The Rising Dangers of Alcohol Consumption in Turkey

In recent months, Turkey has faced a worrying surge in fatalities linked to the consumption of bootleg alcohol, particularly affecting major urban areas and popular tourist destinations. Since the start of 2025, over 160 individuals have tragically died from alcohol poisoning, raising significant public health concerns.

Alcohol, particularly raki, a traditional anise-flavored spirit, has long been a staple of Turkish culinary culture, enjoyed during meals accompanied by laughter and singing. However, the perception of raki is shifting as it becomes associated with life-threatening risks due to counterfeit or illegally produced versions of the drink.

The Turkish Interior Minister has reported that authorities have seized more than 648,000 liters of illicit alcohol, including raki, vodka, and gin, while over 560 individuals have been apprehended for their involvement in the illegal production and distribution of these beverages.

Rising tax rates on alcoholic beverages have significantly impacted consumer prices, rendering traditional drinks like raki nearly unaffordable for many. A bottle of raki now costs approximately EUR35, while the monthly minimum wage hovers around EUR572. In contrast, the same beverage is considerably cheaper in other countries, such as Germany, where it typically retails for between EUR12 and EUR18.

Governments, including those of Germany and the UK, have issued warnings regarding the dangers of consuming bootleg alcohol while in Turkey. Tourists are advised to exercise caution, ensuring that the alcohol they purchase is genuine and that the packaging remains sealed. Local NGOs have echoed these warnings, suggesting that consumers avoid establishments offering unlimited alcohol and instead order unopened bottles to verify the integrity of the seal.

The root cause of the rising alcohol poisoning incidents is often the inclusion of methanol, a highly toxic substance, in place of ethanol in illegally produced drinks. Methanol is difficult to detect, as it can mimic the appearance, smell, and taste of legitimate alcohol, complicating efforts to ensure safety.

Many Turkish citizens have resorted to distilling their own alcohol due to the prohibitive costs associated with commercial products. Some locals have expressed concerns that the government's stringent tax policies are aimed at limiting alcohol consumption among the population, particularly among those who identify as more liberal or secular.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been vocal about his opposition to alcohol consumption, often promoting non-alcoholic alternatives and reinforcing a narrative that associates drinking with negative societal consequences. In response to the recent spike in alcohol-related deaths, professional organizations in Turkey have urged the government to reconsider its taxation strategy, arguing that it has failed to curb alcohol consumption and instead has exacerbated public health risks.

The current atmosphere surrounding alcohol in Turkey reflects broader societal tensions, with public drinking increasingly relegated to specific urban locales and subjected to social stigma. Government policies have limited advertising for alcoholic products and restricted their visibility in popular culture, contributing to a perception of drinking as socially unacceptable in many contexts.

Official statistics indicate that per capita alcohol consumption in Turkey is around two liters annually, but the prevalence of black market alcohol could suggest that actual consumption rates are significantly higher. As the situation develops, it remains imperative for both authorities and citizens to foster safer drinking environments and address the underlying issues that have led to this public health crisis.