</p><p><img class="alignnone wp-image-170501 size-full" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67854/city-4866138-1920.jpg" alt="Istanbul" width="100%" /></p><p>Istanbul, the mega sprawling city which connects Europe and Asia, is one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting urban destinations. It is a true melting pot of cultures, traditions and history. Brimming with tourist attractions, religious and historical treasures, great shopping, food and hamams, as well as a vibrant nightlife and gay scene, the city makes for a great destination.</p><p>Istanbul is the worlds fifth-most popular tourist destinations, welcoming upwards of 12 million foreign visitors each year. The city's historic centre is a UNESCO world heritage site due to its cultural significance, ancient architecture and religious monuments.</p><p>Istanbul has a more liberal attitude towards LGBT+ individuals compared to many of its nearby neighbours, and as such is a mecca for gay culture and tourism in the region, and whilst not on the scale of Sydney, Vienna or Bangkok, there is a noticeable and lively gay scene in the city.</p><h2>Gay Rights in Turkey</h2><p>The basic legality of same-sex relations has been long established in Turkey (since 1858), and there is an equal age of consent (18), however, it would seem that equality in practice doesn’t go much further than this.</p><p>There are no anti-discrimination laws currently in place in the country and no provision for same-sex marriages, no official recognition of same-sex couples or legal rights for gay couples to adopt children. There is a legal right to change gender, and you will find an openly gay culture in Istanbul if not in the rest of the country.</p><p>There are active and vocal LGBT rights organisations lobbying for equal rights in Turkey. This was the first Muslim majority country to tolerate gay pride celebrations (in Istanbul and Ankara), however in 2015 and 2016 Pride events were broken up by police.</p><p>Equal rights for the LGBT community continue to be debated in the Turkish parliament though not as yet successfully adopted.</p><h2>Gay Scene</h2><p>While small and concentrated in comparison to the megacity which Istanbul is, there is a well established and visible gay scene in the city.</p><p>The scene is very much concentrated in the main tourist district of Beyoglu, the historical Pera district, with most of the city’s <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/istanbul-gay-bars/">gay bars</a> and <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/istanbul-gay-dance-clubs/">clubs</a> located in close proximity to Taksim, which is the central neighbourhood of Beyoglu. One of the nicest gay bars in Istanbul is <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/chianti-bar/">Chianti Bar</a>, a friendly and laid-back venue that is popular amongst the local gay community. Chianti Bar is a cafe by day and bar by night, tending to get busiest in the early evening.</p><p>Drawing large crowds on weekends, <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/tekyon/">Tek Yön</a> is Istanbul's most popular gay dance club. The venue attracts a mixed group of locals and tourists, expect a packed dancefloor. Open every night, the club often features drag shows and has a private outside area.</p><p>It is worth noting that while many hammams (traditional Turkish Baths) have been discreet meeting places for Turkish guys for many years, there are major sensitivities surrounding any promotion of these as gay venues. Go and explore by all means, just be aware of the sensitivities, and act accordingly.</p><h2><img class="alignnone wp-image-170502 size-full" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67856/turkey-1104206-1920.jpg" alt="Istanbul" width="100%" /></h2><h2><a href="https://www.travelgay.com/gay-istanbul-hotels/">Gay hotels in Istanbul</a></h2><p>The most popular area for gay travelers to stay in Istanbul is the Beyoglu district. This is the beating heart of modern Istanbul and offers those staying easy access to many of the city's famous sights and attractions. The area is also known for its vibrant gay nightlife, with a good choice of gay bars and clubs.</p><p>Located close to the gay scene and the beautiful Taksim Square, the <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/grand-hyatt/">Grand Hyatt Istanbul</a> is the ideal location for travelers wanting a luxurious and elegant base from which to explore the city.</p><p>Istanbul boasts an impressive variety of hotels across a range of budgets. Whilst the city is home to many 5-star, luxury destinations there are also plenty of options for gay travelers on a smaller budget. Check our list of recommended hotels in Istanbul for gay travelers on <a title="gay Istanbul hotels" href="https://www.travelgay.com/gay-istanbul-hotels/">Gay Istanbul Hotels page</a>.</p><h2><a href="https://www.travelgay.com/istanbul-saunas/">Gay saunas in Istanbul</a></h2><p>Whilst Turkish public exhibitionism laws prevent saunas and hamams from targeting a specifically gay clientele, many of the venues around the city are discreet meeting places for the gay community.</p><p>Traditional hamams are part of Istanbul's unique culture, and these men only venues can offer travelers an authentic and unique experience that is truly special.</p><p>There are also a number of more modern and western-typical saunas throughout the city, and these are the venues that are generally more popular with gay travelers.</p><h2><img class="alignnone wp-image-170503 size-full" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67857/galata-4043037-1920.jpg" alt="Istanbul" width="100%" /></h2><h2>History and culture in Istanbul</h2><p>Istanbul is considered "the cultural capital of Europe" and with its ancient and diverse history its no surprise. There are examples of the city's rich heritage sprinkled throughout its charming alleyways and streets, much of which is easily accessible to wandering visitors.