Spotify Relations Thaw in Turkey

Spotify and the Turkish government have reportedly soothed the tensions that led to the streaming giant threatening to leave the country.

The issues:

• The Turkish government has previously accused Spotify of engaging in “anti-competitive practices.”

• Deputy Culture Minister Batuhan Mumcu had also taken to social media calling for legal action against Spotify for publishing playlists that either disregarded the country’s religious sensitivities or targeted Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

• In addition, the government had highlighted Spotify’s failure to support the local scene.

The resolution:

• Following a meeting between Spotify execs and Turkish government officials, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy took to X to report that “a significant gap is being addressed” courtesy of Spotify opening an office in Istanbul in 2026.

• As per Digital Music News, the Minister also pointed to upcoming promotional undertakings involving Turkish artists and the DSP, stating: “This strong collaboration, which will also support young talents and female artists, will bring new momentum to our cultural diplomacy.”