Part of Istanbul has been turned into a war zone after riot police unleashed tear gas and water cannon on protesters that ignored an order from the country’s prime minister not to gather on the anniversary of the national anti-government protests that swept across the country in 2013.
According to AP, hundreds of protesters were forced to mass on Istiklal Avenue in the city centre, having failed to reach Taksim square after their path was blocked by riot police and armoured vehicles. This led to clashes and the police opening fire. A number of demonstrators have reportedly been arrested. Similar clashes have been in the capital city of Ankara.
Earlier, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned protesters not to gather for the anniversary. He said: "I am calling on my people: don't fall for this trap. This is not an innocent environmental action. If you go there, our security forces are under strict orders, they will do whatever is necessary from A to Z. You won't be able to go to Gezi like the last time. You have to obey the laws. If you don't, the state will do whatever is necessary." According to the BBC, Turkish authorities promised that more than 25,000 police officers would be on duty to stop the anniversary protests reaching Taksim square.
The demonstrations began last year after a campaign to save Gezi Park from demolition gathered momentum, eventually gathering in more than 3 million demonstrators in an outpouring of anger against Erdogan's authoritarian Islamic regime. Eight people died and thousands were injured as police tried to stop the mass protests, which spread from Istanbul to many other parts of the country.
Riot Police Tear Gas Turkish Protesters
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Injured protesters lie on the ground as Turkish riot police officers fire tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered on the central Istiklal avenue near Taksim square in Istanbul, on May 31, 2014, as the police blocked access to the square during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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Injured protesters lie on the ground as Turkish riot police officers fire tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered on the central Istiklal avenue near Taksim square in Istanbul, on May 31, 2014, as the police blocked access to the square during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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Protesters run away as Turkish riot police officers fire tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered on the central Istiklal avenue near Taksim square in Istanbul, on May 31, 2014, as the police blocked access to the square during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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Injured protesters lie on the ground as Turkish riot police officers fire tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered on the central Istiklal avenue near Taksim square in Istanbul, on May 31, 2014, as the police blocked access to the square during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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Injured protesters lie on the ground as Turkish riot police officers fire tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered on the central Istiklal avenue near Taksim square in Istanbul, on May 31, 2014, as the police blocked access to the square during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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A protester walks away with closed eyes as Turkish riot police officers fire tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered on the central Istiklal avenue near Taksim square in Istanbul, on May 31, 2014, as the police blocked access to the square during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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Turkish riot police use tear gas to disperse protesters gathered on the central Istiklal avenue near Taksim square in Istanbul, on May 31, 2014, as the police blocked access to the square during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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Injured protesters lie on the ground as Turkish riot police officers fire tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered on the central Istiklal avenue near Taksim square in Istanbul, on May 31, 2014, as the police blocked access to the square during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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Injured protesters lie on the ground as Turkish riot police officers fire tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered on the central Istiklal avenue near Taksim square in Istanbul, on May 31, 2014, as the police blocked access to the square during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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Injured protesters lie on the ground as Turkish riot police officers fire tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered on the central Istiklal avenue near Taksim square in Istanbul, on May 31, 2014, as the police blocked access to the square during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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Injured protesters escape as Turkish riot police use tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered on the central Istiklal avenue near Taksim square in Istanbul, on May 31, 2014, as the police blocked access to the square during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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Turkish riot police officers hold up a protester seriously affected by tear gas as police officers use tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered on the central Istiklal avenue near Taksim square in Istanbul, on May 31, 2014, as the police blocked access to the square during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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Protesters clash with Turkish Riot on the first anniversary of last year's protests near Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey , on May 31, 2014. (credit:PA)
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Turkish riot police officers block access to Taksim square on May 31, 2014, during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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Protesters clash with Turkish riot police Gazi District of Suburb Istanbul, on the first anniversary of last year's Taksim Gezi protests in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 31, 2014. (credit:PA)
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Turkish riot police officers detain CNN International correspondent Ivan Watson (Center L) near Taksim square on May 31, 2014, as the police blocked access to the square during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
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Protesters clash with Turkish riot police Gazi District of Suburb Istanbul, on the first anniversary of last year's Taksim Gezi protests in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 31, 2014. (credit:PA)
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A photographer takes a photo of Turkish riot police officers standing in line as they block access to Taksim square on May 31, 2014, during the one year anniversary of the Gezi park and Taksim square demonstrations. (credit:Getty Images)
This is a gallery of the start of the clashes in Turkey from June 2013:
GRAPHIC WARNING: Clashes in Turkey
TURKEY-POLITICS-UNREST(01 of73)
A demonstrator's clothes are set on fire during clashes with riot police in Taksim square on June 11, 2013. Riot police stormed Istanbul's protest square on june 11, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. AFP PHOTO / OREN ZIV (Photo credit should read OREN ZIV/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
TURKEY-POLITICS-UNREST(02 of73)
