Turkish police fire tear gas to disperse International Women's Day march in Istanbul – Turkey

Turkish police used tear gas to disperse a few dozen women who were still in central Istanbul after trying to walk on Sunday evening to celebrate International Women's Day.

Reuters journalists saw the crowd, which was originally a few hundred women, at the edge of Taksim Square, holding banners and waving flags.

The police formed a human blockade to prevent them from entering Istiklal Street, the main pedestrian avenue in the neighborhood. A large part of the crowd dispersed as they were not allowed to walk on Istiklal Street.

Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya has decided to close Taksim metro station and parts of the neighboring Sishane station and has declared that all roads leading to the main square will be blocked.

"All roads leading to Taksim Square and Istiklal Street will be closed because these places are not classified as areas designated for gatherings and demonstrations according to law," the governor's office said in a statement.

The government has authorized certain activities of non-governmental organizations to celebrate International Women's Day in the city, the statement said. But he said the rally on Istiklal Street had not obtained a permit.

Last year, on International Women's Day, police fired tear gas to break up a crowd of women who had gathered for a march.