Thousands of women staged a protest in Istanbul, Turkey, in defiance of a ban on protests on International Women’s Day. Police barricaded the entrances to Istanbul’s known protest venue, Taksim Square, but allowed the protest to continue for a while before dispersing the remaining demonstrators with tear gas and detaining some. Many of the demonstrators expressed hope that this year's presidential election will allow for a less restricted women's day event next year. | Middle East Eye

Walking to Taksim square. | Visit Istanbul

Taksim Square’s new and improved Ataturk Cultural Centre reopens its doors on October 29, which marks the 98th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. | TRT World

This is Taksim Square, a legendary spot in Istanbul, Türkiye. You can call it Downtown of Istanbul as well. Fanning out from Taksim Square with its Republic Monument, is a busy nightlife, shopping, and dining area. Vintage trams shuttle along Istiklal Caddesi, the city’s main pedestrian boulevard, which is lined with 19th-century buildings housing international shopping chains, movie theaters, and cafes. The dense network of side streets is filled with bars, antiques shops, and rooftop eateries

One of the nerve centers of the city. Taksim Square is a meeting place for young people and businesses, with the starting point of Istiklal Caddesi, the main shopping street. | Visit Istanbul