How Turkey, Morocco and Eid al-Adha Were Misrepresented by Indian Media
Menu
हिंदी తెలుగు اردو
Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion
Support independent journalism. Donate Now
media
How Turkey, Morocco and Eid al-Adha Were Misrepresented by Indian Media
Afroz Alam Sahil
7 minutes ago
The decision to ban animal sacrifice in Morocco and the high number of injuries in Turkey were represented very differently on social and news media.
Eid al-Adha prayers in Istanbul. Photo: Afroz Alam Sahil.
Real journalism holds power accountable
Since 2015, The Wire has done just that.
But we can continue only with your support.
Contribute now
'A total of 14,372 people were injured across Türkiye during animal sacrifices carried out for Eid al-Adha. The highest number of injuries were reported in Ankara (1,049), followed by Istanbul (753) and Konya (655),' said a report.
When I asked a Turkish journalist about the 'high number of injuries' during Eid al-Adha he said that many feel that they can perform the animal sacrifice – a job that requires skill – themselves.
Locals tell me that most people who end up in hospitals during Eid al-Adha in Türkiye suffer only minor injuries – the kind that, in countries like India, are often treated at home or with a quick visit to a local pharmacy. However, in Türkiye, even for such small issues, people often go to the hospital – especially during public holidays, when family doctors are also on leave for five days.
Interestingly, Türkiye has a well-structured primary healthcare system where every individual is assigned a family doctor. These doctors handle minor health concerns and routine care — a service also available to many foreign residents.
The injury statistics were widely reported in the Turkish media, based on data released by health minister, Kemal Memişoğlu. The goal behind publicising these numbers was to urge people not to perform animal sacrifices on their own, but instead to rely on trained butchers to reduce the risk of accidents.
Distorted coverage
However, in India, the statistics were manipulated by some media outlets to stir communal tensions. Some Hindi-language news websites framed the story through a lens of prejudice, using it to further divisive narratives.
One striking example comes from Zee News Hindi, which ran the headline: 'Preparations were underway for animal sacrifice on Bakrid, suddenly 14,000 people injured, chaos in hospitals.'
The article continued with misleading claims, such as, 'In Türkiye, considered a close ally of Pakistan, animals for sacrifice were seen running wild on the streets during Bakrid, with people chasing them. More than 14,000 were injured in the stampede.'
Ironically, the same article ended with a disclaimer stating, 'Dear readers, this news is intended for awareness. The videos included have been sourced from foreign X handles. Zee News does not verify the claims made in them. The intention is not to hurt anyone's sentiments.'
Such framing not only distorts facts but also shifts the focus from public safety – Türkiye's actual concern – to communal sensationalism, which undermines journalistic integrity and responsible reporting.
Morocco's decision
Morocco's decision to suspend animal sacrifice (qurbani) during Eid al-Adha in 2025 due to livestock shortages and worsening climate conditions was also distorted in Indian media.
The sensitivity of the timing is worth noting: this discussion in Indian media surfaced just as certain far-right groups were demanding a ban on animal sacrifice in India, as they do every year. Morocco was repeatedly cited as an example to justify their position. However, what was often left out of these narratives was the fact that Morocco's decision had been made back in February, well in advance of the festival. The country, facing a climate emergency – where over 92% of its land is now classified as dry or semi-arid – had taken the decision as part of broader efforts to address an agricultural and environmental crisis.
Official Moroccan data indicates that the number of locally bred sheep and goats available in slaughterhouses this year has dropped to approximately 1.5 million — less than half the usual 3.5 million. This falls significantly short of the estimated six million animals typically needed to meet demand during Eid al-Adha across the country.
By removing the environmental and economic context, and reframing the story as a religious or political statement, sections of the Indian media distorted the intent behind Morocco's decision, turning a climate-conscious move into a communal flashpoint.
Some websites framed it as 'a strong message from Morocco to the global Muslim community, including India.'
Some outlets portrayed Morocco as if it were representative of the entire Muslim world, ignoring the fact that Morocco's total population is just 37.7 million, roughly equal to the population of Delhi alone.
On social media too, Morocco's decision was widely misrepresented, with many voices calling for a ban on animal sacrifice in India by citing Morocco as a model.
One must remember how in 2020, an attempt was made to incite hatred in India during Eid al-Adha by circulating a video from Morocco on social media.
