May 16, 2014

Trade unions in Turkey held a one-day strike yesterday to protest the country’s worst-ever mine disaster. Thousands took to the streets in cities across the country in solidarity with the coal miners of Soma, the scene of a disaster on May 13 that left at least 284 men dead. (Soma is approximately 155 miles (250 kilometers) south of Istanbul.)

In Ankara, the capital, some 3,000 people marched on the labor ministry. In Istanbul, people attempted to march to Taksim Square, the scene of massive antigovernment demonstrations last year, but they were pushed back by police. In Turkey’s third-largest city, Izmir, police fired tear gas and aimed water cannons on some 20,000 demonstrators.

An explosion triggered by an electrical fault in the Soma coal mine cut electric power, shutting down the elevator and air circulation fans. Most of the victims are believed to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Up to 20 miners remain unaccounted for.

Prime Minister Recep Erdogan has drawn fire for comments that seemed to downplay the seriousness of the mine disaster. (AP Image)

Many people in Turkey blame the disaster on the privatization of the mining sector, resulting in dangerous working conditions. The operator of the mine, Soma Holding, denies any negligence. The privatization of the country’s coal mines was major priority of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

On May 14, Prime Minister Erdogan was booed and jostled by angry protesters when he visited the site of the disaster. Erdogan’s response to the tragedy has been closely scrutinized. The Turkish media has repeatedly aired his comment, made on his visit to Soma, that “mine disasters are usual things.” Erdogan’s reputation has been sullied in recent months by allegations that he and his son and members of his government have profited greatly from various public works projects.

Additional World Book articles:

• Turkey 2013 (a Back in Time article)
• Modern Turkey: A Delicate Balance (a special report)