AKP figure targets NBA star Alperen Şengün

Alperen Şengün, who plays for the Houston Rockets in the NBA, recently shared a video that drew attention on social media. In the video, where he tours Istanbul and promotes Turkish cuisine with the UNINTERRUPTED team, Şengün explained the place of drinking rakı in Turkish culture, saying, "Rakı is our national drink." Şengün's remarks sparked a major debate in a short time.

ŞENGÜN'S ISTANBUL PROMOTION

In his video series titled "Off Day," Alperen Şengün promoted venues in Istanbul and praised Turkish cuisine. He drew attention to Turkey's gastronomic richness by saying, "I see lists on social media like 'where is the best food eaten?' They list Italy, England, France, and so on. But I am saying this clearly: the people who make these lists haven't even been to Turkey!"

In the video, while introducing rakı, Şengün said, "Rakı is our national drink. If you are tough, you drink it neat. When we haven't seen each other for a long time, we come here, drink rakı, and chat." Alperen Şengün is averaging 23.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game in the NBA this season. Recently, he entered the top 10 in the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) rankings, placing 9th.

REACTION TO ŞENGÜN FROM SELMAN ÖĞÜT

Şengün's remarks drew a reaction from Selman Öğüt, a figure close to the AKP. In a post on social media, Öğüt used a harsh tone toward Alperen Şengün, saying, "Listen well, Alperen Şengün! Rakı is not our national drink! You cannot promote alcohol!" Emphasizing that Şengün should not make such statements as a national player, Öğüt used the expression, "You do not deserve that honorable jersey."

Recalling Article 58 of the Constitution, Öğüt made the following statement: "Article 58 of the Constitution: The State shall take necessary measures to protect the youth from alcohol addiction, drug abuse, crime, gambling, and similar bad habits, and from ignorance. We invite the authorities to take action."

News Source: 12punto