AKP members open Burger King, which is on the boycott list, with prayers
AKP figures continue to attend the openings of brands on the boycott list. Most recently, Burger King and Popeyes branches in the Dinar district of Afyonkarahisar were opened accompanied by prayers.
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While Israel's attacks on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, continue, Turkey's maintenance of commercial relations with Israel has drawn reactions from both the opposition and the public.
Following increasing public pressure, the AKP decided to first gradually restrict and then completely cut off commercial relations with Israel. However, despite official statements, reports continue to emerge that trade with Israel is still ongoing.
OPENINGS CONTINUE DESPITE BOYCOTT DECISION
While calls for a boycott against US and Israeli-based brands increased following the decision to halt trade, the participation of AKP figures in the openings of Burger King branches in Rize and Izmir, which are on the "Boycott Israel" list, had drawn criticism. Finally, a similar opening scene came from Afyonkarahisar.
OPENED ACCOMPANIED BY PRAYERS
Burger King and Popeyes branches were opened on the second floor of the İyaş Park Shopping Mall in the Dinar district of Afyonkarahisar through the initiative of businessman Saffet Acar. The presence of AKP figures at the opening of these brands, which are called to be boycotted due to their links to Israel, drew attention.
The opening was attended by many party officials, including AKP District Organization President Attorney İbrahim Özgül, AKP District Council Member Ahmet Acar, the Youth Branch President, and the Women's Branch President. In the prayer recited at the opening, the following expressions were used: “On this blessed Friday, we have gathered here for the opening of a business. We have raised our hands and are pleading; accept our prayers.”