Turkey lacks concert halls, says Mansur

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet

Mansur spoke to Haaretz ahead of the concert he is due to give with the Haifa.

Conductor Cem Mansur has spoken to Israeli newspaper Haaretz ahead of the concert he is due to give with the Haifa Symphony Orchestra. Mansur said Turkey had increased its support of classical music in recent years. 

“The Culture and Tourism Ministry gives full support to the development of music in Turkey,” he said, adding that there were many people attending classical concerts. Noting that there was a huge potential for classical music in Turkey, Mansur said: “However, we do not have enough concert halls. The state opera house is also closed for restoration for the next four years.”

Mansur also answered a question related to the extent to which the modern Islamic movement affects Western music in Turkey. “AKP is not an Islamic party. [It has overseen] a huge development and increase in support for classical and Western music,” he answered. He also said the employment capacity had increased in this area. 
Mansur also said his mother was a Polish Jew. “I know my roots, but I grew up in a country where there is a secular environment. I can say that I am a Turkish citizen.”