After the protests

In june, when I was last here, there were significant protests in Ankara. It was spilt in two places.

In a park near the hotel where I stayed, protestors created a festival-like atmosphere. Tents occupied all the ground between the paths, written wishes were hung from a tree, there was a place to debate and discuss, a library to exchange books and so on. Protestors gathered there in the evening, chanting their slogans, blowing their horns and wearing their badges of protest. It was serious but good natured.

There was a police presence but, certainly initially, it was not intrusive.

I stayed clear of the main square where it was altogether more serious. That is where the water canon were deployed and the tear gas fired.

I returned to the park today curious to see what was there. There were still flags, there were still protestors though only a handful and the library has become a table. There were no wishes hanging from the tree.

It had returned to a park where folk sat under the shade of the trees, families came to feed the ducks, geese and swans and to play in the playpark. The park was now host to a different kind of festival - one of rest, relaxation and families.

The ground which had been covered in tents was now full of marigolds. There was a graffiti wall which was the place to take photographs which proved you were there. As far as I can tell it has been left untouched, one of the many reminders that June had been a month of protest.

Spent a very pleasant hour or so there. It is a happy place.