Turkey school event sparks backlash over use of national flags and demon masks

A primary school celebration in Fethiye, Turkey, marking the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic, has drawn significant criticism. During a theatrical reenactment of the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1922), students portraying foreign forces were depicted wearing demon and monster masks while wrapped in the national flags of Greece, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

In contrast, students representing Turkish forces wore only the Turkish flag and did not wear masks. The imagery has caused outrage among foreign parents living in the region, who claim the performance portrays other nations as enemies and fosters prejudice and discrimination in young children. One mother from Scotland expressed her shock and disappointment on social media, noting the exclusion of British students from the positive aspects of the presentation.