MaNga reignites the debate: Is it time for Turkey to return to Eurovision?

More than a decade has passed since Turkey last stood on the Eurovision stage, but the desire for a return has never faded. A recent statement from the legendary Turkish band MaNga, who won second place with the song „We Could Be the Same“ in 2010, has once again reignited hope among fans and sparked a new debate—will Turkey finally return to the competition?

„Turkey must definitely compete again“, the band members stated, emphasizing that Eurovision is not just a music competition but also a celebration of cultural exchange where their country has left a strong mark.

Remembering MaNga and Turkey’s golden age

Formed in 2001, MaNga quickly took over the Turkish music scene with their unique blend of rock, rap, and alternative sounds. Their performance at Eurovision 2010 in Oslo is still considered one of the most spectacular in the contest’s history. With their dynamic stage presence, striking visuals, and powerful energy, they earned 170 points and brought Turkey one of its most successful finishes.

Turkey first debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1975, but its true rise to prominence began after the introduction of the semi-finals in 2004. From then until its last participation in 2012, Turkey consistently qualified for the Grand Final, often placing in the Top 10.

Their greatest triumph was Sertab Erener’s victory in 2003 with the song „Everyway That I Can“, which brought the contest to Istanbul in 2004.

Turkey’s representatives at the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo

Why has Turkey been absent for over a decade?

The Turkish national broadcaster, TRT, made the decision to withdraw in 2013. The main reasons cited were dissatisfaction with the voting system, specifically the role of the jury (they believed the audience should have the final say), and the automatic qualification of the „Big Five“ directly to the Grand Final, which they deemed unfair.

Since then, rumors of a return have surfaced almost every year, but without success.

• 2017 – The EBU confirmed it was in negotiations with TRT about a return. At the time, Turkish singers, such as Sertab Erener, publicly expressed their desire to see the country return.
• 2018–2019 – Rumors emerged that TRT had sent a representative to „observe“ the contest, but a return did not follow.
• 2020 – A Turkish delegation appeared at EBU meetings, leading to new speculation, but this also resulted in no progress.
• 2021 – The EBU officially stated that they were in „active negotiations“ with Turkey, but TRT soon confirmed there would be no return that year.

With their public appeal, MaNga joins a long list of fans and former participants who believe the time has come for Turkey to rejoin Europe in the musical competition with its recognizable blend of ethno-pop sounds and modern elements.

While MaNga’s statement is not an official announcement, it undeniably brings the topic back to the forefront and, after more than a decade, reignites the hope that we will once again see Turkey on the Eurovision stage.