This is why the series "El Turco" was stopped

In a dramatic and unexpected move, the Turkish digital platform GAİN was rocked by a sudden decision: closing the chapter on the massive historical series "El Turco," starring beloved star Can Yaman. This shocking decision, which sparked widespread astonishment and dismay in artistic and media circles, did not come out of nowhere. Rather, it was sparked by a passing statement made by the series' star during a press interview conducted abroad.

Yaman is hit by criticism, and Italy ignites the crisis. As Can Yaman continued his artistic journey in Italy, he found himself at the center of a storm of criticism he hadn't expected. When asked a simple question about his preference between his native Turkey and his current country, Italy, his decisive answer, "Italy," sparked outrage in the hearts of many Turks. This statement, which some considered an insult to their homeland and heritage, quickly became a public opinion issue on social media, with people demanding a decisive response.

GAIN responds to the "sensitivity of the people"... and "El Turco" pays the price GAİN was quick to announce its position, issuing an official statement announcing the withdrawal of the series "El Turco" from its digital library. The platform attributed its decision to its "deep respect for the sensitivities and concerns of the Turkish people." The statement emphasized that it welcomes all opinions and criticisms with open arms, and that the feelings of the audience are of utmost importance to it. This affirmation reflects the platform's commitment to maintaining a close and valued relationship with its audience.

From "Pride of History" to "Insult to Memory"... A Shift in Public Perspective GAİN explained that the series "El Turco" was an ambitious project aimed at highlighting an inspiring period in Turkish history, highlighting the power of the Ottoman Empire and its cultural influence in Europe. However, the platform regretfully noted a radical shift in the public's perception of the work, with some now associated with its hero's statements, which they considered offensive to Turkish history and values. This shift in public opinion prompted the platform to make this difficult decision.

A painful end to an ambitious story... and GAIN rearranges its priorities. GAİN concluded its statement by emphasizing that the decision to remove the series stems from its commitment to building a relationship of trust with its audience and reflects its responsible understanding of the role of the media. It also announced its intention to continue presenting artistic works that narrate chapters of Turkish culture and history in a universal language, emphasizing the values of diversity, respect, and inclusiveness. Thus, the page of "El Turco" has been turned, becoming the victim of a statement that sparked a storm of national sentiment, bringing back to the fore the dialectic of the relationship between artists and their audiences and the impact of personal statements on the fate of artistic works.