Is Turkey on the verge of a meltdown?

Fadi Hakura, Special to CNN
Updated 9:28 AM EDT, Tue June 4, 2013
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks to the deputies of his ruling Justice and Development Party during a meeting with Turkish parliament on Tuesday, June 18. Erdogan said he had no intention of restricting anyone's democratic rights. "If you want to make a protest do it, do it, but do it within the framework of law," he said.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks to the deputies of his ruling Justice and Development Party during a meeting with Turkish parliament on Tuesday, June 18. Erdogan said he had no intention of restricting anyone's democratic rights. "If you want to make a protest do it, do it, but do it within the framework of law," he said.
ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images
Turkish performance artist Erdem Gunduz, center, is joined by others as he makes his silent protest in Taksim Square. As word of his gesture of protest spread, Gunduz became known as the "standing man." Protests that began as a <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/17/world/europe/turkey-protests/index.html">demonstration against the planned demolition of a park</a> have grown into general anti-government dissent across the nation.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Turkish performance artist Erdem Gunduz, center, is joined by others as he makes his silent protest in Taksim Square. As word of his gesture of protest spread, Gunduz became known as the "standing man." Protests that began as a demonstration against the planned demolition of a park have grown into general anti-government dissent across the nation.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
People carry the coffin of Ethem Sarisuluk, who was killed during recent protests in Turkey, on Sunday, June 16, in Ankara.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
People carry the coffin of Ethem Sarisuluk, who was killed during recent protests in Turkey, on Sunday, June 16, in Ankara.
ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images
Tens of thousands attend a rally to hear Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speak in Istanbul on June 16, a day after he ordered a crackdown on anti-government protesters at Gezi Park.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Tens of thousands attend a rally to hear Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speak in Istanbul on June 16, a day after he ordered a crackdown on anti-government protesters at Gezi Park.
stringer/AFP/Getty Images)
A protester faces water cannons during a clash with police at an anti-government demonstration in Ankara on June 16.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A protester faces water cannons during a clash with police at an anti-government demonstration in Ankara on June 16.
ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images
Police walk through tear gas during protests at Kizilay Square in central Ankara on June 16.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Police walk through tear gas during protests at Kizilay Square in central Ankara on June 16.
DADO RUVIC/reuters/LANDOV
Police detain protesters after a crackdown on a demonstration at Istanbul's Gezi Park on June 16.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Police detain protesters after a crackdown on a demonstration at Istanbul's Gezi Park on June 16.
Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images
A protester runs during clashes between riot police and demonstrators in the streets adjacent to Taksim Square in Istanbul on Sunday, June 16.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A protester runs during clashes between riot police and demonstrators in the streets adjacent to Taksim Square in Istanbul on Sunday, June 16.
BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images
A protester throws a tear gas canister back at riot police during clashes near Taksim Square on June 16.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A protester throws a tear gas canister back at riot police during clashes near Taksim Square on June 16.
BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images
Trash containers burn in front of riot police forces in Ankara, Turkey, on June 16.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Trash containers burn in front of riot police forces in Ankara, Turkey, on June 16.
ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters gather in the main shopping street near Taksim Square in the early morning hours of June 16 as riot police clear Gezi Park in Istanbul.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters gather in the main shopping street near Taksim Square in the early morning hours of June 16 as riot police clear Gezi Park in Istanbul.
Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images
Turkish riot police officers use rubber bullets on June 15 to disperse demonstrators in Gezi Park in Istanbul on June 15.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Turkish riot police officers use rubber bullets on June 15 to disperse demonstrators in Gezi Park in Istanbul on June 15.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters scramble for safety as Turkish riot police officers push them out of Gezi Park using tear gas and rubber bullets.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters scramble for safety as Turkish riot police officers push them out of Gezi Park using tear gas and rubber bullets.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters run for cover as riot police spray them with a water cannon on June 15.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters run for cover as riot police spray them with a water cannon on June 15.
MURAD SEZER/Reuters/LANDOV
A protester throws rocks at police during clashes at the entrance of Gezi Park on June 15.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A protester throws rocks at police during clashes at the entrance of Gezi Park on June 15.