A protester falls as a riot police van is engulfed in flames in the background during clashes between riot police and demonstrators in Taksim square in Istanbul on June 11, 2013. Riot police stormed Istanbul's protest square today, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. Erdogan said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Protesters set off fireworks as they clash with riot police in Taksim square in Istanbul on June 11, 2013. Riot police re-entered Istanbul's protest square today, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. Hundreds of police officers backed by armoured cars moved in on Taksim Square -- the epicentre of nearly two weeks of deadly anti-government demos -- in the early morning, saying they wanted to remove makeshift barricades erected by protesters and clear the area of flags and banners. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A demonstrator winds up to throw a molotov cocktail in Taksim square in Istanbul, early on June 11, 2013 as demonstrators and riot police clashed. Riot police re-entered Istanbul's protest square today, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. Hundreds of police officers backed by armoured cars moved in on Taksim Square -- the epicentre of nearly two weeks of deadly anti-government demos -- in the early morning, saying they wanted to remove makeshift barricades erected by protesters and clear the area of flags and banners. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A protester runs to avoid tear gas as police take cover next to a water cannon during clashes at the Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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A protester walks in front of a burning barricade during clashes in Taksim square in Istanbul, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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A protester gestures to riot policemen as he walks in front of a burning barricade during clashes in Taksim square in Istanbul, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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Protesters carry another protester affected by tear gas during clashes in Taksim square in Istanbul, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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A protester throws a Molotov cocktail during clashes with riot police in istanbul's Taksim square on June 11, 2013. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 11 said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A protester, wearing a gas mask, pulls back the cord on a slingshot in Taksim square in Istanbul on June 11, 2013. Riot police stormed Istanbul's protest square on June 11, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. AFP PHOTO / BULENT KILIC (Photo credit should read BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A demonstrator throws a molotov cocktail in Taksim square in Istanbul, early on June 11, 2013 as demonstrators and riot police clashed. Riot police re-entered Istanbul's protest square today, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. Hundreds of police officers backed by armoured cars moved in on Taksim Square -- the epicentre of nearly two weeks of deadly anti-government demos -- in the early morning, saying they wanted to remove makeshift barricades erected by protesters and clear the area of flags and banners. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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ALTERNATIVE CROP A protester wearing a gas mask holds a box of fireworks during clashes against riot police in Taksim square in Istanbul on June 11, 2013. Riot police stormed Istanbul's protest square on June 11, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A demonstrator wearing a gas mask holds a box of fireworks during clashes with police in Taksim square on June 11, 2013. Riot police re-entered Istanbul's protest square today, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. Hundreds of police officers backed by armoured cars moved in on Taksim Square -- the epicentre of nearly two weeks of deadly anti-government demos -- in the early morning, saying they wanted to remove makeshift barricades erected by protesters and clear the area of flags and banners. AFP Photo / Angelos Tzortzinis (Photo credit should read ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A demonstrator throws a stone during clashes with riot police in Taksim square on June 11, 2013. Riot police re-entered Istanbul's protest square on June 11, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. Hundreds of police officers backed by armoured cars moved in on Taksim Square -- the epicentre of nearly two weeks of deadly anti-government demos -- in the early morning, saying they wanted to remove makeshift barricades erected by protesters and clear the area of flags and banners. AFP PHOTO / ANGELOS TZORTZINIS (Photo credit should read ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A protester whose clothes are on fire runs away from riot police during clashes in Taksim square in Istanbul on June 11, 2013. Riot police stormed Istanbul's protest square today, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. Erdogan said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A protester shields himself from water cannons during clashes with riot police in Istanbul's Taksim square on June 11, 2013. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 11 said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Protesters shield themselves from water cannons during clashes with riot police in Istanbul's Taksim square on June 11, 2013. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 11 said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A protester throws a Molotov cocktail durign clashes with riot police in istanbul's Taksim square on June 11, 2013. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 11 said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Protesters shield themselves from water cannons during clashes with riot police in Istanbul's Taksim square on June 11, 2013. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 11 said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A protester throws a Molotov cocktail during clashes with riot police in Istanbul's Taksim square on June 11, 2013. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 11 said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A protester flashes the v-sign during clashes with riot police in Istanbul's Taksim square on June 11, 2013. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 11 said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A protester throws a molotov cocktail at a riot police van during clashes between riot police and demonstrators in Taksim square in Istanbul on June 11, 2013. Riot police stormed Istanbul's protest square today, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. Erdogan said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A protester runs as a water cannon stream gushes in the background during clashes between riot police and demonstrators in Taksim square in Istanbul on June 11, 2013. Riot police stormed Istanbul's protest square today, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. Erdogan said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Riot police are pictured in Taksim square in Istanbul on June 11, 2013 during thier storming of the square. Riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. Erdogan said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Turkish protestors and riot policemen clash on June 1, 2013, during a protest against the demolition of Taksim Gezi Park, in Taksim Square in Istanbul. Police reportedly used tear gas to disperse a group, who were standing guard in Gezi Parki to prevent the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality from demolishing the last remaining green public space in the centre of Istanbul as a part of a major Taksim renewal project. At least a dozen people were injured. AFP PHOTO/BULENT KILIC (Photo credit should read BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Protesters are hit with a stream from a water cannon during clashes between riot police and demonstrators in Taksim square in Istanbul on June 11, 2013. Riot police stormed Istanbul's protest square today, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. Erdogan said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A protester uses a shield to protect himself from the jet of a water cannon as others take cover behind him during clashes between riot police and demonstrators in Taksim square in Istanbul on June 11, 2013. Riot police stormed Istanbul's protest square today, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. Erdogan said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Turkish riot police fire tear gas at demonstrators during clashes in Istanbul's Taksim square on June 11, 2013. