• 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.

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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.”

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