Shock protest against Tamer Karadağlı at Aspendos: Booed during his speech

The 16th International Theater Festival, held in Antalya, began with an event at the Aspendos Ancient Theater. State Theaters General Manager Tamer Karadağlı, who took the stage at the opening of the event, was heavily protested by some members of the audience during and after his speech at the podium.

In his opening speech, Karadağlı emphasized the festival and the legacy of theater, stating, "Today, we are not just opening a festival here. We are reviving a dream, a passion, and a thousands-year-old heritage. On this path we set out on by saying 'If there is theater, Antalya is a stage,' we are opening our curtains for the 16th time with great pride and enthusiasm."

However, booing sounds rising from the audience during Karadağlı's speech drew attention in the hall. When the speech concluded, the protests continued and intensified.

State Theaters General Manager Tamer Karadağlı was booed by the audience at the end of his speech at the program held at the Aspendos Ancient Theater. pic.twitter.com/VAqoQY9e49

— Aykırı (@aykiri) May 10, 2026