Nevertheless, protesters gathered in even larger numbers on the Muslim day of prayer.

Reuters was unable to contact the Commission on Friday, the Muslim day of rest.

But protesters also showed respect for Islam, distributing traditional bread rings around Taksim on Wednesday to mark a holy Muslim day.

Friday, the Muslim day of prayer, was expected to draw the biggest crowds yet, with many taking to the streets after worship.

Iraq's government put Baghdad under curfew on Friday to try to stop sectarian violence among crowds from rival mosques during the Muslim day of prayer.