Ruben Melkonyan points out two possible scenarios of turning Taksim Square into Tahrir Square
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YEREVAN, JUNE 17, ARMENPRESS. Protests, which launched in the end of May by nature protection activists in Turkey turned into mass anti-governmental rallies thus attracting the attention of international organizations, world leaders, orientalists and prominent media resources as well.
From 28 May 2013, the plans of replacing Taksim Gezi Park with a reconstruction of the historic Taksim Military Barracks (demolished in 1940), with the possibility of housing a shopping mall. The protests developed into riots when a group occupying the park was attacked by police. The subjects of the protests have since broadened beyond the development of Taksim Gezi Park, developing into wider anti-government demonstrations. The protests have also spread to other cities in Turkey, and protests have been seen in other countries with significant Turkish communities. In 31 May 2013, police suppressed the protesters with tear gas, arrested at least 60 people and injured hundreds. The police action received wide attention online. Protesters organized and gathered on İstiklal Avenue, reaching thousands on the night of 31 May. 5 men died in the clashes between the Police and the protestors, more than 5000 people were injured.
"Armenpress" had a conversation with the Deputy Dean of YSU Oriental Studies Department Ruben Melkonyan about the current situation in Turkey and the possible ways of future developments.
- Mr. Melkonyan, will Taksim Square be turned into Tahrir Square?
- It's very difficult to answer, but in my opinion the objective factors, which were present in the case of the Tahrir Square, are currently missing in the Taksim Square. Particularly, the ruling party in Turkey enjoys serious support of the certain parts of the society. This is reflected both in the republican elections and results of the public opinion polls, which show that there is a vast majority of Muslim-oriented circles in Turkey. And, as you know, Erdoğan is considered to be a Muslim-oriented leader. The second factor is that the West supported the protestors in case of the Tahrir Square. But in this case we see just the opposite. In particular, the mass media were silenced for an entire day, the information was not spread, and there was an attempt to suppress the protests. Let's point out two actual viewpoints, which may find their expression during the coming days. The first one is about the following: how necessary it is for the United States to destabilize its significant partner in the region, which still has something to do in the Near East. Secondly, if we face a procedure of destabilizing Turkey, than it is indispensably connected with the Syrian issue. Hence, there is an attempt to find a package solution. The Syrian issue stops being actual, and the next point of the Near East is being implemented, which implies dividing Turkey. (THE FULL VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)