Turkey’s state theaters host millions in first six months of season

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Turkey’s State Theaters hosted 1.5 million viewers in the first six months of the 2016-2017 art season. 

State Theaters General Director Nejat Birecik said the struggle of daily life could only be relieved by art and theater, while art could “even have the power to stop wars.” 

Birecik also recalled that the Culture and Tourism Ministry organized the National Cultural Council between March 3 and 5 for the first time in 28 years. 

“The council was to be organized with the slogan ‘Turkey for the sake of the world,’ but I changed it to ‘Art and theater for the sake of humanity,’” he said.

Birecik emphasized that the government and the Culture and Tourism Ministry were working to bring more people together with the theater. 

“Works are ongoing to open theaters in all 81 provinces across Turkey. Realizing this and securing its funding were discussed in the council,” he said.