Turkey participated in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 1975, represented by Semiha Yankı performing "Seninle Bir Dakika", but did not achieve any considerable success until the late 1990s. They withdrew from the 1979 contest in Jerusalem, a major disappointment for the selected performers Maria Rita Epik & 21 Peron, who would have performed the song "Seviyorum".
Since the introduction of the free language rule as well as televoting (in 1999 and 1997, respectively), Turkish entries have enjoyed much more success than in previous years. In 1997, Turkey finished 3rd with the song "Dinle" by Şebnem Paker. In 2003, Turkey won for the first time with "Everyway That I Can" by Sertab Erener, narrowly beating Belgium by two points. In 2004, the home entry in Istanbul, "For Real" by Athena, placed 4th. In 2007, "Shake It Up Şekerim" by Kenan Dogulu finished 4th as well. In 2008, the band Mor ve Ötesi ended 7th in the final. In 2009, Hadise achieved another impressive result for Turkey, obtaining a 4th position. In 2010, the band maNga obtain the second best placing ever for their homeland, winning the second semifinal and placing 2nd in the final.
However, Turkey's lucky streak ran out as the country failed to qualify for the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 final the first time since the introduction of the semifinals in 2004.
[edit] Contestants
[edit] Voting history (1975–2011)
Turkey has given the most points to...
Turkey has received the most points from...
[edit] Since introducing the semi-finals in 2004
Turkey has given the most points to...
Turkey has received the most points from...
NOTE: The totals in the above tables include only points awarded in Eurovision finals, and not the semi-finals since 2004.
[edit] Hostings
Prior to 2011 every contest Turkey has taken part has always been commentated by Turkish television presenters Bülend Özveren, with the exception of 1982-1985, 1990-1991, 1998-2001 and 2007. In addition Özveren also co-commentated the contest in 1979, 2004 and 2011. Out of the 38 years Turkey have broadcast the event Özveren has commentated on 28 of them making him 10 years shorter of being the Contest's longest commentator.
| Year(s) |
Commentator |
Spokesperson |
| 1973 |
Bülend Özveren |
Turkey did not participate |
| 1974 |
Bülend Özveren |
Turkey did not participate |
| 1975 |
Bülend Özveren |
Bülent Osma |
| 1976 |
Bülend Özveren |
Turkey did not participate |
| 1977 |
Bülend Özveren |
Turkey did not participate |
| 1978 |
Bülend Özveren |
Meral Savcı |
| 1979 |
Bülend Özveren & Başak Doğru |
Turkey did not participate |
| 1980 |
Bülend Özveren |
Başak Doğru |
| 1981 |
Bülend Özveren |
Başak Doğru |
| 1982 |
Ümit Tunçağ |
Başak Doğru |
| 1983 |
Başak Doğru |
Fatih Orbay |
| 1984 |
Başak Doğru |
Fatih Orbay |
| 1985 |
Başak Doğru |
Fatih Orbay |
| 1986 |
Bülend Özveren |
Ümit Tunçağ |
| 1987 |
Bülend Özveren |
Canan Kumbasar |
| 1988 |
Bülend Özveren |
Canan Kumbasar |
| 1989 |
Bülend Özveren |
Canan Kumbasar |
| 1990 |
Başak Doğru |
Korhan Abay |
| 1991 |
Başak Doğru |
Canan Kumbasar |
| 1992 |
Bülend Özveren |
Korhan Abay |
| 1993 |
Bülend Özveren |
Ömer Önder |
| 1994 |
Bülend Özveren |
Turkey did not participate |
| 1995 |
Bülend Özveren |
Ömer Önder |
| 1996 |
Bülend Özveren |
Ömer Önder |
| 1997 |
Bülend Özveren |
Ömer Önder |
| 1998 |
Ömer Önder |
Osman Erkan |
| 1999 |
Gülşah Banda |
Osman Erkan |
| 2000 |
Ömer Önder |
Osman Erkan |
| 2001 |
Ömer Önder |
Meltem Ersan Yazgan |
| 2002 |
Bülend Özveren |
Meltem Ersan Yazgan |
| 2003 |
Bülend Özveren |
Meltem Ersan Yazgan |
| 2004 |
Didem Tolunay & Bülend Özveren |
Meltem Ersan Yazgan |
| 2005 |
Bülend Özveren |
Meltem Ersan Yazgan |
| 2006 |
Bülend Özveren |
Meltem Ersan Yazgan |
| 2007 |
Hakan Urgancı |
Meltem Ersan Yazgan |
| 2008 |
Bülend Özveren |
Meltem Ersan Yazgan |
| 2009 |
Bülend Özveren |
Meltem Ersan Yazgan |
| 2010 |
Bülend Özveren |
Meltem Ersan Yazgan |
| 2011 |
Bülend Özveren & Erhan Konuk |
Ömer Önder |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest
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(Note - Entries scored out are when Turkey did not compete)
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