The ‘cultural war’ in Turkey is heating up as a series of events are cancelled

Syed Veheb Hasan

3 years ago

AK Party-run cities and districts cancel events, leading critics to accuse gov’t of waging a ‘culture war’.
First widely publicised cancellation occurred on May 9 when governor of Eskisehir banned all outdoor events for 15 days.
Ban effectively cancelled a large festival featuring some of the country’s most popular singers.

Critics believe the government is launching a “cultural war”; ahead of elections by cancelling events in AK Party-run cities and districts. Turkey is in the midst of spring, which means a slew of performances; and outdoor festivals to compliment the wonderful weather.

A series of events organised by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) have been cancelled; prompting critics and observers to accuse the government of waging a “cultural war” in the run-up to next year’s general elections. The first publicly publicised cancellation happened on May 9; when the governor of the Central Anatolian province of Eskisehir declared a 15-day ban on all outdoor gatherings; citing “terrorist groups planning demonstrations.”