Once again, we discuss a Turkey return! Rumors have been floating about Turkey’s return to Eurovision. However, this time it is reported that Turkish broadcaster TRT have resumed talks with the EBU in relation to Eurovision. During an interview with a Turkish newspaper Milliyet, TRT director Ibrahim Eren has given some sort of brand new hope to talk about in the Eurovision fandom, affirming that talks with the EBU regarding the contest have resumed once again.
A well devoted journalist, Ali Eyüboğlu, presented the question to Eren during a discussion on TRT’s future decisions. The journalist asked Eren why the broadcaster were against participating in the contest and whether there was any update to the situation. The director of TRT replied:
“Regarding Eurovision, TRT made the decision a while ago. They said, that ‘without a change in the voting system, Turkey would not participate again’. The Board of Directors are still behind this decision however we are talking with the EBU again. They have a new, very good Executive Supervisor from North Europe.”
Eren then recognised and praised the organisers of this year’s contest and unlike on previous occasions, he immediately didn’t upset us with a simple ‘No’ decision for a possible Turkey return. He in fact claimed:
“I think this year Eurovision was really successful. After many years they did a very good show. Our colleagues started talks with the new Executive Supervisor. I don’t know what will happen.”
As it is obvious that Eurovision is not TRT’s main priority, it’s evident that communications between the broadcaster and the EBU are much more positive now than before on several reports. As in past reports, Turkey allegedly decided to leave the contest due to LGBT-phobia by criticising Conchita Wurst (Winner of the 2014 Contest), and have mentioned how the voting system does not work in their favour, which was their ultimate reason for not participating, and that they will return only if the voting system improves.
Now that they have praised this year’s voting system and Martin Österdahl in particular who is the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, it only goes to tease a possible Turkey return in our minds. Who knows, maybe Österdahl can help sway TRT’s mind and secure a Turkish participation in the 66th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest?
Turkey last participated at ESC in 2012 with Can Bonomo where they finished 7thplace in the grand final with “Love Me Back”. In other years, Turkey still had phenomenal results with 3 performances finishing in fourth place, a second place in 2010 and a big win with Sertab Erener back in 2003.
Are you excited for a possible Turkish return? Which other countries are you waiting to confirm their participation? Let us know in the comments below!
