Takbir vs. Free Kisses

"Dear passengers, please be sure to comply with the rules of morality."

This is the announcement that triggered a  protest at Kurtulus Subway in Ankara. Earlier this week, this announcement was made at the subway to warn passengers who interact, supposedly, against the rules of morality. 

A group of protestors gathered at Kurtulus Square and protested this announcement with public kisses and hugs. 

This protest was important for me to shoot. I got my journalism education in the States. I had never practiced my profession in my home country before. I wasn't hired by any media organization. i went there just to get myself shoot some and to see how things work at home. 

It was quite fascinating to observe. It is almost a show business where all parties are aware of the rules of the game. 

The protest was supposed to start at 6:30 p.m. I got there about 40 minutes before. All four subway entrances were held my multiple security guards along with several police officers. I could see quite a few people with cameras waiting for the protestors. This protestor in the above picture came out, put on his costume and started posing for the cameras. 

This is how many cameras were directed at him. I could hear journalist telling him what to do, where to look etc. 

Finally, a small group of protestors showed with signs, reading "free kisses" and " kiss me."

Shortly after the kiss protestors, an opposing group came out. Their sign read "Kissing is subjective. Kurtulus is not a private place." They also chanted "Allahu Akbar" and "Kurtulus is not a brothel."

Between the two groups, there was a crowded group from the police force. There were probably more cops than the total of two groups of protestors. 

Finally, all the protestors went down to the subway along with all the cameras and cops. In my prejudged opinion, I thought I would see a large group of people who would kiss all at the same time. Instead, I saw random couples who are asked to kiss for the cameras. 

And these two guys who needed to blow condoms to protest. 

The whole thing lasted less than 30 minutes. After we all came out, I saw everyone running in one direction. Sure enough, I followed the crowd. It turns out that one of the kissing protestors was attacked with a big knife. There was only one reporter who was there to document the attack. She was cool about letting everyone film or photograph her shot.  She also e-mailed everyone a series of her shots.