We’re back in Istanbul. This time in Taksim (pictured below from our balcony). It may not look it, but Taksim is a more modern district on the other side of the Bosporus. We decided to stay here as a contrast to the even older neighborhood, Sultanahmet, where we stayed last month.
We organized our time in Turkiyie this way, several years ago. This time we decided not to revisit Cappadocia and Ephesus – too much moving around, but places we will alway remember.
When we arrived at our hotel yesterday, we noticed police barricades lining both sides of the street. I asked a staff member about it and he told us that it was because it was International Women’s Day.
Apparently, we pulled up just before the streets would be completely closed. I thought it may be a festive parade or march, but the police were preparing for a major protest. You can see officers in the lower left corner of the photo above, in yellow jackets, beginning to line the route.
The staff person I spoke to wasn’t sure if or exactly what time the demonstration was going to begin, but the police (who are known to be heavy-handed here) were getting ready for whatever was to come.
I thought I heard helicopters arriving overhead.
He appeared anxious, and used the words “parade”, “demonstration”, and “protest” interchangeably. It was hard to know exactly what he meant or what to expect.
“No need to worry,” he continued. “You can still walk around.”
We soon learned that a commemorative march was planned to mark women’s achievements and support women’s rights. But the event had just been officially banned! Banned!
The government in Turkiye banned International Women’s Day last year also (along with Gay Pride). But women came out in large numbers and marched then, anyway.
They ultimately marched again, last night. But, consequently, over 200 women were arrested. International Women’s Day was officially abolished and now renamed “International Family Day”.
If you care to read more about this living history, I have attempted to attach an article here (although this too may not now be allowed). What a loss.
Could this be the future for America as well?
We’re meeting up with our guide, Derya, tomorrow. You might remember me speaking about her during the first part of our time in Istanbul last month. It will be interesting to hear her perspective.
On the way from Cape Town to Istanbul, I sat behind an English gentleman who told me he was 93 years old. Dressed in thick corduroy pants and a wool cardigan, he was returning home to Birmingham, and was quick to say, “Not Alabama. England!” I laughed, but he didn’t intend for it to be funny.
He had difficulty opening a bottle of water. “I’ve lost my grip”, he said. He then asked for my help using his cell phone. I told him I was also loosing my grip, and that I too was not a pro with technology. He failed to see the humor in that as well.
There he was, 93 and still traveling across continents alone. “I do just fine on my own,” he said, as I helped him with his jacket, wished him well and said goodbye.
Last night I dreamed I was writing poetry about South Africa. I regret not getting up and writing down the words. I have since forgotten. But they were beautiful.