Nepal
Even Nepal was brought into the conversation to fuel communal tensions around animal sacrifice. For instance, ABP News published a report stating: 'There is a festival in Nepal called the Gadhimai festival, where animal sacrifice has been completely banned. In the past, hundreds of thousands of animals were sacrificed at the Gadhimai Temple, but in 2015, a ban was imposed to protect animals.'
However, multiple independent reports contradict this simplified narrative. A BBC investigation in 2019 revealed that despite the official ban, animal sacrifices continued. Similarly, Time magazine reported in 2024 that approximately 250,000 animals were sacrificed during the 2019 edition of what it called 'the world's bloodiest festival.' According to the animal rights organisation Animal Equality, this tradition was still ongoing as of 2024.
The Gadhimai festival is a Hindu religious festival held every five years at the Gadhimai Temple in Bariyarpur, about 160 kilometres south of Kathmandu, Nepal's capital.
Preparedness and economic significance in Türkiye
Despite the injuries, Türkiye prepared well. In Istanbul alone, the Turkish government deployed 62,200 healthcare workers across 53 public hospitals during Eid al-Adha this year. Specifically, 15,467 of them were assigned to emergency departments. Additionally, 6,234 healthcare personnel were on 24-hour duty within emergency services, including the 112 emergency call center and the National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE).
Eid al-Adha is also crucial for Türkiye's leather industry, which depends heavily on the skin collected during the festival. Burak Uyguner, vice-president of the Istanbul Leather Exporters Association, estimated in 2022 that these skins were worth 500 million Turkish Liras before processing, rising to 5 billion TL afterward (at the time, one TL was about Rs 9). He warned that burning or burying skins could cause severe environmental harm. Türkiye exported $2.57 billion worth of leather products in 2022, underscoring the festival's economic significance.
Afroz Alam Sahil is a freelance journalist and author. He can be contacted at @afrozsahil on X.
The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
Make a contribution to Independent Journalism
Related News
In Photos: Eid in Srinagar
Developments in Syria a 'Conspiracy Between Israel, Turkey & US': Former Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad
An MoU Cancelled Is an Opportunity Lost
'Attack on Religious Right of Kashmir's Muslims,' Says Mirwaiz as J&K Govt Bar Eid Prayers at Srinagar Eidgah
Full Text | India-Turkey Relationship Before and After the Recent Conflict With Pakistan
India Discusses Celebi's Security Clearance Revocation With Turkish Embassy
Tharoor's Jibe at Kerala's 2023 Aid to Turkey Skips Mention of Modi Govt's Operation Dost
FIR Against Amit Malviya, Arnab After Republic Implies Turkish Convention Hall Is Congress Office
Listen: India's Reaction to Turkey is Understandable, But We Should Not Give Up on Diplomacy with it
About Us
Contact Us
Support Us
© Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
AI 171 crash: 231 victims identified after DNA matching, 210 bodies handed over to kin
Ahmedabad: Until 6pm on Friday, forensics experts had identified 231 victims of the AI 171 crash after DNA cross-verification and handed over 210 bodies to their grieving families, Civil Hospital officials said. "While 10 families have informed us that they will be reaching the hospital soon to collect the mortal remains for the last rites, three bodies will be handed over only after the completion of airline transfer formalities. Eight families have at least one member identified based on DNA profiling but are awaiting identification of the others," said Dr Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital, on Wednesday evening. Of the 210 bodies handed over to the families, 155 are of Indian citizens, 36 of British nationals, seven of Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national. Eleven of the deceased are non-passengers, the officials said. "Out of the Indian nationals identified so far, 60 are from Ahmedabad, 23 from Anand, 21 from Vadodara, 14 from Diu, 11 from Surat and Kheda each, nine from Mumbai and seven from Bharuch and Udaipur each," Dr Joshi said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Of the 71 patients admitted to the hospital after the crash, five are still under treatment. The majority suffered burns and fractures, hospital sources said. With about 16 bodies identified through genetic analysis in the past 24 hours, the forensic experts have entered the most challenging phase of the DNA profiling effort. Sources said the samples that remain are charred and experts are trying to extract DNA from the bone and tooth pulp tissue. They added that in most cases, the bodies are desiccated, and thus tissue cannot be used for DNA extraction. Experts said that the retrieval and matching of DNA are long processes. Even as the crowd has thinned out at Civil Hospital, teams of counsellors and govt officials are working to coordinate with the families. Sources said that in a week after the incident, most victims have been identified, and help is being extended to the families to send the mortal remains to places within or outside Gujarat.
