Skip to main content

Black Friday: A Turning Point In Turkey’s History?

May 31, 2013, may become one of those turning points for Turkey.
A Turkish riot policeman uses tear gas as people protest against the destruction of trees in a park brought about by a pedestrian project, in Taksim Square in central Istanbul May 28, 2013. REUTERS/Osman Orsal (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST ENVIRONMENT TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTX103XA

Students of history often look for key dates that mark the beginning of change, revolution or a turning point in a nation’s political life.

Jan. 26, 1952, became known as Black Saturday in Egypt. Riots spread across the capital of Cairo, where 750 buildings were either burned or looted after British forces killed 50 Egyptian auxiliary troops in the Suez town of Ismailia. This paved the way for the Free Officers’ Revolution of July later that year.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.