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 Chianti
Gay Cafe Bar Istanbul
Istiklal Caddesi, Balo Sokak No: 31. (2nd
floor) Beyoglu
Popular Cafe Bar and is the starting point of gay
night life of Istanbul, centrally located in Taksim, Istanbul.
The prices are very reasonable. Visit their website for more
information, location map and contact information.
See their website for more details about this
venue.
Join their Facebook group to meet other gay people and
for update activities.
Visitor comments about this venue
'Very authentic and relaxed place. The owners are like one of
the clients and all staff are very friendly. Best priced drinks
of all gay bars in Istanbul even during live music nights. Best
(busy) time is from 9 pm until 1 am' (Posted by Marcos from
Brazil on 12/08/2009)
"By far, the best place that I have been in Istanbul so far.
The beer is 8TL. The
service was good and, on a Sunday afternoon, it was a wonderful
place to chat with the few tourists and English-speakers that
were there. Plus, there is a tiny terrace for those of us who
smoke. I would love to revisit this place when it was crowded. A
good mix of ages and types and NO hustlers, which was a relief." (Posted by Way
from USA on 22/03/2010)
X
LARGE
;
23:00 - 05:00
(Friday
and Saturday)
Address: Mesrutiyet Caddesi (street) Kallavi Sokak (lane) No: 12
Beyoglu, Istanbul.
Web:
http://www.xlargeclub.com/
Opened in May 2009, X LARGE has quickly become very
popular weekend club where you can find the atmosphere of the
big European gay clubs, even better then some. The venue itself
is like a small ball room; very spacious and authentic for a gay
club, where once there used to be a movie theater (Elhamra) one
of the oldest of cinemas in Istanbul. Admission fee is required
and higher than most other gay clubs in Istanbul but it is worth
well for most people who want to be in a place offering
professional shows & music in an upper scale environment.
Kallavi Sokak is close to St Antoine Church on famous Istiklal
Caddesi.
Visitor comments about this venue
'I paid a
visit to this place on Aug.15 and it was nice. The mix of people
there are very nice and real gay. They mostly go there to enjoy
dancing and the shows the dancers put on. On the other hand, a
very important point was the level of noise of the music, it was
very ok and unlike other clubs where they are ear deafening,
though it was exhilarating. The only thing i had against the
place was the quality of drinks. It was not up to the western
standard, drinks were of cheap quality. But the overall
impression was fine and i recommend this place.' (Posted by Azzouz from USA on 20/08/2009
TEK
YON
(23:00-04:00)
Address: Siraselviler Caddesi (street) No 63/1 Beyoglu.
Istanbul.
Web:
http://www.tekyonclub.com/
One of the most popular gay clubs of recent years Tekyon has
moved for the 3rd time in May 2009 to a much bigger place and
has attracted big crowds in the first weeks. It used to
offer a more casual and relaxed atmosphere which made it so
popular but they seem to get spoiled in their new place because
it got so busy and have raised their prices right after. Gay men of all ages
and styles are here.
Famous with its camp-acting waiters and traditional simple drag-shows on
Tuesday nights. Now they have more professional shows on
Saturday nights as well including go-go boys. If not so many, there may also be few hustlers
or rent boys in this club also.
EKOO BAR
( 22:00-05:00)
Address: Tarlabasi Bulvari No: 32 Beyoglu/Istanbul.
This venue has a more local and relaxed atmosphere with no
attitudes. Ekoo bar has moved to a more central location in
March 2011, very close to Taksim square. It is now across from
the flower shops at Taksim square on Tarlabasi avenue, just a
few meter below senior Prive club (now also called No Name) or
Carlton Hotel.
Click here for location map
LOVE
CLUB 23:30 -
05:00 (Friday-Saturday)
ADDRESS: Cumhuriyet Caddesi no: 349 Harbiye Istanbul.
This night club is located in Harbiye district, on the main
traffic street about 15-20 minutes walking distance to Taksim
Square but it is still recommended to go there with a short taxi
ride at night, the venue is very safe and it is one of the
trendy gay clubs in Istanbul. There are also many straight
couples in the club. It is open on Friday and Saturdays.
