They supported İmamoğlu: Concert ban on artists 'blacklisted' by the Ministry reaches Parliament

Some artists who wanted to perform concerts in ancient city theaters this year have been blacklisted by the ministry on the grounds that they supported Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

Concert applications for names such as Yalın, Sertab Erener, Melek Mosso, Melike Şahin, Mabel Matiz, and Cem Adrian were rejected. While this situation has caused a major stir in public opinion and the art world, the ministry has not yet issued an official statement.

PRESSURE ON ARTISTS

Bringing the issue to the agenda of the TBMM, CHP Deputy Chairman Ulaş Karasu criticized the AKP government's attitude toward artists, stating, "This government perceives every criticism as hostility and targets it. These bans on artists are a clear declaration of censorship." Karasu stated that the government's pressure on art and culture would continue, adding, "They will not be able to silence our artists."

Directing questions to Minister of Culture Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Karasu questioned whether the ministry has a decision-making commission regarding concert permits and what the criteria for this commission are. He also asked whether the artists' social media posts and opposition stances were influential in the ban decision. Karasu also expressed curiosity as to why the ministry has not made an official statement.

Emphasizing that art should be a universal platform, Karasu stated that it is unacceptable for ancient theaters to be associated with censorship and bans.

Karasu asked Minister of Culture Mehmet Nuri Ersoy the following questions in summary:

“Is there a decision-making commission within your ministry regarding the realization of concerts? If a commission exists, what are the criteria that determine the commission's decision? Is the allegation true that for the year 2025, the social media posts and stage remarks of the aforementioned artists were reviewed, and that the 'rejection' decision was primarily influenced by the artists' opposition posts, their support for students arrested for participating in Ekrem İmamoğlu's and Saraçhane protests, and their support for LGBTI individuals? Are the allegations reflected in the press true that for 2025 concerts, your ministry provided written approval to artists that organization companies wanted to contract with, but effectively created obstacles? If true, what is the justification for this shameful situation? If not, what is the source and basis of these allegations? What is the reason why no official statement has been made by your ministry despite the news on the subject being reflected in the press and causing repercussions in public opinion and the art world? While historical and cultural venues such as ancient theaters are expected to be universal platforms for art, what is your ministry's view on these areas being associated with 'censorship', 'bans', etc., due to your ministry's attitude?”