Meyhane Culture
"A meyhane is a traditional Turkish tavern centered around rakı (anise-flavored spirit) and meze (small shared plates). Unlike dining for sustenance, meyhane culture is about slow, convivial evenings filled with conversation, music, and measured drinking. You'll order cold mezes first from a display tray, then hot dishes throughout the night. The experience is fundamentally social—going alone is culturally odd."
Logistics
Moderate
Vibe
Convivial, Musical, Unhurried
Duration
2-4 hours
Best For
Groups
The Backstory
Meyhane culture traces back to Byzantine taverns but flourished during the Ottoman era, particularly among Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities in neighborhoods like Beyoğlu. The word 'meyhane' comes from Persian, meaning 'wine house.' These establishments were historically male-dominated spaces where poets, intellectuals, and artists gathered. After the 1923 population exchange, meyhane culture adapted and spread throughout Turkish society. Live fasıl music—a traditional Ottoman genre—became synonymous with meyhane evenings.
Local Secret
"Toast by touching the bottom of your glass to others' glasses—it's a gesture of humility. Order cold mezes from the display tray first, then pace hot dishes throughout the evening. Rakı should be diluted with water (it turns milky white) and sipped slowly."