Turkish Cypriot artists boycott World Art Day event

The Turkish Cypriot Union of Artists and Writers has announced its refusal to attend the World Art Day event scheduled for April 30, 2026, at the presidential compound. The union cited the judicial prosecution of journalists and the organized closure of social media accounts belonging to politicians and citizens as reasons for their protest. They highlighted that since 2020, Turkish authorities have labeled various intellectuals as threats to national security, including artist and academic Senih Cavusoglu, who was recently declared persona non grata. The statement also referenced the case of intellectual Turgut Afsaroglu, who is allegedly unable to access medical care due to the collapse of the health system in the occupied areas. The union accused Turkey of undermining local institutions and expressed concerns over the demographic changes, environmental degradation, and the systematic erosion of local culture. Consequently, they called on their members and the public to boycott the event, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis and violations of human rights.