Learn all about Labor and Solidarity Day
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Turkey Series at TurkishClass101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Turkish holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 12 - Labor and Solidarity Day. In Turkish, it’s called Emek ve Dayanışma Günü. |
| In Turkey, Labor Day, which is a global occasion for workers and laborers to fight against injustice and inequality with unity, or in Turkish birlik, and solidarity, or dayanışma, is celebrated every year on May 1, and in 2009 this day was declared a public holiday. |
| In this lesson, you will learn about Labor Day, which is also known as Labor and Solidarity Day, its importance for recent Turkish history, and how it's celebrated. |
| Now, before we go into more detail, we’ve got a question for you- |
| What was the alternative name for this occasion that was given on May 1, 1935? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| Just like everywhere else in the world, in Turkey May 1's Labor and Solidarity Day is sometimes marred by historical incidents. During a time in the Republic of Turkey’s recent history after the 1980 Turkish coup d'état when the military ruled for 3 years, there were even times when this occasion was banned altogether. Unionization, work hours and conditions, and low wages are among the most contentious subjects. |
| The most tragic mass protest took place on May 1, 1977. Hundreds of thousands of workers and laborers held a protest in Taksim Square, or in Turkish Taksim Meydanı and were supported by male and female students and teachers. During a speech by the President of the Confederation of Revolutionary Trade Union, someone opened fire on the crowd, shooting from one of the rooftops around the square. As a result of the stampede, several people were killed and injured. |
| Unfortunately, 1977 was not the last of the tragic events. On May 1, 2013 another incident took place in Taksim Square, where demonstrations were banned, with a pedestrianization project given as the reason for the ban. It was advertised under the name “Taksim Urban Renewal Project”, or in Turkish Taksim kentsel dönüşüm projesi and was introduced to increase revenue. The police used tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators who went ahead with their celebrations of the day regardless. |
| Labor and Solidarity Day was first celebrated at the beginning of the twentieth century under the Ottoman Empire by tobacco and cotton workers in Selanik, where solidarity between laborers was at its strongest. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| What was the alternative name for this occasion that was given on May 1, 1935? |
| In 1935, in order to change the political nature of this occasion, May 1 was named the Spring and Flowers Day or in Turkish Bahar ve Çiçek Bayramı and was declared a public holiday. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| How do you celebrate Labor Day on May 1 in your country? |
| Leave us a comment letting us know at TurkishClass101.com. And we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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