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Erdogan targets the most popular local exchange space and backgammon for uncontrolled freedom of expression
The Tavern for the Turks is much more than just a place to eat and drink, the locals say. It is above all a space for communication, for social contacts, where to share problems and clarify politics while rolling the dice on the board with friends. There in an unpretentious atmosphere
served
snacks in your pocket
to each and
drink cancer,
which the Turks also call lion’s milk (Aslansyutlu, after a popular brand in Germany), a drink close to our putty, Greek ouzo, French pastis, and Arabic arak. The word has the same root as Bulgarian brandy, but is mainly produced from raisins.
Taverns are an integral part of the Istanbul landscape, such as the Bosphorus, Hagia Sophia, and the Galata Tower. Without them, life in the popular neighborhoods of Beyolu, Kadıköy and Beşiktaş would not be the same, reports Deutsche Welle.
Now, however, many residents of the metropolis are concerned about the future of these types of restaurants. Not just because of the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions and strict hygiene requirements that reduce clientele and create financial challenges for homeowners. And by an initiative of the Turkish government.
According to Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay, the names
mehana bottle
bar, hookah
coffee shop
for tobacco
must be
forbidden
and it will no longer be written on the plates of the objects. Oktay emphasizes that this measure is necessary in the framework of the “fight against addictions”. However, this may be the last nail in the coffin of the taverns.
There are at least two reasons why the Turkish authorities do not like this type of restaurant. One is that they drink alcohol. And since he came to power, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Islamist Justice and Development Party have waged a fierce battle against alcohol use in the country, constantly reminding him that it is prohibited by Allah’s command.
Already in 2013, a law was passed that prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages after 10 p.m., as well as their advertising. The most secular claim that if it were up to him,
Erdogan,
who is sworn
sober,
He would do
everyone to drink
just ayran
In Turkey, however, the “cup culture” has deep roots, and its rules of “moderation” are followed by both Muslims and locals of other faiths. That is why the principle in taverns is that aperitifs are not for eating and brandy is not for drinking.
Ersin Kalkan, the owner of the tavern, explains that in these restaurants one enjoys brandy in small sips. “Unlike in bars, where alcohol is consumed as quickly as possible, in the tavern the conversations are thoughtful, the relationships are much deeper. “When you are sitting in a tavern, you are not in a hurry,” he said.
“Meyhane” are
known since
Persian time
There is mostly brandy, but also wine. The word actually means wine house. Brandy – raki – has been revered in the Ottoman Empire for centuries. It is made from semi-dry grapes, goes through a double distillation and finally anise seeds are added to the drink. Turkish brandy is usually 45% and is drunk with water, which gives the drink its milky white color, hence the name lion’s milk.
According to Ezel Akay, a well-known Turkish actor and director, the consumption of the drink in the tavern follows certain strict rules of conduct that must not be violated. Machine culture categorically rejects all disputes and conflicts, even in those cases where the people at the table are completely free to express their views, which are often contradictory. TO
mehanjiyata
assume the responsibility
for your guests and
he is always obliged
to know who
how much do you use
“When necessary, the mechanic politely removes the bottle from his customer’s hands,” explains Akai. That is why, according to him, in Istanbul you will not see drunkards on the street.
To dissuade his compatriots from drunken activities, Erdogan constantly increases excise duties. Since he ruled the country,
prices of
brandy are
increased
up to 2000%
A bottle costs up to a tenth of the Turkish minimum wage. “A bottle of brandy is subject to a 234% excise tax, and when you buy a mug of beer, which costs £ 10, up to £ 6 goes to tax,” said Turkish opposition politician Özgur Özel. Tavern owners remember that in 2010 a bottle of brandy in their restaurants cost 4.20 euros, and now due to alcohol taxes it has risen to 20.50 euros.
Another reason the authorities take a close look at taverns is that over the years they have become a place of freedom of expression. Are
the only ones
places where
government
no influence
because there people meet, exchange ideas and discuss problems, reveals the local people. In practice, it is equivalent to taverns, which according to the French writer Honore de Balzac are the “people’s parliament.”
Istanbul-born author and gastronomy expert Tan Morgul told Deutsche Welle that taverns have always been a thorn in the side of the ruling conservative elite. In their role of social ventilation, they are considered, if not dangerous, then at least places to watch.
“Our culture
of the machines is on
way to disappear “,
a landlord in the Beyolu neighborhood complains. He does not understand the new intentions of the Turkish government regarding the abolition of the names. According to him, this will further complicate the already difficult situation in which the industry finds itself.
Many experts doubt that removing the “tavern” sign would eradicate vices, especially in the case of drinking.
“It’s stupid
believe
that the lack of
plate in front
the restaurant will
made addicts
stop drinking “,
thinks psychologist Boris Gurkas. “If the government’s goal was really to fight addiction, then it is more appropriate to provide psychological support to alcoholics and people at high risk of addiction,” he said.
Turks are also not satisfied with the fact that while alcohol consumption is becoming increasingly restricted for them, the Turkish Ministry of Tourism continues to advertise cancer to foreigners. The Go Turkey website, created by the ministry, recommends that tourists enjoy Turkish appetizers along with a glass of crawfish. “The appetizer is not just to fill the stomach,” says the website. “If you enjoy a glass of crawfish at the same time, each appetizer will have a different flavor.”
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