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
PM Modi to lead 11th International Yoga Day celebrations from Visakhapatnam
New Delhi [India], June 20 (ANI): The stage is set for the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) to be celebrated with grandeur on June 21, with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the national event from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The theme for this year is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health' echoes India's vision of global wellness. The theme reflects the integrated vision of well-being. It emphasises the interconnectedness of human and planetary health, drawing from the Indian ethos of 'Sarve Santu Niramaya' (May all be free from disease). The Prime Minister will perform the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) with over 3 lakh participants at the Visakhapatnam venue, synchronised with over 10 lakh locations across the country under the 'Yoga Sangam' initiative, Ministry of AYUSH said. The mass demonstration will be held from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM, and is expected to witness unprecedented participation from all corners of the country. He will be joined by Union Minister of State (IC) Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, in a massive demonstration of India's global wellness vision. In an unprecedented mobilisation, more than 2 crore people are expected to participate in Yoga sessions at over 1 lakh locations across the state. The Government of Andhra Pradesh is also coordinating a Guinness World Record attempt to mark the occasion. Additionally, over 50 lakh yoga certificates will be awarded to registered participants by the Andhra Pradesh government, making this decadal edition of IDY a truly historic moment in India's health and wellness journey. As part of the celebrations in Visakhapatnam, a remarkable Surya Namaskar programme was organised at Andhra University today, where around 25,000 tribal children performed 108 Surya Namaskars in 108 minutes. This unique initiative highlighted the enthusiastic participation of tribal communities and reflected the deepening reach of yoga at the grassroots level. Delhi, too, is all set to actively participate in the national celebration. On June 21st, yoga events will be held at 109 locations across the capital, including a grand program at the historic Red Fort. Organised by Brahma Kumaris in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, and supported by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and the Archaeological Survey of India, the Red Fort event will highlight the theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health.' To ensure the inclusive reach of yoga's benefits, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed a letter to all Gram Pradhans, noting, 'It is a matter of pride that yoga has positively transformed lives not only in India but across the world.' As in previous editions of IDY, the Prime Minister's message has infused Gram Panchayats with renewed enthusiasm, resulting in a significant rise in yoga-related activities at the grassroots level, particularly in Panchayats, Anganwadis, and Community Health Centers. The Introduction of 10 Signature events to garner public participation for IDY 2025 has resulted in unprecedented response from across the country and abroad. Against the target of 1 lakh registrations for the 21st June event in the country, more than 11 lakh organizations and groups have registered for the Yoga Sangam event at their respective places through the Yoga portal of the Ministry of Ayush. Rajasthan topped the list by registering 2.25 lakh plus registrations followed by three more states crossing the 1 lakh registration mark. To honour this milestone year, the Ministry of Ayush has conceptualised 10 Signature Events, rolled out over a span of 100 days. These events catered to different sections of society and showcase the evolving landscape of yoga in India and abroad. They include Yoga Sangam, which is mass yoga demonstrations across over 1,00,000 locations alongside the national event--Yoga Bandhan, which includes international collaborations and exchange of yoga delegations, Harit Yoga---the Integration of yoga with environmental actions like tree plantations and cleanliness drives, Yoga Park---which is upgrading of public parks into dedicated yoga spaces. It also includes Yoga Samavesh---which is inclusive yoga outreach with customised protocols for marginalised groups, Yoga Prabhava---which is a comprehensive 10-year impact report on IDY and its societal outcomes, Yoga Connect--- which is a global online yoga summit held on June 14, featuring global experts and policymakers. It also includes Yoga Unplugged---which is youth-centric campaigns combining tech, trends, and traditional yoga, Yoga Maha Kumbh--- a series of large-scale events celebrating yoga's cultural and spiritual dimensions and Samyoga---that showcases integration of yoga evidence with modern healthcare practices. The decadal celebration is being coordinated through a Whole-of-Government approach, involving ministries, departments, state governments, urban local bodies, and Indian Missions abroad. Preparatory activities have been ongoing for weeks, with special drives, yoga camps, and competitions organized by various government bodies. Globally, Indian Embassies and cultural centres are actively conducting yoga demonstrations and awareness campaigns, further strengthening India's cultural diplomacy and leadership in wellness. With its strong foundation over the past ten years and enthusiastic participation from across sectors, IDY 2025 is poised to be a landmark moment in India's wellness journey. The message is clear--Yoga is not only a gift of India to the world, but also a pathway for a healthier, harmonious, and more sustainable future for all. (ANI)
