System critique from Ajda Pekkan! 'This is a Schindler’s List mentality!'

While reacting to the rounding up of wild donkeys in Datça, Ajda Pekkan criticized the system through the lens of animal rights with her 'Schindler’s List' reference.

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System critique from Ajda Pekkan! 'This is a Schindler’s List mentality!'

The superstar of Turkish music, Ajda Pekkan, has reacted sharply to the rounding up of wild donkeys living freely in Datça on the grounds that they cause traffic accidents. However, Pekkan's statements went beyond a direct defense of animal rights, pointing to a broader critique of the system.

Speaking to journalist Olcay Ünal Sert, Ajda Pekkan emphasized the sanctity of the right to life for animals, while her support for these practices with expressions that could be perceived as a critique of the order drew attention:

"DO NOT HINDER THE RIGHT TO LIFE!"

"They are causing the deaths of these animals in Datça. Cats and dogs are finished, is it the donkeys' turn now? What harm are they doing? They say they go out on the road; take your own precautions. Do not blame your own faults on the animals! At this rate, we will all go crazy together. There is no such thing. You are destroying all living things. Afterwards, it will be our turn. This is a complete 'Schindler’s List' mentality! The right to life is sacred for all living beings!"

Pekkan's "Afterwards, it will be our turn" and 'Schindler’s List' reference led to comments that the debate conducted over animals could also be addressed in the context of human rights and freedoms.

REACTIONS ARE GROWING LIKE AN AVALANCHE

An online petition has been launched against the practice initiated for the wild donkeys collected from nature under the instruction of the Muğla Governorship. The campaign, published on Change.org on June 19, 2025, stated that this decision must be stopped immediately.

Singer Seren Serengil, in a post on her social media account, drew attention to the situation of the collected animals and announced that she would adopt at least two or three donkeys.

WHAT DOES THE 'SCHINDLER’S LIST' REFERENCE MEAN?

The 'Schindler’s List' mentioned in Ajda Pekkan's statement covers the oppression and massacres experienced in Nazi Germany. This reference by Pekkan was interpreted as a historical critique against practices that limit or destroy the right to life of individuals and living beings.