June 26, 2004

NATO in Turkey

Police at anti-NATO demonstration in Istanbul, photo by Stacy Munn

My last day in Istanbul, I was walking around the University and noticed dozens of police arriving in the square dressed in riot gear. Curious as to what was going to take place but not wanting to be in a place where I shouldn't, I strolled around the area, checking back in on the square every 15 minutes.


Anti-NATO demonstration in Istanbul University, photo by Stacy Munn

I was making my third check, and as I came closer to the square I heard chanting students. A group of students protesting against NATO were carrying banners, marching and shouting in unison. There were more journalists around than there were protestors, but luck was with me on this shot. A second group of students arrived in the square and I found myself in the middle of the two groups as they marched toward each other.

My friend, Amir, was kind enough to translate the writing on the banners. They say,
"NATO don't come to Turkey" and "We don't want NATO here".

Wish I were in Istanbul with my cameras to witness the crowds during tomorrow's NATO conference.