14-year-old Italian chef’s son seriously injured in knife attack at Istanbul flea market

In a shocking incident at the Kadikoy district flea market in Istanbul, 14-year-old Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi, a student at a private Italian high school, was stabbed five times by an assailant who had verbally harassed him. The son of renowned Italian chef Andrea Minguzzi and cellist Yasemin Akincilar is now in intensive care.

Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi, who lives with his family in Beyoglu district, went to Kadikoy’s “Tuesday Market” (Sali Pazari) with two friends on Friday, Jan. 24, to buy skateboarding equipment. The market, which operates twice a week, is a popular spot for bargain hunters.

The attack

While the three friends were shopping, a person allegedly bumped into Minguzzi and made a provocative comment, saying, “You’re very handsome.” Minguzzi responded politely, saying, “Excuse me, brother.”

The suspect walked away only to return moments later with a knife, shouting, “How am I your brother?” before launching a violent attack.

The assailant, identified as B.B. (15), stabbed Minguzzi five times, leaving him critically injured. Another suspect, U.B. (16), kicked the boy as he lay bleeding on the ground.

The entire incident was captured on the market’s security cameras. Despite attempts by bystanders to intervene, the two attackers fled the scene quickly.

Fighting for his life

A female doctor who witnessed the attack immediately provided first aid, performing CPR. Thanks to her quick intervention, Minguzzi survived long enough to be rushed to Goztepe City Hospital by ambulance.

Minguzzi was admitted to the intensive care unit and underwent surgery. He received nine units of blood due to the severity of his injuries.

The knife wounds damaged his lungs, kidneys, heart, and other internal organs remaining severely affected. His condition remains critical.

Suspects arrests

The Istanbul Police Department’s Homicide Bureau and Kadikoy Police Station swiftly apprehended the two suspects.

It was revealed that B.B., the primary attacker, had one prior criminal record, while U.B. had two. Both were handed over to the Juvenile Police Department and subsequently arrested.

Italian authorities have also been in contact with the family and Turkish police to gather information about the case.

Grandmother’s appeal for help

Minguzzi’s grandmother, Aynur Akincilar, took to social media to appeal for assistance from Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu. Expressing her shock and grief, she described her grandson as a bright and kind child who had recently returned to Istanbul after spending a year in Malta.

“He was a brilliant boy who would never harm anyone. He is a dual citizen who speaks three languages. We are grateful to those who helped him, and we ask for everyone’s prayers,” she said.

‘A horrific incident’

Parents Andrea Minguzzi and Yasemin Akincilar rushed to the hospital upon hearing of the attack. Andrea Minguzzi shared his anguish, saying, “He had asked his mother for money and permission to go out. They wanted to buy skateboard parts and clothing. At the flea market, imported items sell out early, so they went in the morning. This is a horrific incident. His internal organs are not in good condition, but we remain hopeful. Unfortunately, there’s little we can do. The doctors are taking excellent care of him. We are in their hands and in the hands of prayers.”

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about safety in public spaces.