Turkish police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse demonstrators in Istanbul protesting over restrictions on religious practices.

The protest coincided with another in support of the outlawed Kurdish separatist group the PKK.

Between one and three thousand people gathered in the city's Beyazit Square, objecting to a government ruling that bars women wearing the Islamic headscarf at universities.

Demonstrators were joined by supporters of the PKK.At least eighteen people were arrested.