YANNIS BEHRAKIS/Reuters/LANDOV
A protester on June 15, reacts in pain to a salvo of tear gas fired by Turkish riot police chasing out demonstrators in order to dismantle their tent camp in Gezi Park in Istanbul.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A protester on June 15, reacts in pain to a salvo of tear gas fired by Turkish riot police chasing out demonstrators in order to dismantle their tent camp in Gezi Park in Istanbul.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
Riot police move in a line through the tent camp on June 15.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Riot police move in a line through the tent camp on June 15.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters escape from tear gas during the crackdown at Gezi Park on June 15.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters escape from tear gas during the crackdown at Gezi Park on June 15.
Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images
Protestors fire fireworks as police drive them out of Gezi Park on June 15.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protestors fire fireworks as police drive them out of Gezi Park on June 15.
Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images
Protesters sleep in Gezi Park in Istanbul's Taksim Square early Thursday, June 13. Turkey's prime minister on Thursday called on protesters camped out in the park to pack up and leave.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters sleep in Gezi Park in Istanbul's Taksim Square early Thursday, June 13. Turkey's prime minister on Thursday called on protesters camped out in the park to pack up and leave.
YANNIS BEHRAKIS/Reuters/LANDOV
A man plays piano for hundreds of protesters in Taksim Square on Wednesday, June 12, in Istanbul.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A man plays piano for hundreds of protesters in Taksim Square on Wednesday, June 12, in Istanbul.
Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images
A man waves a flag in Taksim Square on June 12.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A man waves a flag in Taksim Square on June 12.
Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images
A man sleeps in Gezi Park in Istanbul's Taksim Square early on June 12, hours after riot police moved into the square in an attempt to push demonstrators out.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A man sleeps in Gezi Park in Istanbul's Taksim Square early on June 12, hours after riot police moved into the square in an attempt to push demonstrators out.
ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Municipal workers clean up a street in Taksim Square early on June 12, after police moved in to disperse protesters.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Municipal workers clean up a street in Taksim Square early on June 12, after police moved in to disperse protesters.
YANNIS BEHRAKIS/reuters/LANDOV
A protester prepares to throw a tear gas canister back toward police in Taksim Square on Tuesday, June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A protester prepares to throw a tear gas canister back toward police in Taksim Square on Tuesday, June 11.
Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images
Riot police fire tear gas canisters at protesters in Taksim Square on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Riot police fire tear gas canisters at protesters in Taksim Square on June 11.
YANNIS BEHRAKIS/reuters/LANDOV
People run from a tear gas cloud in Taksim Square on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
People run from a tear gas cloud in Taksim Square on June 11.
TOLGA BOZOGLu/EPA/LANDOV
People flee as riot police fire tear gas on Taksim Square on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
People flee as riot police fire tear gas on Taksim Square on June 11.
BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters run behind a barricade during clashes with police on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters run behind a barricade during clashes with police on June 11.
YANNIS BEHRAKIS/reuters/LANDOV
A protester throws a tear gas canister back toward police on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A protester throws a tear gas canister back toward police on June 11.
Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images
Photographers crowd around a protester posing in front of a riot police vehicle at Taksim Square on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Photographers crowd around a protester posing in front of a riot police vehicle at Taksim Square on June 11.
OSMAN ORSAL/reuters/LANDOV
Protesters seek shelter behind a barricade on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters seek shelter behind a barricade on June 11.
Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images
Protesters try to run from riot police on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters try to run from riot police on June 11.
ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Riot police aim a water cannon at a protester as others take cover behind a makeshift shelter in Taksim Square on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Riot police aim a water cannon at a protester as others take cover behind a makeshift shelter in Taksim Square on June 11.
YANNIS BEHRAKIs/reuters/LANDOV
Police enter Taksim Square during clashes with protesters on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Police enter Taksim Square during clashes with protesters on June 11.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters take cover behind a barricade in Gezi Park in Istanbul on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters take cover behind a barricade in Gezi Park in Istanbul on June 11.
