I was following the news about the protests in Turkey when I saw this photograph of a young woman wearing a simple cotton dress and holding a canvas bag, being violently pepper-sprayed by Turkish police in full riot gear.
The image got to me and I was fascinated by the courage of this woman. It reminded my of the unforgettable picture “Tank Man” from the 1989 tiananmen square protests. Since then that photograph has quickly become an iconic image of the protests rocking Turkey.
It’s important to remember that there would be no democracy at all without protests. Protests help get voices heard. When a non-protester sees a huge protest on something he or she agrees with, they won't be as scared of voicing their own views since there are so many others who share it. Protest is one of many tactics which are needed to challenge existing power structures and bring about progressive change. When combined with media support, public opinion, civil disobedience (ie. Gandhi in India), democratic voting power, having candidates worth voting for, and influencing international organizations, protest plays a crucial role in change.
So that's the main reason why I designed this image. Not just to rise attention on the situation in Turkey but also to remind people of the importance of peaceful protest in general.
The protests that begun in reaction to a development project in Taksim, Istanbul turned into nation-wide demonstrations against the AK Party Government on June 1st and 2nd 2013. Dozens have been injured in the clashes with the police and hundreds have been arrested.
My name is Daði and I'm an Economist in Iceland. I also have an extensive background in graphic design and multimedia production.
Thank you for taking the time to read this!
- Daði
Email: dadigudjons@gmail.com
