Illegal alcohol consumption in Turkey: 37 deaths reported in Istanbul

Authorities in Istanbul have reported the deaths of 37 people over the past six weeks due to the consumption of toxic, illegally-produced alcohol, according to an announcement made by the Istanbul Governor's Office on Monday.

Since November 1, 2024, 77 individuals have been poisoned, with 17 still receiving treatment in hospitals, the governor's office stated on social media platform X. Law enforcement has detained 14 individuals suspected of distributing the contaminated alcohol that caused the fatalities.

Alcohol poisoning from counterfeit or adulterated products has become a recurring problem in Turkey, fueled by the rise of underground production.

This illicit activity has expanded in response to steep taxes on alcoholic beverages, making legally-purchased alcohol increasingly unaffordable for many.

In late 2021, at least 25 people died within days in several provinces across the country due to toxic alcohol consumption. The year before, over 40 people lost their lives in similar incidents.

The soaring cost of alcohol in Turkey has driven many to seek cheaper alternatives, despite the associated risks.

For example, raki, the country's national spirit, now costs approximately 1,300 Turkish lira (€35) per liter in supermarkets. This is a significant burden in a country where the monthly minimum wage is capped at 17,000 lira (€465).

Critics of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accuse his administration of fostering policies that discourage alcohol consumption as part of a broader agenda to impose conservative Islamic values on society. 

Erdoğan has publicly spoken out against alcohol and tobacco use on multiple occasions, aligning these views with his government's stance on public health and morality.

While the government defends its tax policies as measures to promote healthier lifestyles, the growing prevalence of counterfeit alcohol suggests an urgent need for alternative solutions to address affordability and public safety concerns.

The recent wave of fatalities in Istanbul serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing health risks posed by the underground alcohol trade. Despite government crackdowns and the detention of suspects, the problem persists, leaving vulnerable individuals at risk of poisoning and death.