Turkish Songs in the Eurovision Song Contest

Turkey's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) spanned from 1975 to 2012, showcasing a variety of music styles ranging from traditional Turkish rhythms to contemporary pop and rock songs.

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Although Turkey has not participated since 2012, its contributions to Eurovision remain iconic. Turkish Songs like "Everyway That I Can", "Düm Tek Tek", and "Dinle" are celebrated as classics, and Turkey's diverse entries continue to inspire fans worldwide.

Turkey's first win. Every way that I can" by Sertap Erener.

All The Turkish Songs in the Eurovision

Here is a comprehensive list of all Turkish entries in the Eurovision Song Contest, with detailed information about each song.

2012, Can Bonomo, "Love Me Back"

7th with 112 points, English

A quirky and nautical-themed entry.

2011, Yüksek Sadakat, "Live It Uo"

13th place (47 points, did not qualify for the Grand Final), English

A rock performance with a blend of alternative and mainstream rock influences, complemented by striking visuals.

2010, maNga, "We Could Be the Same"

2nd with 170 points, English

A rock band with a visually impactful performance.

2009, Hadise, "Düm Tek Tek"

4th with 177 points, English

A pop hit with strong beats and Eastern melodies.

2008, Mor ve Ötesi, Deli"

7th with 138 points, Turkish

A powerful rock ballad with emotional depth.

2007, Kenan Doğulu, Shake It Up Şekerim"

4th with 163 points, English

A charismatic and vibrant stage performance, combining dance-pop with Turkish flair.

2006, Sibel Tüzün, "Süper Star"

11th with 91 points, Turkish

A lively pop song with disco and Eastern musical influences, reflecting the upbeat and glamorous nature of Eurovision.

2005, Gülseren, "Rimi Rimi Ley"

13th with 92 points, Turkish

A lively and colorful stage performance with a mix of traditional Turkish and Balkan rhythms.

2004, Athena, "For Real"

4th with 195 points, English

A punk-rock anthem with infectious energy.

2003, Sertab Erener, "Everyway That I Can"

1st with 167 points, English

Turkey’s first win. A pop anthem with Eastern influences and a dramatic performance.

2000, Pınar Ayhan & SOS, "Yorgunum Anla"

10th with 59 points, Turkish

A jazzy ballad that impressed audiences.

1997, Şebnem Paker & Grup Etnik, "Dinle"

3rd with 121 points, Turkish

A mix of Turkish folk and modern pop. This is Turkey's first major success in Eurovision.

1995, Arzu Ece, "Sev!"

16th with 21 points, Turkish

A song emphasizing love and peace.

1993, Burak Aydos, "Esmer Yarim"

21st with 10 points, Turkish

A modern entry with traditional undertones.

1992, Aylin Vatankoş, "Yaz Bitti"

19th with 17 points, Turkish

A soulful and melancholic ballad.

1991, İzel, Reyhan & Can, "İki Dakika"

12th with 44 points, Turkish

A playful and dynamic trio performance.

1990, Kayahan, "Gözlerinin Hapsindeyim"

17th with 21 points, Turkish

A romantic ballad performed by one of Turkey’s legendary singers.

1989, Pan, "Bana Bana"

21st with 5 points, Turkish

A youthful and cheerful pop song that didn’t resonate with voters.

1988, MFÖ, "Sufi"

15th with 37 points, Turkish

A song with philosophical themes, blending folk and pop.

1987, Seyyal Taner & Lokomotif, "Şarkım Sevgi Üstüne"

22nd (last place) with 0 points, Turkish

Despite a powerful performance, it ended with zero points.

1986, Klips ve Onlar, "Halley"

9th with 53 points, Turkish

Inspired by Halley’s Comet, this entry brought a futuristic vibe. It was Turkey’s first Top 10 finish.

1985, MFÖ, "Didai Didai Dai"

14th with 36 points, Turkish

This was the first of MFÖ’s three Eurovision appearances. Their quirky style and catchy tune added charm.

1984, Beş Yıl Önce, On Yıl Sonra, "Halay"

12th with 37 points, Turkish

A lively pop song incorporating traditional "halay (Turkish folk dance)" rhythms. It showed an evolution in Turkey's Eurovision approach.

1983, Çetin Alp & The Short Wave, "Opera"

19th (last place) with 0 points, Turkish

A quirky entry celebrating opera, but it was poorly received. The performance's campy elements and unconventional style may have contributed to its failure.

1982, Neco, "Hani?"

15th with 20 points, Turkish

A jazz-infused pop track with lively energy. Neco's charisma stood out, but it didn’t translate into a high score.

1981, Modern Folk Üçlüsü & Ayşegül Aldinç, "Dönme Dolap"

18th with 9 points, Turkish

This entry featured a mix of modern and traditional styles. The trio and Ayşegül Aldinç delivered a spirited performance, but it didn’t score well.

1980, Ajda Pekkan, "Pet’r Oil"

15th with 23 points, Turkish

A funky disco track by Turkey’s iconic pop star Ajda Pekkan. Despite her superstar status, the song’s theme about petroleum failed to resonate widely.

1978, Nilüfer & Grup Nazar, "Sevince"

18th with 2 points, Turkish

After a two-year break, Turkey returned with an upbeat song combining pop and folk influences. The staging was cheerful, but it struggled to capture points.

1975, Semiha Yankı, "Seninle Bir Dakika"

19th (last place) with 3 points, Turkish

Turkey's Eurovision debut featured a melancholic ballad. The performance was simple, with Semiha Yankı dressed in a minimalist outfit. Despite a poor result, it marked Turkey's start in the contest.

Overview of Turkey’s Eurovision Journey

• Years Participated 34 (1975–2012)
• Wins 1 (2003, Sertab Erener)
• Best Placements 1st (2003), 2nd (2010), 3rd (1997)
• Language Turkish (primarily until the 2000s), English (2003 onward)
• Notable Genres Pop, Rock, Folk Fusion

Turkey withdrew from the contest after 2012, citing dissatisfaction with voting systems. However, its contributions to Eurovision remain iconic.