CNN Türk’s astrology broadcast on local elections draws ire

CNN's Turkish branch hosted an astrologer during a live broadcast, who made predictions for the local elections in three biggest metropolitan provinces in Turkey. The broadcast drew ire on social media.

Thursday September 28 2023 07:04 pm

A screenshot from CNN Türk's astrology broadcast on local elections dated-Sept. 22, showing the birth dates and horoscopes of the mayors of Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir metropolitan municipalities.

Duvar English

CNN’s Türkish branch on Sept. 22 hosted “astrologer” Nuray Ayarı in their broadcast called “Circle of Mind” (“Akıl Çemberi” in Turkish), who made predictions for the results of the local elections of Istanbul, Ankara and İzmir metropolitan municipalities.

The footage of the broadcast of CNN Türk, which was spread on social media on Sept. 27-28, drew ire among users.

For the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Ayarı said, “Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu is a Gemini, he is losing in this election. His political life continues, but he will eventually leave the Republican People’s Party (CHP). He will no longer be the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in 2024. The (ruling) Justice and Development Party (AKP) wins in Istanbul.”

Ayarı also said during the broadcast that “Mansur Yavaş is also a Gemini, but one (İmamoğlu) was born in 1971 and the other (Yavaş) was born in 1955. Which sign was Pluto in 1955? CHP will win in Ankara anyway. Mr. Mansur will continue. The same order (CHP mayorship) will continue in the same way in İzmir.”

Commenting on the broadcast, the social media users stated that there is no mainstream television channel left in Turkey, which “can be taken seriously.”

The local elections are scheduled to be held on March 31, 2024.