Turkey took part in the Eurovision Song Contest 1997. The country was represented by Şebnem Paker and Grup Etnic with the song “Dinle” written by Mehtap Altıntemiz and composed by Levent Çoker. Both Şebnem Paker and Levent Çoker had represented Turkey in the contest of the preceding year.The entry was chosen by a professional jury.
National Final
The professional jury announced the results on 1 March 1997 in Ankara.
On the night of the contest Şebnem performed 2nd in the running order following Cyprus and preceding Norway. At the close of the voting Dinle had received 121 points placing Turkey 3rd. This was the best result a Turkish song had ever reached up to 1997 (from 1975). 18 participants voted for Dinle. The Turkish jury awarded its 12 points to Malta.[1]