Turkey coup attempt: Crowds confront soldiers on Bosphorus Bridge

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During the failed coup in Turkey, the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul became the scene of a confrontation between soldiers trying to overthrow the government, and a group of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The struggle for this symbolic landmark, which connects Europe and Asia, resulted in fierce fighting between the two sides.

People gather on Istanbul's Bosphorus Bridge in IstanbulImage source, Getty Images

A new day dawns in Istanbul, and this man's expression, as he stands on the Bosphorus Bridge on Saturday morning, reflects the determination of many Turkish people to quash the attempted coup.

Soldiers on the Bosphorus BridgeImage source, Reuters

One of the first signs to the outside world that there was unrest brewing in Turkey on Friday evening was when soldiers blocked off the Bosphorus Bridge, a vital part of the city's network.

Soldiers on the Bosphorus BridgeImage source, Reuters

Apart from being strategically important, taking control of the bridge was a significant statement of intent by the coup leaders.

Cars on the Bosphorus BridgeImage source, Reuters

Cars were stranded for a time on the bridge, due to the military closing it.

President Erdogan urged people to get onto the streets in Ankara and Istanbul, to combat the coup - and many of them flocked to the bridge. The soldiers shot at them and there were some casualties.

People on the Bosporus BridgeImage source, Reuters
A man approaching the military on the Bosphorus BridgeImage source, AFP
A man with a bloodied flagImage source, AFP

The crowds confronted the soldiers during the standoff, and were fired upon.

A couple sheltering by the entrance to the Bosphorus BridgeImage source, AFP

People took cover near the bridge's entrance.

Police using a water cannon on the Bosphorus BridgeImage source, Reuters

By dawn, the rebellion had begun to falter and police moved in with a water cannon to disperse the soldiers holding the bridge.

Soldiers surrendering on the Bosphorus BridgeImage source, Getty Images

Early on Saturday morning, the soldiers surrendered to police.

Discarded military equipment on the Bosphorus BridgeImage source, Getty Images
Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are surrounded by people on Bosphorus bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, July 16, 2016Image source, Reuters

Some of the crowds attacked the soldiers after they laid down their arms.

A man kicking soldiers on the Bosphorus BridgeImage source, Getty Images
Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a civilian on Bosphorus bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, July 16, 2016Image source, Reuters
A policeman attempts to protect a group of soldiersImage source, Reuters

Police attempted to stop the crowds from assaulting the surrendered men - but were not always successful.

A soldier cowering as he is confronted by a manImage source, Getty Images
A soldier cowering as he is confronted by a manImage source, Getty Images
Soldiers getting onto a busImage source, Getty Images

The police took away the soldiers after their surrender.

People on the Bosporus BridgeImage source, Reuters

With the coup now failed, the crowds took to the bridge in large numbers.

People climbing on a tankImage source, Reuters

The people clambered onto the army's tanks, abandoned on the Bosphorus Bridge.

People on the Bosporus BridgeImage source, Reuters

The bridge was now back under control of the Turkish government - and these men were able to walk onto it and take a selfie.