Thousands of demonstrators protested in the centre of Istanbul on Sunday in protest against the US presence in Iraq and the treatment of Iraqi detainees, shouting anti-American slogans and burning a poster showing US President George W. Bush.
An estimated 20,000 people took part in the demonstration, in a square in the European part of the city, which was organised by a pro-Islamist party. Allegations of abuse of prisoners by US and British troops have shocked opinion in Muslim Turkey which borders Iraq.
Watched by a large number of police the protestors shouted slogans such as "USA murders", "Western civilisation: occupation and rape", and "Down with Israel" before dispersing peacefully.
Political leaders have denounced the "inhumane" and "repugnant" behaviour of US troops.
Turkey, the only Muslim nation to belong to Nato, declined to let the US-led coalition use its territory before the 2003 war against former dictator Saddam Hussein.
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