Job Discussion Forums

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

I heard today that there are 13000 places. This includes bars, rests, cafes, tea places, cinemas blah blah,

The source was that football commentator from Maraton, the one who used to be a referee.(As you know football commentators in Turkey know everything)

Do you really think there are that many places in the centre of town?

lovelace · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 190

It seems a lot...though every now and again someone will tell you about a small place tucked away down a side street that you'd never find by yourself. Who knows? What I'd like to know is, is there anywhere to listen - or dance - to music that's not 80s, Turk pop or rock? Recommendations please...

Baba Alex · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 2411

lovelace · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 190

Ok, got it. But any suggestions re: jazz, 'world music' (yes I know Rolling Eyes

) blues, reggae, soul, Irish folk, Brit pop? A tall order I know, but Istanbul music experts help me out! And don't tell me Babylon - yes, it gets some good names, but expensive, not enough room to dance and stupid Nisantisi-type girls who don't care about the music wittering at the bar all night.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Is there a special type of girl from Nisantasi then ? A bit like an 'Essex girl ' ?

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

She is only after your money and invites to the most expensive clubs.... and they have orange faces. They don't usually hang out with EFL teachers(for the obvious reasons) However every so often you might find one in a beginner class at private language schools. They are recognisable by the 'oof yah cok zor' sound emitting from them as they struggle with a headway 'to be' gap-fill

Golightly · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 1:35 pm Post subject:

The title of this thread sounds like a Katie Melua song title..

Baba Alex · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 2411

yaramaz · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 8:26 pm Post subject:

For reggae and world music, try Nayah on Balo Sokak, near the beginning lof Nevizade. Good fun with Istanbul's sudanese!

tararu · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 494

Nardis near Galata Tower is good. The Jazz Stop near Pandora books is also not too shabby.

calsimsek · Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 775 Location: Ist Turkey

Golightly · Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 3:40 pm Post subject:

I always liked Vivache behind the Greek church, and, of course, both Kemancis, Eski and Yeni. Is the Secret Garden still going? And whatever happened to the F*ck Off bar, or the nearby pub that was only ever known as the Gitanes because of the sign out front, a lit-up advertising hoarding showing said ciggies?

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Secret Garden is still going. Same owner.
Gitanes. aaargh that was one of the first bars I went to. You sat down in a seat and got stuck to it. It was disgusting.
Interesting you mention Kemanci. Eski Kemanci wasn't the first one.
Eski eski Kemanci was originally under the old Galata bridge.(that was even before my time)

Barakka above mudurnu chicken on Istiklal used to be very good. But I think it lost its popularity when it changed its choice of music. I mention this because the manager from a decade ago is apparantly back so the music might have changed again.

you know how I always rant on about Cadde I-kebir well the manager has left and he starts up a new place next week. He said I can still get the same discounts and stuff if I rant on about it to everyone and change my local.
the new place is Nar Pera
Asmali Mescit Mahallesi Gonul Sokak No:31, Beyoglu, Istanbul

There's a party there tonight I'll let you know how it is.

Baba Alex · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 2411

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

You've lost me. I was told there was free jelly vodka shots.... but no ice cream

haha Calsimsek, your old Irish buddy is DJing... so I already know the music will be crap. cheesy drum and bass.