21.04.2026 06:20
Mehmet Emin Ekmen, Deputy Chairman of the DEVA Party, brought attention to the difficulties faced by Kurdish musician Mem Ararat in finding a stage in Istanbul. Ekmen noted that Ararat, who can perform in many cities across Europe, has been unable to secure a date for the Harbiye Open-Air Stage for a year. He called on the authorities to remove any obstacles, if there are any, and to ensure that the artist can connect with his audience.
DEVA Party Deputy Chairman Mehmet Emin Ekmen made striking statements regarding the stage issues faced by Kurdish music artist Mem Ararat through a statement on his social media account. Ekmen noted that Ararat, who has a wide audience internationally, is experiencing difficulties in renting public venues in Turkey.
“THERE ARE STAGES IN EUROPE, BUT NOT IN TURKEY”
Ekmen expressed that Mem Ararat can easily perform in private or public venues in many cities such as Berlin, Paris, Vienna, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, and London. However, he emphasized that he cannot access the same opportunities in Turkey, stating that the artist faces serious obstacles, especially in public venues.
HARBIYE OPEN-AIR STAGE DISPUTE
The post included information that Mem Ararat has been trying to hold a concert at the Harbiye Open-Air Stage for a year but has not yet received a date. Ekmen noted that the artist reacted to this situation and called on Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, and the CHP administration.
Ekmen expressed that the relevant institutions might not be aware of this situation, stating that the issue faced by the artist should be brought to the public's attention.
CALL FOR “OBSTACLES TO BE REMOVED”
Ekmen pointed out that there are obstacles preventing him from performing at the Harbiye Open-Air Stage, emphasizing that these obstacles need to be removed. He stated that it is necessary for the artist to meet with his audience in Istanbul as soon as possible.
Recalling that artists who perform Kurdish music, such as Aynur and Mikail Aslan, have faced similar issues in the past, Ekmen expressed that Mem Ararat's ongoing process should also be evaluated within this context.