Istanbul Gay-Popular Cafes and Restaurants Most of the gay / queer scene in Istanbul is located on the European side, with Taksim Square being its epicenter. EspressoLab Taksim Square: This is one of the locations of the global coffee chain that originally started in Istanbul.
            
            
These are recommendations based on the real life experiences of the creator of proudpassport and the readers of the blog. My name is Saf Dogan and I was born and raised in Turkey and I spent most of my time in Istanbul from to until I moved to NYC. I visit Turkey multiple times a year.
            
            
Expert travel advice for travelers on LGBT Rights in Istanbul and the unique challenges that may face them in this East meets West Islamic Capital!.
            
			
Y ou'll probably be surprised to find a somewhat active gay scene in Istanbul. Despite the strong influence of Islam, homosexuality is legal in Turkey and the age of consent is  Western tourists may have contributed to a growing tolerance or maybe the country simply wants to be more European and eventually accepted into the European Union.
            
        
		
        
            
Istanbul Gay-Popular Cafes and Restaurants Most of the gay / queer scene in Istanbul is located on the European side, with Taksim Square being its epicenter. EspressoLab Taksim Square: This is one of the locations of the global coffee chain that originally started in Istanbul.
            
            
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. Istanbul is the worlds fifth-most popular tourist destinations, welcoming upwards of 12 million foreign visitors each year.
            
            
Expert travel advice for travelers on LGBT Rights in Istanbul and the unique challenges that may face them in this East meets West Islamic Capital!.
            
			
Turkey is a lovely country in Western Asia that many travellers visit for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and historic cities. It is a fairly conservative country, which is reflected in its attitudes towards LGBTQ people. For gay travellers in Turkey, there are safety concerns to be mindful of when it comes to public expression, both in the cities and in rural areas.