We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Transcript/Script Ramadan Turkey Inflation - Farqin
HEADLINE: Turkey’s Soaring Inflation Mars Ramadan Celebrations
TEASER: Muslim worshippers in Turkey’s southeast city Diyarbakir say they are struggling to purchase essential groceries due to the country's high inflation rate in Ramadan.
PUBLISHED AT: 04/28/2022 at 456p
BYLINE: Xecican Farqin
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Diyarbakir, Turkey
VIDEOGRAPHER: Xecican Farqin
VIDEO EDITOR: Xecican Farqin
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: KE; BR
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA Original | VOA Kurdish Service
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _x_ RADIO __
TRT: 1:48
VID APPROVED BY: Jepsen
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES:))
((INTRO))
[[Muslim worshippers in Turkey’s southeastern city of Diyarbakir say they are struggling to purchase essential groceries for Ramadan celebrations because of the country's high inflation rate. VOA’s Xecican Farqin has details in this report narrated by Rikar Hussein. ]]
((NARRATOR))
Observant Muslims around the world spend extra money during Islam’s holy month of Ramadan to fill dinner tables with plenty of delicious delicacies so they can enjoy breaking their fasts with family and friends.
But in Turkey, soaring inflation has made buying even a basic meal a struggle for many in the Kurdish city of Diyarbakir.
((Evdirehman, Diyarbakir Resident)) ((Male in Kurdish))
“We cannot buy or eat anything. Ramadan is about to end but I haven’t been able to buy two kilograms of tomatoes. I could not take them home.”
((NARRATOR))
In April, the Turkish Statistical Institute reported that inflation had reached a new 20-year high of 61%. The report noted that consumer prices increased by more than 5% in March alone.
((Seyfadi, Diyarbakir Resident)) ((Male in Kurdish))
“The poverty of ancient times has come back. Just like we used to be poor, then our situation got better, and we became middle-income people. And now we are back to the first stage again.”
((NARRATOR))
The growing demand for food during Ramadan has worsened inflation. Even vendors who do not sell food are struggling.
((Diyarbakir Retailer)) ((Male in Turkish))
“I cannot sell any products. People have no purchasing power. This country is done, finished. Even the state does not have any financial means anymore. The state coffer is empty. Where is the money?”
((NARRATOR))
The Turkish economy has been on a downward spiral since 2018.
While President Recep Erdogan continues to reassure the Turkish people, the opposition blames him for his economic policies.
((For Xecican Farqin in Diyarbakir, Turkey – Rikar Hussein – VOA NEWS))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
