Clashes break out in Istanbul as thousands gather for May Day

WATCH: Riot police go after demonstrators with water cannons and tear gas during violent clashes

ISTANBUL, Turkey – Clashes have erupted in Istanbul between May Day demonstrators and riot police as crowds determined to defy a government ban tried to march to the city’s iconic Taksim Square.

Security forces pushed back demonstrators with water cannons and tear gas. Protesters retaliated by throwing objects at police.

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Demonstrators massed at spots throughout the city, as well as in other cities in Turkey, determined to mark International Workers’ Day on Thursday.

READ MORE: May Day rallies worldwide demand reform, higher wages

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Before being declared a national holiday in 2009, May 1 was a day of conflict that often led to violence across Turkey.

Taksim is symbolic for Turkey’s labour movement. In 1977, 34 people were killed in the square during a May Day event when shots were fired into the crowd from a nearby building.

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