Türkiye has not participated in Eurovision since 2012. Still, the country has a strong fan base, and in recent years, many well-known Turkish artists have expressed their longing for Eurovision and their hope that Türkiye will eventually return.
In recent weeks, rumors have surfaced that new talks with Türkiye might have begun. With that in mind, we’ve prepared a list of artists who fans believe could — and indeed should — represent the country if Türkiye makes its long-awaited comeback.
EDIS
Edis is currently Türkiye’s biggest new-generation pop star. Since the beginning of his career, he has been one of the names Turkish fans most associate with Eurovision. He himself has shown great interest in the contest, and many believe that this collaboration would bring success. Fans are eagerly waiting for that day to come.
Manifest
Manifest is the biggest girlband to emerge in Türkiye in decades. Extremely popular among the younger generation, this six-member group has achieved remarkable success in just two years. Among Eurovision fans, they are one of the most requested acts to represent Türkiye.
Mabel Matiz
In recent years, Mabel has become one of the brightest stars in Türkiye – not only as a singer but also as a songwriter. As an openly queer artist with an inclusive stance that resonates across society, he is deeply admired. Turkish Eurovision fans believe that Mabel could create a “Duncan Laurence effect” on the contest stage.
Melike Şahin
Behind many of the most emotional ballads in Türkiye in recent years is Melike Şahin. Known for her powerful songwriting and vocals, fans affectionately call her the “baby diva.” Many believe that with the right ballad, she could move all of Europe to tears and bring Türkiye a top result.
Aleyna Tilki
With her unique vocal style that adapts to every genre, Aleyna Tilki is often called “Türkiye’s Britney Spears.” Both her personality and music are seen as a perfect fit to bring color and energy to the Eurovision stage.
Zeynep Bastık
Starting her career with cover songs, Zeynep Bastık has become one of the most popular female singers in Türkiye. Her tracks break streaming records on Spotify, and she works with one of the strongest creative teams in the country. Fans are eagerly waiting to see her take the Eurovision stage.
Ece Seçkin
One of the brightest stars of the 2010s, Ece Seçkin has long expressed her interest in Eurovision. Still a major figure in Turkish pop, her concerts feature everything from Rosalía to JLo. Many consider her a natural fit for Eurovision.
Gaye Su Akyol
Blending psychedelic rock with traditional Turkish elements, Gaye Su Akyol has already conquered many alternative music festivals across Europe. Known for creating an alternative universe in her music, she takes her listeners on a surreal journey. She is especially popular among Türkiye’s young alternative music fans.
Sefo
One of the biggest names in Turkish rap, Sefo is beloved for his unique style. His collaborations with pop stars and distinctive vocal delivery have earned him a loyal and ever-growing fan base.
BONUS: Hande Yener
Hande Yener is one of the most influential figures in shaping modern Turkish pop music. A long-time ally of the queer community, she is admired for her bold personality and daring style. She has also expressed her desire to compete in Eurovision multiple times since the early 2010s.
Those are some of the most talked-about names among Turkish fans. But who would YOU like to see on the Eurovision stage…if TRT ever return. Let us know in the comments box down below!
Hande Yener’s ‘Romeo”
-one of the songs that influenced my life the most!
It hit so hard almost twenty (!!!) years ago and today it hits even harder.
Try it.. so many flavours you’ll love 😉
Some cool material but their return would steal the spotlight from Sweden & Italy & Ukraine trio so i’m not very incline toward this
Tbh that thought alone wants me want them back more than ever! Sweden, Italy & Ukraine have a hold on the contest for a while now.
Lol, they would consider advantage of turkish diaspora for televoting and viewing, money talks, Eurovision is not what it’s used to be anymore, politic and business, since there is no innovation musicwise promotion is not real interest in this game, the focus is strongly in favour of business, Israels participation would lead to people rejection risk that could affect the Eurovision businesses, therefore these rumours about israel out of Eurovision are in it. I haven’t watched Eurovision since 2008 that year was my final year of watching Eurovision since 1985, 2008 was also Terry Wogan final year of commentary, I… Read more »
Would love to see them back. My all time fav ESC entry came from Turkiye.
DINLEEEE…
Please no, Turkey used to get good placings because of their massive diaspora, although songs sucked.
You cannot be serious with this.
And what about Ukraine? You could literally say the same for so many countries that compete today.
Even when I deem some of their entries as overrated (especially 2018, I dread that one), Ukraine at least has tried to be innovative and to stand out on their own right, even before the war
I began watching Eurovision in 2019, so I never got to see Turkey participate. I wouldn’t mind it I guess.
What about Kazakhstan’s debut? 10 years ago we had Australia for the 60th edition and Kazakhstan makes more sense geographically than Aus. Also I’m sure the EBU wants to bump up the numbers a bit given all the withdrawals from eastern European countries in recent years.
Kazakhstan isn’t some happy democracy btw..
I’m thinking they are happy at Intervision.
I find it odd that people are so upset about Turkey wanting to be called by the country’s actual name. It seems so antiquated to anglicize the names these days when the world is so much more world-wise than ever before. Would anyone really have a problem saying Duetchland instead of Germany?
The argument is irrelevant anyway. Turkiye isn’t coming back until they have a less homophobic government in place. They have made it clear their main problem with the contest was LGBT+ acceptance.
What makes you think Turkiye will come back with everyone else withdrawing blaming Israel
Turkey sounds normal,
Türkiyenot so much. I suppose they still are under The Great Leader Erdocrap, so stay out.If they come back, Turkey has a big chance at a straight away win!
Forget it. As long as Erdo?an and his party are in power, they will never allow Turkey to participate. The Turkish government considers the Song Contest not in line with their moral values. And they also dislike the idea of any further westernisation of the Turkish population. Not gonna happen anytime soon.
I physically cringe when they call them Turkiye and not Turkey.
Why? It’s spelled according to Turkish norms, but it pretty much is pronounced Turkia. Like Slovenia, Croatia, Estonia…
I just knew Mabel Matiz would be mentioned. A lot of Turkish people like his music. But I never really got why he’s popular. Possibly his lyrics speak a lot to people. Because his voice is not something special. And the accompanying music doesn’t help. It would be really nice to have someone like Zeynep Bast?k perform. She also mixes contemporary newer sound with sounds of the 70s. Remember Anatolian rock and similar is the gold mine of Turkish music, even if that doesn’t show much in the modern Turkish charts. Other musicians I’d enjoy seeing on the ESC stage… Read more »
If Israel continues to participate I dont see they to never come back.
Forget about religious Erdogan supporters, even us secular and liberal Turks would be opposed to coming back to Eurovision when Israel is there. I would say anyone with conscience would stay away from Eurovision next year. EBU really needs to act.. now
Oh wow, Turkish pop is really good! We sorely need more modern ethnic sound on Eurovision. Hopefully Turkey is able to come back soon.
We can draw up all the Turkish artist wish lists we want, but didn’t Turkey confirm they are not returning to Eurovision in 2026?
They won’t return as long as Erdogan sticks around