Saturday is the most busy night. It is hard to notice the venue
at first sight. The entrance is on a very narrow street, down
the steps from the main avenue. It is just round the corner of a
shop called English Home, which is easier to notice with a
bigger sign-board. If you take taxi from Taksim tell the driver
get off at "Askeri Muze" /Military museum in Harbiye. The club
is across the main street with respect to Askeri Muze building.
NO
NAME /
PRIVE CLUB
: 23:00-05:00
Address: Tarlabasi Bulvari No: 28/A Taksim.
So close to Taksim square, across the flower shops at the
center, right on Tarlabasi boulevard. It is
the most senior of the existing gay bars in Istanbul; a small
but still entertaining bar & club. It is usually busy after
01:00 am, so may be considered as the second stop of the night. The prices are average
for Istanbul. The place gets very busy on Saturday nights. In
October 2010 it was united with a tranny club called No Name who
was owned by the same person, and it is a mixture of gays,
bisexuals and transvestites now, which may in entertaining for
some people.
TIME
(CLUB MAGMA)
: 23:00-05:00
Address: Istiklal Caddesi, Sadri Alisik Sokak, No:15,
Taksim/Beyoglu - Istanbul.
Opened in October 2008, a completely renovated venue located
in a basement floor near Istiklal Caddesi on a side-street
(Sadri Alisik). It is spacious with respect to average gay clubs
in Istanbul. Decoration and music system is good. The
major concept of the club is DJ nights and dance shows. It is welcoming
a mixture of gay and straight clients.
DURAK BAR
20:00- 02:00
(Former Pasam Bar)
Address: Muratpasa Sokak No 9 Yusufpasa, AKSARAY, Istanbul.
Near Yusufpasa tram station, after Aksaray station with
respect to Sultanahmet
The meeting point of middle class Turkish bears, older gay men
and men with mustache. It has a very exotic and local atmosphere,
which you can not see in any of the Taksim's gay bars and clubs.
Besides the different atmosphere it is also busy before
midnight, while majority of gay bars & clubs in Taksim are busy
after midnight. Live traditional music by gay singers would be unique experience
for Western gay tourists, which is even authentic for most of
the Turkish gay men living in Istanbul.
Visitor comments about this venue
"This place is a bit out of the way from the other gay venues
round Taksim square area but pretty easy to get to with a tram
station (Yusufpasa) at the end of the street. If you can suss
out the dolmus taxis you can get back to Taksim Square for about
3 lira or a taxi for about 12/13 lira dependant on the traffic.
What you get is a traditional looking bar and at the weekends
full of "men" as oppossed to the Beygolu venues that are more
popular with younger guys. No techno music played but what i
would describe as Turkish standards sung live by very good
singers/M.C. Very friendly and welcoming waiter staff and whilst
the language was a problem for us speaking no Turkish the guys
who spoke English were very welcoming (hello O ) the beer is
much cheaper too, bonus!. Well worth the effort to go before
finishing off your night out in the more traditional gay venues
over the Golden Horn. " (Posted by Gibson from UK on June 14th,
2011)
"December 2009: we went to Istanbul for Christmas this year
as we enjoyed the city so much earlier this year. A friend had
recommended Paşam and we saw from this site it had closed.
Nevertheless as Durak it is a wonderful evening out: we went
three nights out of five! Quiet on Thursday, packed on Saturday
and comfortably busy on Sunday. Great staff, good value beer and
excellent music and singers. And hot men! If you're staying in
Beyoglu, it's really easy to get to on the tram from Karaköy to
Yusufpaşa station: it's a one minute walk to the bar. And a taxi
back to Tünel/Asmalimescit costs about 7TL; bit more to Taksim.
Highly recommended if you don't want another techno dance club
experience - and you want to meet interesting Turkish men (not
boys). " (Posted by Nemo from UK on December 29 2009)
"I went on a Monday night had a few beers and talked to the
guy who worked the door. I speak a little Turkish so I am not
totally ignorant of how things work at some of the bars.
