STORY: Inflation, rising prices dampen Eid festivities in Türkiye
SHOOTING TIME: April 7, 2024
DATELINE: April 8, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:53
LOCATION: Ankara
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of people on the streets and shopping for Ramadan in Türkiye
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): ERTAN OZTURK, Candy vendor at Ankara's bazaar
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): MUSTAFA YUKSEL, Jewellery shop manager at Ankara's historic Ulus neighborhood

STORYLINE:

Soaring prices in Türkiye have pushed consumers to tighten their purse strings this festive season, one of the toughest in years as households struggle to contend with soaring prices.

Annual consumer price inflation rose to 68.5 percent in the Muslim-majority nation. Over 85 million are faced with the worst economic woes in decades.

At markets in Türkiye's capital city Ankara, consumers say soaring prices meant they would not be able to celebrate Eid in the same way as in past years, and they have to settle for less.

Small business owners are also feeling the sting of high inflation.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): ERTAN OZTURK, Candy vendor at Ankara's bazaar
"Our prices are affordable, but the purchasing power of customers is low, therefore, they buy very limited amounts of candy and sweets, like half a kilo for a family of five. Compared to last year, we have fewer clients and business this year. Last Eid, we sold 15 tonnes of candy. This year, we've only managed to sell 3 tonnes."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): MUSTAFA YUKSEL, Jewellery shop manager at Ankara's historic Ulus neighborhood
"In Türkiye, we have this tradition of purchasing gold, but the amounts have dropped considerably. Clients only buy a fraction of what they did in the past, all because of the state of the economy. We hope that problems will be solved in the future."

Traditionally, Turks celebrate the Eid festival by buying new clothes and shoes and preparing sumptuous feasts for gatherings with friends and family where they exchange sweets and distribute cash among children.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Ankara.
(XHTV)