worker's day

Today is a scary day for me. Some of you might remember my IMF protest post. What had started as a genuine protest against the IMF World Bank meeting in Istanbul turned into an opportunity for angry citizens to fight with the police. I remember seeing people run by the cafe holding sling shots and wearing face-concealing masks. When I spoke to one of my professors about that day, he joked that those activities were just a dress rehearsal for May Day. The last few years have definitely been tense; I recall watching the news and seeing pepper bombs and water cannons. Kaan called me in 2007 (I was in Canakkale), complaining that he had experienced both a pepper bomb and (if I recall correctly) a flash bomb. Today is a day when those who can afford to stay at home do so, when those who have a summer house across the Bosporus visit it, and when those who have to work pack a gas mask.

Until 1977, Taksim Square was open to protesters and gatherers on May Day. May 1, 1977 30 protesters were killed when an unidentified man opened fire into the crowd. Depending on one's political leaning, this unidentified man can be part of the right wing or part of the deep state. Either way, Taksim has been forbidden to protesters until this year. Despite this, anti-government groups were still able to come out in full force, causing a day of general chaos and danger for police and citizens alike.

I'm watching the news right now, and I intend to keep it on throughout the day. So far, it's clear that the city is completely shut down. Taksim, normally tremendously crowded, is empty. The bus stop (serving at least 30 bus routes) is empty. The only people around are those workers participating in the protests, the news crews, and the police. There are 22,000 police on duty today. From what I can see on the news, Istiklal Caddesi is completely blocked off. It's a good thing I have a lot of homework to do today.

This year the Turkish government recognizes May Day as a Worker's Day, so for those who ARE laborers and union members, it's a really big accomplishment. In the beginning of the year, the Tekel workers had a nearly two month protest. I won't lie; I'm not entirely sure what they were protesting (I try to listen to the news, but my Turkish isn't always good enough to understand everything). However, the ability to gather today and the recognition of today as a worker's holiday is a great step forward in achieving better worker's rights. I see it as an opening of the government, a willingness to listen; however, I could be completely off base. It's nice to see groups gathering to celebrate, even if everyone is really waiting for something terrible to happen.

It appears that today's gathering is composed of many of the major Turkish labor unions, although there are many anarchist groups as well. I haven't been able to catch all of the groups or the number of the groups, but here is a short article listing a few of them. Three groups are walking toward Taksim Square from different parts of the city (one from Mecediyeköy, one from Dolmabahçe Palace/Gümüşsuyu, and one from Eminönü) at 10am. I don't know anything other than that; I imagine the groups will have a speech and some other celebratory acts. Celebrations start at 11am in Taksim. They are currently playing some really loud music from Taksim. I can hear it from my house! I had to shut my window to hear the news. It's that loud.

I think after the demonstrations by the union groups, the afternoon and evening will be full of anti-government protests. I sincerely hope I'm wrong; this day shouldn't be about fighting the police. It's a day to celebrate the workers. Unfortunately, I feel like there are certain groups that will capitalize on a day like this to try to riot. I'm nervous for Kaan, who is working down the hill from Taksim. He's far enough away that I think he'll only experience mild discomfort if anything, but I'm still nervous.

Seriously, I hope today is just about celebrating those workers and striving to improve workers rights throughout Turkey. I'll update if anything major happens. I've included two articles from the English language newspapers below, if anyone wishes to read further.

Daily News article
Today's Zaman article
Thousands gather... from Daily News


In a more positive note, I was able to speak with my little sister today. She's graduating high school this month! She'll be a freshman at Tulane University in New Orleans. I'm super excited for her. She wanted me to include the following message: "ap tests, boys, graduations, boys, summer, boys, etc". She has something like 4 or 5 AP tests in the next few weeks, and then she can focus on the more exciting things like boys, graduation, boys, summer, and boys. I don't want anyone to get the impression that she's boy-crazy; this must be a phase.

Unless there's something pressing to say later, I'm going to wrap it with one final thought. It's interesting that in the States, we have nothing quite like this. We celebrate Labor Day, but I've never really been aware of the nature of the day. I wonder how much of it has to do with the extreme fear of communism in the 50's and 60's. Worker's Day does have a rather leftist ring to it. So to all you lefties and righties, commies and good ol' Uhmer'cans (and of course, everyone else!), have a happy and safe Labor/May/Worker's Day!

wrapping up

It's hard to believe that the school year is almost over. Yes, I still have a good month of classes. However, time seems to be flying now! I can't lie, I am getting excited to go back. Lately, though, I've been noticing a strange mix of emotions. I finally feel like I belong here; my apartment has really become home. Kaan and I have a pretty sound routine. I'm getting used to cooking and eating here. I feel like I have a purpose and a good group of friends (everyone, of course, will leave at the end of the semester, so it is just an illusion of stability). Things are pretty good.. I could definitely live here if I wanted.

So I have a dilemma. Giving up the life I've established here to go back to the dredge of school and work seems less than ideal.. But then I remember my friends and family back home waiting for me. I remember the access to delicious, ethnic, vegan food and organic grocery stores! I remember an entire year's worth of television to catch up on!

It's hard to be a student on study abroad. Just as you start to put down roots in a new place, you have to return home.

My trip ends on June 28. I'll be simultaneously sad and excited to go back home. I have a lot of adventures left ahead of me; going home is one step closer to starting the next one!