The 7th annual Nilüfer Music Festival, which was planned to take place from September 1-3 in Balat Forest and organized by Bursa Nilüfer Municipality, has been canceled. This decision was made due to a ban on accommodation and alcohol sales imposed by the governor. It is worth noting that last year’s ban on camping and alcohol also contributed to the festival’s cancellation. Nilüfer Mayor Turgay Erdem announced that the cancellation of the festival was a form of protest against the oppression experienced this year.
Answering ArtDog Istanbul’s questions on the subject, Director of Nilüfer Municipality Culture and Social Affairs Nejla Aslan said, “We have decided not to hold the festival this year because we do not see limited freedom as freedom, but this does not mean that we will do nothing.” Aslan explained that they will continue to bring young people together with music in different concepts.
Struggles for freedom
It is known that Nilüfer Music Festival, a festival that has become a brand and has international awards, has been held in the Balat Atatürk Forest since 2015. Nejla Aslan said: ‘‘In fact, despite the political conjuncture and economic crisis we are I, we have been struggling for a long time to keep the festival going on as it was because we know that this venue is one of the few places where young people breathe in our country.’’
There was much anticipation for the festival in Bursa this year, but we recently received a notification from the Nilüfer District Governorship. They stated that the festival would only be allowed if there was no camping and no alcohol sold. Aslan mentioned that this same restriction was in place last year and festivalgoers had encountered security forces. However, the municipality made various attempts to overturn the camping ban and eventually succeeded.
This year after realizing that it is almost impossible to make this festival without seeing any preventions, the municipality decided not to organize the music festival. Aslan added: ‘‘Unfortunately, as we accept this kind of increasing amount of pressure, we are faced with a mentality that may even be entitled to interfere in the selection of artists the next year.’’
The issue surrounding the alcohol ban
The prohibition of alcohol at festivals appears to be a major factor in the cancellation of these events. Such a ban interferes with individual freedom, according to Aslan. He argues that alcohol consumption is being treated as a crime and strictly prohibited, even though vendors have obtained all necessary licenses to sell and serve alcohol within the festival area. Aslan also notes that the festival organizers enforce strict age restrictions, prohibiting minors from entering without their parents to ensure safety.
The municipality has chosen to host alternative events instead of the festival this year. Aslan, clarified that they do not view limited freedom as true freedom. However, they will still gather young people with music and plan to announce upcoming events with unique themes soon.
