A woman tourist is potentially facing a five-year prison sentence for allegedly disrespecting a national flag while recording a dance routine for social media. Merjem, a gymnastics instructor from Bosnia & Herzegovina known as ‘blittem’ on Instagram, sparked controversy by twirling around a flagpole at Uchisar castle in Cappadocia, Turkey. In a viral video, she can be seen performing gymnastics under the flag, with a scenic sunset backdrop and onlookers present.
Following backlash online, the tourist defended herself on social media, referring to her critics as “narrow-minded” and asserting that the Turkish spectators present at the scene were impressed. However, authorities in the Nevşehir region have initiated a criminal inquiry into the incident. The woman faces potential imprisonment for up to five years on two separate charges.
Expressing outrage, Emre Caliskan, a local AK Party deputy in Nevsehir, denounced the act as a violation of national and spiritual values, vowing to ensure legal repercussions. The Nevsehir Governor’s Office confirmed the initiation of a judicial investigation under Turkish Penal Code Articles 300 and 301, emphasizing the gravity of disrespecting national and moral values.
Under Article 300 of the Turkish Penal Code, actions such as insulting or disrespecting the Turkish flag can lead to a prison term of up to three years. Notably, a similar incident in 2021 resulted in the arrest of a woman in Adana for desecrating a Turkish flag. Article 301 deals with offenses related to insulting the Turkish nation and institutions, with punishments of up to two years in prison.
Uçhisar Castle in Cappadocia, perched atop a natural rock formation, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area from its peak at 197 feet. The fortress, with origins dating back centuries from the Byzantine era to the Ottoman Empire, holds historical significance as a strategic stronghold.
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