Court sentences Tuğba Ulu to five months in prison for insulting Suleiman the Magnificent

The Criminal Court of First Instance sentenced comedian Tuğba Ulu to five months in prison for publicly degrading a section of the public over her remarks about Suleiman the Magnificent. The court deferred the announcement of the verdict.

Scraper SystemJuly 14, 2026, 07:55 PM

Court sentences Tuğba Ulu to five months in prison for insulting Suleiman the Magnificent

The trial of Tuğba Ulu continued over remarks she made during a performance about Suleiman the Magnificent, one of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Prosecutors had sought up to three years in prison for Ulu on charges of inciting the public to hatred and hostility. “I have also practiced affirmative action for women in my performances.” The hearing was held at the Istanbul 13th Criminal Court of First Instance, where Ulu, who was not detained, and her lawyers were present.

Asked to present her defense against the opinion issued by the prosecutor and read out at the previous hearing, Ulu said: “I request my acquittal. I do not accept the alleged act aimed at degrading women mentioned in the opinion. As a woman living in Türkiye, I do not accept the charge, given that I have struggled in every area. I have also practiced affirmative action for women in my performances.”

In her final statement, Ulu said: “I believe that these remarks are divisive in nature. I did not intend to degrade anyone.” Announcing its ruling, the court sentenced Ulu to five months in prison for publicly degrading a section of the public and deferred the announcement of the verdict.