Istanbul: Demonstrations erupted nearly two weeks ago when police used excessive force on a peaceful demonstration in Istanbul’s Gezi Park. The reactionary demonstrations have evolved from what began as protests against the city’s plans to develop one of its few remaining green spaces to public outcry against the prime minister.
Thousands and thousands of regular folks are being tear gassed and stunned with percussive grenades. Blown away by water cannons, and sprayed in the eyes with burning chemicals. Beaten all over the body and arrested. The “order takers” even use different versions of these chemicals on the people of Turkey, because each have unique remedies. There is a VICE news feature posted below all about this. The part that made me cry, was the moment I realized Turkey is socially very similar to Canada.

Aside from the whole “Save this Green Space” it started out as, what are those people asking for? Continue reading Turkey →