Turkey, absent from Eurovision for 13 years due to “value differences” and with a record of human rights violations, harshly attacked Israel after failing to block its participation in the 2026 contest.
Turkey withdrew from Eurovision in 2013 following a long process of transition from a secular republic to a state governed by strict Islamist ideology, citing “value differences”. These differences mainly relate to the contest’s cultural association with the LGBTQ+ community. Nevertheless, the Turkish national broadcaster, TRT, took an active role in a debate held yesterday in Geneva concerning Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision 2026. After Turkey’s position was rejected, TRT issued a harsh and aggressive verbal condemnation of Israel.
During the meeting, TRT emerged as one of Israel’s fiercest critics alongside Spain. The Turkish delegate, accompanied by Algeria’s representative often described as one of the most antisemitic countries globally walked out when Golan Yochpaz from the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation began to speak. Turkey also joined seven other countries demanding a secret vote against Israel, but this vote did not take place
Following the official decision to permit Israel’s participation, TRT released a strongly worded statement condemning Israel and its broadcaster:
“Like everyone in this hall, we, TRT, witness the persecution endured for decades and the genocide unfolding before the world’s eyes. Since the start of this ‘ceasefire,’ dozens of children have been killed, and humanitarian aid still fails to reach Gaza safely. Over 270 journalists have been killed by Israel. TRT’s stance is clear: the participation of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation in the contest is inappropriate and inconsistent with the competition’s values. Israel should not be permitted to take part.”
It is important to recognize that TRT functions as an instrument of the Turkish government under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, regularly disseminating anti-Israeli propaganda in multiple languages. The broadcaster is part of a broader propaganda network aligned with the pro-Iranian axis. Turkey has a long history of oppressing minorities, including Armenians, Kurds, and Pontic Greeks many nearly wiped out. The Ottoman Empire, predecessor of modern Turkey, was responsible for some of history’s worst genocides, leading to millions of deaths. More recently, Turkey invaded Cyprus and committed severe war crimes in Syria.
Considering this, the Turkish government and its broadcaster are among the least qualified entities to lecture on morality or ethics. If Turkey refuses Eurovision participation over “value differences”, it would be more fitting for both Turkey and Algeria to abstain from such discussions altogether.
Turkey’s Current Position and the Future of Eurovision Participation
TRT has not declared any official intent to return to Eurovision. This likely reflects Turkey’s Islamist government stance, which clashes with the contest’s liberal and inclusive values. Turkish policy, shaped by strong religious influences, emphasizes a national identity incompatible with Eurovision’s ethos of cultural and gender diversity and freedom of expression. Even if artists like Evrim Akın wish to compete, the final call rests with TRT, which aligns with government ideology.
Originally a European song contest, Eurovision has evolved into a multicultural event with widespread social significance. Turkey once actively participated, even winning the contest in 2003. A return could promote messages of diversity and cultural empowerment.
However, given Turkey’s current political climate, opposition to Israel’s participation, and stance against LGBTQ+ inclusion, its Eurovision comeback seems unlikely in the near future.
Turkey in Eurovision
Turkey withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 due to disagreements with some contest rules, such as the automatic final qualification of the Big Five countries (Italy, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Spain). Some sources indicate that the contest’s support for the LGBTQ+ community also influenced the decision of conservative Turkey to leave. The European Broadcasting Union has welcomed Turkey’s return several times. In January 2019, a surprising statement was released by the chairman of the Eurovision focus group suggesting that Turkey might be added to the Big Five countries.
Turkey’s last participation was in Eurovision 2012 with the song “Love Me Back,” performed by Can Bonomo, who placed seventh. Before its withdrawal, the Middle Eastern country was one of the major contestants with a dedicated viewership. In 2009, Eurovision achieved ratings of 58.54%, with tens of millions watching the contest.
Turkey has won Eurovision only once, in 2003, when singer Sertab Erener performed the song “Everyway That I Can.”
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A writer and content creator with a strong specialization in the Eurovision scene, particularly across Eastern Europe and post-Soviet countries. His work highlights the artistry, storytelling, and cultural variety that define the contest, offering readers a deeper look into both established performers and emerging voices.
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