Turkey confirms non return to Eurovision 2018

Over the past few weeks, there have been rumours about a possible return to Eurovision for Turkey, with past entrants Sertab Erener and MaNga providing some optimism about Turkey in Eurovision 2018 being a reality. However, today Turkish Broadcaster (TRT) have dashed hopes of a return this year.

Hopes of a return in 2018

Last month, former Turkish representative and winner of the 2004 contest Sertab Erener announced that Turkey would indeed return to the contest in 2018. She communicated this to her fans via her Instagram live. This led Eurovision fans to feel optimistic about Turkey returning to Eurovision, after a few years’ of being absent from the contest.
Furthermore, last week further fuel was added that a return was almost certain. Eurovision 2010 representative MaNga tweeted about Eurovision. This led to fans going crazy and believing MaNga would potentially be returning to Eurovision in 2018.

Eurovision ? Yine yeni yeniden… 😉🤘

— maNga (@maNgaMusic) August 1, 2017

Confirmation that Turkey will not be returning to Eurovision

Unfortunately, TRT have today confirmed that they will not be returning to Eurovision in Lisbon 2018.

Well that is Official. #Turkey will not return to #Eurovision next year according to their Deputy Prime Minister 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/cijCO8jZrE

— Nathan Grant Picot💙💛 (@thengp12) August 7, 2017

The news is likely to devastate a number of Eurovision fans who were anticipating Turkey’s return to Eurovision. However, fans will now have to wait and keep their fingers crossed that they return sooner rather than later.

Last participation at Eurovision

The most recent participation of Turkey was in 2012. Can Bonomo represented the nation with his entry Love Me Back. The song reached a very respectable 7th place, scoring 112 points in the Grand final. Have a look back at Turkey’s entry being performed in the Crystal Hall in Baku!

What are your thoughts on Turkey not returning to Eurovision 2018? Were you looking forward to their return? Are you still praying for a miracle? Which was your favourite entry for Turkey in Eurovision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!