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 11 said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Demonstrators wearing gas masks take cover behond a barricade during clashes between riot police and demonstrators in Taksim square in Istanbul on June 11, 2013. Riot police stormed Istanbul's protest square today, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at firework-hurling demonstrators in a fresh escalation of unrest after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would meet with protest leaders. Erdogan said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP Photo / Angelos Tzortzinis (Photo credit should read ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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A protester throws a stone at police during clashes at Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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A man runs through teargas as police operates during clashes with protesters at Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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A protester, left, is seen through teargas during a police operation to evacuate Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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Police operates amid teargas during clashes with protesters at Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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Protesters try to cover behind a barricade as police fires teargas during clashes at Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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A protester tries to put a wood with nails under a wheel of a police water cannon during clashes at Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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A protester throws a stone at police during clashes at Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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Journalists surround a protester who stops a police water cannon holding a Turkish national flag during clashes with police at Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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Protesters try to stop a police water cannon during clashes at Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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A policeman runs through teargas during clashes with protesters at Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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Black smoke rises from Taksim Square during clashes between protesters and police, in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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A protester puts a wood with nails under the wheel of a police water cannon during clashes at the Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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Police take cover behind shields during an operation at the Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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Police remove a banner hanged by protesters in a cultural center as the Turkish flag is reflected on the windows during a police operation at the Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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Police fires tear gas during an operation to evacuate the Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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A police water cannon truck is on fire after protesters threw a petrol bomb during a police operation at the Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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Riot policemen take cover behind their shields amid tear gas smoke during clashes in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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Police hang a banner of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the modern Turkey, next to a Turkish flag hung by protesters in a cultural center during a police operation to evacuate Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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Police officer fires rubber bullets during an operation to evacuate Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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Riot policemen take cover as a petrol bomb explodes in front of them during clashes in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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Protesters watch riot policemen entering Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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A protester gestures in front of riot policemen during clashes in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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A protester holds his leg after being injured from a teargas canister during a police operation to evacuate Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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A protester lays under a wheel of a police water cannon as other tries to pull out him during a police operation to evacuate Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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A protester throws a petrol bomb towards riot policemen during clashes in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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A protester lies in front of riot policemen during clashes in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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A protester throws a petrol bomb towards riot policemen during clashes in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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A protester runs to kick away a tear gas canister during clashes in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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Riot policemen take cover behind their shields amid tear gas smoke during clashes in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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A protester kicks away attar gas canister during clashes in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11,2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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Protesters check for riot police position from behind a barricade during clashes in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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A petrol bomb explodes in front of riot policemen during clashes in Taksim square in Istanbul, Tuesday, June 11,2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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A petrol bomb explodes in front of riot policemen during clashes in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park.
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A petrol bomb explodes in front of riot policemen during clashes in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park.
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A petrol bomb explodes in front of riot policemen during clashes in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park.
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A protester takes cover after throwing a Molotov cocktail at a water cannon during clashes with riot police in Istanbul's Taksim square on June 11, 2013. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 11 said three protesters and one police officer have been killed in nearly two weeks of nationwide unrest against his Islamic-rooted government. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Protesters set fire to a van and a barricade as as police water cannon operates during clashes at the Taksim Square in Istanbul, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced their way through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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A protester sits on a chair as others take cover behind an advertising banner during clashes at the Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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A police officer fires rubber bullets against protesters who takes cover behind a metal barrier, with graffiti that reads ''GTAV Istanbul city'' a famous electronic game, during clashes at the Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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A protester throws a stone at a police water cannon during clashes at the Taksim Square in Istanbul Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced through barricades in the square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (credit:AP)
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Protesters run away to cover from a police water canon during clashes in Taksim square in Istanbul, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced their way through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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A policeman in plain clothes climbs on the Republic monument to remove flags and banners during clashes in Taksim square in Istanbul, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced their way through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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A protester runs from a stream of water from a canon from police during clashes in Taksim square in Istanbul, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced their way through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)
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A protester uses a makeshift shield to protect from water thrown by a canon from police during clashes in Taksim square in Istanbul, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Hundreds of police in riot gear forced their way through barricades in Istanbul's central Taksim Square early Tuesday, pushing many of the protesters who had occupied the square for more than a week into a nearby park. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) (credit:AP)