Turkey clamps down on female artists as pressure on women continues to rise. The latest target is Manifest, a girl band formed earlier this year. Their tour was canceled after prosecutors opened an investigation for “indecent and immoral acts.” Analysts say this is part of a wider effort to silence voices that do not fit the government’s image of women.
Manifest, with six young members, quickly gained fame with K-pop-inspired performances. Their debut album in July led to sold-out concerts, including one in Istanbul with 12,000 fans. But soon after, President Erdogan’s adviser Oktay Saral attacked the group online, calling them “immoral” and demanding legal action. Soon after, the band’s tour was stopped.
The clampdown is not new. Pop star Sezen Aksu faced smear campaigns. Singer Gulsen was arrested for a stage joke. Screenwriter Merve Oktem was accused of “supporting prostitution.” Rights activists say the justice system is being used to intimidate women who do not conform.
Historian and feminist Berrin Sonmez believes this is a political strategy. She says the ruling AKP uses religion to control society. The religious authority Diyanet plays a key role through Friday sermons, often focusing on women, family, and sexuality.
Sonmez argues the attack on Manifest was not only about their clothes or dance moves. The band had also spoken about law, justice, and equality. She says authorities reduced the case to morality to hide its political nature.
Turkey clamps down on female artists to send a wider warning. Women who speak out face growing legal and social pressure. Despite government claims of empowerment, critics argue women are still sidelined in decision-making.
