Fire of Anatolia leaves Aspendos Arena

Mustafa Erdoğan, who leads arguably one of Turkey's most famous dance troupes, believes his household name group can no longer perform at a venue near the Aspendos Ancient Theater, located in the southern province of Antalya's Serik district, due to its landlord's high rent demand.

The Fire of Anatolia general art director said that they would have to empty the venue, where they have been performing for 11 years, due to the landlord's demand which, he stresses, contradicts their contract.

Erdoğan said that the Fire of Anatolia shows started 18 years ago in the Aspendos Ancient Theater but stopped in 2008 when the restoration of the 2,000-year-old ancient theater was brought to the agenda. Then they established a 5,000-person stage on an area where they rented in the Belkıs neighborhood. Stating that the Fire of Anatolia had been performing on this stage, called Aspendos Arena, for 11 years, Erdoğan said that they were in danger of being evicted due to rental dispute.

He held a press conference at the weekend with the participation of locals and the Fire of Anatolia performers, saying that Aspendos Arena was built without giving any damage to the ancient theater in Aspendos.

Emphasizing that they have welcomed millions of spectators since 2008, Erdoğan said that the Fire of Anatolia was the first among the activities that should be followed by every foreign guest coming to Antalya.

Erdoğan explained that they rented a place that used to be a cornfield and started working there.

"We came to a deadlock because of the irreconcilable attitude of the landowner. No suggestion was received by the landowner. He filed an eviction case and we will face a hearing in February. 'If the aim is to do agriculture, let's purchase the land...