07.05.2026 13:11
During the spring festivals held at the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, chaos broke out. According to claims, a group that protested İlkay Akkaya, who performed at the festivals, with Turkish flags was attacked by another group. As the repercussions of the incident continue, footage from the moment the fight first started has also emerged.
A fight that broke out during the 37th International Spring Festival events held at Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara sparked widespread public reaction. An argument between two groups during a concert quickly escalated into violent incidents.
THE MOMENT THE INCIDENT BEGAN
According to claims, while İlkay Akkaya was on stage, an argument broke out between a group protesting with Turkish flags and another group. As the argument escalated, an attack was carried out against the protesting group. Footage from the scene shows the initial moments of the fight, and it was alleged that the person who initiated the attack was a member of the DHKPC.
INJURED TAKEN TO HOSPITAL
During the incident on campus, some students were injured, and the fight was ended with the intervention of security personnel. The injured students were taken to the hospital for treatment.
İLKAY AKKAYA: THERE WAS PROVOCATION
Artist İlkay Akkaya described the events in a statement to T24 as follows: "There were many groups waving flags in the stadium. But a group with a large flag right in the middle started booing from under the flag. When I reached my 7th song, glass bottles began to be thrown from above, and a fight broke out. There was never any disrespect to the flag; the flag-bearing group clearly tried to provoke."
STATEMENT FROM METU: VIOLENCE IS UNACCEPTABLE
Following the incidents, a statement from METU condemned the violent acts. The statement emphasized that the university acts in line with the principles of freedom of expression, pluralism, and mutual respect, and stated that no act of violence is acceptable. The university administration announced that an investigation has been launched into the incident and that necessary actions will be taken against those responsible.
INVESTIGATION PROCESS INITIATED
The statement also noted that necessary proceedings would be carried out promptly against individuals found to have been involved in the violent incidents, and students were called upon to act with common sense.