Kites for Gaza: Türkiye Joins a Global Call for the Right to Childhood

Over the past two days, the skies above İzmir, Istanbul and Ankara have carried a message that is being echoed across the world: children have the right to play, dream and live without fear.

The events in Türkiye were organized by the #Filistin’e Özgürlük Platformu (Freedom for Palestine Platform) in response to an international call for kite-flying actions in solidarity with Palestinian children. İzmir’s gathering took place on 11 September at Gündoğdu Square, followed on 12 September by simultaneous events at Moda Sahili in Istanbul and Ahlatlıbel Picnic Area in Ankara.

The Turkish initiative coincided with Global Gaza Kite Weekend, 12–13 September 2026, an international mobilization promoted by Rising Dreams and #Kites4Palestine, inviting children, families and communities around the world to fill their skies with kites in solidarity with Gaza’s children. Campaign messages have centered on the idea that every child should have the freedom to play and dream.

Similar activities have been organized internationally, with events listed from Ottawa to Plymouth and Florence, demonstrating how a simple childhood activity can become a shared expression of solidarity across borders.

In Türkiye, the action carried particular symbolism following reports of Israeli restrictions and threats connected to kites flown from Gaza on security grounds. The Turkish people responded by addressing the cause with their own kites, transforming an ordinary symbol of childhood into a peaceful public expression of solidarity.