</p><p>Some of the most authentic and preserved Turkish culture can be observed in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, where merchants sell their own grown or crafted goods in a traditional manner. Bartering is standard at these markets and shoppers can normally haggle the price of an item down, with such exchanges being expected by the stall owners.</p><p>Istanbul is also a hub of religious significance, particularly  Islam. There are multiple mosques and other sites of religious importance throughout Istanbul and travelers should be cautious of the expectations and rules when visiting such locations. It's always a good idea to check dress codes, entrance practices and other respectful customs before exploring these beautiful locations.</p><h2>Getting to Istanbul</h2><p>The major entry point is Atatürk Airport located some 20 km west of the city centre. The city’s metro system links the airport directly to the city centre and is relatively cheap at only 4TL (which applies to bus travel), there is also a reliable express bus service as well as taking a taxi. Taxis cost in the region of 50TL.</p><p>Istanbul also has a second airport, <a href="https://www.sgairport.com/">Sabiha Gökçen International Airport</a>, which is located on the Asian side of the city. There is no direct rail connection to the European city centre side from here so the best option is to take a bus to Kadiköy (E10 line) and then one of the many ferries from Kadiköy to various central points. Taxis cost in the region of 80TL.</p><p>There is also a reliable <i>Havatas</i> bus which will take you directly to Taksim Square.</p><p><img class="alignnone wp-image-145098 size-full" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67858/venue-2986721-1280.jpg" alt="Go To Istanbul" width="100%" /></p><h2>Getting around Istanbul</h2><p>Istanbul is huge and congested with traffic so it’s worth getting to grips with the public transport network to get around as efficiently and cheaply as possible.</p><h3>Metrobus</h3><p>The rapid transit metro bus has its own lanes throughout Istanbul. This means it is one of the most efficient ways to travel around the city as it is able to completely bypass traffic and congestion. However, the Metrobus can get very busy and at times extremely cramped.</p><h3>Metro</h3><p>Istanbul's metro lines have developed massively in recent years and its now a favorite alternative for locals and tourists alike. The European half of the city specifically has a fantastic and efficient metro network.</p><h3>Taxi</h3><p>Taxis are plentiful in Istanbul so you should never have an issue hailing one. They are the perfect travel option for tired travelers who don't want to deal with the close-quartered metro bus. However, make sure you only get in vehicles with logos on the doors to ensure it's affiliated with a reputable taxi company.</p><p>Whatever method of transport you choose, you will need to pay for your journey in advance. The old <i>Akbil</i> plastic and metal touch-tokens are being phased out, though are still in common use, so it's best to obtain a new Istanbulkart which can be used on any form of public transport. You will be charged a small deposit (10TL) and then load the card based on the number of journeys you expect to use it for.</p><p><img class="wp-image-121386 size-full" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67859/istock-507551802.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></p><h2>Things to do in Istanbul</h2><p>The city is packed with visitor attractions and experiences – here is just a brief taster of some of the top sites:</p><p><ul></p><li>Explore Hagia Sophia Mosque</li><li>Visit the home of the sultans at Topkapi Palace</li><li>View the stunning Blue Mosque</li><li>Learn about Ottoman history at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums</li><li>Tour the recently restored Suleymaniye Mosque</li><li>Appreciate the Turkish carpet collection at the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum</li><li>Experience breathtaking views from the Galata Tower</li><li>Wander the tunnels of the Basilica Cistern</li><p></ul></p><h2>FAQs</h2><h3>Visa</h3><p>As of April 2014, Turkey has introduced an e-Visa scheme allowing nationals of several countries to apply for their visa in advance. More information can be found <a href="https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/info/">here</a>.</p><p>Nationals of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden can enter Turkey without a visa for 90 days within a 180-day period.</p><h3>Money</h3><p>The Turkish currency is the Lira (TL). The Euro and US dollar are also accepted at major tourist sites and stores. Although cards are accepted at many of the most popular tourist destinations and pricier establishments throughout Istanbul, cash is still king in the city and ATM machines can be easily found. The use of ATM machines is safe and efficient in Istanbul but it is not recommended to carry large amounts of cash.</p><h3>When to visit</h3><p>The best times to visit Istanbul are spring and autumn, when the days are drier, longer and sunnier, without the heat of peak summer. These months tend to also be good for travelers wishing to avoid big crowds of tourists and congested streets. Sightseeing is also more difficult in summer as the city's top attractions tend to get very busy. For travelers seeking the most affordable trip to Istanbul, hotel and flight prices tend to fall in the winter when tourism is slower.</p><h3>Safety</h3><p>Millions of tourists visit Istanbul every year. Most visits are completely trouble-free. However, Turkey suffered a number of major terrorist attacks in recent years, some targeting tourists.</p><p>Traveling in Istanbul is generally safe, but trips within 10 km of the border with Syria and to the city of Diyarbakir should be avoided.</p><p>Keep up-to-date with travel advice from official sources (for example, the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UK FCO website</a>)

