Comments made by actor Haluk Bilginer in an interview about cinema have become a subject of public debate. Bilginer stated that he does not find the term "Turkish cinema" accurate and suggested using the expression "Turkey cinema" instead.
In his interview, Bilginer remarked on the subject, saying, "Shall we call it Turkey cinema? Turkish cinema doesn't feel right to me." Bilginer's words drew backlash on social media.
It was also brought up that in another speech, Haluk Bilginer used the terms "British, French, and Russian cinema" when referring to the cinemas of different countries.
Journalist Mehmet Çek reacted to Bilginer's statement on his social media account. Çek argued that the term "Turkey cinema" is artificial and stated that he supports the use of the definition "Turkish cinema."
Turkey cinema is just as unpleasant and artificial an expression as the word 'Türkiyeli'. It is a fake, fragmented expression; it is not Turkey cinema or 'Türkiyeli', or the peoples of Turkey, but the unified Turkish nation. Therefore, Turkish cinema!
— Mehmet Çek (@mehmetcek06) November 9, 2026
"Turkey cinema is just as unpleasant and artificial an expression as the word 'Türkiyeli'. It is a fake, fragmented expression; it is not Turkey cinema or 'Türkiyeli', or the peoples of Turkey, but the unified Turkish nation. Therefore, Turkish cinema!"
News Source: 12punto
