Kültür Emek-Sen

Culture·Art·Cinema

An era has come to an end: Turkey bids farewell to human rights and labor advocate Şükran Soner

Şükran Soner, one of the leading columnists at the Cumhuriyet newspaper and a member of the Cumhuriyet Foundation’s Board of Directors, passed away this morning at the hospital where she had been receiving treatment for health issues for some time.

1 September 2026

20 posts

AUG

AnnouncementOur News

PRESS RELEASE Regarding the State Theaters Coordination Meeting

This year, democratic mass organizations and labor unions were not invited to the State Theaters coordination meeting; as a result, the views of professional organizations were not sought; difficulties were not discussed, and no joint solutions were sought; and a culture of criticism has been sidelined

MAY

Our NewsCulture·Art·Cinema

The Demands of Cultural Workers Are Being Brought to the Collective Negotiation Table and the Ministry Meeting!

On April 30, with the participation of Mr. Orhan Yıldırım, President of the United Public Sector Workers’ Confederation, we held comprehensive consultation meetings with our ballet and choir artists employed by the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet (DOB), coordinated by our union, Kültür Emek-Sen.

APR

AnnouncementOur News

THE DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FINE ARTS MUST ISSUE A STATEMENT!

As part of the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day celebrations, while the State Opera and Ballet and the State Theaters continue to organize events for children, it is unacceptable that the children’s concerts planned for the same date by our State Symphony Orchestras were announced as canceled via social media accounts without any official justification.

MAR

AnnouncementOur News

Dear Cultural and Art Workers, Our Comrades in the Struggle

As cultural and artistic workers, we are calling on you to support our struggle by joining the ranks of the United Public Sector Workers’ Confederation. Let’s fight together.

MAR

AnnouncementCulture·Art·Cinema

Happy World Theater Day on March 27

March 27 is not merely a celebration; it is also a day of remembrance, solidarity, and struggle.

MAR

AnnouncementOur News

The 2026–2027 Art Season in Our Orchestras

We have published a statement following the board of directors elections held at the State Symphony Orchestras.

FEB

AnnouncementOur News

No to Double Standards in the Arts!

While the Ministry of Culture plans to provide $100,000 per episode in support to the TV series sector, it has been systematically impoverishing the artists in its own institutions for years.

FEB

AnnouncementOur News

In the Grip of Arbitrariness

A concert planned a year in advance, having received Ministerial approval and with tickets already sold, was cancelled without any public explanation.

OCT

AnnouncementOur News

Press Statement

Certain female artists at the Ankara State Theatre are being subjected to systematic pressure and mobbing by the general directorate.

OCT

AnnouncementCulture·Art·Cinema

Gender Discrimination Is Unacceptable!

Reports that a concert open only to female audience members is to be held at the Presidential Symphony Orchestra concert halls have been met with great concern.

SEP

AnnouncementOur News

Unity for the Future of Our Artists: A Solution-Oriented Dialogue Meeting

A productive consultative meeting was held under the auspices of State Opera and Ballet Director General Tan Sağtürk, bringing together institutional executives and union representatives.

JUL

AnnouncementCulture·Art·Cinema

Şekip Taşpınar, Unforgettable Name of Turkish Theatre, Has Passed Away

As the Cultural Workers' Union, we have learned with profound sorrow of the passing of our esteemed member Mehmet Şekip Taşpınar.

MAR

AnnouncementOur News

Exorbitant Price Increases at Devlet Tiyatroları Are Blocking the Public's Right of Access to Art!

Regular play tickets have been raised from 70–110 TL to 330–450 TL, and musical play tickets from 115–170 TL to 450–660 TL.

MAR

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8 March International Working Women's Day

Even as women workers face ever-growing challenges, we resolutely continue our struggle against sexism, oppression, and injustice in every domain.

DEC

AnnouncementOur News

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

It has been alleged that at the concert held on 12 December, the attire worn by CSO artists — the same outfits they have worn at every concert for years — was interfered with.

DEC

Culture·Art·Cinema

Art Does Not Fall Silent

We condemn the interference with the play staged at Diyarbakır State Theatre. Art does not fall silent.

OCT

Culture·Art·Cinema

Veda Yurtsever Wrote for "Tiyatro Dergisi" (Theatre Magazine)

Veda Yurtsever, a worker at State Theatres, wrote for Tiyatro Dergisi about the unlawful practices at the institution and the pressures exerted on artists.

NOV

Our NewsCulture·Art·Cinema

Sözcü Newspaper Coverage on Contracted Artists

A report by Sözcü newspaper on the issues faced by contracted artists.

NOV

Our NewsCulture·Art·Cinema

Kelebek Newspaper Coverage on Contracted Artists

A report by Kelebek newspaper on the issues faced by contracted artists.