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

"MORAL INTERFERENCE" WITH WOMEN ORCHESTRA ARTISTS' ATTIRE IS UNACCEPTABLE.

As is known, certain press reports have alleged that at the concert held on 12 December for the "Closing Ceremony of the 2024 Turkey–Hungary Reciprocal Year of Culture", the attire of the artists of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra (CSO) — clothing they have worn at every concert for years, in accordance with the laws and regulations — was interfered with.

These reports also included allegations that at the concert, held at the Presidency and broadcast live on TRT, the slits of the women artists' dresses were sewn shut and tulle was added to the back areas.

The main opposition party has also brought the matter to the parliamentary agenda by submitting a written question.

This grave situation must be clarified by the authorities. For if the allegations are true, this would be the first time in the history of the Republic that orchestra artists' stage costumes, defined by regulation, have been interfered with on "moral" grounds.

Interference with women artists' attire at a Presidential Symphony Orchestra (CSO) concert is unacceptable. These entirely dignified black costumes — worn at every concert for years, their type defined by regulation — are one of the ways an artist expresses herself when taking the stage. Any interference with this is an interference not only with individual freedom but also with the artist's working conditions.

Moral censorship is an attempt to force art and the artist into a narrow mould. This interference directed at women artists not only violates their personal rights and artistic freedoms; it also damages women's rights. The clothing an artist wears on stage is regarded as a form of work attire. Artists dress according to laws and regulations, not according to the moral or aesthetic views of those in power. Artists whose attire is interfered with face a threat not only to aesthetics but also to their job security and personal rights.

Such interference is, moreover, a practice unacceptable in a democratic and free society. When artists who have performed for years in the same attire suddenly face changes imposed with the logic of censorship, Turkey's understanding of artistic freedom and freedom of expression is called into question. Interference with artists' attire suppresses social freedoms and creative expression, forcing the artist not merely to do their job but also to conform to the "moral" rules of those in power. Such a practice means treating the artist not simply as an employee, but as a person whose individual rights are being violated.

Interference with the attire of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra's artists is a threat not only to one artist but to the freedoms and democratic values of the whole society. The "moral censorship" applied to artists not only violates their personal rights; it reflects an intolerant mentality that endangers the liberation and development of art. Altering costumes and interfering with aesthetic choices not only makes the artist's working conditions harder; it also obstructs social diversity and free thought. While artists contribute to society's cultural wealth, they also have the right to express their own identities and freedoms. Protecting these rights strengthens the place of art and the artist in society.

While Article 64 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey states that "the State shall protect artistic activities and artists; it shall take the necessary measures to protect, evaluate and support works of art and artists and to spread the love of art", interfering with lawful costumes on "moral" grounds is also an insult to the virtuous women of Turkey.

We condemn those acting as guardians of morality, and we expect an investigation to be opened against them without delay under the relevant article of the Constitution, and an apology to be made to the artists.