• Adem Ocaktan received a brutal beating at his workplace
• The reason for the assault is unknown but he is undergoing divorce from his wife

A Turkish artist specializing in puppet shows was brutally beaten by his wife and her family, which drew widespread sympathy as he appeared unable to defend himself

Adem Ocaktan became well-known in Turkey for his deep connection to the world of puppets, which he makes himself and performs with in dance shows at various events, whether in the streets or on television

His wife, accompanied by her father and brother, attacked him at his workplace in the city of Kayseri in central Turkey while he was preparing for a new show

Surveillance cameras at the location captured the moments of the attack with sticks and punches on the artist, his brother, and his son from his previous wife, before the attackers left

The video circulated widely on social media in Turkey, generating sympathy for “Geppetto,” the nickname by which Ocaktan is known among his fans. He derived it from the character of the same name in the famous cartoon series “Pinocchio” or “Majid” in the Arabic version

He received further sympathy after appearing on Turkish media to recount what happened, showing a severe injury to one of his eyes, while his brother suffered more serious head injuries

The motive behind the assault has not yet been revealed, but Adem Ocaktan is separated from his wife and is currently in the process of ending their marriage

Ocaktan had worked in car repair before deciding to follow his childhood passion, starting to create artistic puppets and perform shows that brought him fame