The opening of two neighbouring galleries in a gentrifying Istanbul district was attacked by a stick wielding mob, local residents reported on Wednesday.
The attack took place on Tuesday night, when more than 100 people gathered for the opening at the Non and Outlet galleries in Istanbul's Beyoglu neighborhood, DPA reported.
Some 30 men armed with sticks and stones attacked the galleries, smashing windows and spraying some of the people with pepper spray. Five people were injured in the attack and taken to local hospitals.
The attackers were apparently angered by the fact that some of the gallery visitors were drinking alcohol outside.
The galleries are located in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood where several other art spaces, including Istanbul's first museum of modern art, have opened up in recent years.