Bosnian Tourist Faces Prison in Turkey for Dancing on Flagpole at Uchisar Castle (video)

Merjem, a gymnastics trainer from Bosnia & Herzegovina was recorded dancing on top of an historic castle in central Turkey

A Bosnian gymnast and social media influencer is under criminal investigation in Turkey after posting a video of herself dancing on a flagpole at Uchisar Castle in Cappadocia, sparking allegations of disrespecting the Turkish national flag.

Merjem, a gymnastics trainer who posts on Instagram under the username @blittem, filmed herself twirling around the flagpole beneath the national symbol while showing off her routine during sunset. Fellow visitors reportedly watched as she performed. Following the viral post, she faced widespread criticism online and responded by calling her detractors "small-minded" and claiming that "all the Turkish people there that day" were "amazed."

The female tourist performed a short pole dance on a flagpole with the Turkish national flag in in Cappadocia

Authorities in the Nevşehir region have now opened a judicial investigation. The Nevşehir Governor’s Office confirmed a criminal complaint was filed, and prosecutors launched proceedings under Articles 300 and 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, which can carry up to five years in prison combined. Article 300 criminalizes insulting or disrespecting the Turkish flag, including acts such as tearing, burning, or similar actions, while Article 301 covers insults against the Turkish nation and its institutions.

Authorities charged her with "desecration of the flag" and "insulting Turkish identity."

Local deputy of the conservative AK Party, Emre Caliskan, condemned the stunt, stating: "This disrespect for our national and spiritual values is completely unacceptable. We will closely monitor the process to ensure the necessary legal action is taken against this individual. We will not tolerate any disrespect for our nation’s values."

Uchisar Castle, perched atop a 197-foot rock formation, is Cappadocia's highest point and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The fortress has historically served as a strategic stronghold, dating back to the Byzantine era and continuing through the Ottoman Empire, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark.