Turkish folk music in Istanbul: a guide to türkü bars
If you want to hear music that most tourists never find, go to a türkü bar. Türkü means Turkish folk song, and a türkü bar is a cozy venue where a musician with a bağlama (a long-necked lute) plays songs from all over Anatolia while the room sings along. It is warm, a little loud and deeply local.
Go.
What happens in a türkü bar
A typical night has one or two musicians on a small stage, usually with a bağlama, sometimes joined by a kaval flute, darbuka drum or kemençe fiddle. The evening starts with slower ballads; later come the upbeat dance tunes, and people may stand up to dance the halay, a line dance where everyone links arms.
Requests are part of the tradition. You don't need to speak Turkish to enjoy it, but learning the word 'Bravo!' helps.
Going alone is perfectly fine. Tables are close together and conversations start easily; the people singing next to you may well be your new friends by the end of the night. For newcomers to Istanbul, it is one of the warmest ways to meet the city.
Kadıköy
On the Asian side, Kadıköy is the best place to start. Heybeli Sahne, Fil Sahne and Komünite Kadıköy are known for folk and özgün music nights, and Moda Kayıkhane and Kadıköy Sahne include folk in their programs. Bizbize Fasıl and Bostancı Fasıl mix folk with tavern music.
Most are a short walk from the ferry pier, so it is easy to come over from the European side.
Maltepe and Kartal
Further along the coast, Maltepe and Kartal have a strong neighborhood folk scene. In Maltepe, look at Ferda Sahne, Anka Sahne, Maltepe Nevizade and Balika Cafe; in Kartal, Düşler Sokağı Türkü Bar, Köyüm Türkü Evi, Vakt-i Zaman Meyhane and The Mekan Kartal.
These places see very few tourists. Expect a local crowd and a genuine welcome.
Beyoğlu
On the European side, the side streets off İstiklal Avenue are full of folk venues: Mektup, Gizli Bahçe, Hancı Sahne, Toprak Sahne Taksim, Damlalar Türküevi, Otantik Beyoğlu and Corner No:7. Krepen'deki Kadir'in Yeri and Akbabalı Meyhane offer folk in a tavern setting.
Many are on upper floors of old buildings, so look for signs at street level and climb the stairs.
Bakırköy and concert halls
In Bakırköy, Anadolum, Sahne Bakırköy, Filika Meyhane and Mavi Yengeç host folk nights. Larger folk concerts happen at venues like KüçükÇiftlik Park, Yapı Kredi bomontiada and Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall in Şişli; these are ticketed and announced in advance.
Black Sea music
For something different, try Black Sea music, with the fast, buzzing kemençe and the energetic horon dance. In Üsküdar, Çayona Karadeniz Akustik and the Kemençe Horon Tulum workshop keep this tradition alive in the city.
If people form a circle and start dancing, join in; the steps come quickly.
Folk, özgün and fusion
Not every 'türkü' venue plays only traditional songs. Özgün music is folk-rooted songwriting with modern lyrics, and some venues mix folk with fasıl, arabesk or Turkish pop. GIGO shows these as separate genre tags so you can choose the vibe you want.
Unsure? Traditional folk nights are the most welcoming introduction.
Before you go
Programs are busiest on weekends, but many bars have music on weeknights too. The venue's Instagram is the best source; GIGO's Tonight and This week pages collect current events.
GIGO's data comes from community research and venue announcements. We don't list prices or hours; confirm with the venue. Find the gig. Go.
Read more
This guide explains what to expect and where to go on either side of the city. The venue list below is pulled live from the GIGO database and includes folk, 'özgün' (singer-songwriter folk) and Black Sea music venues.
Venues
1–10 / 54- Bizbize FasılBizbize FasılPerformance › Live music · LiveKadıköy
FAQ
What is a türkü bar?
A türkü bar is a casual venue where musicians play Turkish folk songs, usually on the bağlama, and the audience sings along. Some nights end with people dancing the halay.
Where are the best türkü bars in Istanbul?
Kadıköy and Beyoğlu have the most. Maltepe and Kartal on the Asian side have a strong local scene.
Do I need to speak Turkish?
No. The atmosphere is welcoming and the music speaks for itself, though a few words of Turkish always earn a smile.
How do I find tonight's programs?
Check the venue's own Instagram and GIGO's Tonight and This week pages.
Is GIGO free?
Yes, GIGO is free and needs no account.