The Istanbul LGBT Pride is an annual pride parade and demonstration that takes place in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, starting from 2003. The event kicks off at Taksim Square and continues the whole length of İstiklal Avenue. It holds the distinction of being the first and largest LGBT gathering in Muslim-majority countries.
By 2010, the pride parade had attracted around 5,000 participants. In 2013, the event witnessed a significant surge in attendance, with nearly 100,000 people, including Gezi Park protesters, joining in. The following year, the 2014 Pride became the largest LGBT event ever held in Turkey, bringing together over 100,000 individuals.
Starting from 2015, the Governorship of Istanbul authorities began denying permission for pride parades, citing concerns about security and public order. Critics, however, argue that these bans were driven by religious and ideological reasons. Despite the official refusal, numerous individuals chose to defy the ban each year, leading to law enforcement intervention. But the spirit of solidarity continues to shine through as hundreds stand up for their rights and identity.
The Beginning: How Istanbul LGBT Pride Began.
The politicians who have participated in Istanbul Pride mainly belong to the opposition parties, namely the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP).
This vibrant event first kicked off in 2003 and has now become an annual tradition, held either on the last Sunday of June or the first Sunday of July, as a delightful culmination of Istanbul pride week. During the inaugural Gay Pride Istanbul, around 30 individuals joyously took part. As years passed, this gathering witnessed an exponential growth, attracting roughly 5,000 enthusiastic participants by 2010. The following year, in 2011, over 10,000 people joined in, turning Gay Pride Istanbul into the largest march of its kind in countries with a Muslim majority. The 2012 pride march, held on July 1, witnessed the astonishing presence of anywhere between 10,000 to 30,000 individuals coming together in celebration.
On June 30, 2013, nearly 100,000 people gathered for the pride parade in Istanbul. Interestingly, the Gezi Park protesters also joined in, making it the grandest pride event ever organized in Turkey. The following year, in 2014, the pride parade witnessed an even larger crowd of over 100,000 attendees. This milestone drew praise from the European Union, acknowledging Turkey for successfully hosting the parade without any disruptions.
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