'Moral Interference' with the Attire of Female Orchestra Artists Is Unacceptable

"MORAL INTERFERENCE" WITH THE ATTIRE OF FEMALE ORCHESTRA ARTISTS IS UNACCEPTABLE.

Certain reports in the press alleged that, at the "2024 Turkey–Hungary Mutual Year of Culture Closing Ceremony" concert held on 12 December, the attire worn by Presidential Symphony Orchestra (CSO) artists — outfits they have worn at every concert for years in full compliance with the relevant laws and regulations — was interfered with.

The same reports also alleged that, at the concert held at the Presidential complex and broadcast live on TRT, the slits of the dresses worn by female artists had been sewn up and tulle had been added to the back sections.

The alleged interference with the attire of female artists at the CSO concert is unacceptable. These are entirely dignified costumes, black in colour, worn at every concert for years and whose type is specified by regulation — and they are one of the ways in which an artist expresses herself when taking the stage. Any interference with them constitutes an infringement not only of individual freedom but also of the artist's working conditions.

Moral censorship is an attempt to confine art and the artist to a narrow mould. This interference with female artists violates not only their personal rights and artistic freedoms but also harms women's rights.

While Article 64 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey states that the State shall protect artistic activities and the artist — interference with lawful costumes on "moral" grounds also constitutes an insult to the honourable Turkish woman.

We condemn those who have appointed themselves moral guardians in this matter, and we expect that an investigation be opened immediately against them pursuant to the relevant article of the Constitution, and that they offer an apology to the artists.