Türkiye: The lottery kiosk with a particular popularity | EUROtoday

As of: December 26, 2025 2:40 a.m

At the tip of the 12 months, many in Turkey are additionally hoping to begin the brand new 12 months as lottery millionaires. For virtually 100 years, a specific lottery kiosk has been attracting these hungry for luck.

Von Isabel Gotovac, ARD Istanbul

It might be essentially the most well-known lottery kiosk in Istanbul: Very near the large bazaar, within the previous city of Sultanahmet, individuals are flocking to Nimet Abla, Sister Nimet, nowadays. In their lottery frenzy, they typically have to attend in line for hours for the Turkish New Year’s lottery.

There are additionally loyal common clients: “I buy my notes here every year,” says one in all them. “I prefer Nimet Abla because a lot of tickets are sold here – more tickets, more luck.” A lady says she all the time buys at this kiosk however has by no means gained something. She hopes for this spherical.

Tradition gives hope

Buying a ticket right here has now grow to be a convention. In 1928, the Turkish businesswoman Nimet offered the primary tickets in her kiosk – and over time she gave a number of individuals a revenue. The fortunate fairy Nimet has since handed away, however to at the present time individuals imagine within the assured success of the tickets they purchased right here.

Unfortunately for Ismail. He additionally sells tickets for the New Year’s drawing, just a few meters subsequent to the well-known lottery kiosk. But the 49-year-old roughly stands his floor. People purchase them subsequent door: “They’re the same tickets, it doesn’t make any difference,” he says. “They line up there for free, in the cold. It doesn’t matter. If you’re lucky, you’re lucky enough to get a ticket from us. But because the kiosk there gets a hit every now and then, everyone lines up there.”

Almost each second lot is offered right here

The tickets go over-the-counter at a complete of six counters – each second. A ticket prices 800 lira, slightly below 16 euros. Some huge cash for many who rely upon each single lira in occasions of excessive inflation. “This year we have already sold more notes than last year,” experiences vendor Eren. “That’s very pleasing; in such an inflationary situation, it’s a great success.”

The finest gross sales figures had been in 2019 and this 12 months, he says. “2019 was a record year for us, then the numbers fell due to the pandemic. Now we have achieved good sales figures again despite inflation.”

45 p.c of all tickets offered nationwide come from the kiosk in Istanbul, explains Eren – a relative of Nimet. This time, 800 million Turkish lira are within the jackpot – the equal of virtually 159 million euros.

If Arzu had been to win the primary prize on New Year’s Eve, she would already know what she would do with it: “If I won the big prize, the first thing I would do is have a hospital built for street dogs and cats, tied to a foundation. If my luck is enough for only a smaller prize, then I will probably cover my own needs.”

“Hope dies last”

The lottery recreation is a enterprise of hope – one that’s not welcomed by everybody within the nation. Among non secular conservatives, playing is taken into account a haram sin. This lady reacts in horror and instantly turns into political: “What kind of sin is that? They should first think about their own sins.”

Whether Haram or not, lottery vendor Ismail is aware of: Behind each lottery ticket offered there’s a particular want. “What choice do people have but to seek their luck in the lottery – with the cost of living? How are people supposed to get through the month on the minimum wage? Especially in expensive Istanbul?”

That’s why individuals resorted to playing, Ismail believes. “Hope dies last.” And so the parable of Nimet Abla continues after this New Year’s Eve draw.