Tek Yön

About this place Tek Yön

Tek Yön ("One Way") is on Siraselviler Caddesi — the main artery of Cihangir that runs from Taksim Square downhill towards the Bosphorus. The street has a concentration of bars and cafes that constitute Istanbul's most LGBTQ+-comfortable public environment outside of dedicated venues. The bar is not exclusively gay but has a consistently high LGBTQ+ presence and is widely cited in the local community as a safe and welcoming space. The crowd is mixed across gender and sexuality — the broadly liberal and arts-oriented demographic that characterises the Cihangir population. Good for an early evening drink before moving on to the more exclusively gay venues later in the night, or as a standalone option for those preferring a less scene-specific environment. The Siraselviler location makes it easy to walk to from Taksim Square (5 minutes downhill).