Interior Minister Muammer Guler said police had detained 1,700 people as of Saturday evening, but many have been released.

Turkey's Western allies Britain, France and the United States have called for the Erdogan government to exercise restraint, while Turkish officials acknowledged mistakes.

"We have learned our lesson," Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas told NTV on Saturday.

He said he regretted "not informing the people enough" on the details of the construction project in Taksim, the spark that led to the protests.

Speaking at a rally on Saturday, Erdogan acknowledged: "It is true that there have been some mistakes, extremism in the police response."

But he added: "I call on the protesters to stop their demonstrations immediately."

He also vowed to push forward with controversial plans to redevelop the square, but said the project may not include a shopping mall, as feared by protesters.

The Interior Ministry promised legal action against police officers who had acted" disproportionately".

President Abdullah Gul had called on Saturday for restraint on both sides.

Questions:

1. Where in Istanbul is the epicenter of the demonstrations?

2. Who is the Prime Minister of Turkey?

3. As of Saturday, how many people had been detained?

Answers:

1. Taksim Square.

2. Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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