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Turkey’s Stairway to A Democratic Heaven

The crumbling, concrete street stairs in an Istanbul alley have become the latest battleground for the colorful pluralism of society and the “gray” authoritarianism of politicians in Turkey.
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It was Aug. 26. After a four-day effort and using almost 40 kilograms of paint, Huseyin Cetinel proudly gazed upon his colorful accomplishment.

With the help of his son-in-law, Cetinel had managed to finish painting all 145 steps of the street stairs that link Findikli district to Cihangir, the bohemian neighborhood in Istanbul.

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