Tomorrow marks the start of Sonisphere, a three-day metalfest in Istanbul that will bring together for the first time the "big four:" Metallica, Slayer, Megadeath and Anthrax. The powerpacked bill also includes German shock rockers Rammstein and a host of other big names. Needless to say, music lovers from across the region are rejoicing, with Iranian metalheads already arriving in Istanbul.

Another example of Turkey's ability to straddle different worlds? Not for the folks over at the Islamist Vakit newspaper, who are having none of this musical bridge between east and west business. In an article published yesterday (here -- in Turkish and with a graphic photo from a Rammstein concert), the paper exposed Sonisphere for what it really is: a Mossad plot to mock Turkey.

From the Hurriyet Daily News's account of the story: 

Turkish daily Vakit yesterday harshly criticized the
festival and called for officials to cancel it. Defining the festival as
“disgrace,” Vakit reported that Akbank, affiliated with Sabancı Holding,
sponsored the festival, which is being organized by an Israeli company and will
host Europe’s most scandalous music band, Rammstein.

 According to Murat Alan’s story, while many festivals are
cancelled in the country in order to mourn martyrs who died because of
terrorist events, the Sonisphere Festival will poison young Turkish people for
three days.

 “The most striking name of the festival is a band named
Rammstein, whose pornographic music videos are banned in many countries. The
videos of the band air after midnight in European Union countries since they
encourage violence, masochism, homosexuality and other perversities. The band
will be on stage Friday at the İnönü Stadium. Also, there is no age limit for
concerts and a ban on alcohol.”

 The festival was organized by Israeli company Purple
Concerts and the security will be provided by ICTS company, established by
Israeli Mossad agents, according to the story. “This means to make fun of our
citizens who lost their lives at the hands of the Israeli government as they
carried humanitarian supplies to Gaza on the Mavi Marmara ship.”

 The story also criticized the company Sabancı Holding for
supporting the festival and claimed that the management of the holding did not
answer their call. “We are curious if Sabancı Holding will withdraw its support
from this organization, which makes fun of Turkey,” the story said.

Full article here.

The "Israeli company" in question is Purple Concerts, a big concert promoter based in Germany and run by two Israelis. The company recently brought to Turkey unwitting Mossad stooges such as Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood and the members of the "WrestleMania Revenge Tour."