Censorship and self-censorship in turkish cinema after 2000

ABSTRACT In Turkish cinema, censorship and self-censorship have been a significant problem since the early days of the sector. Especially in the post-2000 period, efforts to control the content of films and limit freedom of expression have increased in the art environment in Turkey. During this period, filmmakers and artists frequently practice self-censorship in order not to face social and political pressures. This thesis aims to examine the effects of censorship and self-censorship on Turkish cinema and to reveal the difficulties filmmakers face in this complex environment. By analyzing the reflections of social, political and cultural changes in the post-2000 period on cinema, it will detail the effects of censorship and self-censorship on cinematic production processes. The study aims to reveal how censorship and self-censorship, beyond being merely a means of control, shape artists' creative forms of expression and social criticism. In addition, the role of these phenomena in the aesthetic and content evolution of Turkish cinema will be examined through the relationship of cinema art with social values, state policies and cultural norms. Another aim of the study is to discuss how the concepts of censorship and self-censorship in the post-2000 period contributed to the development of new narrative forms and discursive strategies in Turkish cinema. As a result, reducing censorship and self-censorship in Turkish cinema can make the cinema sector more competitive at the international level by ensuring the free development of art. The regulations and social awareness studies to be made in this process will contribute to the formation of a freer creative environment by increasing the artistic diversity of Turkish cinema. Keywords: Censorship, Cinema, After 2000, Self-censorship.