Gay Istanbul · City Guide

First time in Istanbul? Then our gay Istanbul city guide page is a good place to start.

Istanbul är Europas "kulturella huvudstad" och med sin rika historia, otaliga platser med religiös betydelse och antik arkitektur är det ingen överraskning. Staden fungerar som en bro mellan Europa och Asien och har som sådan blivit starkt influerad av båda kontinenterna. Istanbul har också en växande gay-scen, med ett antal gaybarer och gayklubbar som befolkar dess gaydistrikt. Staden har haft en årlig stolthetsdemonstration sedan 2003 som tenderar att inträffa i juni eller juli och lockar stora skaror av HBT+-individer och allierade.<p>Det viktigaste gayområdet i Istanbul är Taksim, där homosexuella resenärer kommer att hitta många platser anpassade för homosexuella besökare. Beyoglu är ett annat homosexuellt distrikt i staden och är känt för att vara ett nav för kreativitet och konst, med många av invånarna som är trendiga, unga yrkesverksamma. I dessa homosexuella distrikt bör resenärer känna sig helt bekväma och bekväma.</p>

<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap">Vem sa att en av världens mest kända kosmopolitiska vägskäl inte också kan upprätthålla en levande modern HBTQ-kultur? Medan allmänhetens tillgivenhet förblir tabu i konservativa hörn, njuter Istanbul av ett dynamiskt homosexuellt nattliv om du vet var du ska leta.</p>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap">Ta dig till det centrala Beyoğlu-distriktet, den långvariga pulsen på Istanbuls gay-scen. Utanför regnbågsfärgade İstiklal Avenues livliga genomfartsväg ligger dolda tillflyktsorter, från mysiga tavernor till hoppande klubbar, längs smala sidogator som har sörjt för HBTQ-gemenskapen i årtionden. Närliggande stadsdelar som trendiga Cihangir och konstnärliga Karaköy blandar också gayvänliga kaféer och lounger i deras eklektiska landskap.</p>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap">Följ de subtila regnbågsflaggorna för att hitta platser som sträcker sig från fräcka dragbarer till eleganta lounger. Men Istanbuls HBTQ-kultur lyser starkast när främlingar blir vänner över dunkande turkiska poplåtar på upplysta dansgolv och glömmer sina bekymmer när Bosporen-brisen rullar in.</p>

