Azerbaijan, Baku, May 1 / Trend, A.Taghiyeva /
Istanbul police is operating in an emergency stance in connection with the celebration of May 1 in the country, the Sabah newspaper reported.
The government allowed trade unions to hold a crowded gathering in the main square of Istanbul, Taksim. However security forces are afraid of provocation and acts of terrorism and taken steps to prevent them.
Tragic events in the history of the celebration of May 1 in Turkey are associated with Taksim Square. In 1977, 36 people were killed and 130 wounded as a result of shooting and riots during the trade union demonstrations.
In 2007, Istanbul police detained about 900 people for resisting while dispersing demonstrators whilst attempting to get to Taksim Square.
May 1 in Turkey was declared Labour Day in 1935 and was a public holiday until the military coup in 1980. On April 21, 2008 the Turkish government on the initiative of trade unions again declared May 1 as Day of Labour and Solidarity.