Tens of thousands in Turkey's capital rally against 'terror'

Tens of thousands of people from across Turkey flocked into downtown Ankara on Sept. 17 to condemn terrorism and display solidarity, with the organizers of the mass rally particularly putting emphasis on the unity of the nation. 

More than 250 business associations, unions and professional chambers joined the rally, which was called three days previously.

The rally was open to all citizens, with organizers saying it would not represent any political party or view. The mass gathering was called to give voice to people?s resentment over the loss of a rising number of security forces in a renewed conflict between Turkey?s security forces and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers? Party (PKK).

Participants in the rally displayed ?a national stance,? Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB) President Rifat Hisarc?kl?o?lu said, addressing the crowd after they marched from S?hhiye Square to Ulus. The march ended in the late afternoon on Sept. 17 in front of the old parliament building, which is considered to be ?the founding assembly? of the Republic of Turkey. 

?We have different views but we have common points as we are all in love with this homeland. We could not have remained silent while our homeland, our serenity, our today and our tomorrow have been targeted. We could not have remained silent in the face of those who want to set us against each other. We could not have remained silent while polarization among society has grown each day,? Hisarc?kl?o?lu said.

?We have come here with our red flags with the crescent and star. We have come here to disrupt the dirty plot being played on us. We have come here to strengthen societal peace and ameliorate our broken hopes. We have cursed terror and claimed our fraternity...