OSMAN ORSAL/reuters/LANDOV
A protester uses a slingshot to throw stones at riot police on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A protester uses a slingshot to throw stones at riot police on June 11.
MURAD SEZER/reuters/LANDOV
Protesters take cover behind a barricade in Taksim Square on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters take cover behind a barricade in Taksim Square on June 11.
ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP/Getty Images
A protester holds fireworks during clashes with riot police in Istabul on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A protester holds fireworks during clashes with riot police in Istabul on June 11.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Riot police use water cannons and tear gas to disperse a crowd near Istabul's Taksim Square on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Riot police use water cannons and tear gas to disperse a crowd near Istabul's Taksim Square on June 11.
Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images
A protester throws a tear gas canister back toward police on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A protester throws a tear gas canister back toward police on June 11.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Riot police fire tear gas at demonstrators in Taksim Square on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Riot police fire tear gas at demonstrators in Taksim Square on June 11.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Police fire a water cannon at protesters on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Police fire a water cannon at protesters on June 11.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters hold molotov cocktails in Taksim Square on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters hold molotov cocktails in Taksim Square on June 11.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
A protester throws a stone during clashes with riot police on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A protester throws a stone during clashes with riot police on June 11.
BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters run from smoke as they clash with police in Istanbul on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters run from smoke as they clash with police in Istanbul on June 11.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters take cover behind a barricade as fireworks go off nearby on June 11.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters take cover behind a barricade as fireworks go off nearby on June 11.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Medics carry Yasin Ayhan, 23, a protester who broke his leg in a raid early Monday, June 10, in Kugulu Park. Riot police doused thousands of protesters in Ankara with tear gas and jets of water for a second straight night.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Medics carry Yasin Ayhan, 23, a protester who broke his leg in a raid early Monday, June 10, in Kugulu Park. Riot police doused thousands of protesters in Ankara with tear gas and jets of water for a second straight night.
ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters sleep at Taksim Square in central Istanbul on June 10. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned protesters who have taken to the streets demanding his resignation that his patience has its limits and compared the unrest with an army attempt six years ago to curb his power.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters sleep at Taksim Square in central Istanbul on June 10. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned protesters who have taken to the streets demanding his resignation that his patience has its limits and compared the unrest with an army attempt six years ago to curb his power.
MURAD SEZER/reuters/LANDOV
A demonstrator is detained by police officers as protests resumed in Kizilay Square in Ankara on Sunday, June 9.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A demonstrator is detained by police officers as protests resumed in Kizilay Square in Ankara on Sunday, June 9.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator covers his face with a makeshift gas mask during protests in Kizilay Square in Ankara on June 9.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A demonstrator covers his face with a makeshift gas mask during protests in Kizilay Square in Ankara on June 9.
ARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, left, and his wife, Emine, wave to supporters upon their arrival in Ankara on June 9. Erdogan told supporters that "even patience has an end" as he went on the offensive against mass protests that have consumed Ankara and Istanbul.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, left, and his wife, Emine, wave to supporters upon their arrival in Ankara on June 9. Erdogan told supporters that "even patience has an end" as he went on the offensive against mass protests that have consumed Ankara and Istanbul.
ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images
Erdogan addresses supporters from the top of a bus as police stand guard at Esenboga International Airport in Ankara on June 9.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Erdogan addresses supporters from the top of a bus as police stand guard at Esenboga International Airport in Ankara on June 9.
ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters gather during a demonstration at Taksim Square in Istanbul, on June 9.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters gather during a demonstration at Taksim Square in Istanbul, on June 9.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator runs toward police during clashes with riot police in Istanbul, on Saturday, June 8.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A demonstrator runs toward police during clashes with riot police in Istanbul, on Saturday, June 8.
