Japanese culture festival in Istanbul ends early after group attack – Türkiye Today
Japanese culture festival in Istanbul ends early after group attack
Crowds gather among festival stands and activity areas during Konoha Fest in Istanbul, Türkiye. (Photo
A group attacked the 13th Konoha Fest, a Japanese culture and anime festival, in Istanbul’s Umraniye district on Sunday.
The event, held on Oct. 3-4, ended early on its second day.
The free festival featured cosplay competitions, manga drawing, origami and calligraphy workshops, and other events related to Japanese culture.
Organizers and attendees pose for a photo during Konoha Fest in Istanbul, Türkiye. (Photo
Call to stop the event
Before the festival, a viral social media post argued that the event was harmful to “children’s future and values,” asked for it to be stopped and invited families to a press statement in front of the venue.
On 4 October, a group gathered at 2 p.m. in front of the festival area, Limonlu Bahce, and read a statement.
In a statement, the group criticized the festival’s costumed events and content and cited government family policies, presenting these as its own views.
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Scuffle at the venue
According to the Turkish media, the group moved toward the festival area after the statement.
A scuffle broke out when the group came face to face with attendees. Participants, including children, and their families were reported to be the targets of physical attacks.
Flags, stands and some event equipment in the festival area were damaged. A scuffle also took place between the group and the police and security officers who intervened. Police removed the group from the area.
The organizers ended the Oct. 4 program before its planned finish, citing the safety of participants.
No detentions or legal proceedings have been publicly announced. Authorities have not released an official statement on the incident.
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