Lami Özgen

Thousands of people have marked May 1 International Workers' Day in Turkey, with police detaining dozens of protesters during the events.

The official demonstrations in Istanbul were held in the Bakırköy district after the authorities banned celebrations from being held in Taksim Square. 

The police presence was heavy across the city, with helicopters buzzing overhead.

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. 

As the collective bargaining process for public servants? wages began in Ankara on Aug. 3, police intervened in a group of union members, who wanted to march to the Labor Ministry to make their demands heard on the first day of the negotiations.

Five managers of workers? unions and chambers have been acquitted of charges of inciting the public to take part in illegal meetings and marches for the occasion of International Workers? Day in 2014.