As the Eid al-Adha holiday approaches, Turkish citizens are increasingly searching for budget-friendly vacation options. With domestic vacation prices skyrocketing, many are considering the Greek Islands, which are being promoted in media and social platforms as a cheaper alternative with fair pricing practices for both locals and tourists.
However, this growing interest has drawn criticism from Ümit Özdağ, the leader of the secular-nationalist Zafer Partisi (Victory Party). Özdağ voiced his concerns on social media platform X, cautioning against traveling to the Greek Islands despite the lower costs. He argued that spending money there indirectly supports the Greek military.
“Even if it's cheaper, please remember that with many of our islands in the Aegean Sea under Greek military occupation, every euro spent on the Greek Islands fuels their army’s resources. Don't fund the occupying force; vacation in your own country,” Özdağ stated, referencing a newspaper clipping in his post.
He acknowledged complaints from some citizens about being overcharged by local businesses in Türkiye, attributing it to the inflationary environment caused by poor economic management by the ruling party - AKP. Özdağ urged protest against such practices but stressed that avoiding the Greek Islands is crucial for national integrity.
“I’m not talking about enjoying cheap calamari,” Özdağ continued. “I’m talking about our lands, as Turkish as Fethiye, Bodrum, Kuşadası, and Gökçeada, now occupied by the Greek military while the AKP watches. Supporting the occupying country, even for affordable and delicious food, is unacceptable. We must not condone occupation nor those who allow it.”
Özdağ’s remarks highlight a growing tension between economic pressures and nationalist sentiments, urging citizens to consider the broader implications of their holiday choices.
