The crowning of İdil Bilgen as Miss Turkey 2024 has sparked a heated debate across social media platforms and mainstream media alike. While beauty pageants are no strangers to controversy, the intense scrutiny and criticism directed at Bilgen’s appearance have ignited discussions about societal beauty standards, sexism and the true essence of beauty. Numerous celebrities and public figures have rallied to her defense and emphasized the importance of recognizing inner beauty, intelligence and individuality.

On Wednesday Bilgen, a 24-year-old medical school graduate from Turkey’s Koç University, was crowned Miss Turkey 2024. Standing at 1.80 meters tall, Bilgen not only holds a prestigious degree in medicine but is also the daughter of a diplomat, Turkey’s ambassador to Ukraine. Her victory became a focal point for criticism.

Almost immediately after her coronation, social media erupted with negative comments questioning her suitability as a beauty queen. Critics argued that she did not fit the traditional mold of beauty and suggested that her father’s diplomatic status influenced the outcome. Some even compared her unfavorably to fictional characters from ’70s Turkish movies where men crossdressed as women for “comedic relief.”

Many Turks praised the beauty of another contestant, İpek Kuşçu, who did not make it into top 20 selected by the jury. Amid the deluge of criticism and slurs, several celebrities stepped forward to defend Bilgen, challenging the narrow definitions of beauty and condemning the harsh judgments.

Celebrities Rally in Support

Famous singer Aleyna Tilki was among the first to voice her support. Taking to social media, Tilki criticized the public’s learned beauty standards, stating: “While I don’t generally support beauty pageants, I greatly admire women who are accomplished, have a story and are unique. She represents Turkish women with her quality beauty. I have to say this so that we don’t normalize the people making these criticisms: Your minds and feelings, governed by learned information, are not free enough to perceive any form of beauty.”

Tilki highlighted the societal conditioning that often dictates perceptions of beauty, urging a broader, more inclusive understanding.

Renowned pianist Fazıl Say also came to Bilgen’s defense, addressing the issue on his social media platforms. He expressed sorrow over the negative attention Bilgen was receiving and criticized former referee Ahmet Çakar for his disparaging remarks.

“So much debate, insults, lynching, etc. Honestly, I eventually felt sorry for everything written about this young girl. Miss Turkey; Ms. İdil… a doctor, a graduate of Koç University, the daughter of a respected diplomat. Such a simple photo. None of us can claim who is the most beautiful person in a country of 85 million, because beauty is subjective,” Say wrote in a post on social media.

Say went on to criticize the media’s portrayal and the public’s quickness to judge based on superficial standards.

Notable past winners of Turkey’s beauty contests also expressed their support for Bilgen. Nebahat Çehre, Miss Turkey 1960, expressed her admiration and wished Bilgen continued success. Çağla Şikel, Miss Turkey 1997, condemned the attacks as unacceptable and urged others to stand against such negativity.

Gizem Karaca, a jury member of Miss Turkey 2024, stood by the organization’s choice, saying: “İdil was one of my favorites. She is highly accomplished and graceful. I cannot accept the bullying directed at her. Beauty is subjective, and she embodies the qualities we value.”

Prominent journalist Can Dündar emphasized that beauty pageants reflect societal transformation. “Women like İdil Bilgen, who are highly accomplished, represent much more than just physical appearance. The criticisms are shallow and superficial,” he said.

Doğuş, a well-known singer, expressed his disappointment over the criticisms, particularly those coming from other women. “I can’t believe how women are treating each other. These harsh criticisms should not be made. I congratulate İdil Bilgen; she deserves her crown.”

Ayşegül Aldinç, an actress, highlighted the holistic nature of beauty, saying, “Miss Turkey contests are not just about physical beauty. İdil Bilgen is an educated woman who wants to participate in projects that benefit society. Our queen becomes even more beautiful when she speaks.”

Ecem Uzgör, Miss Turkey 2016, who had faced similar criticism, offered her solidarity. “I was heavily criticized back then too. I stand with İdil,” she said.

Not All Support the Crown

Not all reactions from celebrities were supportive. Some figures in the entertainment industry voiced their skepticism and criticism regarding Bilgen’s win.

Pop singer Demet Akalın questioned Bilgen’s suitability for the crown. “Maybe she’ll give the crown back or if there was something like a public vote… She’s closed herself off from all comments. She really wanted to win. Sweetheart, you may want to win, but this is a beauty contest, not a favoritism contest,” Akalın tweeted.

Akalın’s remarks suggested that Bilgen’s victory might not have been solely based on merit.

Prominent singer Bülent Ersoy, a transgender woman often referred to as the “Diva” by her fans, weighed in during an interview. “Is this beauty? She has masculine features,” Ersoy remarked, adding, “Let’s not hurt or upset the young girl.”

Bilgen Responds, Organization Defends Choice

After disabling comments on her social media accounts to mitigate the negative influx, Bilgen appeared on a television show to address the situation. “While our country is experiencing tragedies such as violence against women and children, I attribute the negative comments about me to the fact that people have nothing better to do. It’s people voicing their opinions without really knowing anything. I don’t care about their comments,” she said.

Her focus remains on her upcoming participation in the Miss World competition, where she aims to represent Turkey on the global stage.

Can Sandıkçıoğlu, president of the Miss Turkey Organization, addressed the accusations of favoritism and the criticism directed at Bilgen in an exclusive interview with the Serbestiyet news website. “These girls’ entire lives, personalities, skills, aspirations and the beauty of their hearts were all considered, and the jury made its decision. There’s nothing on İdil’s application form about her father being an ambassador. We only ask about their education. Where they were born, who their father is and whether they have dual citizenship doesn’t matter,” Sandıkçıoğlu said, adding that beauty encompasses more than physical appearance.

Regarding suggestions that Bilgen’s win was a political statement due to her birthplace in Tel Aviv and her father’s diplomatic role, Sandıkçıoğlu dismissed such notions as absurd. “The idea that I’m trying to send a political message about Israel and Ukraine is laughable. It’s absurd. We have no connection to these political events.”

A Reflection of Societal Change

The controversy surrounding Bilgen’s win has reignited discussions about the relevance and impact of beauty pageants in modern society. Questions arise about whether such contests perpetuate outdated beauty standards or if they can serve as platforms for empowerment and societal change.

Beauty pageants have historically been criticized for objectifying women and enforcing narrow definitions of beauty. However, proponents argue that these platforms have evolved to celebrate intelligence, talent and social advocacy alongside physical appearance. This debate, however, has highlighted the complex and evolving nature of beauty standards in Turkey. It remains to be seen if Bilgen’s experience will contribute to a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of beauty in the country.