An uncontrolled explosion at a factory in the Hendek provincial district of Sakarya killed seven people and injured over 100. I’d like to share the link to this news report and the video of the explosion with you:
After this explosion, fireworks suddenly became a hot topic. As someone who has had bitter experiences with fireworks myself, my thoughts are crystal clear. First, let me share something that happened to me, and then I’ll share my observations and thoughts.
The only time I’ve ever felt alienated from Galatasaray was when I attended Galatasaray’s season-opening game. That season, they opened the season with a game against Monaco. This game had two other special features. It was also the retirement game of Galatasaray’s legendary player, Uğur Tütüneker, and the Galatasaray debut of Hagi, the best foreign player to ever play in Turkey. I’m talking exactly 24 years ago. Yes, the opening game of the 1996-97 Season. Of course, the games were played at Ali Sami Yen Stadium back then.
I had just finished my sophomore year at university in Canada and returned to Turkey for summer break. As always, the opening game fell during the summer. I went to the game with six or seven friends and family members. My twin brother, Baran, and his girlfriend were with us. Before the game started, there were shows. After dancing, singing, and announcements, suddenly, a fireworks display began. Those who watch games at Ali Sami Yen Stadium know which stands are which. We were in the covered stands for that game. Usually, my seasonal seat is in the numbered stand, but this time, for the opening game, we were seated in the covered stands on the opposite side. When the fireworks started, the people in the numbered stand opposite us were thrilled. Just as they were thrilled, we experienced the opposite: people were desperate for their lives. How did it happen?
They had set the fireworks above us, like a canopy, and suddenly, fireballs began to rain down on us like a waterfall. Everyone tried to escape the waterfall of fire, climbing up. The entire covered stand, with everyone below making a concerted effort to get up, created a stampede. Those fireballs raining down on us were truly agonizing. In fact, I can describe the event in one word: We were on fire!
After the first fireball hit me, I reflexively jumped to the top row. Everything was dust and smoke. Just then, I suddenly saw my brother’s girlfriend over my shoulder. She was alone, unable to climb up, trying to cover her head. She was in terrible pain because she was wearing synthetic clothing. So, where the fire had fallen, her clothing was sticking to her skin. I jumped down immediately. I picked her up and placed her on the upper stand. Then the next one. Then the next, and finally, we managed to climb even higher and escape the cascade of fire. Of course, while carrying her up, I was also exposed to many more fireballs and was seriously hurt, but it didn’t matter; at least I had saved my brother’s girlfriend, who was also my high school friend. We all had various burns on our hands, arms, shoulders, torsos, and legs. This was unacceptable. Our sports club, to which we were passionately devoted, nearly caused our deaths. In fact, beyond death, they were almost burning us alive. This incident was discussed for a long time among Galatasaray fans, but because no one wanted to harm their team, no fan made a big deal out of it.
I remember being so angry about this incident that I didn’t go to games for a few years. I still can’t understand how we were burned so that the people in the turbines opposite us could have had fun. Afterward, I started thinking about the situation from multiple perspectives. Perhaps the fireworks that fell on us like a waterfall before taking off were due to the use of cheap fireworks. So, what was the effect of the fireworks that took off and exploded above? Of course, birds immediately came to mind. Who knows what kind of life-threatening situation they posed? Indeed, when I did some research later, I learned that fireworks caused a bird massacre.
It’s a shame, it’s a sin. What sense does it make to kill these precious creatures, who have just as much right to live on Earth as we do, simply to flatter some of them and enjoy themselves?
Fireworks Used Around the World
Fireworks are used not only in stadiums but also in many organized events. Fireworks displays are also held in many countries around the world on special occasions. For example, fireworks are set off on countries’ liberation days or New Year’s Eve to heighten the excitement. Of course, sometimes hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, and even millions of people gather to watch these displays with admiration.
