What canceling of 'Crimson Buds' TV series says about Turkey's religious split

A top-rated series on the power of religious sects was pulled off the air after a persistent campaign led by the powerful Ismailaga community accused the show of casting a bad light on Islam and its believers.

A statement from the Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) said that certain scenes in the “Kizil Goncalar” (“Crimson Buds”) violated the broadcasting regulations on the protection of national, spiritual and family values. After investigating the claims for two weeks, the broadcasting watchdog decided on Thursday to pull the series off the air for three weeks and impose a heavy fine on the chain, Fox TV.

Many believe the ruling confirms one of the show’s central themes, which is religious sects’ strong sway over the bureaucracy and its influence on decision-making. 

RTUK “bowed to cults and sects,” charged Ilhan Tasci, the representative of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). The board consists of representatives nominated by the ruling and opposition parties, but the opposition representatives, three out of nine, have little sway over decisions.