Mady Sanat Akademisi Halloween event sparks controversy in Turkey

A Halloween-themed event organized for young children at the Mady Sanat Akademisi in Van, Turkey, has drawn significant public backlash. During the event, children were observed wearing masks and black clothing associated with the holiday's traditional imagery.

Parents and experts have raised concerns regarding the pedagogical impact of the celebration. Critics argue that the use of frightening masks and dark-themed figures may cause anxiety, nighttime fears, and mood disorders in young children, who may struggle to distinguish between abstract and concrete concepts.

Furthermore, the event appears to conflict with regulations set by the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB). Under the Private Education Institutions Regulation, the celebration of events such as Halloween, Christmas, and Easter is prohibited in such institutions.