More famous for its historical sites and its carpets, most visitors come to Turkey not expecting to find much in the way of nightlife. Nothing could be further from the truth. Turkey's recent economic growth and increasing prosperity had had enormous effect on the vitality, energy and variety of its nightlife. The range of night entertainment is huge, from traditional male-dominated birahanes to techno and rave nightclubs, with new venues opening by the week. As a result, Turkey's nightlife is quickly gaining recognition as one of the liveliest in Europe.

An authentic Turkish experience can be combined with a racuous nights drinking at one of Turkey's meyhanes. These tavernas serve raki, beer and wine, along with an awe-inspiring selection of mezes (starters), succulent kebabs and fruits of the season. A favourite location for raki drinking, the atmosphere gets louder and merrier as the night progresses, with clients often breaking into impromtu renditions of Turkish classics.

Birahanes are more basic, with the beer taking precedence over the food. Turkish women rarely enter birahanes. Although foreign women are tolerently expected to break all the rules, and will usually be made feel welcome,

it is advisable not to go to such all-male preserves alone.
The past few years have seen a huge growth in the popularity of Anatolian folk music or Saz bars. These tend to be garishly decorated in artificial flowers and a profusion of kilims and wickerwork, but the prices are very reasonable and the food fresh and delicious. The music is usually provided by a sole singer, accompanied by a saz, who sings plaintive tales of love and war. Dancing is an essential part of the evening, and with customary Turkish hospitality visitors will always be invited to join in. Luckily, the most common dance, called halay, is a simple folk dance which can be picked up in seconds.