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Netflix has recently come under scrutiny by the Turkish government due to its decision to air a Greek television series titled Famagusta. The series, which focuses on the events of 1974 during Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus, has sparked controversy and led to Netflix’s Middle East public policy director, Pelin Mavili, being summoned to discuss the matter with the Turkish parliamentary digital media committee. Here’s what you need to know about the situation and why it’s causing such a stir.
Background on the Famagusta Series
The Famagusta series is set to premiere on Netflix and is based on the historical events of 1974, specifically highlighting the experiences of Greek Cypriots during Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus. The storyline focuses on the Greek Cypriots fleeing the town of Varosha during the second phase of the invasion. This series has been criticized by Turkish officials for allegedly distorting historical facts and portraying a biased view of the Cyprus conflict.
Turkish Concerns Over the Famagusta Series
The decision to air the Famagusta series has not been well-received by the Turkish government. Huseyin Yayman, chairman of the parliamentary digital media committee and a member of Turkey’s ruling AK Party, expressed serious concerns about the series. He emphasized that the Turkish nation does not approve of what they see as Greek Cypriot propaganda. Yayman argued that the series unfairly distorts the Cyprus issue and presents a one-sided perspective that is disconnected from reality.
Netflix Summoned by Turkish Parliament
In response to the controversy, Pelin Mavili, Netflix’s Middle East public policy director, has been summoned to speak before the Turkish parliamentary digital media committee. The meeting is set to take place after the Turkish parliament reconvenes on October 1. Mavili is expected to answer questions and discuss the decision to air the Famagusta series, as Turkish officials seek to understand Netflix’s position on the matter.
Yayman revealed that he had already met with Mavili and discussed the issue. He made it clear that Turkey disapproves of the series and issued a warning to Netflix regarding the platform’s decision to host it. Yayman also highlighted the importance of considering Turkey’s sensitivities, given that Netflix has a large subscriber base in the country.
Potential Consequences for Netflix
While Yayman stressed that he and his party do not support bans or censorship, he did not rule out the possibility of the Famagusta series being banned in Turkey. He stated that although they oppose censorship, they believe it is important to maintain a balance between freedom and security. This suggests that while a ban is not the preferred course of action, it remains an option if the situation escalates.
Yayman also pointed out that, unlike the Greek Cypriots who create propaganda through media, Turkey does not rely on such tactics. However, he mentioned the need to share the truth about significant historical events from Turkey’s perspective, such as the resistance in Kokkina and the massacres in Maratha and Santalari.
International Reactions and the Call for a Counter-Series
The controversy surrounding the Famagusta series has led to a broader discussion between Greek and Turkish officials. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis defended the series, stating that the Turkish invasion of Cyprus is a historical event that is not open to multiple interpretations. This response was in reaction to comments made by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, who had expressed concerns about digital platforms being used for Greek Cypriot propaganda.
In response to the situation, both Yayman and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar have called for the creation of a new series that would present Turkey’s version of the events. Tatar suggested the idea of a “counter-series” to provide an alternative narrative to the one depicted in Famagusta. This is not the first time Turkey has attempted to share its perspective on the Cyprus conflict through media; in 2021, Turkish public broadcaster TRT aired a series titled Bir Zamanlar Kibris (Once Upon a Time in Cyprus), later renamed Kibris: Zafere Dogru (Cyprus: Towards Victory), which covered events on the island between 1963 and 1974.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Debate Over the Famagusta Series
The decision by Netflix to air the Famagusta series has reignited long-standing tensions between Turkey and Greece over the Cyprus conflict. The Turkish government’s concerns about the series have led to a significant response, including the summoning of a Netflix representative to discuss the issue. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether Netflix will make any changes to its plans for the series or if further actions, such as a potential ban, will be taken by the Turkish government.
This controversy highlights the complex and sensitive nature of the Cyprus issue, where media representation plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions. The upcoming meeting between Pelin Mavili and the Turkish parliamentary committee will be a key moment in determining the future of the Famagusta series and its reception in Turkey.
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