As the New Year approaches, Turkey’s globally acclaimed belly-dancing queen Didem Kinali has the blues. “I miss being on television so much. If need be, I would perform for free. If need be, I would cover every exposed part of my body. I wish to engage in my art,” she declared at a news conference this week.

Turkey’s national channels traditionally air colorful entertainment shows on New Year's Eve, and belly dancers have long been the highlight for millions of Turkish families who celebrate the event at home.

That was until 2014 when the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK), the national broadcasting watchdog, began implementing an effective ban on belly dancers by applying pressure on all-too pliant media magnates to drop them. “It’s because of RTUK. For the past seven or eight years, belly dancers have been barred from the screen, particularly on the New Year,” Kinali told Al-Monitor in a rushed telephone call.

“Didem uses her body like an instrument; she is an extremely talented dancer and feels she isn’t appreciated anymore in Turkey. It’s deeply saddening to her,” a close associate seeking anonymity told Al-Monitor. Kinali continues to perform at private events such as weddings and corporate parties, the associate said. “She is the only belly-dancing star in Turkey today." Her international engagements have included performing at pop star Madonna’s 56th birthday party in Ibiza.