Istiklal Square welcomed 2026 in full: Turkey has entered the new year
Turkey has entered the year 2026. The new year was celebrated with fireworks displays across many parts of the country. In Istanbul, Istiklal Avenue was flooded with local and foreign tourists, as it is every year.
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This year, Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue were once again the destination for New Year's Eve celebrations in Istanbul.
Hours before the new year, local and foreign tourists arriving in the area created a dense crowd on Istiklal Avenue. Due to the celebrations, security measures in Taksim Square and on Istiklal Avenue were raised to the highest level.
TEAMS CONDUCTED PATROLS
Police teams patrolled the avenue and while on duty in the surrounding area, mountedpolice officers also patrolled along Istiklal Avenue. While checks were carried out at entry points, police inspections were conducted at certain locations.
Illuminated and decorated with specialNew Year's ornaments, Istiklal Avenuewitnessed colorful scenes. Those filling the avenue tooksouvenir photos in front of the decorations.
With music andentertainment in constant supply on the avenue, there was hardly any room to move due to the crowd.