The Art of Protest

In the summer of 2013, the world witnessed one of the biggest civil uprisings in the history of the Republic of Turkey. The uprising quickly grew nationwide. After heavy clashes between protestors and the police, Taksim Square was claimed by the public and the 15 days of park occupation and communal life began. The Park embraced people from all walks of life; masses of people with opposite ideologies, life styles, and beliefs lived peacefully inside this temporarily occupied zone. Even after the brutal crackdown, things have changed irreversibly in peoples minds.

In the course of the events from May 31st to July 15th, it is fair to note the adaptation of people to the zeitgeist was bewildering. This behavioral transition engendered unique phenomena. The lifestyles, daily routines, intentions and habits of people changed in a single day. Even the apparel changed from hot summer shirts and slippers to donning gas masks, bandanas and heat-resistant gloves for physical protection. Throughout this experience, status quo was “the ordinary of the unusual”. The unusual nature of this gathering resulted in diverse feelings, ideas and experiences: what constitutes the Gezi Spirit today.

Credits Design: Michelle Kliem, Photography: NAR Photos, Sound: Marcel Martin, Client: personal project