That day, Erdogan arrived on the scene ready for confrontation. The year was 2013, and the Turkish government was taking a hard line against alcohol. Sales in supermarkets and stores were restricted after 10 PM, and alcohol advertising on television faced new limits. These moves sparked widespread unrest in Türkiye, a nation that has long positioned itself as constitutionally secular. Critics spoke out, while Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a figure known for his Islamist and conservative leanings, defended the measures with a passionate rhetoric. He posed a provocative question about the law: why should it apply to two figures who helped found the Turkish state, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and İsmet İnönü, both revered for their historical ties to the country and for their supposed affinity with Western-style modernization, even as the new rules touched a sensitive social topic like alcohol. He implied that the law, rather than being a simple policy, reflected deeper beliefs and loyalties that cut across generations and social classes. The speech was seen by many as one-sided, aimed at stirring confusion and social division. In Turkey, alcohol and its consumption have long carried symbolic weight, often marking belonging to a particular social group and, to a lesser extent, aligning with a political camp.
“Alcohol has become a social identity tool in Turkey, though with nuances,” observed Barış Tuğrul, a sociologist and professor at Hacettepe University. He explained that the issue sits at the intersection of a long-running clash between secular forces and Islamist movements in modern Turkish history, where certain symbols have consistently played a pivotal role in shaping social identity. Among these symbols, alcohol has carried significant weight, mirroring debates around the headscarf in public institutions and universities during earlier years of political change. In this light, Tuğrul suggested that alcohol’s prominence as a symbol extends beyond personal choice to a broader political theater. “Some see the policy as reflecting a government mindset that emphasizes religious norms,” he noted, adding that, for many, public debate over alcohol became a proxy for broader questions about power and legitimacy in the country.
“Alcohol has now become a political symbol shaped by the policies of Islamists who have held power for more than two decades. For some, the constitution is no longer the primary reference; religious texts and beliefs are cited within political debates, and alcohol is framed as a sin by followers of certain ideologies,” Tuğrul continued. The conversation shifted from a simple question of personal preference to a larger discussion about how policy, morality, and national identity intertwine in political life.
Drink and history
Alcohol has not merely sparked debate in the last century of Türkiye’s modern history. Its story stretches back to the late Ottoman era, with periods when prohibitions, secrecy, and accessible consumption were debated in public spaces and courtly settings alike. For much of the Ottoman period, alcohol was banned for Muslims, yet permitted for others. The shift reflected broader social and religious transformations over time. There were moments when rulers allowed public drinking during receptions, and champagne flowed in social circles at official gatherings. Street consumption existed in various forms, but full legalization did not come until the early years of the republic, following the empire’s dissolution.
Under Atatürk, the state took an active role in shaping the alcohol landscape through monopolies and regulatory structures, with the aim of guiding production and distribution toward a national narrative. Alcohol, especially a high-proof anise-flavored liqueur known as rakı, appeared within a larger project of national branding. Yet, as the nation moved forward, the cultural, political, and religious currents continued to interact with how alcohol was perceived and regulated.
Today, as Erdogan’s administration has continued to navigate social and economic pressures, alcohol is discussed through a different lens. Critics argue that certain leaders frame alcohol policy as a moral project, linking taxation and regulation to broader political goals. Some observers point to tax policies and price controls as tools intended to deter consumption or to manage social behavior, while opponents emphasize personal freedom and the risks of state overreach. The debate remains deeply entwined with questions about modern Turkish identity, governance, and the role of religion in public life.
In interviews with stakeholders and scholars, concerns about private life and public behavior surface repeatedly. Some note that public displays of drinking may become acts of political signaling, while others insist that a substantial portion of the population drinks in private settings, away from public scrutiny. The tension between visible public policy and private habit reflects a broader challenge in Turkish society: balancing tradition and modernity within a pluralistic political system.
Public and private
The boundaries between public policy and private life remain an ongoing point of contention. Alcohol consumption, when observed in public, can take on political meaning, sometimes seen as a statement of personal stance or protest. Official figures vary, and some surveys indicate that a sizable portion of the population drinks, though self-reporting and social desirability bias can blur the true picture. Observers argue that, long before Erdogan’s time in office, a significant share of Turkish society engaged with alcohol in various contexts. Critics also note that public discourse around drinking often conceals more than it reveals, given the social pressure and potential repercussions for individuals in more conservative communities.
Analysts emphasize that private consumption remains substantial, even when public expressions may be cautious or limited. The dynamic is shaped by a blend of urban culture, personal choice, and the reach of political rhetoric. As Turkey continues to navigate its modern identity, the conversation about alcohol serves as a mirror for broader questions about tradition, reform, and the balance between individual rights and collective norms.