Skip to main content

Pro-Erdogan artists, writers stir controversy in Turkey

Unconditional support for Erdogan from writers, musicians and movie stars animates angry debates that deepen social discord in an already deeply divided Turkey.
Turkish classical pianist Fazil Say performs during a concert in Ankara October 14, 2010. Internationally acclaimed Turkish classical pianist Fazil Say goes on trial on charges of insulting Muslim religious values in comments he posted on Twitter. REUTERS/Stringer (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST SOCIETY) - RTR399ZY

As a country with deep religious, sectarian, ethnic and ideological fault lines, social cohesion has been elusive for Turkey in the best of times. Matters, however, appear to be getting worse under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s divisive leadership. Artists and writers have also been dragged into the center of the storm, contributing to further social discord.

Al-Monitor has covered the case of Turkey’s world renowned pianist Fazil Say, who’s been hounded over his anti-Islamism stand and opposition of Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to the brink of abandoning Turkey.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.