Turkey’s state broadcaster TRT has launched TRT Farsi, a Persian-language service, aiming to enhance its international reach amidst strained relations with Iran. This initiative is part of Turkey’s strategy to counter Western media narratives and promote cultural ties between Turks and Iranians. The service seeks to connect with an audience of over 130 million Persian speakers, amidst ongoing political tensions in the region.
On December 18, Turkey’s state broadcaster TRT launched a Persian-language service, TRT Farsi, marking a strategic move to expand its international influence amidst ongoing tensions with Iran. This service joins other foreign-language channels targeting the Islamic Republic, including BBC Persian and VOA Farsi. Fahrettin Altun, head of Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate, emphasized the cultural ties between Turkey and Iran, referencing shared historical figures and criticizing Western influence in the region.
TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobaci highlighted the channel’s purpose in countering the prevailing Western narratives in international media. He drew analogies between current situations in Syria and Gaza, asserting that greater injustices lead to resilient calls for justice. He reiterated the goal of fostering connections through the Persian language, aiming to build a credible platform for communication between Turks and Persian speakers.
The launch occurs at a particularly sensitive time, following shifts in Syrian politics and increasing strain in Iran-Turkey relations. This initiative has provoked criticism, particularly after Sobaci previously declared the channel’s aim to “disturb Iran.” His toned-down remarks at the launch suggest a desire for a more diplomatic engagement. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s commentary on Iran’s need to learn from Syrian developments has also attracted scrutiny from Iranian media, which dismissed such views as exaggerated.
Overall, TRT seeks to leverage its vast audience, currently boasting 11 billion views across its existing platforms, to establish TRT Farsi as a prominent source of news and information for over 130 million Persian speakers globally. This expansion reflects Turkey’s ambition to enhance its media presence and strengthen its soft power in the region, despite the complex political backdrop.
The establishment of TRT Farsi is part of Turkey’s broader strategy to expand its influence and challenge the dominance of Western media narratives. Relations between Turkey and Iran have been historically complex, often marked by rivalry and competition in regional politics. The introduction of this new service reflects Turkey’s aspirations to engage with Persian-speaking audiences, leveraging the shared cultural heritage between the two nations while navigating the geopolitical tensions that affect their interactions.
In conclusion, the launch of TRT Farsi signifies Turkey’s intent to strengthen its media prowess and engage Persian-speaking audiences at a time of heightened geopolitical tension. While the new service aims to counter Western narratives and promote cultural ties, it may also exacerbate existing strains in Turkey-Iran relations. The approach adopted by TRT in presenting this service will likely shape perceptions and future interactions between the two nations.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
