Reactions to the Berlin-based Mehmet Sasmaz – a/k/a “Zadiel” – have run a wide gamut: consternation from his Turkish immigrant parents, enthusiasm from European audiences, “culture shock for Turkish men from small villages”, admiration from students who flock to work with him. As for his devotion to what most people see as a feminine art form: “my audience may not realize it but what I am doing is extremely traditional.”