Coffee & Simit
A reflection of the impact economic and political developments have on life realities in Turkey

Which impact do politics and the economy have on life in Turkey? This contribution is trying to show the different consequences of inflation and political decisions on particular life realities. In the following portraits, nine people are describing their daily lives, wishes and struggles. All of them are/have been working or living in Kadıköy, a neighborhood in Istanbul, which is known for its cool, lively and international atmosphere.

Illustration Aleyna

Aleyna: "Rich people don't want to help poorer people, even though they have enough. This is a social problem!"

Portrait
Behind her red simit stall at the ferry port of Kadıköy, 44-year-old Aleyna sells the typical sesame curls every day. As the only woman in this position, she had to stand up to hostility and harassment from men. Meanwhile, she has been working here for 16 years, she knows the people and their stories. She helps where she can and gives some of her simit to hungry people.
By Antonia Oschmann
It's getting worse and worse, comparing the current situation with previous years. The government has to change a lot or be changed itself!
Aisha
Uysal Illustration

Uysal: "Personally, inflation hardly affects me because I am not paid in lira. But in my job I see every day how much it increases the existing inequalities."

Portrait
Uysal is of Kurdish origin and has lived in many places. He lost his job as a teacher with the "purge" after the 2016 coup attempt and now works for an NGO that advocates for children's rights and safety. In the course of his job, he mainly meets people who belong to marginalised population groups. The Inflation is hitting them particularly hard.
By Antonia Oschmann
The more a state develops into an autocracy, the smaller becomes the difference between the terms 'refugee' and 'migrant'
Paul
Illustration Mehmet

Mehmet: "I feel so bad when I do this job. I don't want to do this, it's not good for me."

Portrait
Mehmet moved from Urfa to Istanbul with his family one year ago and has been working as a "rubbish collector" in the streets of Kadıköy ever since. Almost every day, the thirteen-year-old searches the rubbish containers for paper and plastic to sell it afterwards for a few liras. His brother Baran, three years younger, also earns money this way. Actually, both of them would like to see more of the city, go to school regularly and become a policeman or soldier later.
By Antonia Oschmann
Paul Illustration

Paul: "Turkey is in a situation like Russia was in 2009: in the process of transformation towards autocracy"

Portrait
Paul is in his late twenties and ended up in Kadıköy by chance. He wanted to get away from the States and is now living very well in Istanbul. The reason is the comparatively stable salary in US dollars, which would be small for a life in the US, but offers him the opportunity to build his start-up in Turkey. Paul was born in Russia, but after leaving the country 10 years ago, he hasn’t returned until now: to escape military service. With Putin’s war, a Russian migrant community is now forming in Istanbul, reminding him of his old home.
By Antonia Oschmann

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