Wednesday night I went back. I had a few beers. Door man also
sat, had a few drinks and ate some food. Of course when the bill
came everything that the door man ate and drank was on my bill"
(Posted by Michael from US on 11/03/2010)
"Very easy to find, as one of the previous writers so
helpfully pointed out. I would recommend taking a dolmuş back to
Taksim, as it is much less expensive (only 1.75TL). I can't
honestly see how you would ever meet anyone at this bar, as the
live music is very loud and all of the patrons are sat at
restaurant-like tables. It was not at all what I expected, which
was disappointing, as it had sounded like a dream come true.
Relatively crowded on a Sunday night. Prompt service."
(Posted by Way from USA on 22/03/2010
CLUB
17
: 23:00-05:00
Address: Istiklal Cad. Zambak Sokak, No: 17 Taksim/Istanbul.
Another club with many rent-boys and hustlers, where it is
recommended to be careful with the people you meet. It is
usually busy with a mixture of a transvestites, gays and these
rent-boys. The music is loud and mostly techno / underground. It
is a place you may want to go at least once for fun.
SAHRA
CLUB
: 23:00-05:00
ADDRESS: Istiklal Cad.
Sadri Alisik Sk. NO:40 Taksim/Beyoglu.
Although it is a "tranny club" (if not a typical one) it is more
filled up with rough ghetto boys who loves them. These
almost-straight boys (though some of them can also be versatile
with the she-males it is heard) also attract
some (but few) gay men who like such straight looking/macho-acting boys. Its
3 or 4 storey is
usually full of these hundreds of boys especially on Saturday
nights. It might be very interesting just
to see this place, but do not forget to watch-out your wallet in here.
Air-conditioning is very bad- almost not there.
Visitor comments about this venue
"Hmm... I gave it a try like you told us to and was very
disappointed. I believe I was overcharged at the door (20TL),
although that included a free beer. I was there from midnight
until two on a Sunday and there were only a dozen people there.
Indeed, it was a strange mix of transvestites/transexuals and
straight hustlers. I don't speak Turkish, and am ashamed of this
fact, but it is extremely limiting when nobody speaks English.
On Sunday at least, only two of the five floors were open.
Beware, too, of the 2TL "service charge" each and every time you
want to use the washroom! " (Posted by Way from USA on
22/03/2010
OTHER SIDE
Closed on December 2012
BEARPHORUS
Closed Down
in 2011.
Send your feedbacks and comment about any
of these venues or report a new place
Gay or Gay-Friendly Restaurants
and Cafe Shops in Istanbul:
The more
active gay life of Istanbul is between 24:00 till 04:00 a.m .
There are a few exclusively gay day time venues in Istanbul,
that is worth listing on our website, here, which are not very
busy usually.
Gay
Cafe Bar Istanbul
Popular Cafe Bar is the starting point of gay
night life of Istanbul, centrally located in Taksim, Istanbul.
The prices are very reasonable. Visit their website for more
information, location map and contact information.
See their website for more details about this
venue.
Join their Facebook group to meet other gay people and
for update activities.
Visitor comments about this venue
"By far, the best place that I have been in Istanbul so far.
The beer is a bit pricey (8TL), but the service was good and, on
a Sunday afternoon, it was a wonderful place to chat with the
few tourists and English-speakers that were there. Plus, there
is a tiny terrace for those of us who smoke. I would love to
revisit this place when it was crowded. A good mix of ages and
types and NO hustlers, which was a relief." (Posted by Way
from USA on 22/03/2010
HASPA CAFE
& BAR
(12:00- 01:00)
Address: Istiklal Cad. Ipek Sokak 16/2 Beyoglu/Istanbul
A straight & gay mix cafe bar, the manager of which does not
like to welcome obvious gays. It is located on a small street off the Istiklal
avenue. It was one of several straight venues on that street,
which was undertaken by gay people in April 2011. Drinks were
very cheap in the first 5-6 months, but raised their prices
almost 50% price in October 2011, probably after becoming some
popular.
SUGAR
CAFE 12:00-24:00
Address: Istiklal Caddesi Saka Salim Cikmazi no: 3/A Beyoglu
Istanbul.
