Labour Day

Labour Day, also known as **May Day** or **Emek ve Dayanışma Günü** (Labour and Solidarity Day) in Turkey, is celebrated annually on **May 1st**. It is a public holiday dedicated to honoring workers' rights, labor movements, and the contributions of workers to society. The day is marked by rallies, demonstrations, and events organized by labor unions, political groups, and workers' associations. In Turkey, Labour Day has a complex history. It was first celebrated in the Ottoman Empire in 1911, but its observance faced restrictions and bans during various periods, particularly under military regimes. In 2009, the Turkish government reinstated May 1st as an official public holiday, allowing for more open celebrations. However, gatherings in Istanbul's Taksim Square, a symbolic location for Labour Day due to the tragic events of 1977 (known as the Taksim Square Massacre), are often tightly controlled for security reasons. On this day, workers and unions advocate for better working conditions, fair wages, and social justice. It is a time for solidarity and reflection on the struggles and achievements of the labor movement in Turkey and worldwide.