Shopkeeper beaten with kicks and punches after trying to break up fight in Mecidiyeköy

A street dispute in Istanbul's Mecidiyeköy neighborhood quickly devolved into a violent physical confrontation yesterday afternoon. The incident began with a verbal argument between municipal police officers, known as 'zabitas,' and street vendors. As tensions flared, a local shopkeeper attempted to mediate the situation, only to be drawn into the fray himself. The situation rapidly escalated into a full-blown fight, with the street vendors reportedly resorting to punches and kicks against the shopkeeper. Bystanders attempted to de-escalate the conflict, urging the participants to calm down. Following the assault, the street vendors dispersed from the area. The injured shopkeeper, having sustained injuries from the attack, made his way to a hospital and is expected to file a formal complaint with the police afterward. The entire altercation was captured on mobile phone cameras by onlookers, providing clear visual evidence of the violence that unfolded.