ZAC BAILLIE/AFP/Getty Images
Demonstrators shout slogans as they gather at Kizilay Square in Ankara, Turkey, on June 8.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Demonstrators shout slogans as they gather at Kizilay Square in Ankara, Turkey, on June 8.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
Women sing as people gather at Kizilay Square in Ankara on June 8.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Women sing as people gather at Kizilay Square in Ankara on June 8.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters rest in Gezi Park next to Taksim Square during a demonstration in Istanbul on Friday, June 7.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters rest in Gezi Park next to Taksim Square during a demonstration in Istanbul on Friday, June 7.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during the opening session of the Ministry for European Union Affairs Conference on June 7 in Istanbul. Erdogan said today his Islamic-rooted government was open to "democratic demands" and hit back at EU criticism of his government's handling of a week of unrest.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during the opening session of the Ministry for European Union Affairs Conference on June 7 in Istanbul. Erdogan said today his Islamic-rooted government was open to "democratic demands" and hit back at EU criticism of his government's handling of a week of unrest.
STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images
Supporters of Erdogan wave the Turkish flag upon the prime minister's arrival in Istanbul, on June 7.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Supporters of Erdogan wave the Turkish flag upon the prime minister's arrival in Istanbul, on June 7.
Uriel Sinai/Getty Images
Protestors dance at Gezi Park in Taksim Square on Thursday, June 6.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protestors dance at Gezi Park in Taksim Square on Thursday, June 6.
Uriel Sinai/Getty Images
A man walks past damaged buses near Taksim Square on Thursday, June 6, in Istanbul, Turkey.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A man walks past damaged buses near Taksim Square on Thursday, June 6, in Istanbul, Turkey.
Uriel Sinai/Getty Images
A mother and her daughter read notes placed by protestors on a destroyed car in Taksim Square on June 6. Thousands of striking union members joined the anti-government protests on June 5, marching in Istanbul and Ankara in a sea of red and white union flags, drumming and yelling for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to resign.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A mother and her daughter read notes placed by protestors on a destroyed car in Taksim Square on June 6. Thousands of striking union members joined the anti-government protests on June 5, marching in Istanbul and Ankara in a sea of red and white union flags, drumming and yelling for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to resign.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Protestors spend their day at Gezi Park on June 6.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protestors spend their day at Gezi Park on June 6.
Uriel Sinai/Getty Images
Protestors demonstrate near the office building of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul early on June 6.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protestors demonstrate near the office building of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul early on June 6.
Uriel Sinai/Getty Images
A municipal worker collects garbage set on fire by Turkish protesters in a restaurant district of Ankara on June 5.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A municipal worker collects garbage set on fire by Turkish protesters in a restaurant district of Ankara on June 5.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
A woman is wheeled away by paramedics during clashes on Kizilay Square in Ankara on Wednesday, June 5.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A woman is wheeled away by paramedics during clashes on Kizilay Square in Ankara on Wednesday, June 5.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters confront police forces during riots in a restaurant district of Ankara, on June 5.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters confront police forces during riots in a restaurant district of Ankara, on June 5.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
Demonstrators run for cover as police use water cannons and tear gas on the crowd in Ankara on June 5.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Demonstrators run for cover as police use water cannons and tear gas on the crowd in Ankara on June 5.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters gather in Taksim Square as they shout slogans while protesting on Tuesday, June 4, in Istanbul, Turkey.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Protesters gather in Taksim Square as they shout slogans while protesting on Tuesday, June 4, in Istanbul, Turkey.
Uriel Sinai/Getty Images
Riot police fire tear gas at demonstrators in Istanbul on June 4.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Riot police fire tear gas at demonstrators in Istanbul on June 4.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Paramedics carry a woman injured during clashes between demonstrators and riot police in Istanbul on June 4.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Paramedics carry a woman injured during clashes between demonstrators and riot police in Istanbul on June 4.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
Turkish police detain a demonstrator during clashes in Istanbul on June 4.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
Turkish police detain a demonstrator during clashes in Istanbul on June 4.
ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images
A protester looks on during clashes with Turkish police outside of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office, near Taksim Square in Istanbul on Tuesday, June 4.
Demonstrations in Turkey —
A protester looks on during clashes with Turkish police outside of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office, near Taksim Square in Istanbul on Tuesday, June 4.