Turkish Actress Tuba Büyüküstün Faces Backlash for Social Media Posts from Marrakech
In a recent visit to the enchanting city of Marrakech, renowned Turkish actress Tuba Büyüküstün has ignited widespread anger among Moroccans. During her time at the Marrakech Short Film Festival, where she served as the chair of the international jury, she shared several Instagram stories that depicted scenes many locals found offensive and damaging to the city's reputation. Followers questioned how a city rich in culture, beauty, and history could only be represented through these particular images, raising eyebrows and sparking discussions about her motives.
The frustration expressed by many was not merely due to the portrayal of aspects that certainly require improvement, but rather the selective and troubling depiction of an entire city to a vast international audience. With over 6.2 million followers on social media, the expectations for a more thoughtful representation of Marrakech were considerable. Critics argued that as a guest representing Morocco, she should have exercised greater caution in the images she chose to broadcast.
The outrage also extended to the festival organizers, who faced criticism for their decision to invite certain foreign figures without thorough vetting. Many voiced their concerns that celebrity status alone should not suffice in determining who gets a platform, especially when there are others who might better reflect the significant progress Morocco has made across various sectors.
Some commentators speculated whether the choice to focus on the less flattering aspects of Marrakech was intentional, possibly to bolster tourism in Turkey amidst the competitive landscape between Moroccan and Turkish tourism. While there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, the underlying question remains: why did Tuba specifically choose these images and neglect the stunning features that make Marrakech one of the world's premier tourist destinations? Such choices are particularly perplexing considering the awareness that her posts would reach millions.
As reported by akhbarona.com.
