28.02.2026 09:00
A crisis arose when a Hacivat-Karagöz show for children was planned to be held inside Ayşe Gümüşlüağa Mosque (Elmalı Mosque) in the Darıca district of Kocaeli. The religious authority requested that the event be held in the lower level of the mosque to prevent it from getting dirty, leading to the children being removed from the mosque. After citizens reacted, Darıca Mayor Muzaffer Bıyık intervened.
The Hacivat-Karagöz show, which was intended to be organized as part of Ramadan in the Darıca district of Kocaeli, sparked controversy when it was planned to be held inside the mosque. The event planned at Ayşe Gümüşlüağa Mosque was prevented on the grounds that the mosque could be soiled. The removal of children from the mosque caused reactions, while Darıca Mayor Muzaffer Bıyık intervened.
THE MUFTI'S OFFICE INDICATED THE LOWER FLOOR
The mosque association did not grant permission for the show organized as part of the cultural event that Darıca Municipality planned to hold in mosques. The information that the decision was made upon the instruction of District Mufti Selami Bağcı created a public debate. The Mufti's office requested that the event be held not inside the mosque but on the lower floor.
MAYOR BIYIK: ISN'T IT A SHAME?
In response to the reactions, Darıca Mayor Muzaffer Bıyık ensured that the program would take place by consulting with the district governor's office and the provincial mufti's office.
Bıyık reacted to the decision with the words, "Who took the children out of the mosque? Isn't it a shame? It's freezing down there; I froze while praying. I am having the mosque cleaned, I am sending the cleaning equipment. If it gets dirty, I will have it cleaned. Should these children stay on the street? As if we are having a belly dancer perform in the mosque."
The event was later held with the participation of children. The Hacivat-Karagöz show, one of the traditional entertainments of Ramadan, received intense interest.