Turkish people aged 65 and over on Sunday described their joy after the government allowed them to go outside for the first time in nearly two months, in an easing of the coronavirus restrictions.
While 24 provinces including Ankara and Istanbul are subject to a weekend lockdown, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week said senior citizens could leave their homes between 11am and 3pm on Sunday.
They had not been permitted to go outside since March 21.
"Finally it is like we are on holiday as of 11.00 today. We are very happy," said Istanbul resident Umit Avci, 81.
Ankara resident Ayse said: "It's the first time I've come outside since March and I'm so happy, I'm filled with joy."
Minutes before the official start, people in masks and some in gloves were walking on the streets in Ankara, where the sun was shining and spring was in full bloom.
Small parks in the capital were later packed with senior citizens, while police in one park walked around and used loudspeakers urging people to follow social distancing rules.
Some senior citizens called on the government to allow them to go out on weekdays when there is no lockdown.
"What can we do now? Everywhere is closed, we cannot do anything," Saim Iker said in Istanbul.
"They should take this into consideration."
The rule restricting senior citizens' movement was one of many, including shutting schools, enforced by the Turkish government to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Sunday's decision was the first to ease restrictions, with barbershops, hairdressers and shopping centres set to reopen on Monday as the daily death toll remains under 100.
Turkey has so far recorded 137,115 coronavirus infections and 3,739 deaths, official figures released on Saturday showed.
