Turkey’s TRT has launched a Persian-language service, TRT Farsi, aimed at expanding its international media presence while navigating complex relations with Iran. The initiative seeks to present an alternative to dominant Western narratives and emphasizes cultural connections despite earlier tensions and regional instability.
On December 18, Turkey launched TRT Farsi, a Persian-language television service, to broaden its international broadcast reach, particularly in light of complex relations with Iran. This new channel joins the ranks of other foreign media outlets, including Iran International and BBC Persian, aimed at delivering content to the Persian-speaking population. Fahrettin Altun, head of Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate, emphasized the cultural connection between Turkey and Iran and the significance of Persian-language media: “TRT has become a centre of attraction in the media sphere. Without doubt, publishing content in Persian is a valuable service to humanity.”
TRT’s Director General, Mehmet Zahid Sobaci, described the initiative as a means to counteract the dominance of Western media perspectives, stating, “For years, international media was dominated by a one-sided, Western-centric view. Turkey, under President Erdogan’s leadership, has challenged this monopoly.” The launch also reflects ongoing regional tensions, particularly regarding developments in Syria and their impact on Turkey-Iran relations.
Despite some earlier controversial remarks by Sobaci, which suggested an intention to “disturb Iran,” he sought to convey a more diplomatic tone at the launch, aiming to foster goodwill through shared cultural ties. He remarked, “Through the Persian language and attention to shared cultural bonds, we seek to strengthen connections between nations. TRT Persian will play an important role in developing communications between Turks and Persian speakers as a credible platform.”
This service represents TRT’s twelfth language initiative and aims to connect with an estimated 130 million Persian speakers around the globe. The media landscape is further complicated by recent comments from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, advising Iran to heed lessons from regional turmoil, which were sharply criticized by Iranian media. TRT continues to expand its digital presence, with billions of views across its various language services, marking it as a significant player in the international media domain.
The launch of TRT Farsi is set against a backdrop of strained Turkey-Iran relations and heightened regional tensions. Historically, both nations share cultural and linguistic ties, but political dynamics have been complex, especially in the context of regional conflicts like the Syrian civil war. Turkey aims to increase its media reach and influence among Persian speakers, thereby establishing deeper communications that could potentially mitigate tensions and foster better relations.
In summary, TRT Farsi’s launch represents Turkey’s strategic endeavor to expand its media footprint amidst challenging geopolitical circumstances. By emphasizing shared cultural heritage and aiming to provide alternative narratives to Western media, Turkey aspires to enhance connections with Persian-speaking audiences. The complex interplay of diplomacy, regional politics, and media influence will shape the implications of this new service in the long term.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
