ISTANBUL: Turkey has responded with anger and promised an investigation after Disney+ decided not to stream a series about Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the nation’s modern republic. The six-part show on Ataturk was initially scheduled for release on the platform in time for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic on October 29, 1923.
However, Disney+ Turkey announced on Wednesday that the series would be released as a two-part movie on TV and in cinemas, sparking speculations of pushback over a sensitive and controversial period in Turkey’s history.
The decision is believed to be linked to the Armenian Genocide, a tragic chapter in the Ottoman Empire’s history during World War I when Ottoman Turk forces massacred and deported more than 1.5 million Armenians. Turkey vehemently rejects the genocide label, but around 30 countries have officially recognized it as such.
Ataturk, who later became the first President of Turkey, served as a military commander during the same period and has faced accusations and blame over the events.
Allegations Against Disney+
Turkish media and a ruling party official have alleged that Disney+ succumbed to pressure from the Armenian diaspora in the United States, prompting the removal of the series titled “Ataturk” from the streaming platform. The ruling AKP party spokesman, Omer Celik, expressed disappointment on Twitter, stating that an American-based TV series/film platform should not bow to lobbying efforts.
The Turkish media watchdog has announced it will initiate an investigation into claims of Armenian lobbying influencing Disney+’s decision.
In response to the controversy, Walt Disney Turkey clarified that the series would now be presented as a two-part movie. It will be broadcast on TV from October 29 and released in cinemas from November 3, with the second part scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 22. Cenk Soner, Disney’s general manager for Turkey, explained that the changes were part of their content strategy and emphasized that they were still bringing Ataturk’s story to the audience on the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.
