Turkey: Demonstration in Istanbul July 30

Event

On Sunday, July 30, a demonstration is planned for 17:00 (local time) in Istanbul’s Yenikapi Park. The demonstration is in protest of recent security incidents at the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, Israel.

Context

Tensions have been particularly high in Jerusalem since the Temple Mount (Haram Al-Sharif), which is where al-Aqsa mosque is located, was shut down for the first time in 48 years on July 14 after three Arab-Israeli gunmen attacked a group of police officers near the Lions' Gate in Jerusalem's Old City. After 12 days of protests, over 1000 Palestinians were reportedly injured and five Palestinians died in the demonstrations and clashes.  While security measures have returned to normal, the situation remains unstable.

Advice

Individuals in Turkey are advised to avoid all demonstrations and rallies, follow any instructions issued by the local authorities, and carry proper identification at all times (e.g. passport).

Due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and maintain a high degree of vigilance, especially when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, festivals, etc.). Some Western governments advise against travel to areas along the Syrian and Iraqi borders.