International Turkey

"Cake Against Hate".. British child's initiative lands in Istanbul mosques

Autistic child 'Joshie Mann' will continue his pro-Muslim, anti-Islamophobia campaign by distributing cakes this time in Istanbul mosques for 10 days..

Behlül Çetinkaya, Muhammed Kılıç

July 17, 2026 • Update: July 17, 2026

GREATER LONDON

London / Anadolu

British autistic child Joshua Harris (Joshie Mann), 12, intends to continue his pro-Muslim, anti-Islamophobia campaign by distributing cakes this time in Istanbul mosques for 10 days.

Joshua and his father Dan Harris launched the initiative in Britain following a hate crime against Muslims carried out by a far-right extremist at a mosque in Peterborough last year, distributing cakes at mosques to express solidarity with Muslims.

In an interview with Anadolu at London's Gatwick Airport before their departure to Turkey, father Dan Harris said: 'Turkey constantly shows its love for Joshie Mann. We have almost the same number of followers in both Turkey and Britain.'

He explained that Turks have become one of the most supportive communities for their 'Don't Hate, Bake a Cake' campaign against anti-Muslim hatred in Britain.

He said their visit program in Istanbul runs from July 17 to 27 and includes tours of several major Istanbul mosques, where Joshua will distribute cakes to worshippers and visitors.

Harris noted that the Istanbul Mufti's Office supports the campaign and mosque visits, and that dozens of Turkish volunteers have participated in organizing various aspects of the trip.

He added that about 100 Turkish volunteers contributed to arranging mosque visits, accommodation, transportation, and restaurants, saying this reflects the love and support his son receives in Turkey.

The campaign began in October 2025, when far-right extremist Alexander Hooper stormed a mosque in Peterborough and attacked worshippers and police.

Following the incident, Dan Harris and his son Joshua, who live near the mosque, decided to prepare and distribute cakes in solidarity with Muslims.

The 'Don't Hate, Bake a Cake' campaign has extended to other countries, with the father and son visiting more than 100 mosques across Britain as part of efforts to combat Islamophobia and promote coexistence.