Returning To My Roots: Our Visit To Taksim

It seemed like 2 years. although it was only 2 days.  After a 2-day absence from the epicenter know as Taksim Squre, Bryan and I went up to Taksim for a visit after our extremely full day of seeing some other sights.   It was great to be back.

Things were calm today.  After I introduced Bryan to some of the guys and gals, we strolled around and surveyed the scene.  As you maybe have seen on the news, the protesters at Taksim are giving the Turkish government the silent treatment.  Thousands of them are standing in rows outside of the park -- which remains roped off by police -- and are lined up in utter silence.  We spoke to some of them.  Some came by after work just to show their solidarity, even though they could not stand all day.  Others were there for much longer periods.  It is an overall very respectful crowd.

Here are some pictures of the "Standing Man" protests in Taksim Square.  And, because the stills don't convey the full effect of the silence, I've pasted in a video as well.  (The only sounds and movement are from journalists, not the protesters.)

Our front desk guy keeps us updated.  We'll get over there ASAP if there are any big changes.