Istanbul governor bans gatherings in Beyoğlu district, Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue to be barricaded

Authorities in Istanbul have implemented a sweeping 24-hour ban on public gatherings and demonstrations in the Beyoğlu district, citing calls for assembly on social media. The ban, effective from midnight on June 21, prohibits all outdoor meetings, protest marches, press statements, leaflet distribution, and sit-ins.

As part of the security measures, Taksim Square and the surrounding area will be cordoned off with barriers starting at 10 a.m. Public and vehicle access may be restricted. Similar barriers will be erected around Gezi Park, and pedestrian access could be limited. İstiklal Avenue, the main pedestrian thoroughfare, and its connecting streets will be closed up to Tünel Square, with potential restrictions on all pedestrian and vehicle movement.

Public transportation will also be affected. The M2 metro line's Taksim station and the F1 funicular line connecting Taksim to Kabataş will cease operations. The Şişhane metro station will have limited access. Additionally, numerous roads in Beyoğlu and the neighboring Şişli district will be closed to traffic, with further temporary restrictions possible depending on developments.