front of MK movie theater on November 15 and November 22 in Paris. The difference between the two photos indicates life is returning to normal.
What happened in France?
Armed and bombed attacks took place in at least seven different locations in French capital Paris on Friday. The next morning, President Hollande announced eight attackers were killed, and at least 127 civilians lost their lives.
According to news agencies, the death toll exceeds 150. Armed attackers took many people hostage in Bataclan concert hall. It was stated that attackers killed 118 people during the rescue operation launched by police.
Explosions during the game
Three separate attacks occurred near Stade de France when friendly game for Euro 2016 between France and Germany was being played. One of the explosions reportedly resulted by a suicide attack.
Around 40 people lost their lives in the attacks.
Hollande was at the stadium at the time of the explosions. Hollande being securely taken away from the stadium announced that emergency rule has been declared in the country. (HK/TK)
Click here to read the article in Turkish
* Photos: Graffiti Reuters/Charles Platiau.