Although there are no gay exclusive cinemas/movie theaters in Istanbul,
some heterosexual porno/erotic movie cinemas are frequently visited by gay
men. Because of Turkey's bisexual culture it's possible to have at least
some limited action in most of such places. In several of these venues,
gays are really welcomed. But still better be a little discrete , because
they are open to everyone. If you go to any one of these venues listed
below, first observe a little what is happening around you, and you will
easily discover how it works.
Although
not very frequent, beware of pick pockets when you get in close-contact
with anyone. Typically these venues are dark and depressive (which might
be exciting for some people) and not very clean. There are regulars of
each cinema easily recognizable from their relaxed attitudes and try not
to get in conflict with them, and "have some respect" if you do not want
to go through a row. Otherwise the tourists are very welcomed by Turkish
people. The main focus of the cinema-lovers are to seduce "straight" guys
who happen to go in by chance (!), when they are at the peak of their
horny mood, but versatile gay men are also always around.
In addition to the entrance fee, you are expected to pay extra tip to the
staff inside when you enter - something like 1 Lira- for the sake of
showing your seat even if they don't do it at all sometimes. Also you pay
another 1 lira for using the WC inside the cinemas. This is a ritual for
almost all cinemas in Turkey, and please do not be funny and make a fuss
about it assuming they are are ripping you off just because you are a
tourist. You will see all locals pay this. It is heard very rarely that
they may ask you to pay more than regular price on entrance. To avoid this
check the price which is stated clearly on a sign-board somewhere at
cashier's desk. The fee is paid on entree as you can guess.
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Istiklal Caddesi is closed to
traffic and busy day and night, |
RUYA SINEMASI
: (CLOSED DOWN in 2009
Istiklal Caddesi No:128, Taksim-Beyoglu. Just on the main walking street
in Beyoglu.
This is a regular movie theater now, called Yeni Ruya.
GUNES SINEMASI
: CLOSED DOWN in 2008
Cakiraga Mahallesi, Kurkcubasi
Kulhani
Sokak, No:5, Aksaray. From Aksaray to Yenikapi (A
AYDIN SINEMASI
: CLOSED DOWN in 2008
Millet Caddesi, Findikzade-AKSARAY (On the main road from Aksaray to Findikzade
district)
DILBAZLAR SINEMASI
: (12:00-21:00)
Istiklal Cad, Beyoglu. On the first left side street
from Sadri Alisik Street.
Nothing so exciting, but since there is nowhere else left, the
cinema-lovers can still try. You need to be discrete. The staff is strict.
If you are nostalgic, ancient erotic movies are being screened.
Visitor feedbacks about gay cinemas in Istanbul:
