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On this occasion, I will be introducing you to Kate Cullen. She is a sociology student from Sydney who has been living in Istanbul for several months. She is 21, and took part in the protests during the first 3 days. She was both gassed and shot with a TOMA water cannon. Today she will talk about her memories and experiences during the protests, and about the people who helped her. A part of Kate is in all the people who have been following the Turkish protests. Pictures were shot by many photographers as she was standing with her arms up in a black dress while being sprayed by a TOMA water cannon. At the time, she was being a peaceful and passive protester. These images have since become icons of the protests, now she is known as the “siyahli kadin” (woman in black).
Voice XXIX: Kate Cullen, “Siyahli kadin”, the woman in black
G.Y: Your picture has gone viral on all the social networks. Can you tell us a bit about you? What were you doing when the protests began in Istanbul?
K.C: I’m a twenty-one-year old sociology student from Sydney. I’ve lived in Istanbul since September 2012, though I’m permanently based in Sydney. While I was studying in Sydney, I was doing some part-time work as a receptionist to support myself living away from home. I was part of an exchange program in Istanbul, I had been living there since September, 2012. Initially, I was only planning on staying one semester in Istanbul, but after living in the city and experiencing the people and the culture, I enjoyed it so much that I decided to stay on for the year.
K.C: I’m a twenty-one-year old sociology student from Sydney. I’ve lived in Istanbul since September 2012, though I’m permanently based in Sydney. While I was studying in Sydney, I was doing some part-time work as a receptionist to support myself living away from home. I was part of an exchange program in Istanbul, I had been living there since September, 2012. Initially, I was only planning on staying one semester in Istanbul, but after living in the city and experiencing the people and the culture, I enjoyed it so much that I decided to stay on for the year.
G.Y: What is your overview of the actual situation in Turkey?
K.C: I am keenly interested in politics at home and abroad, and when I moved to Turkey I instantly began researching Turkish politics. It is very easy for the media to simplify or misconstrue the political situation in Turkey as an Islamist vs. Kemalist conflict. Before coming to Turkey, I too thought that was the way Turkish politics were divided. However, I believe the issues are far more complex than being secular or religious. I took a course at the university here in Turkey on the urbanization of Istanbul, which gave me fantastic insights into the increasingly capitalistic policies of the AKP government. Their attempts to ‘neo-liberalize’ the Turkish economy and attract foreign investment has led to developments such as the shopping mall at Gezi Park, the regeneration projects in Tarlabasi, and the demolition of historical sites like the Emek Theatre, which serve the interests of developers and foreign capital while ignoring the needs and desires of the community. Indeed, almost all these projects go ahead without community consultation. In my opinion, Erdogan and right-wing media outlets have manipulated the protests as ‘anti-Islamic’, which is simply untrue. This is about much more than the government’s conservative policies, although of course, it has added fuel to the fire. This is about the increasingly capitalist initiatives Erdogan’s government has taken, and the increasingly brutal force with which he has been dealing with protesters and demonstrators – not only since the Gezi Park movement. Turkey’s aggressive policies towards an American-backed Syrian foreign intervention has also sparked outrage; the bombing of a city in South West Turkey on May 11th which killed 50 civilians has made it clear: Turkish people do not want to be brought into what has become a proxy war for foreign powers. These are the issues that are uniting Turkish people from all persuasions to fight for their basic human rights, for their right to protest and to have a voice about their city and to live in peace.
K.C: I am keenly interested in politics at home and abroad, and when I moved to Turkey I instantly began researching Turkish politics. It is very easy for the media to simplify or misconstrue the political situation in Turkey as an Islamist vs. Kemalist conflict. Before coming to Turkey, I too thought that was the way Turkish politics were divided. However, I believe the issues are far more complex than being secular or religious. I took a course at the university here in Turkey on the urbanization of Istanbul, which gave me fantastic insights into the increasingly capitalistic policies of the AKP government. Their attempts to ‘neo-liberalize’ the Turkish economy and attract foreign investment has led to developments such as the shopping mall at Gezi Park, the regeneration projects in Tarlabasi, and the demolition of historical sites like the Emek Theatre, which serve the interests of developers and foreign capital while ignoring the needs and desires of the community. Indeed, almost all these projects go ahead without community consultation. In my opinion, Erdogan and right-wing media outlets have manipulated the protests as ‘anti-Islamic’, which is simply untrue. This is about much more than the government’s conservative policies, although of course, it has added fuel to the fire. This is about the increasingly capitalist initiatives Erdogan’s government has taken, and the increasingly brutal force with which he has been dealing with protesters and demonstrators – not only since the Gezi Park movement. Turkey’s aggressive policies towards an American-backed Syrian foreign intervention has also sparked outrage; the bombing of a city in South West Turkey on May 11th which killed 50 civilians has made it clear: Turkish people do not want to be brought into what has become a proxy war for foreign powers. These are the issues that are uniting Turkish people from all persuasions to fight for their basic human rights, for their right to protest and to have a voice about their city and to live in peace.
G.Y: How did you get involved in the Gezi Park protests?
K.C: I had heard about the movement in Gezi Park at the end of May, and a number of my friends had taken part in the protest in the park. Throughout the month of May, I witnessed the consistent gassing of protesters gathering on Istiklal, who were completely non-violent. This seems to have been the hardline approach taken by the police since the May 1st protests. I was personally gassed on Friday, walking back to my home in Cihangir. I had never experienced anything like that in my life, the pain was really searing in my eyes and I couldn’t breathe. Luckily a man grabbed me and pulled me up to a building, where a number of people gave me lemons to squirt in my eyes and then milk to soothe the burn. Apparently, this was the headquarters of the LGBT community in Istanbul. Nobody asked me who I was. They just treated me as a human being who needed help, without qualifications. Regardless of whether I was Turkish or foreign, a man or a woman, straight or gay, Muslim or Christian, they treated me equally and with love. After experiencing the kindness, strength and determination of this group to make some kind of stand against police brutality, I was inspired to do the same. Upon reflection, I think this really was the moment that ignited my desire to stand up for what I really believe in and act in solidarity with the people I owe so much to.
K.C: I had heard about the movement in Gezi Park at the end of May, and a number of my friends had taken part in the protest in the park. Throughout the month of May, I witnessed the consistent gassing of protesters gathering on Istiklal, who were completely non-violent. This seems to have been the hardline approach taken by the police since the May 1st protests. I was personally gassed on Friday, walking back to my home in Cihangir. I had never experienced anything like that in my life, the pain was really searing in my eyes and I couldn’t breathe. Luckily a man grabbed me and pulled me up to a building, where a number of people gave me lemons to squirt in my eyes and then milk to soothe the burn. Apparently, this was the headquarters of the LGBT community in Istanbul. Nobody asked me who I was. They just treated me as a human being who needed help, without qualifications. Regardless of whether I was Turkish or foreign, a man or a woman, straight or gay, Muslim or Christian, they treated me equally and with love. After experiencing the kindness, strength and determination of this group to make some kind of stand against police brutality, I was inspired to do the same. Upon reflection, I think this really was the moment that ignited my desire to stand up for what I really believe in and act in solidarity with the people I owe so much to.
G.Y: In what ways did you take part in the protests?
K.C: I was only at the protests Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. My exams finished on Friday, and I had already booked tickets back in January for a trip to Central America. I participated in the protests as just one voice of thousands. I chanted and sang with people, banged on the saucepans with thousands in the streets, received the aid of so many selfless protesters when we were being gassed, and gave out lemons when I could.
K.C: I was only at the protests Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. My exams finished on Friday, and I had already booked tickets back in January for a trip to Central America. I participated in the protests as just one voice of thousands. I chanted and sang with people, banged on the saucepans with thousands in the streets, received the aid of so many selfless protesters when we were being gassed, and gave out lemons when I could.
G.Y: How did you feel during those days?
K.C: My main purpose was just to add one more person to the movement. I felt incredibly inspired during those days. There was a feeling of solidarity, togetherness and optimism I had never seen or felt before. What really inspired me was the number of people who joined from all walks of life. They were young, old, Besiktas and Galatasaray supporters, the religious and the non-religious (I remember seeing a large group of young Muslim women wearing headscarves and carrying a banner which read “Islam against Capitalism” and everyone cheering for them as they walked past the Green Mosque in Cihangir). It felt as though the harsher the police got and the more they gassed and water-cannoned people, the more unified the people became, and they were more determined to fight violence with non-violent resistance. It was a really optimistic feeling, like finally everyone had realized the power of standing in solidarity.
K.C: My main purpose was just to add one more person to the movement. I felt incredibly inspired during those days. There was a feeling of solidarity, togetherness and optimism I had never seen or felt before. What really inspired me was the number of people who joined from all walks of life. They were young, old, Besiktas and Galatasaray supporters, the religious and the non-religious (I remember seeing a large group of young Muslim women wearing headscarves and carrying a banner which read “Islam against Capitalism” and everyone cheering for them as they walked past the Green Mosque in Cihangir). It felt as though the harsher the police got and the more they gassed and water-cannoned people, the more unified the people became, and they were more determined to fight violence with non-violent resistance. It was a really optimistic feeling, like finally everyone had realized the power of standing in solidarity.
G.Y: As I said in the first question, there was a very viral picture of you. You are in front of a water cannon with your arms up, in a black dress–what can you tell us about that moment?
K.C: This photo was taken on Saturday morning. I had been protesting since Friday night and had not yet slept. I had already been gassed on three separate occasions that night. I was lifted by the feeling of unity from all the protesters, and felt like I owed this movement something. We were standing and chanting with a large group of people near the German Hospital in Cihangir, in front of the TOMA. We all knew that the Turkish media was not reporting any of the protests, and that media circulation of the events was of vital importance. I had also recently heard of two reported deaths, and I knew the world needed to know what was happening. I noticed a large group of photographers to the side of the TOMA and decided I would stand in front of it, arms wide open, to emphasize the peacefulness of these protests, in defiance of brutality. I was not scared; I truly didn’t believe they would water-cannon me, and I thought that if they did, the photo would be extraordinary and would do so much to help propel the cause of protests and of all those who had helped me.
The image is not about me whatsoever. The image is about a symbol, about what these protesters were standing for; in the scheme of things, my act was absolutely nothing. It was no braver than thousands and thousands and thousands of protesters who were doing the same, and more. Those who died, those who lost their eyes, those who are now permanently injured, they are the ones who should truly be commemorated for their actions. The girl in the black dress is no more me than it is that man who pulled me into the house and gave me lemons, the anti-capitalist Muslim women marching proudly, the old women in headscarves who gave me a pan to bang, and every single person who went to the streets and stood for what they believed.
K.C: This photo was taken on Saturday morning. I had been protesting since Friday night and had not yet slept. I had already been gassed on three separate occasions that night. I was lifted by the feeling of unity from all the protesters, and felt like I owed this movement something. We were standing and chanting with a large group of people near the German Hospital in Cihangir, in front of the TOMA. We all knew that the Turkish media was not reporting any of the protests, and that media circulation of the events was of vital importance. I had also recently heard of two reported deaths, and I knew the world needed to know what was happening. I noticed a large group of photographers to the side of the TOMA and decided I would stand in front of it, arms wide open, to emphasize the peacefulness of these protests, in defiance of brutality. I was not scared; I truly didn’t believe they would water-cannon me, and I thought that if they did, the photo would be extraordinary and would do so much to help propel the cause of protests and of all those who had helped me.
The image is not about me whatsoever. The image is about a symbol, about what these protesters were standing for; in the scheme of things, my act was absolutely nothing. It was no braver than thousands and thousands and thousands of protesters who were doing the same, and more. Those who died, those who lost their eyes, those who are now permanently injured, they are the ones who should truly be commemorated for their actions. The girl in the black dress is no more me than it is that man who pulled me into the house and gave me lemons, the anti-capitalist Muslim women marching proudly, the old women in headscarves who gave me a pan to bang, and every single person who went to the streets and stood for what they believed.
The woman in black portrayed together with other icons of the Turkish protests. “Author unknown”. Viral
G.Y: Are there some particular memories, moments, or situations from the protests that you would like to share, ones that became symbolic for you? Or that you can’t remove from your mind, either good, or bad?
K.C: There are so many symbolic moments for me from the protests. Personally, the woman who helped me when I had been sprayed with chemicals from the TOMA is my hero. She was incredibly generous and selfless…I owe her a lot. If you’re reading this, THANK YOU! The death of Ethem Sarisuluk and the many others, recorded and unrecorded, will always remain in my mind and in my heart. As will the injustice of releasing the police officer who shot him without charge and the silence of a prime minister whose responsibility in the deaths and suffering of his own people is undeniable.
K.C: There are so many symbolic moments for me from the protests. Personally, the woman who helped me when I had been sprayed with chemicals from the TOMA is my hero. She was incredibly generous and selfless…I owe her a lot. If you’re reading this, THANK YOU! The death of Ethem Sarisuluk and the many others, recorded and unrecorded, will always remain in my mind and in my heart. As will the injustice of releasing the police officer who shot him without charge and the silence of a prime minister whose responsibility in the deaths and suffering of his own people is undeniable.
G.Y: Finally, I’d like to know what you think about Erdogan and AKP’s government conspiracy theories, which emphasize the role of foreign forces and individuals in the protests in Turkey.
K.C: These protests were not instigated or galvanized by foreign powers. The issues are real and the police brutality is real. I feel conspiracy theories like these are used by the government and right-wing media outlets to divide people and divert their attention from the real issues at hand: people’s rights to protest, to have a voice about their city and to live in peace. Claims that I am an American CIA agent are so ridiculous, it verges on humorous. I am very anti-U.S. foreign policy. I support Assange and the release of Bradley Manning, I strongly oppose U.S. military intervention in Syria and the coalition presence in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. I detest America’s neoliberal economic policies and their manipulation of developing economies with initiatives like the SAP reforms in Africa and Latin America. I think U.S. environmental policies are short-sighted, and their domestic policies serve the interests of multinational conglomerates – rather than the American people…I am one of the last people America would want working as their spy.
K.C: These protests were not instigated or galvanized by foreign powers. The issues are real and the police brutality is real. I feel conspiracy theories like these are used by the government and right-wing media outlets to divide people and divert their attention from the real issues at hand: people’s rights to protest, to have a voice about their city and to live in peace. Claims that I am an American CIA agent are so ridiculous, it verges on humorous. I am very anti-U.S. foreign policy. I support Assange and the release of Bradley Manning, I strongly oppose U.S. military intervention in Syria and the coalition presence in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. I detest America’s neoliberal economic policies and their manipulation of developing economies with initiatives like the SAP reforms in Africa and Latin America. I think U.S. environmental policies are short-sighted, and their domestic policies serve the interests of multinational conglomerates – rather than the American people…I am one of the last people America would want working as their spy.
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