Thousands of protesters have gathered in the heart of Istanbul for a third day of protests against the government's Islamic roots of Turkey.
After a few quiet hours of the early days, Taksim Square, the focal point of the protests, start to refill with protesters waving flags, shouting anti-government slogans and called for the Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to retreat.
"They call me a dictator," he said in a speech on Sunday, a day after he called for an immediate end to the protests.
"If they liken a slave to a dictator, then I'm at a loss for words."
Dozens were injured and more than 1,700 people were arrested in the 235 demonstrations were burned up in 67 cities across the vast country.
In the capital, Ankara, on Sunday, police reportedly fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse a crowd demonstrating against the government and people back to Kizilay Square.
Some protesters camped overnight in Taksim Square, Istanbul, gathered around the statue of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern secular Turkey.
Akin, who was in Istanbul for four days ago, said: "We are not leaving now only answer is for the government to fall We tired of this oppressive government always puts pressure on us ...
"It's no longer about this tree," he said, referring to Gezi Park Taksim, which is the initial focus of protest.
Amnesty International said there were two deaths, and Turkey Western allies, including Britain and the United States called on the government to show restraint.
Police withdrew from the Taksim Square on Saturday after a battle in which they fired tear gas and water cannon against protesters turn.
Interior Ministry said 53 civilians and 26 police officers were injured in the violence, while Amnesty put the number of injured in the hundreds.
What began as a protest against plans to build a shopping center or in a garden apartment snowballed into a wider protest against the government, which critics say has become increasingly authoritarian.
Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas has said he regretted "not inform enough people" in the details of construction projects in Taksim, the spark that led to the protests.
Earlier, shopkeepers and municipal workers began to clean up the streets where violence has occurred.
Sky reporter Katie Stallard said the collapse of the main streets littered around Taksim Square.
"There are about 48 hours-worth of damage done here," he said.
"There is graffiti and street call Tayyip Erdogan, the prime minister, to resign; calling people to unite against fascism."
Tradesmen anti-government graffiti scrubbed off the wall, and also sprayed slogans on burnt-out vehicles including a police car and bus.
On Saturday, Mr. Erdogan said there are examples of police actions "excessive", but said that the Taksim Square develpment will go forward.
He added: "I call on the protesters to stop their demonstration immediately."
The Interior Ministry said, legal action will be taken against police officers who were acting "out of balance".
Association of Doctors in this country, said four people have lost their vision permanently after being hit by gas canister or plastic bullets.
After a few quiet hours of the early days, Taksim Square, the focal point of the protests, start to refill with protesters waving flags, shouting anti-government slogans and called for the Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to retreat.
"They call me a dictator," he said in a speech on Sunday, a day after he called for an immediate end to the protests.
"If they liken a slave to a dictator, then I'm at a loss for words."
Dozens were injured and more than 1,700 people were arrested in the 235 demonstrations were burned up in 67 cities across the vast country.
In the capital, Ankara, on Sunday, police reportedly fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse a crowd demonstrating against the government and people back to Kizilay Square.
Some protesters camped overnight in Taksim Square, Istanbul, gathered around the statue of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern secular Turkey.
Akin, who was in Istanbul for four days ago, said: "We are not leaving now only answer is for the government to fall We tired of this oppressive government always puts pressure on us ...
"It's no longer about this tree," he said, referring to Gezi Park Taksim, which is the initial focus of protest.
Amnesty International said there were two deaths, and Turkey Western allies, including Britain and the United States called on the government to show restraint.
Police withdrew from the Taksim Square on Saturday after a battle in which they fired tear gas and water cannon against protesters turn.
Interior Ministry said 53 civilians and 26 police officers were injured in the violence, while Amnesty put the number of injured in the hundreds.
What began as a protest against plans to build a shopping center or in a garden apartment snowballed into a wider protest against the government, which critics say has become increasingly authoritarian.
Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas has said he regretted "not inform enough people" in the details of construction projects in Taksim, the spark that led to the protests.
Earlier, shopkeepers and municipal workers began to clean up the streets where violence has occurred.
Sky reporter Katie Stallard said the collapse of the main streets littered around Taksim Square.
"There are about 48 hours-worth of damage done here," he said.
"There is graffiti and street call Tayyip Erdogan, the prime minister, to resign; calling people to unite against fascism."
Tradesmen anti-government graffiti scrubbed off the wall, and also sprayed slogans on burnt-out vehicles including a police car and bus.
On Saturday, Mr. Erdogan said there are examples of police actions "excessive", but said that the Taksim Square develpment will go forward.
He added: "I call on the protesters to stop their demonstration immediately."
The Interior Ministry said, legal action will be taken against police officers who were acting "out of balance".
Association of Doctors in this country, said four people have lost their vision permanently after being hit by gas canister or plastic bullets.
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