What began as an occupation of a central Istanbul park by environmental protesters angry with plans to develop it into a shopping centre and replica Ottoman-era military barracks, quickly developed into a wave of nationwide protests and civil unrest against Prime Minister Erdoğan and his increasingly authoritarian rule.
Baslangıç (The Beginning) was filmed in Istanbul over the course of four days, providing a powerful insight into the protests and response of riot police who turned the city centre hub into a battleground, deploying tear gas and water cannon against thousands of peaceful demonstrators.
Produced, directed, filmed & edited by Dominic Brown
7 mins | 2013 | 16:9
