Gay life in istanbul

Istanbul's Gay Community Seeks Refuge in Nightlife

When thousands of people who are both scantily clad and overdressed take rainbow flags to the streets during Istanbul’s Pride Week, the country notices. But on any Friday or Saturday after midnight, the pro-gay community is on display just as prominently inside black-lit nightclubs across the city.

At XLarge, the largest nightclub in Istanbul, lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities join and dance without judgment. Some men are shirtless while others are done up in stacked heels and blonde wigs. Women are dancing with women, and men with men, but unbent men and women are there too, chatting and weaving into the crowd with pricy cocktails.

“We just finished two years,” says Huseyin Tuncbilek, the year-old owner of XLarge, about the club’s opening in “[On Friday and Saturday nights] XLarge has between to people, but not all of our customers are gay. We don’t put a name for sexuality here.”

In many Muslim nations, homosexuality is forbidden. In some areas – Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Yeme

Gay Istanbul &#; the optimal gay hotels, bars, clubs &#; more

Istanbul is quite literally where East meets West. In fact, it is the world’s only transcontinental city, with the Bosphorus Strait running through the city and dividing it into a European and an Asian side. The influences of both continents combine within Istanbul’s culture, cuisine, and the more liberal attitudes of its people—at least in comparison to its neighbors. However, Istanbul is very much its own place with a strong personality.

The former seat of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires is also a grandiose sight to behold. The million-plus city takes you back to historic Constantinople as grand mosques, ancient markets, bustling bazaars, and magnificent palaces reflect a rich and fascinating past shaped over the centuries by the Greeks, Persians, Romans, Venetians, and Ottomans. It also makes for a great jumping-off signal for short trips to nearby Bursa, Troy, and the Prince’s Islands, or for deeper excursions into Turkey. Although Istanbul has a surprisingly large homosexual nightlife scene and is relatively tolerant, it’

Gay & LGBTI+ Friendly Clubs in Istanbul

Istanbul, the cultural capital of Europe, is a city brimming with history, architecture, and a growing LGBTQ+ scene. As a bridge between Europe and Asia, Istanbul has been influenced by both continents, resulting in a diverse and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. The city's gay districts, Taksim and Beyoglu, are place to numerous gay bars, clubs, and venues that cater to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.

A Welcoming and Lively Nightlife

When the clock strikes midnight, Istanbul's homosexual nightlife comes alive. While some clubs and bars start filling up around am, others open their doors earlier. Saturdays are the busiest nights, followed closely by Fridays. Particular events and occasions can also attract crowds on other days of the week, although Mondays look after to be quieter as locals recover from a long Sunday night.

Unlike in some other cities, most gay bars and clubs in Istanbul do not have dark rooms or allow sexual intimacy. However, kissing and hugging are generally accepted and encouraged. These establishments provide sa

Istanbul Gay Guide

The Top Gay-Friendly Hotels & Resorts in Istanbul!


Since the gay scene of Istanbul is located around Taksim Square in Beyoglu district, the majority of the hotels in this region are actually gay-friendly. These are some gay-friendly hotels in Istanbul, as well as gay places nearby them!


The Gay Venues of Istanbul | The Gay Bars, Gay Clubs, & Gay Saunas!

Istanbul features a developed gay scene, with many lgbtq+ clubs, bars, and cruising hotspots around the city. The most popular gay venues are located in Taksim Area of Beyoglu district, where you will also find the top same-sex attracted accommodation

Istanbul is known for its awesome gay sauna culture. Even though there is a lot of cruising going on at these places, there are adorable great for relaxation as skillfully. Some of the most widespread gay saunas are Davutpasa Iskelesi HammamTahiri Galatasaray Hamam, and Cagaloglu Hamam.

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