The government led by President Tayyip Erdogan and his Islamist-rooted AK Party has toughened its stance on LGBTQ+ freedoms. Speaking after his election victory in a runoff last month, Erdogan accused opposition parties of being "pro-LGBT".
On Sunday, police in riot gear prevented access to Istiklal Avenue, the traditional venue for Pride marches, as well as the central Taksim Square. Streets nearby were blockaded and public transport in the area was suspended.
On Sunday afternoon, hundreds of people carrying rainbow and transgender flags gathered instead in Mistik Park in the Sisli district.
They chanted slogans while organizers read a statement to mark Pride Week. A big rainbow flag was hung on a multi-story car park nearby.
Groups of people carrying rainbow flags marched in the streets of the Sisli district before organizers called on them to disperse. READ MORE