1 May celebrations in Istanbul are organized by trade unions together with workers, students, women, and activists. The Confederation of Revolutionary Trade Unions (DİSK), the Confederation of Public Employees' Unions (KESK), the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), the Turkish Dentists Association and the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) are at the front of the organization of the workers’ rally.

Following the governor's decision to ban rallies in Taksim Square, in Istanbul, the police blockaded the area. Workers started to come together in Saraçhane Park,

Scores of people continue to wait accompanied by the 1 May song, while the People's Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), feminist organizations and ecologists held a march from Yenikapı Marmaray. Later, the people will walk to Taksim Square.