Istanbuls gay-scen

<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap">Vill du dyka in i Istanbuls legendariska gay-nattliv tillsammans med lokalbefolkningen? Lyckligtvis är det roligt och enkelt att knyta an till Istanbuls blomstrande queer-gemenskap tack vare några viktiga verktyg. Börja med att starta upp appar som är populära att över hela staden, som Grindr, Hornet och Scruff, för att börja samordna hangouts på gaybarer eller dansklubbar redan innan landning.</p>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap">När du är ute och utforskar Istanbuls slingrande kvällsgator kan du gå in på valfri plats som flaggar med regnbågsflaggan för att delta i det roliga – resenärerna får alltid ett varmt välkomnande.</p>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap">Du kan också välja att kolla evenemangsuppställningar från lokala organisationer som Kaos GL eller SPoD LGBT för att spana in unika gayfester, dragevenemang och filmvisningar som lockar både besökare och invånare året runt.</p>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap">Vid dessa livfulla evenemang smälter språk och bakgrund bort på dansgolvet eller över drinkar när Istanbuls HBTQ-gemenskap knyter sig närmare varandra i solidaritet och firande – du kommer att känna dig som hemma på nolltid som en heders-Istanbullu! Använd bara sunt förnuft och diskretion i offentliga utrymmen när du släpper loss och njuter av Istanbuls unika nattliv.</p>

Smolk 

<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap">Offentliga uppvisningar av tillgivenhet mellan samkönade par kan dra till sig oönskad uppmärksamhet i Istanbul. Att hålla hand i mer konservativa stadsdelar rekommenderas inte. Spara intim kontakt för platser som ses som HBTQ-paradis.</p>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap">När du bokar hotell kan du fritt dela rum utan problem. Men uppvisningar av intimitet i gemensamma hotellområden kan få blandade reaktioner. Boutiquehotell tenderar att vara mer gayvänliga.</p>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap">Istanbul har för närvarande inga dedikerade HBTQ-kvarter. Gayställen och klubbar är utspridda i olika distrikt. Det är bäst att inte gå runt med regnbågsflaggor eller kläder, eftersom det finns en underliggande homofobi.</p>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap">Även om fördomarna blir allt mer öppna kvarstår de. Var uppmärksam på din omgivning och undvikande kända konservativa områden. Var säker genom att vara diskret med offentliga uppvisningar av tillgivenhet. Trots detta har Istanbul kommit långt när det gäller homosexuella acceptans.</p>

Försiktighetsåtgärder och råd

LGBT Turks are deemed unfit to be parents. However, it is unclear if there is legislation to support this. It is also unclear when this policy began. However, same-sex adoptions are not permitted in Turkey; Turkish authorities have attempted to reclaim Turkish children adopted into foreign countries by same-sex couples.

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

The age of consent of 18 years is equal for everyone.

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

Homosexual men in Turkey cannot donate blood. The Turkish Red Crescent considers homosexuality to be a risk factor for HIV/AIDS.

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

Pride parades and related public events are blocked in Turkey, with law enforcement intervening.<br />
<br />
Turkey’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce requires online shops to mark LGBT-themed products with a minimum age of 18+. Companies who do not comply have their advertising suspended.<br />
Board members of the ministry agreed that not listing such products with a warning risks children’s ”mental, psychological and social development”.

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

The Constitutional Court annulled the provision of the Turkish Civil Code that regulates the condition of "being unable to reproduce" in order to allow gender reassignment. The request for annulment of the condition of having a gender reassignment surgery in order to change the identity card was rejected.

Legal recognition of sex reassignment by permitting a change of legal gender on an individual's birth certificate.

Legal, but requires surgery and sterilization. 

Never was banned, officially legalized in 1988. In Turkey, the minimum age required to get sex reassignment surgery is 18. In order for one to legally change their gender, the surgery must be conducted at a state hospital.

There are no laws banning conversion therapies.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

Banned as Hate Speech law but mostly not enforced. In 15 November 2022 Bullying children in schools is prohibited. Although the law does not specify any specifics, it is likely to include sexual orientation and identity.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Hate speech based on sexual orientation was included in the decisions of the Constitutional Court for the first time. The Constitutional Court stated that calling homosexuals "deviants" or "perverts" constitutes hate speech.

In Turkey, there are currently no laws in place to prevent discrimination against LGBT individuals in the areas of work, education, housing, health care, and public accommodations.

As a matter of fact , in the decision of the 22nd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation dated 24.09.2018 and numbered 2015/35120 Main, 2018/19675 , it is emphasized that discrimination due to the sexual orientation of the worker is within the scope of the prohibition (although the concept of "sexual preference" is used with an incorrect terminology) : The prohibition of discrimination can be added to this, due to the employee's sexual preference that does not cause any adverse effects in the workplace. Again, discrimination based on factors such as political reasons and worldview should be protected.” 

