PodcastLife on Istanbul's busiest street comes to screeching halt
During these unusual times, life in the world’s largest cities has come to a screeching halt and Istanbul’s Istiklal Street is no exception. The only people walking on the street, lined with closed shops, are tourists and locals who have urgent business.
Duvar English
During these unusual times, life in the world’s largest cities has come to a screeching halt and Istanbul’s Istiklal Street is no exception.
A pigeon floating above the mosque that’s under construction seems to be the only living creature in sight during the busiest hours of the day on Taksim Square.
A popular destination for tourists and locals alike, Istanbul’s Istiklal Street would be packed at pretty much any time of day, on any day of the week.
The only people walking on the street, lined with closed shops, are tourists and locals who have urgent business.
A woman in her 40s, dressed in black from head to toe, seems to disregard professionals’ advice that one shouldn’t wear personal protective equipment unless one is sick.
Two people, one wearing a mask and the other not, strolling casually, disregarding health workers’ pleas that young individuals are also at risk of illness.
Near Sainte Antoine Church, you can see the fear in masked pedestrians’ faces. Mass prayers were banned to curb the spread of COVID-19.
A careless couple embrace as the nostalgic tramway passes them by.
Near the world’s second oldest subway, Istanbul’s “tunnel,” it’s clear that residents are adhering to the government’s plea to self isolate: The Tunnel Square, a popular meeting spot, looks deserted.
Istanbul Municipality hung up posters that read “together, we will succeed” all over public transportation stations.
Most passengers on the Taksim-Hacıosman subway line wear personal protective equipment.
Confirmed coronavirus cases in Turkey rose by more than 3,000 to 23,934 on April 4 with deaths related to COVID-19 rising by 76 to 501 people.