Historical Perspectives and Future Directions in Turkey's Wine Industry: A Comprehensive Literature Review

This thesis aims to critically analyze the development and impacts of tax policies on the wine industry in Turkey, tracking their evolution across three significant historical epochs: the early Republican era, the decade of economic liberalization in the 1980s, and the period of globalization and European Union integration efforts beginning in the year 2000. The focus is to explore the intersection of fiscal policy with Turkey’s economic, social, and political landscapes, which have shaped the domestic wine industry’s growth and its positioning within the global market. The wine industry serves as a fascinating case study due to its socio-economic and cultural significance in Turkey. As a country with one of the world's oldest viticulture traditions, Turkey's modern wine industry reflects a synthesis of ancient practices and contemporary influences, operating within a complex regulatory framework shaped significantly by national tax policies. These policies not only affect agricultural practices and market dynamics but also mirror the broader shifts in Turkey's approach to secularism, economic development, and international integration. Given Turkey's strategic geographical position straddling Europe and Asia, its wine industry is uniquely influenced by both Western and Eastern economic policies and cultural attitudes towards alcohol. The historical periods selected for this study encapsulate critical transitions: from the early Republican efforts at establishing a secular, modern state with Western-aligned economic policies; through the 1980s, which marked a significant shift towards neoliberal economic principles under Turgut Özal’s leadership; to the ongoing post-2000 era, characterized by attempts to harmonize Turkish laws and regulations with EU standards amidst the challenges of globalization. This thesis will dissect how shifts in tax policy during these periods were influenced by and contributed to changes in production methods, market expansion, and international trade practices within the wine industry. By understanding these dynamics, the study aims to provide insights into the broader implications of fiscal policy on culturally significant agricultural sectors in emerging markets, offering lessons that could guide future policy-making.