How Instanbul nightclub attack was linked to Turkey's culture war
The Guardian
January 3, 2017
What related the attack to Turkey’s culture war was the campaign against Christmas and New Year's Eve, which are often confused and conflated by Islamists. As in previous years, some Islamist groups came out with the slogan “Muslims do not celebrate Christmas!” An ugly poster showing an Islamist punching Santa Claus showed up in the streets, and a group of ultranationalists staged a scary protest where they pointed guns to the head of Santa Claus. Besides these extreme voices, the official Directorate of Religious Affairs released an intolerant statement defining New Year's Eve celebrations as a tradition of other worlds, other cultures and even as "illicit.” In other words, this was an act of retaliation against Turkey’s war on IS. In that sense, it had little to do with Turkey’s own culture war. That is something that secular Turks need to see. Also, all Turks need to see that no matter how Islamist the current government in Ankara may be, it is still an “apostate regime” by IS standards.
I feel that this could be a possible reason why the nightclub was attacked. Since majority of the population of Turkey is Muslim it is possible that they found celebrating during this time of year offensive. I don't think such an attack is justified no matter what religion you are. Many individuals were wounded and killed through this violent event and that is not acceptable.
This shows how strong the Islam culture in Turkey is. Also, it illustrates the strong bond amongst the people of Turkey because after this devastating event there was a lot of support provided to the families of the victims. Not only this but it also shows how strong minded the nation is to be able to keep moving forward.
I feel that this could be a possible reason why the nightclub was attacked. Since majority of the population of Turkey is Muslim it is possible that they found celebrating during this time of year offensive. I don't think such an attack is justified no matter what religion you are. Many individuals were wounded and killed through this violent event and that is not acceptable.
This shows how strong the Islam culture in Turkey is. Also, it illustrates the strong bond amongst the people of Turkey because after this devastating event there was a lot of support provided to the families of the victims. Not only this but it also shows how strong minded the nation is to be able to keep moving forward.