Turkey: Environmentalists to march in central Istanbul June 26

Event

Environmentalists and other groups are planning to protest in Istanbul June 26 to denounce the construction of the Istanbul Canal. Participants will gather at 14:00 at Freedom Square (Ozgurluk Meydani) in Bakirkoy.

Security forces will deploy in the vicinity of the protest and could impose localized movement restrictions. Isolated clashes between protesters and the police are possible if demonstrators attempt to breach security cordons or ignore police orders to disperse. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence, they would face an indirect threat.

Context

The Istanbul Canal will link the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, allowing maritime traffic to bypass the Strait of Istanbul. Critics claim that the project will be disproportionately expensive and cause unacceptable environmental damage. Further protests over the project are likely in the medium term.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a standard precaution and to mitigate potential disruptions. Plan for ground travel delays near the venue on the afternoon of June 26. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.