Turkey’s regulatory authority for radio and television, RTUK, has issued a two-week broadcasting ban on the widely-watched television series “Kizil Goncalar” (Crimson Buds). This is due to its alleged violation of “society’s national and spiritual values.”
The decision, announced by RTUK board member Ilhan Tasci, also includes a 3% administrative fine on Fox TV, the broadcaster owned by Walt Disney Co. unit Fox Networks Group.
“Kizil Goncalar,” which explores the divisions between religious and secular segments of Turkish society, faced immediate criticism for allegedly going against societal norms after its debut on December 18.
Despite initially topping ratings lists and amassing over 10 million views on YouTube for its first two episodes, the show drew the attention of RTUK, which has a history of penalizing programs for perceived violations of moral values and societal norms, including LGBTQ+ rights.
Faruk Turgut, the series producer, defended the show as a reflection of Turkey’s sociological reality, depicting the clash between secular and religious factions. Turgut stated, “I am trying to hold a mirror on the realities of Turkish society. The realities must be discussed; we cannot progress by ignoring them.”
RTUK Chairman Ebubekir Sahin, a member of President Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling AK Party, mentioned that outraged viewers demanded the show’s cancellation. Posters of the series in Istanbul were reportedly vandalized, and pro-government media accused it of being Islamophobic, leading to the cancellation of filming venue permits for future episodes.
The Ismailaga Brotherhood, a significant religious sect in Turkey, strongly criticized the series, stating, “Productions in today’s media that target our religion and devout individuals… are absolutely unacceptable.” Ilhan Tasci, the RTUK board member representing the main opposition, accused RTUK of yielding to cults and sects.
