From its debut in 1975 to its most recent participation, Turkey has had a remarkable journey through the Eurovision Song Contest, bringing unique sounds, styles, and unforgettable performances to the international stage. This article explores Turkey's fascinating Eurovision history, highlighting key moments, notable entries, and the nation's evolving musical identity.
Throughout their Eurovision journey, Turkey has presented numerous unique performances that stood out from the competition.
Turkey's first Eurovision victory came in 2003 with the song 'Everyway That I Can' performed by Sertab Erener. This victory marked the first time Turkey won the Eurovision Song Contest since their debut in 1975.
One of the best performance of Turkey in EurovisionSong Contest is Athena's 'For Real' (2004), which blended ska-punk and alternative rock, finishing fourth.
Another standout performance was Kenan Doğulu's 'Shake It Up Şekerim' (2007), which captivated audiences with its infectious energy and finished in fourth place.
'We Could Be The Same' by the Turkish rock band Manga was another notable performance that left a lasting impression on Eurovision fans. The band's theatrical stage presence, combined with the song's powerful rock sound and thought-provoking lyrics, helped secure Turkey's second-place finish in the 2010 contest.
Another notable performance was Can Bonomo's 'Love Me Back' in 2012, which combined traditional Turkish music with modern pop elements, earning Turkey a respectable seventh place finish. The song's catchy chorus, Can Bonomo's energetic stage presence, and the creative use of the Turkish flag in the performance made it a memorable entry.
Turkey's decision to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest after the 2012 edition came as a surprise to many fans and observers. The primary reason cited for their withdrawal was dissatisfaction with the voting system, specifically the introduction of a 50-50 split between jury and televoting, which Turkish officials felt undermined the voice of the public.
Additionally, Turkey expressed concerns over the automatic qualification of the 'Big Five' countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) to the final, arguing that it created an uneven playing field. Turkey's absence from the Eurovision stage has felt by many, and Turkey's eventual return is eagerly anticipated.
As we count down the days to Eurovision 2023, we take a trip down memory lane to explore Turkey's rich musical legacy in the contest. From their debut in 1975 to their most recent entry, Turkey has brought a diverse array of songs and performances to the Eurovision stage. Here is a complete list of all Turkish entries in the Eurovision Song Contest.