Since the country’s failed coup d’état on 15 July 2016, Turkey has plunged into a damaging spiral of authoritarianism.
 
From violations of the freedom of expression to the deterioration of democracy, from the repression of opposition to the closure of cultural centres – without mentioning the muzzling of the opposition media (Reporters Without Borders believe that over 100 journalists are currently imprisoned in the country) – the state of permanent emergency introduced by an under-fire president has been posing a threat to the everyday existence of the Turkish people for months.
 
The government’s April 2017 constitutional reform is perfectly in keeping with the current trend of eliminating any progressive desire within the borders of Turkey.
 
As victims of this purge, a section of young people and artists are looking on with horror as the cultural wealth of their country is being eradicated before their very eyes. Disoriented, they despairingly view Europe as the promised land that would protect their liberties and rights to artistic expression.
 
In order to contemplate what Turkey may become, we must give a voice to those who represent the beating heart of a country that faces suchan uncertain future, as well as envisage the possible bridges that can be built with a European continent that remains the guarantor of a certain ideal of freedom.