Turkey is a country that has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population. It is known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and delicious cuisine. However, one question that many people have when they plan to visit Turkey is whether they can drink alcohol. In this blog post, we will explore the answer to this question and provide you with some important information about alcohol consumption in Turkey.
Turkey is a country straddling Europe and the Middle East, with influences from both regions shaping its culture. This leads many visitors to ask: Can you drink alcohol in Turkey?
The answer is yes, you can freely drink alcohol in Turkey. However, there are some nuances to understand regarding cultural attitudes, laws, and where you can buy alcohol.
Turkish Attitudes Towards Alcohol
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The majority religion in Turkey is Islam, which forbids alcohol. However Turkey is a secular country without sharia law. Drinking is not seen as a religious taboo.
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Turks have a long history of alcohol production and consumption dating back centuries. While conservative Turks abstain, moderate drinking is socially acceptable, especially with food.
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Regional attitudes differ. Western and coastal regions are more secular. Central and Eastern regions tend to be more conservative. Rural areas drink less than cities.
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Most Turks do not drink frequently or excessively. Alcoholic drinks are often savored slowly during meals or social gatherings. Binge drinking is frowned upon.
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Beer, wine, raki, and vodka are the most popular alcoholic drinks. Raki, an anise-flavored spirit, is considered the national drink.
Laws Regarding Alcohol in Turkey
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It is legal for those 18+ to buy and consume alcohol. You may need to show ID to purchase.
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Alcohol can only be sold in shops and markets from 10am-10pm. It can be served 24/7 in bars, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues with licenses.
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Public drinking is allowed in licensed establishments. Drinking on the streets or parks depends on the city. When in doubt, do as the locals do.
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Drunk driving laws are strict with a 0.05% BAC limit. Better to avoid driving after drinking.
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Advertising alcohol on Turkish TV, radio, and billboards is banned but allowed online. Branding restrictions also apply.
Where to Buy Alcoholic Drinks
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Small neighborhood shops called “tekel” sell beer, wine, and spirits. Prices are higher than supermarkets.
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Larger supermarkets have a wider alcohol selection and lower prices. Imported alcohol is expensive.
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Avoid buying from street vendors. Purchase sealed bottles from licensed sellers.
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It’s challenging to find alcohol in smaller conservative towns or during Ramadan when sales may be limited. Plan purchases in advance if traveling off the beaten track.
Experiencing Turkish Alcoholic Beverages
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Turkish wine deserves a taste. Local grapes and terroirs produce unique varietals like Kavaklıdere Yakut and Vinkara Yaşasın.
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High quality craft beer is growing in popularity. Efes and Bomonti are the major national brands.
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Sipping raki accompanied by meze appetizers is a quintessential Turkish experience. Add water which turns raki milky white.
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Vodka and imported spirits are available but generally expensive due to high alcohol taxes.
Alcohol in Turkey: A brief history
Turkey has a complicated history with alcohol. In the early years of the Republic, Turkey’s first president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, encouraged the consumption of alcohol as a way to modernize and secularize the country. During this time, Turkey’s wine industry flourished, and alcohol consumption was widely accepted.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend towards Islamization, and some conservative politicians have tried to limit the consumption of alcohol in Turkey. In 2013, the government introduced new regulations that made it more difficult for restaurants and bars to obtain licenses to sell alcohol.
Can you drink alcohol in Turkey?
The short answer is yes, you can drink alcohol in Turkey. However, there are some restrictions and regulations that you should be aware of. The legal drinking age in Turkey is 18, and it is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under this age. It is also illegal to drink alcohol in public places, although this law is not always strictly enforced in tourist areas.
Restaurants, bars, and hotels are allowed to serve alcohol, but they must have a license to do so. Some restaurants and bars choose not to serve alcohol, especially in more conservative areas of the country. During the holy month of Ramadan, many restaurants and bars may also choose not to serve alcohol out of respect for the Muslim majority.
One important thing to note is that alcohol is heavily taxed in Turkey, so it can be expensive to drink alcohol in restaurants and bars. However, you can find affordable alcohol in supermarkets and convenience stores, and many locals choose to drink at home rather than in public places.
Alcohol in Istanbul: Best Food and Drinks in Turkey Revealed
FAQ
Do they drink alcohol in Turkey?
Do restaurants in Turkey serve alcohol?
How popular is alcohol in Turkey?
Can you open carry alcohol in Istanbul?
Can you drink alcohol in Turkey?
The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages is age limited to persons 18 and over. Turkey’s driving under the influence law gives a blood alcohol content limit of 0.05 mg/ml and 0 for commercial drivers. Breaching the limit is punishable with a six-month driving ban.
Which alcoholic drinks are popular in Turkey?
Beer is widely preferred among alcoholic drinks in our country. Most well known Turkish beer brands are Efes Pilsen, Bomonti, and Marmara34. Efes beers are the most popular Turkish beers. Turkish Efes is also Europe’s 5th and the world’s 10th largest brewer by production volume.
Are alcohol bottles legal in Turkey?
As common in many countries, liquor bottles and alcoholic beverages have warning labels for the potential harm of alcohol. Legal permission is required to produce or sell alcohol in Turkey, which is regulated by the Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock.
Is alcohol a problem in Turkey?
Despite that, Turkey is a secular country and the consumption of alcohol both in public and in private is not uncommon. Though due to this fact, issues such as alcohol addiction (alcoholism), and other serious issues caused by this factor are a problem in the country.