13.06.2026 15:10
The debate over artists who refuse to allow Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, reinstated to his CHP post by an absolute nullity decision, and his administration to use their works is escalating. The Turkish Artists Union, in a published statement, reacted to the artists' stance, stating "Art cannot be a shield against decay," and posed questions specifically drawing attention to Selda Bağcan.
Many artists reacted to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was reinstated as the chairman of the CHP by a decision of absolute nullity, by not allowing the use of their works. Artists such as Zülfü Livaneli, Selda Bağcan, Sabahat Akkiraz, Onur Akın, and Suavi banned Kılıçdaroğlu and his administration from using their songs. The Turkey Artists Union responded to this ban decision by the artists.
"ART CANNOT BE A SHIELD AGAINST DECAY"
In a written statement titled "Art Cannot Be a Shield Against Decay" issued by TSB, the following expressions were used: "We regretfully observe that our artists, who present withholding their works from a political understanding as a 'democratic stance,' are turning a blind eye to the deep bribery and decay within the other understanding they support."
"WILL YOU SHELVE THE 'BOOS' JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE ON YOUR OPPOSITION FRONT?"
Furthermore, regarding Selda Bağcan's song "Yuh Yuh," which was specifically mentioned in the statement, it was said: "Will you shelve the 'boos' for those who 'consider bribery as right' and those who bargain behind closed doors, just because they are on your 'opposition' front? Will you be able to continue voicing Mahzuni's noble rebellion over those who squander the people's hopes for their own interests and Western-centric scenarios?"
"WHAT MAKES US THINK IS THE INVISIBLE DISPLACEMENT BEHIND THIS ATTITUDE"
The full statement is as follows:
"In recent days, we have been closely observing the stances taken by valuable artists such as Zülfü Livaneli, Selda Bağcan, Sabahat Akkiraz, and Onur Akın in the context of leadership changes within the CHP and the 'absolute nullity' debates. Of course, every artist has a say in where and by whom their work is used. However, what truly concerns us is the invisible displacement behind this attitude and the departure from art's primary duty.
"THE ARTIST IS THE UNWAVERING ADVOCATE OF TRUTH"
The artist is the witness of their era, the conscience of society, and the unwavering advocate of truth. True art rejects being swayed by popular trends or the anxiety of not losing the applause of a particular audience. Today, we see how the reflex of being 'oppositional' leads intellectuals into a blinding partisanship, and more painfully, how it unknowingly becomes a shield for deep-seated corruption.
"THEY ARE TURNING A BLIND EYE TO THE DEEP BRIBERY AND DECAY MORASS"
We regretfully observe that our artists, who present withholding their works from a political understanding as a 'democratic stance,' are turning a blind eye to the deep bribery and decay morass within the other understanding they support.
With our deepest respect for Selda Bağcan, who for years breathed life into these verses in squares before millions and shouted 'Boo boo' against injustice and plunder, we ask:
Will you shelve the 'boos' for those 'who consider bribery as right' and those who bargain behind closed doors, just because they are on your 'opposition' front? Will you be able to continue voicing Mahzuni's noble rebellion over those who squander the people's hopes for their own interests and Western-centric scenarios?
As the Turkey Artists Union, we expect you to show the same sensitivity you display when deciding who can use your works, in protecting the concepts of 'independence, honor, and honesty' that form the spirit of those works."