Web:
http://www.sugar-cafe.com/
This small but nice gay cafe & restaurant is located on a narrow
lane on Istiklal Avenue, somewhere opposite of St. Antoine
Church. There is a sign-board of the venue with rainbow flag colors at the
entrance of the lane (Saka Salim Sokagi). It feels more specious
in summer time when they put tables to the dooryard. There is
free wireless internet connection in the area. This place is the
only gay venue officially applying tourist rates (with the
approval of the owner), hiding it with a little note in Turkish
at the bottom on the menu saying that they make so-called %40
discount for regular clients. It is highly advised to ask the
prices of each item before you order anything.
Visitor comments about this venue
"This coffee place is popular solely because there is no other
gay venue around. Coffee is only from instant powder. Beer is
heavily overpriced. The staff can be arrogant. The music
competes with the music from the live-music-place next to it.
Still, you can meet nice people there." (Posted by John from
Denmark on 11 June 2011)
BESINCI KAT
("The Fifth Floor") 09:00 03:00
Address: Siraselviler Caddesi, Soganci Sokak, No:7/1, Cihangir - Beyoglu
Web:
http://www.5kat.com/
It is located on a small street across the entrance of state hospital called Taksim Ilk Yardim
Hastanesi
A gay friendly restaurant on top (5th) floor at the same building with
a gay club (Barbahce) at the entrance floor. It is a little expensive but
you can try for the sake of good food and magnificent view of
the Bosporus Straight and the Asian Side of Istanbul. There open
air-terrace is very popular in summer evenings.
COOKING ALATURKA
Address: Akbiyik Caddesi 72a, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Tel: (90) (212) 458 5919, Fax: (90) (212) 458 5999
A very gay-friendly restaurant on a lovely street in
Sultanahmet. The owner is Dutch lady who has been living in
Istanbul for many years, who was also former manager-owner of
gay friendly
hotel. The concept is basically to offer a miscellaneous menu of all
authentic Turkish dishes, some Ottoman classics, some
home-cooking and some regional specialties - only for lunch.
Prices are mid-range, not very cheap, not expensive,
around 35 YTL for a menu of 4 courses for example.
In addition to the restaurant, popular cooking classes of the
owner have attracted world wide attention and have been covered
by the printed media including New York Times.
Visit their home page for more information about the
cooking classes:
http://www.cookingalaturka.com
For other gay friendly & recommended
restaurants please also see
Send your feedbacks or report a new place
Gay Friendly Sauna or
Bath Houses in Istanbul:
There is not any gay exclusive Turkish Bath (hamam or hammam)
in Istanbul. But there are few bath houses the gay men would go
very often, which are actually not the best samples in terms of
basic amenities and architecture. The owners and managers of
them do not want to be displayed on gay websites and keep
sending us e-mails for that. That's why we decided not to
list them anymore.
Hamams
(Turkish Baths) have played a very
important role in the history of Turkish gay
life.
During Ottoman Empire period, they
were the main meeting and cruising places. There are many miniatures
illustrating gay-relations in hamams, which
might even look astonishingly 'brave' for the people of modern age. Most
of the baths/hamams frequented by gay-men are historical buildings. But they are not reflecting the glory
of the past unfortunately. They are not very well groomed and
not so clean.
Visitor comments
This is about Park Hamam (changed name) along Divanyolu. I had a
really bed experience there, though its now assumedly a family
hamam with both men and women than being explicitly gay. it say
1.5 hours@ 60LTR when technically was 20mın MAX for a shower w.
a foam rub, and 20 minutes for an oil massage. The guy who
gave me a foam bath himself had a shower for 15 min, which was
interesting. ........
On top of that when I tried to give feedback, the owner was
defensive and vocal. I would never recommend anyone to this
place though ideally its the best location in a touristy
area like Sultanahmet. (15/05/2009)
Attention: This bath house is still being listed on some
websites and some guide books as gay/gay friendly venue, but its
has changed its name and concept totally since 2003.
