On May 1, 1977, the bustling Taksim Square in Istanbul bore witness to a tragic event etched into the collective memory of Turkey. Hundreds of thousands of people had gathered there, united by the spirit of International Workers’ Day. But that day would forever be marked by violence and loss.
As the crowd swelled, some perpetrators opened fire, triggering panic and chaos. People fled toward the nearest exit—the downhill street known as Kazancı Yokuşu. In the ensuing stampede, lives were lost, and the square became a sad site of remembrance.
Among the fallen were courageous women who had come to celebrate labor rights and solidarity. Their names—Hacer İpek Saman, Hatice Altun, Jale Yeşilnil, Kadriye Duman, Leyla Altıparmak, Meral Cebren Özkol, Nazan Ünaldı, and Sibel Açıkalın—echo through history. These women, like countless others, had dared to dream of a better world, one where justice and equality prevailed.
Fast forward to today, and Taksim Square remains a symbolic space for workers, socialists, and activists. It witnessed the Gezi Resistance in 2013, yet its significance stretches back to 1976—the year when Turkey’s first large-scale May Day celebrations unfolded there, drawing over 200,000 participants.
But why Taksim? Perhaps because it embodies the spirit of collective struggle—a place where voices rise, demanding fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity. The blood spilled on that fateful May 1st serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for workers’ rights.
As we commemorate these fallen souls, we must also confront the challenges of our present moment. The pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities, especially for women. Invisible laborers, raise your voices! The rights of women and children are under siege, and violence persists. Perpetrators of abuse roam free, while restraining orders become harder to obtain. We demand urgent action to prevent violence against women, coordinated efforts by women’s organizations, and mechanisms to track released offenders.
Taksim Square—once stained with blood—is now a rallying point for resilience. We won’t forget those lost on May 1, 1977. Their legacy fuels our determination to build a world where justice prevails, and every life is valued.
In their memory, we declare: Taksim is May Day Square, and we won’t give up.
