Taksim Square Protest... More than just a park

Back in Istanbul yesterday and spent the day at Taksim Park where a peaceful protest has been taking place for the past week.  While the development of the park was the tipping point, these nationwide protests are in response to concerns held about the increasing islamisation of the country by the current Prime Minister.  While Turkey is more than 90% moslem, they have traditionally seperated church and state and have been liberal in approach and lifestyle.  The Prime Minister has announced plans to ban public drinking, and protesters are concerned about the wind back of their rights and freedoms (especially for women) with the direction the government is headed.  At 8am today the police riot squads entered the square with armed vehicles, water cannons and tear gas.  Its now 10pm and the firing is still going on.  Its unclear what triggered this response from the government as peace talks were to be held tomorrow.  From the protests at the park and throughout Turkey observed, there has been no violent action or hostility from the protesters. I will post photos on Flicker (linked in the slideshow on this blog) to give you a better idea of what is going on xxx B