Send your feedbacks or report a new place
Gay Cruising in Istanbul:
In general, the cruising areas - especially parks and
secluded beaches are where gay men should be more selective with
the people they meet. It is always possible to come across to
some bad guys who want to trap the gay men in such places.
Especially, be careful at night time and do not carry very
valuable things and a lot of money on you, just in case.
Taksim Park Behind Mc
Donald's, the part of the park closer to the sea. It is not a
safe place for foreigners especially. Do not go to the desolated
places down the park with anyone and do not carry valuable
things and money on you.
Visitor comments about Taksim Park: 'I have been first taken
in the park below Taksim Square near Ritz Carlton Hotel by an
attractive man who approached me in Taksim Square and then when
we were in the park I've been attacked by him and other 2 men
hiding among bushes and stolen my money, mobile, watch, credit
cards and driving license. My identity card was destroyed.
Terrible experience.' (Posted by Carlo from Italy on
08/09/2009)
Taksim Square Especially
people sitting on the fences around the sculpture at the center.
Beware of hustlers and thieves who may also be around anytime.
Istiklal Caddesi Probably the
most famous street all over Turkey. Since this day-and-night
busy promenade street closed to traffic connects Taksim to most of the gay
venues in the neighborhood, you can see many
queers, gay men and related people on your way while you
walk along the street.
Fatih Park
The Park at Sarachane. Be
careful here and don't carry valuable things on you.
There are always pick pockets around.
You need to get off at Sarachane stop
(underpass) when you go to Aksaray town from Taksim.
Ortakoy
Coast Ortakoy is a small town
situated along the Bosphorus not far from major Besiktas
district. The
waterfront near the ornate mosque
is very busy and there's a vivid night life. If no traffic,
it takes a 10-15 minute ride from Taksim
with a taxi, but much more during rush
hours. Mostly cruisy on Sundays in summer.
Sultanahmet Park There is no
visible gay action in old city, Sultanahmet actually. The small
park behind the tramcar station, or the park over Arasta Bazaar
maybe suitable for cruising in late
evenings.
Kadikoy Park The breakwater
and parks near the ferryboat
stations and the town square can be cruisy in the evenings. Be
careful after midnight.
Gay Beaches in Istanbul:
In Istanbul there are no
gay-excusive beaches. In fact there are clean beaches left near
city center, any more. There are few beaches where it's more
likely to meet gay-related people. These are...
Adalar
(Princes Islands) Small islands near the city. They are four
islands. The native inhabitants of these islands
are mostly non-Muslim minorities. The big one (Buyuk Ada) is the most active one.
Altough it is smaller Kinaliada is also said to be cruisy by
some gay men. Regular public
ferryboats are available from Eminonu/Sirkeci on the
European side and Kadikoy
or Bostanci on the Asian side of the city. The
same ferryboat stops at all islands. It takes half an hour/45
minutes by
ferry-boat.
Visitor Feedbacks:
"The part of the beach in Kinali Ada some 300 meter on the
right hand side when you get off the boat. When the housing area
by the coast finish, walk down to the sea-side from the pathway.
Week-in days are better for cruising. On weekend days families
are around, but anything can happen anytime."
(11/05/2009)
Princess Islands Tours by Leading Travel Agency of Turkey
Kilyos
Beach
Along the Black Sea at European side. 1 hour away from city by
public transportation means. Too expensive to go with a taxi
otherwise.
Sile beach
(reads like "she-le").
A resort town of Istanbul along the Black Sea
on Asian side of Istanbul far from city center. More
than 1 hour away from the Asian part city center. There are public buses
from Harem/Uskudar district to Sile.
Cruisy Venues in Istanbul (Not Gay)
MC
DONALD'S TAKSIM
Located near
Taksim Square,
easily seen from everywhere. Frequented by the gay people
especially in summer evenings, sitting at tables outside.
BIRAHI FAST FOOD / CAFE
: 09:00-24:00
At Taksim Square next to Mc Donald's. There
are more gays
in the evenings and
weekends. Former Borsa Café. They still make
discrimination against some gay men, especially if they are too
obvious (flamboyant/feminine). If you still go there better be a little
discrete.
