Turkey Archives

Infuriating: Turkish Involvement in the Debate Over Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

December 5, 2025December 5, 2025 by Oscar Diefenthal Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 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...

Shocking News: Turkish Eurovision Star Hadise Arrested in Istanbul

October 10, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2009 representative was detained in Istanbul in a high-profile anti-drug operation. Is Turkey planning to return to Eurovision? Full report inside. The Turkish police carried out a special operation this week that led to the arrest of dozens of Turkish celebrities, including singers, actors, and bloggers, as part of a broad campaign against illegal drug use. Among the detainees is a former representative who competed in the Eurovision Song Contest and achieved significant success. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The beloved Turkish singer Hadise was arrested this week by Istanbul police because she allegedly supported and promoted the use of prohibited drugs. The popular singer was taken into custody at her home in the city of Şişli. The authorities plan to conduct blood tests on the Turkish celebrities, including Hadise, to determine whether they have used narcotics. They are expected to be released to their homes after the blood tests are completed in...

“We Missed a Huge Opportunity”: Will MaNga Return to the Contest?

August 14, 2025 by Shahar Asido Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The band MaNga, a former Turkish Eurovision representative, revealed in an interview that they are considering a comeback. Is Turkey set to return after 13 years of absence? Members of the band MaNga, who represented Turkey at Eurovision 2010, stated in an interview that if Turkey decides to return in the future, they would consider taking part; even if not, they believe the country must return to the contest. "Turkey definitely needs to participate. We feel we missed a huge opportunity there. In terms of cultural exchange, it's a very important experience". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Return Driven by a Feeling of Missed Opportunity – or Abstention Due to Intensity? The band, who reached second place for Turkey at Eurovision 2010 with the song "We Could Be The Same" discussed their outstanding achievement and the highest placement by Turkey since its 2003 win in an interview with Hürriyet's YouTube channel: "After the singer Sertab Erener, we reached one...

Serhat is eager to represent Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest

August 13, 2025August 13, 2025 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Serhat who represented San Marino twice in the Eurovision Song Contest wants to return and compete for Turkey. Could Turkey rejoin the contest after 13 years of absence? The Turkish singer Serhat, who represented San Marino twice in Eurovision in 2016 and 2019, has expressed his interest in returning to the competition if Turkey will participate. In a statement from Bodrum, where he is currently vacationing, Serhat expressed his enthusiasm: "If Turkey participates in Eurovision again, I would be happy to represent it. I'm confident I will be successful". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Will Turkey Return to Eurovision? Serhat's announcement is significant for Eurovision fans, as Turkey's return has been a subject of international discussion for years. Another Turkish singer, Demet Akalın , has also declared her desire to represent Turkey at Eurovision. Despite the rising interest from artists and numerous fans, the broadcaster national, TRT, has yet to declare its intent to rejoin Eurovision, apparently due...

Turkey: Will It Return to Eurovision for the First Time Since Withdrawing in 2012?

August 1, 2025August 1, 2025 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Demet Akalın wants to represent the Republic of Türkiye at Eurovision — but she has conditions! What are the successful singer’s terms, and is there a chance Türkiye will come back to the contest? The Turkish singer Demet Akalın, who performed the hit "Yerinde Dur" ("Standing Still") with Sefu, announced in an interview that she is open to participating in the Eurovision Song Contest if Turkey returns to the competition, on the condition that the song is in Turkish. Akalın’s latest hit topped all Turkish charts, reached fifth place on the global trending YouTube videos list, and garnered more than 91 million views on YouTube within just one month. The announcement of her willingness to represent the Republic of Türkiye comes after more than a decade in which the country has not taken part in the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Fans on Edge — Will Turkey Return? Demet Akalın's statement raises questions about the future of...

Turkey’s Eurovision Winner: “I’m Ashamed of Israel’s Participation in Eurovision”

August 23, 2024October 25, 2024 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sertab Erener, Turkey's Eurovision 2003 winner, was filmed in behind-the-scenes videos of Eurovision 2024, in which she reacts harshly to Israel's participation in the competition. More than three months after the Eurovision 2024 finale, a new controversy has emerged involving Sertab Erener, Turkey's 2003 Eurovision champion. Erener, known for her winning performance of "Everyway That I Can," made a guest appearance at the 2024 contest. In recent days, backstage footage from Eurovision 2024 shows Erener expressing disapproval of Israel's participation. In the videos, she allegedly reacts negatively to the Israeli song and suggests that Israel shouldn't be part of the competition. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The first video that has been circulating online in recent days was recorded during the second semi-final of Eurovision 2024, where Sertab performed alongside past winners Elena Paparizou and Charlotte Perelli. In the video, Sertab is seen preparing for her performance backstage and reacting dismissively to the context of Eden Golan's song after...