Thousands of Turks gathered in Istanbul’s Çağlayan Square with signs, flags, and banners in one of several recent protests throughout the country against the Israeli offensive in Gaza. (Nichole Sobecki/GlobalPost)
- [Nichole Sobecki/]

While some took to the air at the protest, on the ground, the crowd broke into applause as a spokesman for the organizing committee announced Israeli casualties from the Gaza ground offensive, launched a week after the first air strikes. (Nichole Sobecki/GlobalPost)
- [Nichole Sobecki/]

Many in the crowd demonstrated their compassion for those in Gaza by wearing headbands with the inscription "We are all Palestinians." (Nichole Sobecki/GlobalPost)
- [Nichole Sobecki/]

The crowd protested not only against the Israeli attacks but also against the close relationship between Israel and the United States. (Nichole Sobecki/GlobalPost)
- [Nichole Sobecki/]

Despite a history of close military cooperation and Western-leaning governments, the differences between Israel and Turkey are stark: Turkey is 99 percent Muslim.Both Turkey's government and populace were vocal in their condemnation of the Gaza operation. (Nichole Sobecki/GlobalPost)
- [Nichole Sobecki/]

The death toll in Gaza passed 600 on the day of the Istanbul protest, enraging participants. (Nichole Sobecki/GlobalPost)
- [Nichole Sobecki/]

A man displays an ant-Israeli sign. Despite the rain, thousands gathered to show their solidarity with the citizens of Gaza and condemn the Israeli attacks. (Nichole Sobecki/GlobalPost)
- [Nichole Sobecki/]

The demonstration in Istanbul on Jan. 6 was organized by the Felicity Party, a minor Islamist party not represented in Parliament, and was supported by several non-governmental organizations and trade unions. (Nichole Sobecki/GlobalPost)
- [Nichole Sobecki/]