More than a million people attended a "unity rally" in Paris on Sunday, January 11, days after Islamic extremists killed 17 people in the country. Award-winning photographer Peter Turnley was at the rally, which has been called the largest mass gathering in France's history. Click through to see more of Turnley's images.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
A woman holds up a sign that translates to "I am Charlie," honoring the journalists who were killed at the Paris office of the Charlie Hebdo magazine.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
"I have lived in Paris for 40 years and have covered many of the most important international news stories of these past several decades," Turnley said. "On several occasions today, tears came to my eyes as I saw the sights and heard the voices and songs."
Courtesy Peter Turnley
"Today France spoke with a unified loud voice and said no to terrorism and yes to freedom of speech, liberty and democracy," Turnley said.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
A girl holds a flower in Place de la Republique, a square in Paris.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
The pencil has become a popular rally symbol, honoring the slain Charlie Hebdo cartoonists.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
A demonstrator holds a sign that translates to "Urgent: More democracy everywhere against barbarism."
Courtesy Peter Turnley
French flags were proudly waved at the rally. "They collectively shouted, 'Vive la France!' " Turnley said.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
"I have seen -- in places like Berlin, Beijing, Prague, Bucharest and South Africa -- the power of people when they stand up and hold hands and take a stand for what is right," Turnley said.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
A woman holds a flower at the rally.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
"Today, France stood together with millions of voices and hands together (and) expressed their pride and love for the values of freedom, love for each other and for their country, and for life itself," Turnley said.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
The rally began with a march through Paris streets at 3 p.m., but many stayed into the night.
Courtesy Pter Turnley
A woman holds up a pencil during the rally.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
The French Mission to the United Nations said the rally was the largest mass gathering in France's history.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
"Today's rally offered a vision for the entire world ... of how beautiful and wonderful life can be when people stand together unified against violence and in defense of freedom," Turnley said.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
"Je suis Charlie" has been a popular rallying cry not only in France, but across the world.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
A young woman holds up a sign as she sits on someone's shoulders.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
Turnley said the crowd included people from many different backgrounds.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
"I have now lived more than half my life in Paris ... and today, like millions of others around me, I was Charlie and my heart was French," Turnley said.
Courtesy Peter Turnley
People in the crowd hold up flowers, pencils and pens.
