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.

Masses trying to march to Taksim Square to mark International Workers' Day were subjected to police attacks.

Many people were detained during the brutal crackdown. Contemporary Lawyers Association (ÇHD) Istanbul Branch, which formed a crisis desk, announced on its social media account that at least 216 people were detained during the police attacks on the masses marching from Saraçhane and different points to Taksim to celebrate 1 May.