Turkish pop star Mabel Matiz, whose real name is Fatih Karaca, appeared before the Istanbul 54th Criminal Court of First Instance on Tuesday to face charges of “obscenity” over the lyrics of his song Perperişan. In response to a question from the judge asking whether the song was written for a man, Karaca said, “Anyone can sing a song for anyone. It’s not my place to set the boundaries for that.”
The indictment accuses Karaca of using language that “indirectly incites sexual desire,” includes “erotic allusions through physical and emotional metaphors,” and “depictions of sexual intercourse.” Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of six months to three years for the singer under charges of “facilitating the dissemination of obscene publications.”
During the hearing, the judge asked Karaca to explain specific lines from the song—“cici toy bebe, sal kuşu hanesine, yanmalı hangisine”—which the prosecution claims are sexually suggestive. Karaca denied the allegations, stating:
“I wrote this song a year and a half ago. It was included in an album by a French band that has a deep interest in this region. I wrote it with inspiration from Turkish folk literature. The interpretation being hyped up on social media is simply not there. My artistic stance is clear. Children and young people are very important to me, and I absolutely did not write this song with the alleged intent. I don’t believe this song is obscene. It’s based on traditional Turkish folk songs. If these songs are still aired on state broadcaster TRT, then I believe this shouldn’t be an issue.”
He explained that the phrase “cici toy bebe” refers to an adult and, although it is an expression rooted in the Ankara dialect, it is meant to signify someone who is emotionally youthful. The term “kuş,” meaning “bird,” is commonly used in Turkish folk literature to symbolize fate or destiny, he added.
“These are expressions reflecting the grand passion of a fearless lover. They do not contain the suggested insinuations,” he said.
When asked again if the song was written for a man, Karaca expressed disappointment at the question:
“I find this question upsetting and heartbreaking. You wouldn’t ask the same question if an arabesque singer sang it. Anyone can sing a song for anyone. It’s not my place to draw those lines.”
The prosecutor requested that the case file be forwarded to the Ministry of Family and Social Services. Specifically, he called for the Child Services Directorate and the Board for the Protection of Minors from Harmful Publications to assess whether the lyrics are obscene. The judge approved the request.
The trial was adjourned to March 27 at 9:30 a.m.
Matiz is a prominent figure in Turkish pop music, known for blending contemporary pop with traditional Turkish and regional elements. He has been praised for challenging gender norms and promoting LGBTQ+ visibility in a country where such topics often face public and legal scrutiny.