Speaking of millions, I was in New York on New Year’s Eve, the year 1999 turned 2000. That is, I was at the famous Millennium Entry Party. In New York City, where some of the most magnificent displays in history took place and millions gathered, I took my place in that crowd with my then-Canadian girlfriend. The show was beautiful, the atmosphere was very crowded, but in my current state of mind, I wish the fireworks hadn’t been used. The music and the magnificent light show would have been more than enough. We stood for hours that night, my feet were completely numb. Everyone was excited during the countdown in the last 10 seconds of the year 2000. With emotions already running so high, believe me, there was no need for fireworks.
Fireworks Rudeness at Weddings in Turkey
Of course, the use of fireworks is a step up in our country. In fact, it’s reached the level of hooliganism. In our country, fireworks are utilized at all kinds of weddings, gatherings, and events where shows are planned.
There are now established traditions in Turkey. For example, summer is wedding season. From the beginning to the end of summer, my friends and family have one or two weddings almost every weekend, usually with similar themes. In carefully decorated outdoor venues along the Bosphorus, you can witness music, dancing, and shows. Among these shows, fireworks are particularly popular. In fact, you’ll witness fireworks displays on the Bosphorus almost every day during the summer months. Some weekends, fireworks are set off at several locations at once. Of course, this has changed with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the passion for summer weddings on the Bosphorus is still a constant among the Turkish nation. It will continue at full speed when conditions return to normal.
During fireworks displays on the Bosphorus, a boat stops near the venue and fireworks are launched from the boat. During these displays, I’m usually more interested in the reactions of the bride and groom than the sparklers exploding overhead. It almost always looks like this: The bride and groom, arm in arm, stand watching the show while the groom, swaggering and showing off, proudly glances at both the bride and the fireworks. Depending on their sincerity, he’ll occasionally kiss the bride. It’s as if he’s saying, “See how much money I’ve spent on these unnecessary, noisy, and flashy things?” A man’s bragging is directly proportional to the sound of the fireworks and the intensity of the lights they cast.
The same applies to brides. Throughout the fireworks display, their faces are filled with emotion, and some, with tears in their eyes, watch this historic moment organized for them, almost thinking, “How beautiful she looks! How much my husband values me that he has prepared such an iridescent display for me!” For a woman, the extent of her man’s love for her is directly proportional to the sound of the fireworks and the light they cast.
Of course, not everyone is like this, but I’m talking about society in general. I can see this clearly when I look at the bride and groom. Moreover, when I think back to those sparkling fireworks-themed weddings I witnessed back in the day, I realize that a significant majority of these marriages either end in divorce or cause serious family trauma. So, these things don’t just happen with fireworks. When we look at the essence of the matter, the important thing is to establish a home, put your life in order, be happy, and, if possible, raise children who will be beneficial to the country, the nation, and humanity. I don’t like to talk big, but I absolutely don’t want a fireworks display at my own wedding. I don’t think I’ll marry a bride-to-be who would request it (or even hint at it).
5 reasons for a ban, 1 message
In conclusion, I believe fireworks should be banned for the following reasons:
1) Fireworks kill or injure flying birds. Land animals like cats and dogs are also deeply disturbed by noise pollution. They become stressed.
2) The chemical-based powders used in their production cause permanent damage to nature and human health.
3) Fireworks explode during transportation or production. These, too, take people’s lives. Want an example? Here’s one:https://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/kucakta-bomba-15-gun-bekletilmesi-gerekirken-boyle-tasindi-6255934
4) The chemicals used in the production of fireworks and the toxic gases released after they are burned all disrupt the balance of nature and increase carbon emissions.
5) It’s natural instinct for males to try to impress females. This is true of all living things. Even the males of birds killed by fireworks try to impress and persuade females to mate by dancing, singing in different tones, and flying in different ways. We, the most intelligent creatures on Earth, have much to learn from birds in this regard. There’s no need for fireworks to impress each other.
So, I’d like to conclude my article with the following hashtag and ask for everyone’s support: #havaifişekyasaklansın
Amendment: A month after I wrote this article, a serious fire broke out at the Dedeman Hotel in Konya due to fireworks. Unless the use of fireworks is banned, the events that led to this disaster will continue. Here’s the video:
