Ararim (I’ll Call You) - How secular Turks quench their (alcoholic) thirst

3 months ago
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The ideological roots of Erdogan’s anti-alcohol stance were perhaps best displayed in a speech he made as prime minister to AKP lawmakers in May 2013.

“They say I do this because of my faith,” he said. Then, addressing his critics, he added, “If a religion — no matter which — dictates the right thing, are you going to oppose that just because it is the command of a religion? How come laws made by two drunkards are reputable for you, but laws dictated by religion have to be rejected? … No one should make alcohol a matter of identity. This is not an intervention in anyone’s lifestyle. If you want to drink, go drink at home.”

By "two drunkards" Erdogan was understood to mean Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, and his right-hand man, Ismet Inonu. A heavy insult towards Ataturk. If somebody would insult Erdogan like this, he would be put in jail for at least two years.
Rea more here: https://tinyurl.com/bp799hvz

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