Known for its dissident identity, Konur street (Konur Sokak) in Ankara has become the target of state forces. Saying that the structure of the street was changed after 2015, Konur tradesmen added that the main purpose of the state was to contro the street
Unlike other streets in Ankara, Konur Sokak (Konur Street) has always been a political place and a street that the state could not control. This street witnessed many social resistances, especially during the Gezi Park Resistance.
Konur Sokak was also a street where dozens of poets, writers and artists found inspiration. After 2015, the structure of the street was systematically changed. Tradesmen in the streets state that the main purpose of the state is to control the street.
Stating that tele-bars (nightclubs) and drug dealers are pullulating, shopkeepers say the street is subjected to a cultural degeneration. Noting that the police are trying to prevent them from doing business by raiding opposition businesses twice a week, the street shopkeeper points out that this situation is economically heavy on them and this repression is done deliberately to put them in a difficult situation.
Street tradesmen say they are uncomfortable with tele-bars and drug mobs entering the street, and despite complaining many times about this, they are getting no answer from the authorities.
In cafes because of Covid-19 measures, GBT (general gathering of information) is carried out and customers checked. Even the garbage of the places is checked.
The government also banned demonstrations and activities in Konur Sokak and turned the crisis into an opportunity after the coup attempt by establishing a mobile police station at the entrance of the street. Although this police station appears to have been established for "security purposes", it actually turned Konur Sokak into an unsafe street.
The police indeed is conferring the street into a dangerous atmosphere as they are constantly asking for identity cards or verbally harassing those entering the street.
Police police officers, who condone verbal or physical abuse of women in the middle of the street, take people into custody when they want to make a press statement about a social incident. According to the street shopkeepers, the main purpose of the police station is not security, but state a political stance.
