Thousands mark International Workers' Day in Turkey amidst heavy security

Thousands of people gathered in the bazaar area in Istanbul's Bak?rköy district to mark International Workers' Day on May 1. 

The celebrations started around 1 p.m. with the participation of political parties, unions and non-governmental organizations. 

The police conducted security checks in the entrance of the bazaar area, while the police helicopters patrolled the area. 

Tight security measures were taken at the metro and bus stations that are on the route to Bak?rköy, in the gathering spots for participants and union members, on roads the groups will use to march to the meeting area and in the rally's meeting spot.

The posters that the participants carried were also checked by police and ones deemed inappropriate weren't allowed in the area. 

A mobile command and a crisis center were set in the Bak?rköy courthouse, which is close to the bazaar area, by Istanbul police headquarters.

Water cannon vehicles (TOMA), police helicopters and trained dogs supported some 6,000 police officers, including bomb disposal specialists.

Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (D?SK) Chairman Kani Beko, Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (KESK) Head Lami Özgen and the board of directors head of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), Mehmet So?anc?, were due to speak at the event.

"I hope that May Day will be celebrated with poems, songs and flowers in Bak?rköy and in all areas across Turkey," Beko told Anadolu Agency before the celebrations. 

Meanwhile, an argument erupted between the police and the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) at a checkpoint while the latter was walking towards the bazaar area. 

The police dispersed HDP members using tear gas, while...