Turkey at Eurovision? Don’t Hold Your Breath
Hopes rise with MaNga’s call
The legendary Turkish band MaNga, who in 2010 brought their country a second-place finish at Eurovision with the explosive We Could Be the Same, have spoken openly about how important they believe it is for Turkey to return to the contest.
“Turkey must definitely compete again.”
With this statement, they stressed that Eurovision is not only a music competition but also a celebration of cultural exchange in which Turkey has left a strong mark. Formed in 2001, MaNga is known for their distinctive blend of rock, rap, and alternative sounds, which made them stand out in the Turkish music scene. At Eurovision 2010 in Oslo, they delivered one of the most spectacular live performances of the year — with dynamic stage presence, striking visuals, and a rendition that won over both the audience and the juries, earning 170 points and second place behind Germany’s Lena. Their participation is still regarded as one of the most successful in the contest’s history.
Their words have reignited fan hopes, with several specialised blogs speculating about a 2026 comeback. Yet, as nostalgic as the idea is, reality is less glitter and more grit.
Erdogan’s cultural veto
In recent years, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has accused Eurovision of “destroying traditional family values” and promoting “social corruption” — a thinly veiled attack on the contest’s visible LGBT+ presence. State broadcaster TRT has echoed similar concerns, famously bristling over Conchita Wurst’s 2014 victory. In short, unless the EBU makes a sudden, wildly unlikely U-turn towards homophobia, Turkey’s return is politically improbable.
Money matters — and Turkey’s wallet is thin
Eurovision isn’t free. Each country pays an entry fee and funds staging, travel, and delegation staff. Turkey’s inflation crisis and long-standing economic instability make those costs harder to swallow without debt. With the lira in free fall, even MaNga’s pyrotechnics might be downgraded to sparklers.
Diplomatic baggage
Relations with Cyprus remain frosty over the Turkish-occupied north, officially recognised only by Ankara. The issue has drawn ethnic cleansing accusations from Cypriot groups, and any escalation could push Turkey into the same diplomatic penalty box as Russia. Historical tensions with Greece — an ally of Cyprus — only add to the chilly reception they might get on the Eurovision stage.
The Palestine factor
Erdoğan’s outspoken support for Palestine may play well domestically, but joining a contest where Israel participates could damage Turkey’s image among its pro-Palestine base — particularly given Turkey’s own unresolved territorial disputes.
For Turkey to return, it would take:
- A political climate shift towards inclusion.
- Economic recovery to fund participation.
- Mended diplomatic relations with key Eurovision nations.
Until then, those 2026 comeback dreams will remain just that — dreams.
