Catch Istanbul if you can
We’re not even sure what Europeans think and know about Istanbul. It seems like it should be capital of Turkey, but it hasn’t been since 1923. Its rich past reveals how it was a kind of European Union even before this one - where formal membership negotiations began five years ago in October - even existed. From religious clothing to boom-box playing imams via politically-affiliated university food, a first time glance at a metropolis from two districts which seem to bleed European references. Istanbul for beginners
Sorry, we’re women: inside Istanbul’s modern-traditional Blue Mosque
Guards make sure that everyone picks up a carrier bag and takes their shoes off before placing even a toe onto the carpeted steps of the Blue Mosque. We’re three German, British and Polish tourists who have come prepared with headscarves, but inside we see lots of bare-headed female tourists
Getting to grips with Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul and Europe
The history of Anatolia is as old as the earth itself. The last ones to arrive (from Central Asia) were the Turks, who are heading slowly towards membership of the EU. However, didn’t its territory belong to the other ancient and almost forgotten European Union? We revise a strong heritage from books and the streets of Istanbul
Modern myths: politically divided university canteens in Istanbul
September 2010. Students are purported to be so politicised that even their school canteen is split into liberal and conservative factions. Two journalists from Lithuania and France investigate an erasmus myth which seems to have disappeared thanks to a new 'apolitical' generation
Gay culture in Istanbul: ‘We have the balls to say it out loud’
Together with his partner, Sakir Yilmaz claims to be the owner of the first ‘openly’ gay bar-restaurant, Frappe Istanbul, in the famous party neighborhood of Beyoğlu. Interview
cities, nightlife, homosexuality, gay rights, travel, discrimination, stamboul, sex, gay, society, prostitution
Islam for beginners: first stop Istanbul
Hanging out on the streets of Turkey’s European capital can be an exotic experience for those who haven’t had too much contact with islamic culture. University lecturer and islamic history expert Anas Eryarsoy takes us though everything we wanted to know, but were too afraid to ask
religion, islamophobia, stamboul, culture, islam, burqa, best of cafebabel.com