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Unity, Wellness, World Records: Andhra Lays Out Welcome Mat For PM Modi-Led Mega Yoga Day Event
Last Updated: With PM Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu leading from the front, Visakhapatnam is ready to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga on an unprecedented scale As the first light breaks on June 21, Visakhapatnam's stunning shoreline will transform into a massive open-air yoga stage, stretching over 29 kilometres from Dolphin's Nose to Bhogapuram. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu leading from the front, the city is preparing to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on an unprecedented scale. The buzz is unmistakable. Hoardings and banners across Visakhapatnam invite citizens to join 'Yogandhra", Andhra Pradesh's own branding of the Yoga Day celebration. This year's theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health", focuses on the connection between personal wellness and holistic planetary health. The coastal route from RK Beach to Bhogapuram is expected to draw an estimated 5.5 lakh participants. From children to senior citizens, from first-timers to dedicated practitioners, all will perform synchronised yoga postures in a coordinated show of unity and wellness. The event is rooted in the ancient Indian ethos—'Sarve Santu Niramaya"—a timeless call for health and freedom from disease for all. According to details accessed by News18, Prime Minister Modi is expected to address the gathering from a dais set up near the Kalimata temple, initially facing north. Once his address concludes, he will turn south to begin the yoga session. Joining him will be CM Naidu, deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, union AYUSH minister Prataprao Jadhav, and other dignitaries in what is shaping up to be a historic moment for Andhra Pradesh. PM Modi has, since 2015, led International Day of Yoga celebrations from symbolic locations—New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mysuru, Srinagar, and even the UN Headquarters in New York. This year, it's Visakhapatnam that takes centre stage. At the heart of the celebration is the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), a 45-minute guided yoga session crafted by the AYUSH ministry to bring structure and consistency to public yoga events. The session will begin promptly at 6.30 am and run until 7.25 am, covering the full 29-kilometre stretch. It starts with a minute-long prayer, followed by six minutes of preparatory loosening exercises. The central 25-minute yogasana segment will feature key postures like Tadasana, Bhadrasana, Vajrasana, Bhujangasana, and will conclude with Savasana for relaxation. The final 12 minutes are reserved for kriyas, pranayama, meditation, and a shared sankalp or vow—for collective peace and health. In one of the most striking lead-up events, 25,000 tribal students from the Alluri Sitarama Raju District gathered at the Andhra University Engineering Grounds to perform the Surya Namaskar in perfect sync—an attempt aimed at breaking a world record. Speaking to News18, 10-year-old Kondamma, one of the participants and a tribal student, shared her excitement: 'I am thrilled to be part of this yoga record-breaking event. I have been practising since August last year. I'm really happy." Another student, Bhagyashree, said, 'I've been waiting for this day. Our school trained us well. I'm excited the Prime Minister is here and we're part of this once-in-a-lifetime event." The scale of the celebration is unmatched. Organisers aim to set 22 world records in a single day—from the largest number of tribal children performing Surya Namaskar, to the longest contiguous stretch of yoga participants, and a statewide synchronised yoga demonstration involving all 5.5 crore residents of Andhra Pradesh. Orchestrating such a massive event involves a formidable logistical effort. The ministry of AYUSH, Visakhapatnam district administration, department of sports, and Andhra University's yoga department are working closely to coordinate operations. Public safety and emergency readiness are top priorities. State authorities confirmed that medical aid stations have been placed every kilometre, supported by 200 ambulances, over 2,000 CCTV cameras, and more than 1,000 police personnel to manage the crowd and ensure smooth execution. As the sun rises over the Bay of Bengal on June 21, Visakhapatnam will not only aim for record books but will also send a powerful message to the world—of collective well-being, unity, and the healing strength of yoga. First Published:
