A woman visiting Turkey is potentially facing a five-year prison sentence for allegedly showing disrespect towards the Turkish national flag while recording a dance routine for social media. Merjem, identified as a gymnastics trainer from Bosnia & Herzegovina with the Instagram username ‘blittem’, is accused of dishonoring the Turkish national symbol in a video where she is seen twirling around a flagpole at Uchisar castle in Cappadocia.
The viral video captures her performing a gymnastics routine near the flagpole as the sun sets, with onlookers in the background. Following backlash online, she defended herself on social media, labeling her critics as “narrow-minded” and asserting that the Turkish bystanders were impressed by her actions.
Authorities in the Nevşehir region of Turkey have initiated a criminal inquiry into the incident. The woman has been cautioned about potential charges that could result in a five-year imprisonment on two different counts. A local official, Emre Caliskan, expressed strong condemnation, emphasizing the need to uphold national values and promising strict legal action against the individual responsible.
The Nevsehir Governor’s Office confirmed that a formal complaint had been lodged, leading to a judicial investigation under two sections of the Turkish Penal Code. Article 300 and 301 of the code specifically address offenses related to disrespecting the national flag and insulting the Turkish nation and its institutions. The Governor’s Office condemned the incident as a violation of the nation’s moral values.
Under Article 300 of the Turkish Penal Code, actions such as tearing or burning the Turkish flag can result in a prison term of up to three years. Another case in 2021 involved the arrest of a woman for disrespecting the flag in a similar manner. Article 301 outlines penalties for insulting the Turkish nation and its institutions, carrying a maximum sentence of two years in prison.
Uçhisar Castle, situated in Cappadocia atop a natural rock formation, offers panoramic views of the area to visitors who reach its summit. The fortress has a storied history dating back to various eras, serving as a vital stronghold from the Byzantine period through the Ottoman Empire.