Istanbul – A planned Women’s Day march in Taksim Square on Saturday, March 7th, 2026, was marked by a tense exchange involving actor Ufuk Bayraktar and a group of female protestors, leading to a brief intervention by police. The incident occurred as women gathered in the Sıraselviler Caddesi area ahead of the 24th annual Feminist Night Walk, despite a ban on demonstrations issued by the Beyoğlu Kaymakamlığı, according to Sozcu.
The 24th Feminist Night Walk, a long-standing tradition in Istanbul, aims to raise awareness about women’s rights, equality, and freedom. This year’s event faced restrictions, with the M2 Yenikapı-Hacıosman metro line’s Taksim and Şişhane stations closed, and barricades erected by police, Sozcu reported. Despite the ban, women gathered in Sıraselviler to proceed with the march.
According to reports from Sondakika and Aydin.org, Bayraktar approached the group of women who were chanting slogans and reportedly voiced his objections. Witnesses say he then made a “Bozkurt” hand gesture – a symbol associated with Turkish nationalism – towards the protestors. The gesture was captured by photographers at the scene.
Following Bayraktar’s actions, police intervened, attempting to de-escalate the situation and separate the actor from the protestors. A brief verbal exchange occurred between Bayraktar and the officers, as documented by bystanders’ mobile phone footage. He was subsequently escorted away from the area by police, Sondakika detailed.
The incident quickly gained traction on social media, sparking a debate about freedom of expression and the right to protest. The police intervention and Bayraktar’s behavior have drawn varied reactions from the public, with discussions unfolding online and in the media. The Feminist Night Walk ultimately proceeded in Sıraselviler, despite the initial restrictions and the preceding confrontation.
The Istanbul Bar Association has filed a lawsuit to overturn the ban on demonstrations issued by the Beyoğlu Kaymakamlığı, according to Sozcu. Further developments are expected as the legal challenge progresses.
The events in Taksim occurred amidst broader celebrations and demonstrations marking International Women’s Day across Turkey. Aydin.org also reported on other events, including a Women’s Day concert in Aydın featuring Nükhet Duru and the opening of an Emekçi Kadınlar Pazarı (Working Women’s Market) in Didim.
The aftermath of the incident is likely to fuel ongoing conversations about women’s rights and the challenges faced by activists in Turkey. The outcome of the Istanbul Bar Association’s legal challenge will be a key indicator of the future space for peaceful assembly and protest in the city. Further statements from Bayraktar and the Istanbul Police Department are anticipated as the situation unfolds.
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