BURGER KING
TAKSIM 09:00-02:00
Istiklal cad. NO:1 Taksim (At
Taksim Square)
You can rest for a cafe and
observe the gay-related people. It's as gay as any self service
cafe-shop would be near Taksim square. (Which means they are not serving
especially
to gay people but unavoidably attended by gays)
Send your feedbacks or report a new place
Gay Groups and Gay lesbian
Organizations in Istanbul:
LAMBDA
ISTANBUL
Address: Istiklal Caddesi, Katip Çelebi Mah. Tel Sokak. No: 28/5
Kat:4
Beyoglu - Istanbul
Location on Google Map
Lambda
Istanbul is the first gay lesbian transgender liberation NGO of Turkey.
Lambda Istanbul is an organization that was formed by a group of
gays and lesbians, right after the governor of Istanbul banned
the Christopher Street Day Sexual Liberation Activities that
were attempted to be held in July 1993. After this, the LGBT
group that used to gather under the name "Gokkusagi" (Rainbow)
took the name Lambda Istanbul. Lambda Istanbul is an
organization run by volunteers only.
Since May 2002, they have a permanent office / cultural center
that is open daily from 3 pm till 8 pm. They hold many
activities there, such as discussions on various issues, LGBT
themed film screenings, solidarity lunches to provide LGBT
people with the opportunity to talk to each other in a relaxed
atmosphere, where your conversation is not interrupted by loud
music, dark, smoky environment (as it would be in a gay bar) Lambda Istanbul
also has a library which contains books on LGBT issues (mostly
in Turkish).
Each year, at the end of June, Lambda Istanbul organizes pride
activities to re-think Stonewall and to celebrate the fact that
we are not ashamed of being who we are. During these activities,
They organize panels, discussions and presentations, films,
concerts, parties, dinners, etc.
Lambda Istanbul has been organizing pride marches every year
since 2003. The march is organized on a busy pedestrian street in
the center of the city and ends with a press
announcement. Since 2005, Lambda Istanbul gives Hormonlu
Domates
Hormone-fed or Genetically Modified Tomato" Awards to public figures who have
made homophobic statements publicly during the year. Of course
they never show up to get their awards, but it still gets a wide
media coverage. 2007 pride week was the first international one
and was a great success. There were many participants from many
different countries. Istanbul pride march in 2007 gathered
around 1500 people, including a
candidate for the Turkish parliament in the then-upcoming
general elections.
For More Info Please See Their Website
ISTANBUL LGBTT
Address:
Sehit Muhtar Mahallesi,
Atif Yılmaz Caddesi, Öğüt Sokak No: 18 Kat 4- Daire: 8 Beyoglu-
Istanbul
Phone / Faks: +90 (0212) 252 10 88
Turkish LGBT activist group leaded mainly by local transgender
community but open to gays and lesbians also. This is how they
introduce themselves on their websites: "We decided to create a
group with a couple of friends in October, 2007. The name of the
group was Istanbul-Lgbtt. In the beginning , we got together
and maintained our works in cafes. We formed a website. There
were technical and discussion groups in the site. In this
period, we changed the name of our journal Gacı Istanbul into
Gacı Laço to make a point of both the male and the female
transsexuals. The former journal was only for the male to female
transsexuals. Finally, we had our own place one year later. We
are going to maintain our work in our place. Our aim is to
become an association in the future"
See their website for more info
Gay &
lesbian Internet Sources for Istanbul:
Yahoo Group For Turkish Lesbians
A Yahoo Group to meet Turkish Lesbians from
all over Turkey. You can leave a message to meet Turkish
lesbians and lesbian tourists living in or visiting Istanbul in
this group.
Yahoo Group for Turkish Gays
A Yahoo Group to meet Turkish gay men from
all over Turkey. You can leave a message to meet Turkish gays
and gay tourists living in or visiting Istanbul in this group
Send your feedbacks or report a new place
Turkish gay
travel agency is organizing daily city tours, budget and tailor made
package tours, boat cruises, hotel reservations in Istanbul and all around
Turkey.
