Turkish music sector in hot water due to pandemic, arbitrary restrictions
The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on Turkey's music industry that is already experiencing tough times due to a ban on alcohol advertising that has prevented companies from sponsoring events and festivals with their brand names.
The Turkish government’s arguably arbitrary coronavirus restrictions have wreaked havoc on the livelihoods of musicians and other artists. Nearly a hundred musicians have reportedly committed suicide and hundreds more have been forced to make drastic career changes in the past few months.
Last month, main opposition Republican People's Party deputy Gamze Tascier said that nearly 100 Turkish musicians have committed suicide since the coronavirus pandemic hit Turkey in March, based on information she received from musician's labor unions.
Tascier blasted the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government for imposing restrictions that have included the closure of bars, nightclubs and venues, and the cancellation of open-air concerts, while allowing AKP gatherings and huge weddings thrown by ruling party deputies to take place.
“There are musicians trying to bring home bread by selling their instruments. They don't know what they will do after the pandemic. As these people don't have insurance, they have no security whatsoever,” Tascier said in her statement.
