Türkü bars in Istanbul: where to hear live Turkish folk music
A türkü bar is one of the most Istanbul things you can do on a night out: a bağlama (long-necked Turkish lute) on a small stage, long tables, and a whole room singing the chorus together. You don't need to know the words. The hard part is knowing which place has a band on that night, and most of that information lives in Turkish-language Instagram stories.
Go.
Turkish Folk in Istanbul: read more
GIGO puts Istanbul's Turkish folk music venues on one map. In Beyoğlu, near Taksim, the list includes Damlalar Türküevi, Hancı Sahne, Mektup and Otantik Beyoğlu. On the Asian side, Kadıköy has Kadıköy Sahne, Heybeli Sahne and Komünite Kadıköy, and further along the coast Maltepe has Ferda Sahne, Anka Sahne and Maltepe Nevizade. Kartal's Düşler Sokağı Türkü Bar and Köyüm Türkü Evi, and Bakırköy's Anadolum, are on the map too.
Anatolian folk, Black Sea (Karadeniz) songs or özgün müzik (Turkish singer-songwriter folk): each venue card shows the sub-genre, plus directions and the venue's Instagram. Programs change often, so confirm with the venue before heading out. Open the map, pick the Turkish Folk filter and send the plan to your group. Find the gig. Go.
Venues
1–10 / 54- Bizbize FasılBizbize FasılPerformance › Live music · LiveKadıköy
FAQ
Which Istanbul neighborhoods have the most türkü bars?
In GIGO's data, Kadıköy, Beyoğlu and Maltepe lead. Kartal on the Asian side and Bakırköy on the European side are strong too.
Are there türkü bars on the Asian side?
Yes. Use the Turkish Folk filter on the map to see venues in Kadıköy, Maltepe and Kartal.
Is there live music at türkü bars every night?
It depends on the venue. GIGO shows the venue and its genres; check the venue's Instagram for that night's program.
What's the difference between a türkü bar and a fasıl venue?
Türkü bars play Turkish folk music; fasıl is Turkish classical (art) music, usually at a meyhane table. GIGO has a separate page for each.
Is GIGO free?
Yes, free. Browsing the map and venue pages needs no account.
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