Scenes from Istanbul

Thousands of Turks celebrate government victory in Taksim

Taksim Square, July 16, 2016. Joti Heir

Thousands sing Turkish President's name after botched coup

Frenxh diplomatic missions close doors in Turkey

French Consulate Istanbul July 13, 2016/JotiH

On what should have been a day a day of celebration, the French Embassy and Consulate General in Turkey sit quiet.

Police forces are a visible presence around and near the French missions after they were shut down on July 13 due to safety concerns.

The embassy and consulate were set to celebrate Bastille Day on July 14 in Istanbul and July 15 in Ankara. The celebrations were swiftly cancelled after what the French Consular General called a serious threat against planned celebrations for the holiday.

The diplomatic missions will remain closed until further notice. This is a developing story as officials investigate the threat.

Meanwhile the US Embassy in Ankara went ahead with its Independence Day reception on July 13. The reception was scheduled two weeks prior, but was postponed after three suicide bombers attacked Ataturk International Airport on June 28, killing 45 people and injuring hundreds.

Suicide Bombers Terrorize Istanbul

Most Istanbul resıdents stayed safely indoors Wednesday after the attack on the city's Ataturk International Airport. (Joti Heir/CBC)

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There was a nervous calm in the streets of Istanbul Wednesday morning after three suicide bombers launched one of the most lethal attacks in Turkey's recent history.

A cat ran across the empty platform at the normally bustling Sirkeci train station in the city centre. A single bagel seller sat outside looking vacantly at the empty streets. Istanbul was a different city, more sombre, more grey.

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