In a significant move that has stirred controversy, TRT (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation) has removed actress Aybüke Pusat from the cast of its popular series, 'Teşkilat'. This decision comes after Pusat publicly supported a nationwide boycott called for April 2, 2025, which aimed to protest against the government’s economic policies.
TRT General Manager Zahid Sobacı announced the decision via his X account, stating, "Individuals involved in TRT projects must adhere to public broadcasting principles." He emphasized that it is unacceptable for those working on TRT projects to participate in political campaigns that aim to polarize society and target the nation's economy. Sobacı's statement further clarified that involvement in a boycott call contradicts the core values of TRT.
Pusat, who plays the character Neslihan Erdemsoy in 'Teşkilat', shared a post on her Instagram account urging followers to join the boycott, stating, "Economic Boycott: We are not buying on April 2. We are using our economic power, taking a one-day break from consumption after the holiday." However, she deleted the post shortly after it was published, likely in response to the backlash that followed.
The 'Teşkilat' series, which began airing on March 7, 2021, follows a special team working within the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and showcases their personal and professional lives. Pusat's character, Neslihan, is depicted as a high-level diplomat who navigates complex challenges, making her role pivotal in the series.
Following the announcement of Pusat's removal, the controversy escalated, drawing reactions from various public figures and political leaders. Cem Yılmaz, a well-known comedian, responded to Sobacı’s statement, questioning whether individuals could freely express their political views while working on TRT productions. He remarked, "Wasn't TRT our state channel?" Yılmaz criticized TRT for not maintaining neutrality and suggested that they should not penalize artists for expressing their opinions.
Political leaders also voiced their support for Pusat. Özgür Özel, the leader of the CHP (Republican People's Party), stated, "We will make Aybüke break records wherever she plays. We will support whichever series she plays in." He condemned the actions taken against Pusat, framing it as an attack on artistic expression.
Moreover, the Memleket Party leader, Muharrem İnce, expressed that such a reaction from TRT was expected, referring to it as a predictable outcome from a state institution. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among those who see Pusat’s removal as an infringement on freedom of expression.
In a related development, TRT also removed the series 'Rumi', written by screenwriter Ali Aydın, who supported Pusat's call for the boycott. Sobacı stated that Aydın's project, which focuses on the life of the famous Persian poet Mevlana, was also taken down due to its association with the boycott. He asserted that TRT would not allow itself to be pressured by those who engage in political campaigns targeting the economy.
Aydın responded to the removal of his series by highlighting that he had begun writing 'Rumi' before Sobacı's tenure and criticized the management for their lack of vision. He accused the TRT leadership of trying to suppress artistic expression and labeled their actions as a form of censorship.
The protests and boycott calls were sparked by the recent detention and arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul, which has led to widespread discontent among various segments of the population. Many businesses, including cafes and shops, declared their support for the boycott by closing on April 2, echoing the calls made by opposition leaders.
In response to the boycott, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into those who called for it, citing potential charges of inciting hatred and discrimination. This legal action has further fueled the debate surrounding freedom of expression and the role of state media in Turkey.
The Actors' Union has also expressed its solidarity with Pusat, stating, "Art labor finds meaning with freedom of expression. No actor should be fired for expressing their opinion." This statement underscores the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and political pressures in Turkey.
As the situation develops, the implications of TRT's actions on the broader landscape of Turkish media and artistic expression remain to be seen. The removal of Aybüke Pusat from 'Teşkilat' not only highlights the challenges faced by artists in politically charged environments but also raises questions about the future of public broadcasting in Turkey.