Gay Friendly Istanbul Daily City Tours:
Gay
and lesbian friendly daily city tours in Istanbul
There are many daily tour options and
activities you can join while you are in Istanbul such as
Bosphorus boat cruises, dinner shows, tours which covers Topkapi
Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Grand
Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Princes
Islands etc.
Details
Private Gay Guide for Istanbul
Let's Cruise Together !
Are you a gay
man visiting Istanbul for the first time? Are you a stranger to
the gay world of this mysterious metropolis? You surely need
somebody to lead you the way during your first few days.
Evening and night
tours for the first-visitors of Istanbul to the gay locals and
cruising places in Istanbul by an English speaking gay tour
guide.
Details
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GAY OR LESBIAN
FRIENDLY HOTELS IN ISTANBUL |
Direct Reservation to Gay and
lesbian Friendly Hotels of Istanbul
(Unlike many other websites, only the hotels approved by the
administrations are listed here)
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GENERAL
REVIEWS ABOUT GAY ISTANBUL |
"Hey! I am in Istanbul right now with my
best friend, and have to say it is the most frustrating
place I have ever been. There are thousands of beautiful
guys here....all walking around arm in arm....and it seems
that they are totally untouchable. Aquarius sauna is very
friendly...easy to find. Most of the guys there are
rent.....and you will probably pay around 150 Turkish Lira
($100 US) for the time of your life. Homosexuality is NOT
accepted in Turkey. Having said all that, join GAYROMEO and
GAYDAR and try to hook up with guys
there. CAUTION, lots of hustlers on-line.... I went to
Galatasaray Hamam on the Taksim side......it was a 10 on the
don't even bother scale. Surly ugly old Turkish men
scrubbing us with old dishcloths, and ordering us
about......."You like?".....well frankly "NO"!!! Great
fantasy....but nothing doing. Funny thing...All of the Gay
info on line says stuff like this: "Some guys sitting on the
wall around the monument at Taksim Square might be cruising
if such a thing existed here in Turkey, which it doesn't, so
they aren't", and "If young guys were going to cruise you in
public it would be at the park by the blue mosque, but they
don't, so it's not" Good Luck!" (Posted on October
12th, 2010 at
Turkish Gay Yahoo Group)
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Istanbul (historically Byzantium and
later Constantinople; see the other names of Istanbul) is
the largest city of Turkey and the third largest city in the
world. The city covers 27 districts of the Istanbul
province.[2] It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and
encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn, in
the northwest of the country. It extends both on the
European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the
Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world
which is situated on two continents. In its long history,
Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire
(330395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (3951204 and
12611453), the Latin Empire (12041261), and the Ottoman
Empire (14531922). The city was chosen as joint European
Capital of Culture for 2010.
Istanbul has two international airports: The larger one is
the Ataturk International Airport located in the Yeşilkoy
district on the European side, about 24 kilometers (15 mi)
west from the city center. The smaller one is the Sabiha
Gokçen International Airport located in the Kurtkoy district
on the Asian side, close to the Istanbul Park GP Racing
Circuit. It is situated approximately 20 kilometers (12 mi)
east of the Asian side and 45 kilometers (28 mi) east of the
European city center.
Sea transport is vital for Istanbul, as the city is
practically surrounded by sea on all sides: the Sea of
Marmara, the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Black Sea.
Many Istanbulites live on the Asian side of the city but
work on the European side (or vice-versa) and the city's
famous commuter ferries form the backbone of the daily
transition between the two parts of the city - even more so
than the two suspension bridges which span the Bosphorus.
The commuter ferries, along with the high speed catamaran
Seabus (Deniz Otobüsü), also form the main connection
between the city and the Princes' Islands.
Istanbul is becoming increasingly colorful in terms of its
rich social, cultural, and commercial activities. While
world famous pop stars fill stadiums, activities like opera,
ballet and theater continue throughout the year. During
seasonal festivals, world famous orchestras, chorale
ensembles, concerts and jazz legends can be found often
playing to a full house. The Istanbul International Film
Festival is one of the most important film festivals in
Europe, while the Istanbul Biennial is another major event
of fine arts.
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