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

The Ottoman Empire, the predecessor of Turkey, decriminalized sodomy in 1858.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

It was illegal in Ottoman Empire until 1858. Oldest finding about banning homosexualty in Ottoman Empire were from 1515.

Following the expansion of the Mongol Empire, the Turks were to a certain extent affiliated with the ruling nation. The social organization of Mongol and Turkish tribes was based upon clan customs, its inner ways and habits were regulated by customary law.<br />
<br />
In the 13 century, Chingis Kahn established the Yasa, or Code of Laws and Ordinances, which his successors continued to rule by. Although some scholars suspect Chingis Khan's Yasa only codified existing customary law others believe it served to supplement and fill any gaps left by customary law, especially in criminal law.<br />
<br />
According to fragments from the Egyptian Historian Makrizi, sodomy was punishable by death as an offense against religion, morals, and established customs.<br />
<br />
Adultery was similarly defined as a crime punishable by death. Marriage was demarcated by a law that ordained "that the man should buy his wife" and hence prescribed strict gender roles on family operation.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

Turkey does not legally recognize same-sex marriages, civil unions or domestic partnership benefits.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

Military personnel found to be homosexual are dismissed under laws that classify homosexuality as a "psychosexual disorder/illness".<br />
<br />
Military service for 6 months is mandatory for all men in Turkey.<br />
In order to be exempt, gay men must prove homosexuality by providing photographic evidence of them being on the <i>receiving end</i> of anal intercourse.

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

Turkey

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Istanbul är en spretande stad som förbinder Europa och Asien och är en av världens mest livliga och intressanta destinationer.

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Saker att göra i Istanbul

Istanbul välkomnar över 12 miljoner besökare per år och är världens femte folkrikaste turistmål.

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En gayguide till Istanbul

Gå in i Grindr, världens ledande dejting- och sociala nätverksapp för homosexuella, bi-, trans- och queerpersoner. I den här guiden kommer vi att utforska hur du använder Grindr effektivt när du reser för att hitta och träffa människor som kan lägga till djup och spänning till din resa.

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Gay Istanbul Guide 2024 - gaybarer, klubbar, bastur och mer

Istanbul, Turkiets största och mest populära stad, erbjuder en fascinerande historia, vacker sightseeing och ett blomstrande nattliv för homosexuella

Den största och mest populära gaydansklubben i Istanbul. Tek Yön har öppet varje kväll och lockar både lokal publik och besökare. Räkna med ett fullsatt dansgolv, särskilt på lördagar. Dragshower visa på lugnare vardagar och söndagskvällar. Det finns en utomhusträdgård för rökning och cruising. Tek Yön började som en björnbar och är värd för enstaka BayBears Club-evenemang.

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Tek Yön

Istanbuls största gayklubb.

Det här är Bora, han är en erfaren 24 år gammal gayvänlig oberoende massör som är tillgänglig för in- eller utgående massagetjänster i Istanbul, Turkiet, för män och kvinnor. Specialist på klassiska, sensuella, tantra-, helkropps-, djupvävnads- och nack- och axelmassagetekniker med andra tjänster tillgängliga på begäran. Det är stor vikt vid hygien och renlighet. För ett möte, kontakta honom direkt genom att ringa eller skicka ett meddelande via WhatsApp. Ring +90 553 873 32 92, eller klicka här för Whatsapp.

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Male Masseur Istanbul Massage

Det här är Bora, han är en erfaren 24-åring...

Populär gaynattklubb på helgen och en institution i Istanbuls gayscene i över ett decennium. Love Dance Point har coola resident DJ:s, house drag queens och några av de hetaste manliga go-go dansarna i stan. Regelbundna temafester på fredagskvällar.

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Love Dance Point

Populär gaydansklubb för helgen.

Långvarig gaykafébar som lockar en yngre lokal publik. Öppet dagligen från 10:XNUMX.

Cafe MorKedi Istanbul gay bar main

Cafe MorKedi

Långvarig gaycafébar, attraktiv...

Turkiskt bad för män, med torrbastu, 10-manna jacuzzi, gym med basutrustning, uppvärmd pool, massageservice, privata stugor med sängar, duschrum. Det finns en kafé som serverar kaffe, te, öl, läsk och snacks. Öppet 24 timmar och centralt beläget - strax utanför Istiklal Avenue i Taksim, i en gränd mitt emot Aga-moskén.

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Aquarius Sauna

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