Armenian tombstones found in Istanbul’s Taksim Square

Armenian tombstones found in Istanbul’s Taksim Square

11:26, 29 June, 2013

YEREVAN, JUNE 29, ARMENPRESS. Armenian graves have been found in
Istanbul’s Taksim Square at the course of the construction
activities. As reports “Armenpress” citing Turkish Demokrathaber.net,
the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey Ã-mer Ã=87elik and
opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy Sezgin Tanrikulu
stated this.

Among other things the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey Ã-mer
Ã=87elik noted that 16 tombstones and walls of historic monuments
dating back to the 19th century have been found at the course of the
construction works. Experts from the Archaeology Museum of Turkey
arrived at the square, after the tombstones were found.

From 28 May 2013, protests raised against the plans of replacing
Taksim Gezi Park with a reconstruction of the historic Taksim Military
Barracks (demolished in 1940), with the possibility of housing a
shopping mall. The protests developed into riots when a group
occupying the park was attacked by police. The subjects of the
protests have since broadened beyond the development of Taksim Gezi
Park, developing into wider anti-government demonstrations. The
protests have also spread to other cities in Turkey, and protests have
been seen in other countries with significant Turkish communities. In
31 May 2013, police suppressed the protesters with tear gas, arrested
at least 60 people and injured hundreds. The police action received
wide attention online. Protesters organized and gathered on Ä°stiklal
Avenue, reaching thousands on the night of 31 May. 5 men died in the
clashes between the Police and the protestors, more than 7500 people
were injured and 5 thousand – arrested.