Speculation is growing in Turkey about the future of one of the country's most successful pop-singers, Tarkan, who has ignored a call-up for military service.

The deadline for him to appear was yesterday and one newspaper Turkiye says Tarkan is technically a deserter and could be tried before a military tribunal.

Tarkan is currently on tour in France and signed a big recording contract.

He says he thought he had made a deal with the government, allowing him to postpone military service and work as a cultural ambassador.

The Defence Minister has accused him of seeking privileges and avoiding his duty.