Mezes are chosen, glasses are filled with raki, a deep conversation starts, and Fas?l is also joined now and then … The cradle of meyhane culture is Çiçek Passage and Nevizade, where you are promised with the best of the raki pleasure …

Çiçek Passage
Çiçek Passage, which can be defined as a small street of meyhanes is very striking in terms of architecture with its high ceiling, rough cobblestone pavements and street lamps. The passage could be considered as the cradle of the Meyhane culture, and is one of the ideal places for the people who want to experience raki culture in a mystical atmosphere with delicious food and attentive service …

The original sign of the passage still hangs on its door. It was built by a banker called Hristaki Zografos in 1876. The complex, built under the name “Cite de Pera”, had 18 floors and 24 shops. The passage is open in weekdays from 12:00 until 01:00, and it is best with its qualified Fasil music for pleasant meals and long conversations.

Nevizade Street
Nevizade Street, is in the back parallel of the Çiçek Passage.  It is one of the favorite places of night life in Istanbul with the bars, meyhanes and pubs, lined up side by side. The street is crowded particularly at the weekends and is always alive and full of people.

The meyhanes on the street are favored by the middle-aged people who come there for long and enjoyable raki chats whereas beerhouses and the bars are preferred mainly by the young people.

Fish Market
One of the oldest fish markets of Turkey is situated right in the midst of Beyo?lu, across Galatasaray High School. This market challenges years, resisting to change and contrary to the constructions and renovations around, it still serves  visitors of Istanbul and Beyo?lu in its old form.

It is possible to find all kinds of seasonal fishes on the counters which are set in the small street where Çiçek Passage and Nevizade are opened. Fish Market is like a small Egyptian bazaar where you can find shops selling various spices, jewelry, silvers, authentic carpets and diversified souvenirs.

On the entrance of the bazaar entrance facing the ?stiklal Street just on the left, you can find restaurants serving kokoreç (sheep intestines), fried mussel and fish. Particularly, Champion Kokoreç is a place frequently visited by the people who have fun till late and get hungry. Down the market on the left, there is Tarihi Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi, another important meyhane known by regular visitors of Beyo?lu.
       
This market challenges years, resisting to change and contrary to the constructions and renovations around, it still serves visitors of Istanbul and Beyo?lu in its old form.
The passage could be considered as the cradle of the Meyhane culture.