Turkish police have fired tear gas at hundreds of people in Istanbul and Ankara as demonstrations marking the anniversary of deadly anti-government protests erupted in fresh violence.
Police clashed with protesters near Istanbul's iconic Taksim Square, scene of last year's unrest that claimed eight lives and left thousands injured, an AFP reporter on the ground said.
"Everywhere is Taksim, everywhere is resistance," the demonstrators shouted.
Riot police also deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse some 1000 people in the capital Ankara, who hurled fireworks.
In the run-up to the anniversary, Turkey's prime minister had warned authorities would do "whatever is necessary" to curb protest.
"I am calling on all my people. Do not be deceived. This is not an environmentalist campaign. There is no sincerity here," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
"If you go there, our security forces have received clear-cut instructions and will do whatever is necessary from A to Z.
"You will not be able to take to (Taksim) like you did last year because you are obliged to abide by the laws... If you do not, the state will do whatever is necessary for its security," he warned.
Security was tight around Taksim Square and other points in Istanbul, with some 25,000 police deployed.
Pressure on the international media was also high amid a tense climate around Taksim. Police briefly detained a CNN team in the middle of a live report in the square.
Authorities said 65 people had already been arrested.
Last year, what started as a small campaign to save the nearby Gezi Park from the bulldozers eventually drew an estimated three million protesters.
Eight people died and thousands were injured in the ensuing violence.
The deadly protests turned into the largest challenge to Erdogan since his party came to power in 2002.
The political tensions stemming from the Gezi revolt continue to simmer despite a decisive ruling party victory in March 30 local elections that has boosted Erdogan's ambitions to stand for president in August.
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