May 1st Precautions Announced by Istanbul Governorate
Istanbul Authorities Announce Safety Measures for May Day Celebrations
The Istanbul Governor’s Office has issued a formal warning regarding attempts by various marginal groups to organize unauthorized protests across the city through social media appeals. In light of these developments, the authorities have declared that no gatherings of such groups will be tolerated. Furthermore, to ensure public safety on May 1st, key roads and metro stations will be closed to traffic.
Precautionary Traffic Closures
To facilitate security measures for May Day celebrations, specific areas in districts such as Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Şişli, Fatih, Kadıköy, and Kartal will see the removal of waste bins and debris from potential march routes a day before in preparation for the event. Public transportation routes will also be modified to prevent any disruptions.
Road Closures: Various roads in central Istanbul will be closed starting at 5:00 AM, with alternative routes provided for local traffic. Major arteries like Ragıp Gümüşpala, Kadir Has, and others leading to the heart of the city will be affected.
Metro and Public Transport: Essential services, including the M2 metro line and İETT bus routes, will cease operations at designated stops starting from 5:30 AM on May 1st. This includes closures at pivotal stations such as Vezneciler and Taksim.
- Water Transport: Ferry services between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul will also face restrictions after 5:30 AM, allowing only limited travel to Üsküdar.
Emergency Preparedness
The authorities, including fire and medical services, will remain on high alert. Ambulance teams and fire trucks will be stationed across affected areas to respond promptly to any emergencies that may arise during the events.
In preparation for potential traffic challenges, local residents are strongly discouraged from parking in specific zones leading to the aforementioned districts the night before.
Governor’s Statement
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül expressed in a written statement that May 1st is a day to honor the contributions of workers, emphasizing the importance of safety and order during the festivities. He urged the public to respect the laws and guidelines established for this significant day.
In summary, Istanbul’s authorities are taking comprehensive measures to ensure security and safety for all participants during the upcoming May Day celebrations, while also underscoring the importance of lawful expression and organized events.
