Pervin Chakar controversy: Özgür Özel explains, TRT deletes records

Ercan KÜÇÜK- 12punto.com.tr

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel’s photograph taken while kissing the hand of artist Pervin Chakar had sparked controversy. Evaluating the discussions, Özel stated that Chakar had also appeared on TRT, and subsequently, TRT deleted the recordings of the programs Chakar participated in.

Addressing the controversy surrounding Chakar's political views in an interview with Cumhuriyet, Özel said the following:

"While I was going there, Sezgin Tanrıkulu said, 'There is such a concert, she is a world-renowned soprano and Kurds are very happy that such a soprano is recognized worldwide. I highly recommend you watch it.' I said I could go. Then they told me that Pervin Buldan would also come. I said there was no problem with that. We went and sat in our own party protocols. We even drank tea together in the waiting room. When leaving, I also saw Pervin Hanım off. Then it was reported as 'They went to the concert with Pervin Buldan.' I mean, we didn't have a plan to go with Pervin Hanım, but I didn't feel any discomfort from this. I also watched Pervin Chakar and gave her flowers. I did that as a sign of interest and courtesy that should be shown to an artist. I have no regrets at all. Furthermore, some people are trying to manufacture something out of this. Pervin Hanım is one of the artists who appears most frequently on TRT Kurdi. For example, if Devlet Bey is uncomfortable with this, he should ask Tayyip Bey, 'Why does Pervin Hanım appear?' It is very clear that Pervin Hanım did not use those expressions for a Kurdish state in Turkey. Erdoğan also uses the term 'Iraqi Kurdistan' from time to time. I kissed her hand out of courtesy as an artist, as an artist whom Kurdish citizens are proud of, and as a successful artist abroad. I have no regrets about this either."

Chakar is not an artist unknown to TRT. When examining the posts made on Chakar's official social media accounts, it is seen that she was a guest on the 'Bizim Ora Türküleri' program on TRT Radio 4 on December 28, 2010. The broadcast was also aired live on TRT 4 and TRT Türkü. Later, on April 28, 2012, Chakar was a guest of Zeki Çağlar Namlı on the program titled 'Müziğin Diliyle' on TRT Türk. The announcement of the program was also shared on TRT Türk's Twitter account. The program was rebroadcast on TRT Müzik on October 10, 2020. Chakar's next TRT program was 'Bavulum Dolu Sanatla', which aired on TRT Voice of Turkey Radio on May 7, 2012.

Chakar is also featured on TRT's free music streaming application, TRT Dinle. When searching for Pervin Chakar's name in the application, the artist's profile appears. In the profile, Chakar's songs titled 'Hayran Jaro', 'Qani Vur Djan Im', 'Ninveh', and 'Biya Duri' can be played.

RECORDS DELETED

The recording of the 'Müziğin Diliyle' program, in which Pervin Chakar participated, does not appear on the YouTube channel of TRT, which is known for its historical archive. In fact, while all episodes are available on the program's page in the TRT Dinle application, it is observed that the 16th episode, in which Chakar participated, has been deleted.

News Source: Ercan Deniz Küçük