Believe it....But I believe most of these incidents are
of individual actions while hiding behind 'Police Uniforms'- after all - they are there to 'protect you ' are they not?

Also, unless one was an actual witness - from the begining
to the end - you will never know what really provoked this
situtation.....At times, the perpetrators brings things upon
themselves by 'mouthing off ' when they should stay silent.

For the sake of those around this poor guy, he should have
used better judgement and simply not drank during this holy
time....' Ramadan '. People are serious about their faith.

I've worked in Saudi and while there , during Ramadan,
I simply conformed to their way of life....easy.

There are many ruthless 'Peace Officers' world over...Most
of them are younger and really unqualified or mature enough
to 'police' people.

If one goes to Mexico, you will find this a common
occurrance, espcially against tourists.....espcially
against caucasian tourists.....

My son works for the police in the US and I
know - These officers are only human too and they have their limits....Test these limits at the wrong time, wrong place , with a bad attitude and you are history....

When in Rome...and better yet...ESPECIALLY IF you ARE from Rome....
Do as the Romans do....Discipline yourself....

Didn't know this. Thanks.
My message still applies otherwise..thank you for the tip.

Turkey is over 99% muslim of course. And throughout the country, there are regions that are more religous than others. In Istanbul, Beyoglu and Taksim are know for nightlife. Everyone knows this, practicing muslims and non-practicing muslims alike know this. So anyone that chooses to visit this area (even during Ramazan), they should expect to see people that are not fasting.

I do agree that you should respect the area that you are in. Most areas of Istanbul, it would not be appropriate during Ramazan to drink water, smoke or eat in public. But Istiklal is not one of these places....

This is a broad generalization but the Christians and Jews who live here do not to seem overly religous to me. Most of the Jews in istanbul live in Sisli, and it does not appear to me that they observe the sabbath. The Italian Catholic Church is usually empty on Sundays and the masses are very short and simple. The orthodox churches are spread out all over the city. But again, if I pass one, I never think to myself there is alot of activity in them during the week or on Sundays.

As far as Christians are concerned.....It is a CHOICE to
attend services....not a law. To 'Keep Holy the Lords's
Day' is does not mean a phyisical presence inside a building.
It is a commandment to fast and pray. Where one does this
is their choice....so many CANNOT attend.

Catholics are 'christians' also but they have 'rules' concerning being present at Mass on Sundays....

Christians have no such religious rules..just the Bible.