Istanbul Art Galleries Attacked by Mob

by Jordan Yerman | September 22, 2010 at 10:39 am

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Mob Attacks Istanbul Art Galleries with Sticks, Bottles, Pepper Spray
Several art galleries in Istanbul's Tophane neighborhood were attacked on the night of September 21. A mob of up to 50 people stormed the Non and Outlet galleries during an opening party, smashed windows and attacked attendees.

Five people were hospitalized. Seven people have been arrested in connection with the gallery attack. The attackers were apparently angry over consumption of alcohol at the galleries, as well as the exhibits themselves.

The attack was first believed to have been in response to art pieces on exhibit because Galeri Non had an exhibition by the collective Ekstramücadele (Ekstrastruggle) that featured content on the taboos of Islam and Atatürk both.

In a note posted on Facebook, Barack Oboe wrote,

This organized attack in the centre of Istanbul, a cultural capital, is in no manner acceptable. This attack spells a clear and genuine warning to all art institutions. A serious investigation into the organizers and perpetrators of this attack is necessary for the safety of our neighbourhood and city.

According to an eyewitness, the attack was sparked by an altercation between locals and gallery visitors, before a mob mentality took over, which led to attacks on other galleries:

Aynagöz and other witnesses said police were “too tolerant” toward the attackers, a claim strengthened by the immediate detention of just one person. The remaining detentions came much later.

However, the neighborhood's gallery owners assert that the attack was not random, but organized in advance.(Alerted to this story by Kate Armstrong)