The riots of Gezi park still ring in the Turkish consciousness.
Whatever was the protest's aim, one of the bones of contention was the increasing push toward orthodoxy in Turkey, as Erdogan relentlessly drives his country toward a stricter observation of Muslim mores.
One of the most controversial ban was the public dress codes that were passed, reminiscent of the repressive Moral Custom edicts that terrorize Iranian streets. Another one was the restriction on alcohol, which is now becoming a reality.
The regulations are trying to curb the consumption both public and private of alcohol. Most of the restrictions are aimed at the time of sale. Bans will go into effect so that liquor stores will not be able to sell liquor from 10pm to 6am, the hours when people usually consume alcohol. The sale of alcohol will also be prohibited near schools, mosques and other places of worship.
Most people believe that barring strict enforcement, the ban will be ignored, or at least many people will outwardly protest it, by violating it.
Another part of the ban, is the regulation against public drinking of alcohol, which was one of the items protested at Gezi park, where youths were seen openly drinking beer during the protests.
Some predict a new round of protests over the ban.
Source : France 24/ 9.9.13
No comments:
Post a Comment