Thousands of women staged a protest in Istanbul, Turkey, in defiance of a ban on protests on International Women’s Day. Police barricaded the entrances to Istanbul’s known protest venue, Taksim Square, but allowed the protest to continue for a while before dispersing the remaining demonstrators with tear gas and detaining some. Many of the demonstrators expressed hope that this year's presidential election will allow for a less restricted women's day event next year. | Middle East Eye

One of the nerve centers of the city. Taksim Square is a meeting place for young people and businesses, with the starting point of Istiklal Caddesi, the main shopping street. | Visit Istanbul