A Kurdish family wedding in Çanakkale, Turkey, was disrupted by a nationalist group allegedly opposing Kurdish music, with the attackers cutting power, assaulting a guest and issuing threats, reportedly with indirect support from local officials.
The wedding celebration held by a Kurdish family from Ağrı (Agiri) in the northwestern Turkish city of Çanakkale was disrupted on Saturday when a group associated with the nationalist 17th Regiment fan group reportedly attacked guests, objecting to the playing of Kurdish music. The assailants allegedly cut the venue’s electricity several times, later assaulting a young male guest and stealing his phone and cash.
The attackers, members of the local football club Çanspor’s 17th Regiment fan group, reportedly organised the assault through a WhatsApp group chat titled ‘Reddish 17th Regiment’. According to screenshots, a user named Sezai Kaya prompted members to locate the Kurdish wedding. Kaya later messaged, “The necessary action was taken. The sound was silenced,” referring to the forced electricity cuts. Additional posts expressed disdain for Kurdish identity, with Kaya stating, “I have a severe allergy to Kurds.”
Following the attack, the Kurdish family attempted to retrieve the stolen items, but the perpetrators reportedly replied, “We’ll be waiting with a group of 50. Come and get them.” The family went to the designated location, where they were confronted by a group wielding stones and clubs. Several family members sustained injuries, leading to a confrontation in which at least ten individuals from both groups were detained. All detainees were later released after providing statements.
Local officials appear to have been indirectly linked to the incident. On Facebook, Sezai Kaya thanked Harun Arslan, the mayor of Çan from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), and Murat Okan, the district head of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), for their support, stating, “Thanks to Mayor Harun and Chairman Murat for understanding Çan youth tonight. We stand united for this land.” Under Kaya’s post, users made further inflammatory remarks, including threats like, “The end of those who dream of Kurdistan will be the graveyard.”
Local sources indicated that Arslan had previously officiated the wedding of one of the commenter’s family members, which has intensified calls for accountability and scrutiny over alleged political affiliations with nationalist groups.
