Cola Turka

In 2002, Pepsi and Coca-Cola dominated the growing soda scene in the country of Turkey. But with an growing nationalistic movement, 2003 saw the birth of Cola Turka from a company named Ülker. The same year of their launch, Chevy Chase made some controversy for starring in a couple of commercials for the drink. It wasn't being in the commercials that fueled talk, it was that the commercials, filmed in New York City, show Americans being transformed into Turks by drinking the cola. This was during a time of heightened political and and religious tensions with Muslim countries. Cola Turka can be found in some European countries as well and they make two other versions, Light, and Cappuccino, a mixture of cola and cappuccino flavors. 

While I can't read the ingredient label, because it's in Turkish, it smells of kola nut and cane sugar. It's a dainty little glass bottle, but well made. The carbonation is pleasing, but there's nothing about the taste of this cola that would differentiate it from Coca-Cola, other than perhaps being slightly less sugary. So other than being just another cola, it would seem this is more of a national symbol you may drink to make a statement. Other than that, thanks to my mother for bringing this bottle all the way back from Turkey for me.