Chaos breaks out in the wrestling arena in Alanya!

Controversy erupts over cancellation of concerts and entertainment events at the 19th Gökbel Oil Wrestling Festival organized by Alanya Municipality. Political party representatives in Alanya responded with both support and criticism.

The Gökbel Oil Wrestling Festival, to be held for the 19th time under the leadership of Alanya Municipality, is scheduled for July 31–August 3. For the first time, the event will last four days and feature a wide range of activities including football, volleyball, off-road racing, archery, horseback riding, adventure parks, table tennis, and open-air cinema. However, Mayor Osman Tarık Özçelik recently announced the cancellation of concerts and entertainment programs due to "recent national developments." This decision sparked debate among local political parties.

CRITICISM FROM AK PARTY ALANYA TO THE MUNICIPALITY OVER ‘GÖKBEL’

Baran Demiral, Head of Local Governments for AK Party Alanya, criticized the cancellation, questioning the vague reasoning of “public sensitivity.” In a public statement, he emphasized that the Gökbel Festival is not just a sporting event but a vital cultural and economic gathering for locals. He expressed concern that such cancellations, without clear explanations, could harm social unity and economic opportunity. He also questioned whether similar restrictions would apply to upcoming events like the Jazz Festival or if this was limited to traditional values-based events. The AK Party Alanya District Organization, he said, will continue to support such heritage-based gatherings while opposing arbitrary and non-transparent decisions.